Squire Patton Boggs has paid tribute to a London-based associate who died while on holiday in Laos from suspected methanol poisoning.

IP associate Simone White is among six tourists to have died after apparently being served bootleg alcohol in the tourist town of Vang Vieng.

“Simone was a talented colleague with a bright future ahead of her and someone who epitomised our firm values,” the firm said in a statement.

“Our thoughts go out to all of Simone’s family, friends, colleagues and clients who had the privilege to work with and know Simone. She will be sincerely missed.”

White joined Squire in 2021 as a trainee solicitor, having previously interned at the firm after graduating in law from Newcastle University. Her work involved contentious and non-contentious intellectual property law issues, building on paralegal experience before her LPC at Clear Channel Outdoor, a global out-of-home advertising company.

In a statement, White’s parents said: “Simone was one of a kind and had the most wonderful energy and spark for life.

“She was a soul who gave so much to so many and was loved by her family, friends and colleagues.”

They said their daughter had been “taken far too soon” and would be “sorely missed by her brother, grandmother and entire family”.

They added: “Our hearts go out to all other families who have been affected by this terrible tragedy.”

Colleagues and friends also paid tribute on LinkedIn, with one university contemporary saying: “I remember Simone well as a bright, kind, positive student. An example to others.”

Another called her “a bright light”, while another called her “one of the kindest, most genuine and thoughtful people I have ever met”.

Two young Australian women, an American man and two Danish women are also reported to have died in the incident. The Laotian authorities are investigating.

In a statement on Thursday, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said it was “supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Laos, and we are in contact with the local authorities”.

The Guardian newspaper reported that other British tourists were among those being treated in hospital after allegedly being served alcoholic drinks containing methanol, with reports suggesting that six British nationals have required treatment.