Simmons & Simmons Bolsters Paris Funds Practice with Key Hire from Dechert

Simmons & Simmons has strategically strengthened its Paris office by welcoming Cyril Fiat, a seasoned investment funds specialist formerly of Dechert, to lead and revitalize its fund formation practice. The appointment, confirmed on March 17, 2026, signals the firm’s commitment to expanding its private equity capabilities in a key European market.

A Return to Form for Simmons & Simmons

This move comes after Simmons & Simmons’ Paris fund formation team experienced a significant departure in November 2024, when an eight-lawyer team moved to Proskauer [1]. The recruitment of Fiat is intended to rebuild and reinforce this crucial practice area.

Cyril Fiat’s Extensive Experience

Cyril Fiat brings nearly two decades of experience advising management companies, asset managers, and investors on the structuring, establishment, and fundraising of investment funds, both in France and internationally [2]. His expertise encompasses a wide array of asset classes, including private debt, private equity, infrastructure, venture capital, funds of funds, and real estate.

Regulatory and Sustainable Finance Expertise

Beyond fund formation, Fiat possesses deep knowledge of regulatory matters related to asset management and financial services, ensuring compliance with both French and European Union regulations. He also specializes in sustainable finance, including expertise in ESG requirements, the EU Taxonomy Regulation, and the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) [2].

Strategic Alignment and Synergies

Fiat expressed enthusiasm about joining Simmons & Simmons, highlighting the firm’s strong international platform and presence in key fund domiciliation jurisdictions [2]. He anticipates strong synergies with the firm’s existing regulatory, real estate, tax, finance, and transactional teams.

Dechert Tenure and Previous Roles

Prior to joining Simmons & Simmons, Fiat spent six years at Dechert [1]. His broader career includes legal counsel experience at the World Bank and private practice roles at several international law firms, including Shearman & Sterling (now A&O Shearman), SJ Berwin, Mayer Brown, Ashurst, and Clifford Chance.

Simmons & Simmons’ Vision

Jacques-Antoine Robert, managing partner of Simmons & Simmons’ Paris office, emphasized that Fiat’s arrival aligns with the firm’s growth strategy and strengthens its ambition to develop into a leading full-service private equity platform in Paris [2].