Simpson Thacher & Bartlett has named real estate lawyer Wheatly MacNamara as the next managing partner of its London office, making her the first woman to hold the role at the top 15 US firm.  

MacNamara will take over in October from Jason Glover, who has led the 200-plus lawyer office since early 2017. 

A Simpson Thacher lifer, MacNamara has been a partner at the firm for the past eight years and concentrates her practice on real estate acquisitions, dispositions and joint ventures, particularly for private capital sponsors. She has worked with clients including KKR, Apollo and Northwood, and has also advised Blackstone on multiple transactions and its €21bn recapitalisation.   

Alden Millard, chair of Simpson Thacher’s executive committee, said: “Wheatly is incredibly talented and will be a tremendous asset to clients in her new role. 

“I also want to thank Jason for his service as London managing partner in enhancing the firm’s offerings in the region to help ensure we remain the firm of choice for clients around the globe.”

Glover has overseen the sustained expansion of Simpson Thacher’s London office since he took over leadership from M&A partner Greg Conway, who headed the practice for a decade. London revenue grew around 23% in 2023 to $465m and has more than tripled since 2016, when it was $145.1m. The practice has also nearly doubled in size, from 113 lawyers at the start of 2017 to 219 at the start of this year, including 52 partners.  

Earlier this month the office bolstered its ranks with the hire of partner David Edwards from Skadden to co-head its European disputes practice. Other notable London laterals in the past year include a trio of funds partners from Travers Smith and real estate private equity partner Angus Lennox from longtime client Blackstone.  

Glover said it had been an honour to serve as London managing partner.  

“In taking on this role in 2017, I had in mind several aims for the growth of the London office and I am proud that we have exceeded those goals,” he said. “In light of all that we have achieved, I believe it is the right time for this transition. Wheatly will be an excellent leader and I am confident of the office’s continued success under her guidance.”

Glover will remain at the firm as a partner, in which capacity Simpson Thacher said he will continue to serve in a strategic role. He joined the firm in 2010 from Clifford Chance to form a UK funds practice and has worked with the likes of Bridgepoint, CVC and Oakley Capital.  

MacNamara commented: “The London office has enjoyed an incredible period of growth and success under Jason’s strategic leadership. I am excited to build upon his legacy and the firm’s achievements as we continue to enhance our capabilities to best serve our clients.”