As its key rivals bet on aggressive global expansion, Simmons is continuing its efforts to be a top-tier player under its own steam. Sofia Lind asks if the firm has the drive and ambition to avoid being the City’s perennial also-ran

As the 1990s drew to a close it was already clear that Simmons & Simmons faced a stark dilemma: attempt to keep pace with the larger City firms pulling off into an orbit of their own or chart a new course that would require the firm to reinvent its business.