Simmons & Simmons was founded in the City in 1896 by twin brothers, Percy and Edward Simmons. They were newly qualified lawyers, just 21 years old. About half of the firm’s staff are in the London office, which is off Moorgate. There are 22 offices worldwide, in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The firm has featured in the FT’s Innovative Lawyers Report. The firm has more than 1500 employees. UK offices are in London and Bristol. The firm focuses on four sectors in particular, these being: technology, media and telecommunications, asset management and investment funds, financial institutions, and healthcare and life sciences. It emphasises that it aims to be highly specialized in these sectors.