Howard Kennedy has moved to expand its projects practice with partner hires from Simmons & Simmons and Pinsent Masons.

Jacqui O'Keeffe and Edward Butler joined the firm today (29 March).

O'Keeffe has been head of the international environmental group at Simmons for the past four years, prior to which she was head of environment and safety at Denton Wilde Sapte. Her practice focuses in environmental, energy and infrastructure projects.

Butler was a senior associate in the construction team at Pinsents, specialising in energy and infrastructure projects.

Both have joined Howard Kennedy's projects team.

Howard Kennedy projects head Deborah Mills said: "We are currently advising on a number of oil and gas and renewable projects and see significant growth in these sectors. Jacqui's environmental and energy specialism, as well as Edward's focus on risk management and dispute resolution, will enhance the team's offering."

Simmons' environmental practice will now be overseen by partner Steve McNab, who this year joined the City firm from Travers Smith.