Karen is a Partner and Head of the Commercial department.

Experience:

• She advises clients on a range of commercial projects and transactions with particular expertise in advising on bespoke contracts in the energy, waste and natural resources sector
• Karen is also Head of our Sports Team

Client/professional quotes:

Karen was shortlisted in the lawyer of the year category in the 2026 Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse Awards.

The Legal 500 2025, 2026 & 2027 Guides listed Karen as a Leading Partner, stating “Karen Simms leads the commercial group and has extensive experience advising private and public sector clients on commercial projects and contract work, including green energy projects, joint developments, intellectual property issues, and licensing agreements.”

Karen has been listed as a ‘leading individual‘ by the Legal 500 every year since 2015 where she is described as being “not only methodical but always remains calm during pressured situations.” The 2023 guide added “Karen Simms has been my point of contact and she has been fantastic throughout the process. She has fantastic communication and organisational skills which assures me that my part of the process is being dealt with correctly and in an efficient manner. E-mails are replied to promptly with good solutions to any issues. I would not hesitate to recommend Karen.”

The 2022 guide stated “we would mention Karen Simms at Sintons in particular. Karen is extremely friendly, helpful and rigorous. She has responded to our enquiries speedily and effectively and introduced additional expertise from as necessary.”

The Chambers UK Guide described the Corporate team as having “Excellent service levels. They are very responsive and commercially minded” and that“they are insightful, intelligent, professional, and an extension of my business. They feel like part of our everyday life and business.”

The corporate and commercial team won team of the year at the 2019 Northern Law Awards.