Welcome to this week’s update, where we bring you the latest moves, promotions, and strategic appointments shaping the legal industry.
Partner Moves
Individual
UK & Ireland
Walker Morris hires Corporate Partner from Pinsents
Leeds firm Walker Morris has refreshed its corporate bench with a hire from Pinsent Masons. Andrew Senior will join Walker Morris after more than 14 years in Pinsents’ Leeds office, where he began as a trainee in 2012.
Litigation Partner Richard Mumford joins Alius Law
Richard Mumford has joined Alius Law as a Partner. Richard is one of the UK’s leading commercial litigators, with nearly three decades of experience advising businesses. Richard was previously a Partner at Clyde & Co.
CMS recruits Osborne Clarke’s international AI law chief in London
CMS has boosted its tech transactions bench in London with the hire of Osborne Clarke’s international AI chief. John Buyers will join CMS’s technology, media, IP and competition (TMIC) practice early next month as a Partner.
Womble Bond Dickinson Appoints Richard Sharpe as Partner in Leeds Office
International law firm Womble Bond Dickinson has appointed Richard Sharpe as a Partner in its Residential team, based in the firm’s Leeds office. Richard joins from Devonshires.
DAC Beachcroft strengthens health and public law team with senior hires
International law firm DAC Beachcroft has bolstered its health, care and public law offering to clients with the appointment of Charlotte Harpin and Matthew Alderton as Partners. Charlotte and Matthew – who arrive from Browne Jacobson – will be based at DACB’s global headquarters in London.
Ben Wilson joins the partnership at Weightmans’ Manchester office
Ben Wilson joins the partnership at Weightmans in Manchester. Ben will join the Contentious Trusts and Probate team. He was previously a Partner at JMW Solicitors.
Gibson Dunn Hires ex-Blackstone, Simpson Thacher Partner
Angus Lennox has been added to the London office just under three years after he left Blackstone to join Simpson Thacher. Gibson Dunn & Crutcher has made its second real estate Partner hire in London in two months, adding a Simpson Thacher & Bartlett Real Estate Partner to the team.
Europe
Paul Hastings hires Paris duo from White & Case
Elizabeth Oger-Gross and Tolu Obamuroh, who are both defending Nigeria in an ICSID claim lodged by a UK mining company, have left White & Case to join the partnership at Paul Hastings in Paris.
Team
DAC Beachcroft Strengthens Middle East Practice
The leading international law firm DAC Beachcroft has significantly expanded its Middle East presence with the appointment of Partners Michael Morris, Mark Beswetherick, Michael Ducker alongside colleagues Jodie Adoki, Suhad Omar Qushair, and Rebekah Jones. The strategic hires reinforce the firm’s insurance, disputes, and healthcare capabilities across the GCC and support its long-term regional growth strategy.
Orrick Hires Energy & Infrastructure Finance Team in Paris Led by Antoine Bouzanquet
Antoine Bouzanquet, leader in energy and project finance, joins Orrick as a Partner on the Paris Energy & Infrastructure team from Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP. He will serve as head of French Project Finance. With Antoine and the further addition of two Associates joining the team, Orrick will have eight project finance lawyers in Paris.
Squire Patton Boggs taps pensions duo from Eversheds Sutherland in Manchester
Joining their former head, Amanda Small and Alison White expand firm’s defined contribution and benefits capabilities.
Mishcon corporate quartet quits for Seyfarth
Mishcon de Reya is losing a four-Partner corporate team to a US firm in London, including the head of the group. Kevin McCarthy, one of Mishcon’s best-known corporate lawyers, has more than 25 years’ experience in M&A and private equity, with a reputation in both UK and international transactional work. McCarthy is joining Seyfarth Shaw to launch a corporate transactional practice in the US firm’s London office.
Turning point in Banking: Maura Magioncalda joins Giliberti Triscornia
A lateral with high strategic value in the debt market. Maura Magioncalda, a leading figure in Banking & Restructuring and a long-standing pillar of PedersoliGattai, joins Giliberti Triscornia e Associati as an equity partner together with a team of eleven professionals.
US
Davis Polk welcomes prominent M&A partner Bill Curtin in Washington DC
Davis Polk announced that prominent M&A practitioner Bill Curtin has joined the firm as a partner in the Mergers & Acquisitions practice in Washington DC. Bill joins from Hogan Lovells.
Ben Henry joins White & Case in Chicago
Ben Henry joins as a Real Estate and Data Centre Partner in the Chicago office of White & Case. Ben was previously Partner at Locke Lord.
Roxanna Pierce joins Scott+Scott in Washington D.C.
Roxanna Pierce joins Scott+Scott as a Partner in the Securities Litigation practice group in Washington. Roxanna was previously Partner at DiCello Levitt.
Investment Funds and Real Estate Tax Partner James Manzione Rejoins Gibson Dunn
Gibson Dunn announced that James Manzione has rejoined the firm’s New York office as a Partner in its market-leading Tax Practice Group. James joins from DLA Piper.
Promotions & Appointments
Brabners Adds Six to Partnership in Record Year for Partner Promotions
A total of 36 colleagues have been promoted across the firm, with Daniel Finn, Deepika Raino, Ellen Hawthorne, Hannah Morrison, Mark Gannon and Oliver Andrews joining our 108-strong partnership. In 2025, Brabners promoted 41 lawyers across the firm, including 2 to partnership.
Simpson Thacher Adds Derivatives Partner in London
Netanya Clixby, has joined the Firm’s European Finance and Capital Markets group as Partner in its London office. Netanya joins the firm from Sidley Austin where she was a Senior Managing Associate.
Promotion to Tax Partner at Paul Hastings Paris office
Damien Fenard promoted to Partner in the Tax Department at Paul Hastings in Paris.
White & Case Appoints Abdullah Al-Hoqail in Riyadh
The leading global law firm, White & Case LLP, has strengthened its presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the appointment of Abdullah Al-Hoqail as a Partner in its Riyadh office, reinforcing the firm’s continued investment in one of the region’s fastest-growing legal markets.
Firm and Market Activity
Office Openings & Closings
DAC Beachcroft relocates global headquarters in London
International law firm DAC Beachcroft has relocated its global headquarters from The Walbrook Building to Woolgate, a newly refurbished landmark office building in the heart of the City of London. Located at 25 Basinghall Street, EC2, just a short walk from the firm’s previous London home, Woolgate provides a modern, sustainable and flexible working environment designed to support clients and colleagues from across DACB’s international network.
Mishcon plots move to larger City HQ
Mishcon de Reya has signed a 20-year lease at MidCity Place in Holborn, with the firm set to move to larger premises in 2029. Mishcon has signed the long-term lease with Oxford Properties Group, which is undertaking a £20m refurbishment and decarbonisation of the 350,000 sq ft office space. The UK-headquartered law firm will take 161,000 sq ft of the space across four floors, with the option to take an additional floor depending on its future growth plans. The space will include amenities such as a library podcast studio and social workspaces, as well as outside spaces with a rooftop terrace and courtyard.
Burness Paull invests in additional Glasgow office space to support growth
Burness Paull has taken additional space at its Glasgow office at Two Atlantic Square. The firm will extend its footprint into the second floor of the grade-A building – where it already occupies the entire fourth floor – allowing for more desks, collaborative working areas, and a larger events space for hosting clients.
TC Young Moves to New Edinburgh Office
TC Young has relocated its Edinburgh office to a new, modern workspace at 2 Castle Terrace, marking a significant investment in the firm’s future growth in the capital. The move sees more than 30 members of staff relocate from the firm’s long-standing George Street office to a vibrant, contemporary workplace designed to support collaboration, innovation and the continued expansion of the Edinburgh team.
Mergers & Alliances
HF acquires multiple companies
Legal advisory firm, HF, has acquired Ennis & Associates LLP (Ennis), Matrix Claims Services Ltd (Matrix) and Cardinal Claims Services Ltd (Cardinal).
Financial Results
HSF Kramer’s revenue hits $2.4bn in first post-merger results
HSF Kramer has revealed its first set of post-merger financial results, with revenue reaching $2.4bn and profit totalling $850.8m over 2025/26. Average PEP also came in at $2.05m.
DAC Beachcroft profits leap by 20 per cent
DAC Beachcroft has posted double-digit revenue growth as the firm continues to expand its international presence. The firm reported 10 per cent revenue growth for 2025/26, rising to £385m, while profit before tax shot up by 20 per cent to £91m. Profit per member now stands at over £800,000, the firm added. The results are a marked improvement on the performance for 2024/25, where revenue increased by 6 per cent and profit before tax rose by 7.5 per cent.
Linklaters’ revenue inches closer to £2.5bn
Linklaters’ turnover rose nearly 7 per cent over 2025/26, while profit rose by double-digits. The magic circle firm saw revenue rise from £2.32bn to £2.47bn. Pre-tax profit was also up by 11.6 per cent from £1.1bn to £1.2bn, with profit growth of 7 per cent in the UK. The biggest profit growth was in the firm’s US offices, which reported a 39 per cent uplift. The majority of Linklaters’ Partners are in its equity, with profit per equity Partner up 11.4 per cent to £2.48m from £2.2m. Profit per all Partners reached £2.31m, a rise of nearly 11 per cent.
Stevens & Bolton squeaks to growth against Corporate headwinds
Guildford-headquartered Stevens & Bolton saw revenue growth – just – in 2025/26 after a challenging year for its flagship corporate team. The firm generated revenue of £46.7m, up 0.5 per cent on the previous year. Net profit was broadly flat, while average profit per equity Partner rose slightly to £380,000.
Clifford Chance flags US push as global revenue climbs 9% to £2.6bn
Clifford Chance (CC) has reported 9% revenue growth to £2.6bn in the year ended 30 April 2026, fuelled by strong growth in the US and Asia Pacific. Partnership profit exceeded £1bn for the first time after growing 11% to reach £1.05bn, while profit per equity Partner (PEP) rose 9% after marginal growth over the past two financial years, reaching £2.3m.
DLA Piper grows PEP nearly 20% in final year as verein
DLA Piper grew profit per equity Partner (PEP) nearly 20% in 2025, the firm’s last full financial year before its new corporate structure came into effect at the start of May. PEP at the 4,800-lawyer firm reached $4.1m, up 19.6% on 2024, while revenue rose 8.4% to $4.6bn.
Travers Smith returns to growth with record £229m revenue
Travers Smith’s revenue has rebounded after falling 2% in FY2024/25, with the firm recording record turnover of £229.4 million, up 9.1% from last year. Profit rose 5% to £78 million, while profit per equity Partner climbed to £1.4 million, up marginally on last year’s mark of £1.3 million.
Norton Rose Fulbright rings in revenue, profit rises
Norton Rose Fulbright’s (NRF’s) Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific business has posted what it characterised as a strong financial performance for its latest financial year, marking its seventh consecutive year of growth. Reported turnover increased 25% to £763.5m, following the integration of the firm’s Australia and Europe, Middle East and Asia (EMEA) businesses last July. Profit rose 34%. On a like-for-like basis, underlying revenue in the firm’s legacy EMEA business grew 12% to £681m, with profit up 20%. UK revenue, the largest part of the legacy business, grew 17%.
Dentons says more complex work behind 10% UK revenue bump
Dentons has posted a 10 per cent increase in revenue for its UK, Ireland and Middle East (UKIME) arm for 2025/26. Revenue reached £336m for the financial year ended 30 April 2026, with all UK practice groups growing, notably the restructuring team, up 33 per cent; banking, up 23 per cent, and regulatory and investigations, which grew 25 per cent.
Withers signs up a billionaire a week as profits soar for 2025/26
Withers has added an average of one new billionaire client every week over the last four years, with its results for 2025/26 revealing that net profit has risen by 58 per cent over the last two. The results come a month into the tenure of new CEO Ceri Vokes, who has taken over the role from Margaret Robertson, who recently stood down after almost 25 years in post.
Market Commentary
Mishcon hikes NQ pay to £110k amid City salary climb
Mishcon de Reya has boosted its newly qualified solicitor pay to £110,000 from £100,000 as early career salaries continue to inch up across City law. Trainees will also earn £2,500 more a year, with salaries increasing to £52,500 for first years and £57,500 for second years.
Baker McKenzie boosts NQ salary to £150k
Baker McKenzie has added £5,000 to its newly qualified lawyer salary, matching the Magic Circle at £150,000. The change took effect from 1 July. Trainee salaries remain unchanged at £56,000 for first year trainees and £61,000 for second years.
Gateley CEO steps down as revenue rises and net debt jumps
Gateley’s CEO has announced his resignation as the firm reported its annual results, with revenue rising, net debt increasing and the firm confirming plans for up to 40 redundancies. Rod Waldie, who became CEO in May 2020, will step down from his role at the listed firm from 1 August, citing “personal, health-related reasons”. Martin Pike, previously an executive at risk advisory firm Willis Towers Watson and a current non-executive director at Gateley since April of last year, will serve as chief executive on an interim basis.
Dutch engineering company Arcadis confirms former KLM legal head as next GC
Dutch engineering business Arcadis has named Barbara van Koppen as group general counsel, having served as interim since the start of the year.
HSBC Appoints Sabah Khan as Senior Legal Counsel
HSBC has appointed Sabah Khan as Senior Legal Counsel in Dubai, where she will support the bank’s Debt Capital Markets (DCM) team.
Innovation & Culture
Technology & Innovation
Harvey signs up Microsoft as client as in-house market battle rumbles on
US tech giant Microsoft is rolling out Harvey to its legal teams across the globe, marking a major in-house deal for the legal tech start-up. As part of the announcement, Harvey also announced that it would expand its use of Microsoft products to help its teams “operate on the same trusted platform used by many of its customers”.
Willkie strikes deal with OpenAI to build new tools
Willkie Farr & Gallagher has struck a deal with OpenAI to help develop AI tools for the firm. The US firm said its new partnership with the AI giant will give the firm access to OpenAI’s latest models and its technical resources to help advance its portfolio of internally developed AI-powered platforms, as well as create new ones.
Clifford Chance builds 400,000-document AI knowledge library with Epiq and Microsoft
UK Magic Circle firm Clifford Chance has partnered with alternative legal services provider Epiq and Microsoft to create an AI-powered knowledge management library containing more than 400,000 curated documents.
Welcome to this week’s update, where we bring you the latest moves, promotions, and strategic appointments shaping the legal industry.
Partner Moves
Individual
UK & Ireland
Simpson Thacher strengthens London Regulatory team with Freshfields Partner hire
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett has expanded its London financial services team with a Funds Regulatory Partner hire from Freshfields. Emma Rachmaninov will join the firm’s European Funds practice in London, where she will Co-Head its European financial services and funds regulatory team.
US firm Katten adds third Partner to new London Finance practice
US firm Katten has completed a three-Partner raid on Crowell & Moring’s London Finance practice, hiring structured products and derivatives Partner Charles Wakiwaka. Wakiwaka becomes the latest addition to Katten’s newly launched structured products and derivatives practice, following the arrival of Partners Jennifer Kafcas and Alvino van Schalkwyk last month.
Irwin Mitchell appoints Laura Weir as Partner in Cardiff Medical Negligence team
Irwin Mitchell has strengthened its market leading medical negligence practice with the appointment of Laura Weir as a Partner in its Cardiff office. Laura joins the firm from Lanyon Bowdler with extensive experience in complex clinical negligence claims, particularly those arising from failures in maternity care.
TLT hires Employment Partner Scott Milligan
TLT LLP has expanded its Employment practice with the appointment of Partner Scott Milligan in Glasgow. Scott joins TLT from Harper Macleod, where he oversaw a period of significant growth for the employment team.
Gibson Dunn announced that Richard Surtees will join the firm’s London office as a Partner in its Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Practice Group. Richard joins from Eversheds Sutherland.
Nerys Thomas joins Knights’ Private Client Team in Bristol
Knights has appointed Nerys Thomas as Partner. Nerys is an expert across all aspects of Private Client law and advises on tax, trusts and succession planning. Bringing a decade of post-qualification experience gained across Bristol, Cardiff and the West Midlands. Nerys joins from Michelmores, where she was Partner.
Rachael Massingham has joined Spencer West as a Commercial Real Estate Partner
Rachael Massingham has joined Spencer West as a Commercial Real Estate Partner. She is an experienced solicitor who has acted on a wide range of real estate matters, Rachael also advises on the acquisition and disposal of development land and SIPP/SSAS pension property investments. Rachel joins from Radius Law, where she worked as a Real Estate Consultant. Rachael is based in Canterbury.
Keystone Law hires Corporate and Venture Capital Partner
Keystone Law has hired Corporate and Venture Capital Partner Susanna Stanfield. Susanna joins from YPOG, where she worked as Partner. Susanna is based in Cambridge.
gunnercooke hires Fernando Martins to its Disputes practice in London
Fernando is a dual-qualified disputes lawyer, admitted in England and Wales and Brazil, with more than 15 years’ experience advising clients on international arbitration, commercial litigation, and cross-border disputes. Fernando joins from Clyde & Co.
Gleiss Lutz Partner Relocation
Gleiss Lutz partner Björn Ebert is relocating from Stuttgart to London to launch the German firm’s Disputes practice in the UK capital.
Europe
Dentons strengthens Prague Corporate/M&A practice with the arrival of Partner Jan Stejskal
Global law firm Dentons has strengthened its Corporate and M&A practice in Prague with the arrival of partner Jan Stejskal. Jan joins from Perkins Coie.
Team
Fieldfisher Poland strengthens Corporate and M&A practice
Fieldfisher Poland strengthens Corporate and M&A practice with the hire of Sylwia Kuca and four-lawyer team. The arrival of the five experienced corporate and transactional lawyers expands their capabilities in M&A, corporate reorganisations, retail and franchising.
Promotions & Appointments
Ashurst Perkins Coie appoints four Managing Partners across Middle East offices after merger
Stuart James has been named Managing Partner of the firm’s Abu Dhabi office, joining Cameron Cuffe (Dubai), Faisal Baassiri (Jeddah), and Martyn Rogers (Riyadh) in leading the firm’s regional offices.
Ashurst Perkins Coie appoints Head of Region, Middle East & Africa
Ashurst Perkins Coie appoints David Charlier as Head of Region, Middle East & Africa. David is based in Dubai.
Sheridans promotes Alex Harvey to Partner
Alex Harvey has been appointed to Partner in Sheridans’ Sports & Entertainment practice. Alex is based in London.
Walkers announces 20 promotions in Ireland
Walkers has announced 20 promotions across its legal and professional services businesses in Ireland. The promotions come during a landmark year for the firm, as it celebrates 25 years in Europe and marks 10 years of Walkers Professional Services (WPS) in Ireland.
Taylor Wessing promotes three to Salary Partners
For the second round of appointments of the year, Taylor Wessing will have two lawyers and one lawyer from the fields of Media law, Insolvency and Employment law.
Beauchamps LLP has appointed three new Partners and one Of Counsel
Beauchamps LLP has appointed three new Partners and one Of Counsel, further strengthening the firm’s capabilities in Corporate, Commercial Real Estate and Private Client.
K&L Gates appoints new Europe boss
London-based Structured Finance Partner Sean Crosky has been appointed as K&L Gates’ new regional Managing Partner for Europe. Crosky, who has worked at K&L Gates for 14 years since joining as a partner from Norton Rose Fulbright, has also joined the firm’s management committee. Sean is based in London.
Firm and Market Activity
Office Openings & Closings
Pavia e Ansaldo inaugurates its new office in Turin
Pavia e Ansaldo has announced the opening of the new Turin office, located in Via San Quintino 14, inside the historic building Società Acque Potabili di Torino in the heart of the city, confirming its commitment to oversee a strategic territory for the national entrepreneurial fabric. The new headquarters, which replaces the offices in Corso Luigi Einaudi 18, represents a further step in the growth path of the Firm and stems from the need to have more functional and representative spaces, in line with the consolidation of Pavia and Ansaldo’s presence in the area.
Financial Results
Eversheds Sutherland Partner profits soar in record hiring year
Eversheds Sutherland has reported strong financial results for 2025/26, with revenue rising 8% to £827 million and PEP climbing 14% to £1.6 million. Net profit also saw a double-digit increase of 13% to £209 million. The results mark a decade of what the firm described as “sustained and consistent growth” in which revenue has doubled and profit has increased by 150%.
UK law firm TLT posts 11% revenue growth to break £200m revenue barrier
UK law firm TLT saw revenue growth accelerate to 11% in the 2025/26 financial year, hitting a record £208m. Net profit also rose by 11% to £27.3m, with profit per equity partner rising by 5.7% to £635,000. Revenue has doubled over the past five years, TLT noted, with the latest results outpacing the 7.5% revenue increase recorded in the 12 months to the end of March 2025.
HFW revenue inches up 2% to £270m against 6% dip in PEP
HFW has posted what it described as a “measured” set of results for the year ended 31 March 2026, growing revenue 2% to £276.2m against a 5.9% dip in net profit to £72.6m.
Profit per Equity Partner (PEP) also declined by 6% to £779k over the year – the fourth in HFW’s current growth strategy – while revenue per lawyer (RPL) inched up 1.4% to £471k, marking its seventh consecutive year of growth.
A&O Shearman Partners see pay climb to £2.2 million as revenue stalls
A&O Shearman Partners are taking home an average of ($2.9 million) £2.2 million despite broadly flat revenue, as profits return to pre-merger levels. In its second full year since being created through the 2024 merger of Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling, the international giant’s latest results show revenue edging down to £2.8 billion from £2.9 billion the year before, a slight fall in sterling, though flat in dollar terms at $3.7 billion. Pre-tax profits, however, rose 14% to $1.6 billion (£1.2 billion), with Profit per Equity Partner (PEP) up 12%.
Fieldfisher Partner pay dips below £1m as revenue rises
Fieldfisher’s average Partner pay slipped below the £1 million mark in 2025/26 despite another year of revenue growth, as the firm continued to invest in its European platform. Profit per Equity Partner fell 3% to £975,000, while revenue increased 4% to £398 million. Fieldfisher first broke the £1 million PEP barrier in 2022 when average Partner pay jumped from £860,000 to £1.05 million. The figure has hovered around the £1 million mark since.
Market Commentary
K&L Gates Cuts 10% of Its Staff
K&L Gates has cut roughly 10% of their staff, the firm confirmed Thursday, with cuts coming about one year after global Managing Partner Stacy Ackermann and management committee Co-Chair Rick Giovannelli ascended to their current leadership roles.
Freshfields culls Partners after pay overhaul
Freshfields has forced out Partners and downgraded the equity share of others after a shake-up of pay at the “magic circle” law firm in an effort to drive growth. The UK-based firm has culled Equity Partners in recent weeks, according to people with knowledge of the situation. The cuts come after the firm overhauled its remuneration structure late last year, which had led to dozens of its roughly 500 partners being handed fewer equity points, the people said.
‘Needlessly filed’ partnership agreement made private in Clifford Chance’s $5.8m clawback dispute
Clifford Chance has successfully removed most of its partnership agreements from the public court record after arguing their disclosure exposed commercially sensitive information about the firm’s compensation system and internal partnership arrangements. The agreements were made public after former New York partners Clifford Cone and Michael Sabin filed them as part of a lawsuit challenging the firm’s attempt to recover almost $5.8 million in profit distributions following their move to Sidley Austin in January.
Cormac Gilroy joins EY Law Ireland
EY Law Ireland has appointed Cormac Gilroy as a Director to lead its newly established banking and finance practice. Cormac join from Evara, where he was Legal Counsel. Cormac is based in Cork.
Cravath’s EMEA Capital Markets Co-Head to Retire
Philip Boeckman, Cravath, Swaine & Moore’s Capital Markets Co-Head for EMEA, is set to retire from the firm. Boeckman originally joined the Manhattan M&A powerhouse in the U.S. after finishing university. He then became a partner in 1998 and relocated to London from the New York office in 2000.
Clifford Chance sees further US exits as Insurance Co-Heads join Simpson Thacher
Clifford Chance has lost two more Senior Partners from its US practice after Simpson Thacher announced the hire of New York-based Dennis Manfredi and Joseph Cosentino, co-heads of the firm’s US Insurance practice. The pair are joined by Benjamin Kralstein, who will arrive from Mayer Brown.
Welcome to this week’s update, where we bring you the latest moves, promotions, and strategic appointments shaping the legal industry.
Partner Moves
Individual
UK & Ireland
Freeths secures major tax hire with appointment of David Smith
David Smith joins Freeths from DLA Piper and brings more than 20 years’ experience advising multinational businesses, private equity investors and management teams on high-value domestic and cross-border tax matters.
Browne Jacobson hires specialist Insurance Arbitration Partner
Browne Jacobson has appointed Antony Woodhouse as a Partner in its London office. Woodhouse joins from DWF.
Winston Taylor loses leading Life Sciences Partner to Ropes & Gray
Ropes & Gray has hired Life Sciences Partner Alison Dennis from Winston Taylor, adding one of the market’s top-ranked specialists to its London office. Dennis joins after six years at Winston Taylor and legacy firm Taylor Wessing, where she served as International Co-Head of the firm’s life sciences and healthcare group.
Private client expertise gets a boost as Geldards welcomes Partner
Law firm Geldards has strengthened its private client team in the East Midlands with the appointment of Partner Laura Mackin. Mackin joins from Knights, bringing with her almost twenty years of private client expertise.
Bristows enhances its AI offering with hire of leading AI Partner Tom Sharpe
Bristows has announced that Tom Sharpe, a leading AI Partner has joined the firm. Sharpe joins from TLT.
DLA Piper appoints new construction specialist to London Real Estate practice
DLA Piper has appointed Adriano Amorese as a new Real Estate Partner to its London team. He joins from Mishcon de Reya, where he was Head of Non-Contentious Construction.
King & Spalding Continues International Disputes Push, Adding Partner Charlie Caher in London
Charlie Caher has joined the firm’s London office as part of the ongoing expansion of its International Disputes practice group. Caher moves from WilmerHale, rejoining former colleagues Gary Born, Franz Schwarz, Marleen Krueger, Rachael Kent and Danielle Morris, who joined King & Spalding last month.
Europe
Latham Hires Brussels Partner from Freshfields
Competition Partner Sascha Schubert has left Freshfields after almost two decades to join Latham & Watkins in Brussels.
HFW bulks up Paris group with Public Law Partner
HFW has added public law specialist Rémi Ducloyer as a Partner in its Paris office. Ducloyer joins from from Bréon Ducloyer Avocats, a boutique firm he co-founded in 2022.
Middle East
White & Case adds Project Finance Partner in Riyadh
White & Case has expanded its presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the addition of Abdullah Al-Hoqail as a Partner in Riyadh. He specialises in project development and finance and brings more than 15 years of experience, having previously led his own firm and held roles at Clifford Chance and Latham & Watkins.
Team
Fieldfisher to launch digital finance regulatory team in Berlin
Fieldfisher has bolstered its Berlin office with the appointment of Eric Romba as a Partner in its financial markets and products practice. Arriving from Osborne Clarke with two as-yet undisclosed lawyers in tow, Romba will establish a dedicated Berlin-based digital finance regulatory team in collaboration with lawyers from the firm’s Frankfurt office.
Promotions & Appointments
Mishcon de Reya’s new Managing Partner takes over role
Daniel Naftalin has taken up his role as Mishcon de Reya’s new Managing Partner. Daniel was elected by partners earlier this year and takes over today from outgoing Managing Partner James Libson following a transition period.
Raft of senior promotions at Thorntons
Thorntons has promoted 29 lawyers across its Scottish network, including four new Legal Directors. This is up from 23 promotions in 2025.
Fieldfisher welcomes Rodolphe Amaudric du Chaffaut as Partner within the Corporate M&A / Private Equity department in Paris. He joins from Goodwin where he was an Associate.
Transport Lawyer promoted to Partner at Womble Bond Dickinson
Todd Rayner has been promoted to Partner at Womble Bond Dickinson.
Debt Finance Partner Maroussia Cuny Joins Kirkland & Ellis In Paris
Maroussia Cuny will join the Firm as a Partner in the Debt Finance practice group. Cuny joins from Ropes & Gray where she was Counsel.
Firm and Market Activity
Office Openings & Closings
Charles Russell Speechlys Opens New York Office and Connecticut Practice
Charles Russell Speechlys announced the opening of its new office at 1 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City. This is the firm’s 16th global location and its first in North America, with the office establishing a permanent US presence for Charles Russell Speechlys’ private capital practice. The firm is simultaneously opening a practice in New Haven, Connecticut.
Eversheds Sutherland takes possession of new Birmingham home – “the countdown to 2027 starts now”
Law firm Eversheds Sutherland has officially taken possession of its Birmingham home at Three Chamberlain Square ahead of a planned summer 2027 relocation. The firm will relocate its 500-strong Birmingham team across two floors of the premises.
Vardags announces office opening in Bologna
Divorce law firm Vardags announces the opening of their Bologna office, following the opening of their first office in Milan in January. Leading the Bologna office is Manuela Tirini, an Italian family law specialist with over thirty years of experience.
Japan’s Nagashima Ohno to launch Silicon Valley office
Japanese Big Four firm Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu is set to open an office in Silicon Valley, amid growing demand for legal advice on Japan-US transactions and investment on the West Coast. The office will be the firm’s second in the US after the New York base it opened in 2010 and is intended to serve Japanese companies doing business in advanced industries in the region including AI, semiconductors, space, life sciences and software, as well as start-ups and venture capital. It will also advise US West Coast companies on Japanese law and cross-border matters including entry into the Japanese market and M&A.
Financial Results
Bevan Brittan smashes £100m barrier with 17 per cent revenue jump
Bevan Brittan’s revenue rose 17 per cent in 2025/26, with profit up 13 per cent. The national firm, which has offices in London, Leeds, Birmingham and Bristol, saw revenue increase from £86.7m to £101.2m, while profit rose from £19.6m to £22.1m.
Bird & Bird’s growth slows as firm pushes on to €1bn target
Bird & Bird remains “confident” it will hit its €1bn revenue target by 2030 despite reporting a slowdown in revenue growth. The firm’s revenue grew by 4 per cent to €702m (£606m) for 2025/26, down from 6 per cent growth the previous year. Prior to this, the firm delivered revenue growth of over 10 per cent a year for three consecutive years.
Knights squeezes lockup further as it posts full financials
The firm reported its headline figures in May: a revenue increase of 28 per cent to £207.7m for the 2025/26 financial year. Underlying profit before tax rose 18 per cent to £33.2m. The full report reveals net debt rose slightly from £64.8m to £65.4m after around £17m of acquisition related payments. Knights made several acquisitions in 2025/26: the UK200 duo Birkett Long and IBB, and the smaller firms Rix & Kay in Brighton and Le Gros Solicitors in Cardiff.
Market Commentary
Kirkland tops global M&A rankings after strongest first half for dealmaking since records began
Kirkland & Ellis led the global M&A legal advisor rankings by deal value in the first half of the year, following the strongest first six months for dealmaking since records began in 1980, according to data from the London Stock Exchange Group. The Chicago-founded firm worked on 350 deals worth just short of $474.5bn, roughly 18% higher than second-place Skadden, which worked on 105 deals worth $402.8bn.
Linklaters, Freshfields, Sullivan & Cromwell Top H1 M&A Rankings in EMEA, Boosted by German Deals
The M&A results for EMEA H1 2026 are in, with three familiar names among those topping the law firm rankings: Freshfields, Linklaters, and Sullivan & Cromwell. The value of announced EMEA deals jumped 59% year on year, even as the number of transactions fell 14%, LSEG found.
DLA Piper hands London NQs another £10k
DLA Piper has upped its newly qualified lawyer salary from £130,000 to £140,000 as the London market turns up the heat on early-career recruitment. London trainee salaries have also been increased by £3,000 – first years will now get £55,000, and second years £60,000.
Womble Bond Dickinson slaps £300 levy on business class flights in bid to protect oysters
Womble Bond Dickinson has introduced a £300 charge on business class flights taken by its lawyers and staff, with the funds raised going towards restoring native oyster populations along the south coast. The firm’s latest responsible business report reveals that the “Carbon Fee” was added to its travel policy as part of a wider effort to cut down on business travel emissions. The policy also prioritises lower-emission options such as rail travel and discourages journeys deemed unnecessary altogether.
Innovation & Culture
Technology & Innovation
Barnes & Thornburg selects 38 lawyers as firm’s AI ‘champions’
Barnes & Thornburg has picked 38 of its lawyers to help colleagues use artificial intelligence technology more effectively across the firm. The law firm uses AI extensively. Nearly 90% of the firm’s attorneys are actively using AI tools, including from legal AI start-up Harvey and Thomson Reuters. The lawyers − picked because they were enthusiastic AI users − give video talks on AI within their legal practices. The creation of a group of staff outside the tech department to advise lawyers on how to get full value from AI is a sign of the technology’s increasing importance to law firms’ daily operations and strategy.
Amazon GC calls on law firms to partner with clients to deliver elusive AI savings
While studies show nearly all in-house legal practitioners are using AI in some way and that legaltech budgets are expanding, few are seeing value generation flowing from this increased investment, according to Amazon’s associate general counsel Kathy Sheehan. “The adoption and use numbers look great, but where are the savings?” said Sheehan, during her keynote address at the LegalTechTalk conference in London on 17 June about Amazon’s legal AI journey. “Where’s the transformation? That’s the real conversation that we need to be having. We’re still waiting for the value creation.”
Palantir courting major law firms after Kirkland AI partnership
Palantir is approaching law firms in a bid to strike further AI partnerships following its collaboration with Kirkland & Ellis. The Lawyer understands Palantir has been using its work with Kirkland as a “case study” to open conversations via email with other law firms.
Welcome to this week’s update, where we bring you the latest moves, promotions, and strategic appointments shaping the legal industry.
Partner Moves
Individual
UK & Ireland
Paul Hastings targets Reed Smith for Fund Finance buildout
Paul Hastings is set to hire a Fund Finance partner from Reed Smith as the firm looks to expand its London bench. Leon Stephenson will exit Reed Smith after having spent more than 20 years at the firm. He was an elected member of the firm’s executive committee and was previously Co-Head of the Global Fund Finance team.
Cleary hires second London Fried Frank Funds Partner in two months
US firm Cleary Gottlieb has hired Funds Partner Nathan McKinnon from Fried Frank in London two months after it added fellow Funds Partner David Christmas from the same firm. Cleary has now added five lateral Partners to its global funds practice since autumn 2025.
Daniel Bain joins Lindsays as Partner
Daniel Bain has joined Lindsays as a Partner in its Dispute Resolution and Litigation (DRL) team in Edinburgh. Daniel joined from Balfour + Manson, where he was a Partner.
New Macfarlanes Finance Partner
Nick O’Grady joins Macfarlanes on 1st July 2026, as a Partner in the firm’s Finance practice. Nick is based in London and joins from Baker McKenzie.
Dawn Finlayson returns to MTM Family Law
Dawn Finlayson has returned as Managing Partner to MTM Family Law. Dawn joins from Weightmans, where she was a Principal Associate. Dawn is based in Glasgow.
Freeths strengthens Disputes capability with Alastair Frood appointment
Freeths has appointed Partner Alastair Frood to its Commercial Dispute resolution team in Glasgow. He joins from Eversheds Sutherland, where he served as Head of Litigation in Scotland and led the development of the firm’s Commercial Litigation practice, significantly growing both team capability and fee income.
RPC snaps up International Arbitration Partner
The firm has bolstered its London offering with the addition of a former DWF lawyer. RPC has hired Solomon Ebere as a Partner in its International Arbitration practice.
Lewis Silkin strengthens Disputes and Insolvency offering with Manchester Partner hire
Lewis Silkin announces that Mark Hague has joined the firm as a Partner in its Dispute Resolution team, based in the firm’s Manchester office. Mark joins from Farleys Solicitors, where he was Partner.
International Disputes specialist Neville Byford joins Addleshaw Goddard
Addleshaw Goddard has appointed leading Disputes lawyer Neville Byford as a Partner in London, further strengthening its capabilities in complex cross-border litigation and arbitration. Neville joins from RPC.
Keystone Law hires Commercial Litigation Partner
Keystone Law welcomes Commercial Litigation Partner Stephen Joelson. Stephen has more than 40 years’ experience advising on complex commercial disputes, with particular expertise in the entertainment, media, sports and luxury sectors, and significant experience in litigation, arbitration, and mediation, including cross-border matters. Stephen joins from Clintons, where he worked as Principal.
Europe
Cleary boosts Paris PE bench with Kirkland hire
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton has hired a Partner from Kirkland & Ellis in Paris, in a bid to bolster the firm’s Private Equity practice in the French capital. Emmanuel Enrici is set to join the firm in July, having spent the past seven years at Kirkland.
FPS strengthens largest practice group with dual access
FPS is expanding its advisory capacities in the field of Construction and Real Estate law with two new additions with Sebastian Schneiker and Jochen Heilig joining as Partners. Schneiker previously worked in the Munich branch of Zirngibl, Heilig came from SMNG in Frankfurt.
Reed Smith strengthens Private Equity capabilities with Partner hire in Munich
Reed Smith has announced the appointment of Private Equity Partner Bernd Dreier in its Munich office. Bernd joins from Norton Rose Fulbright, where he worked as Partner.
BAHR Law Firm hires Financing Partner
Christian Sahlertz joins BAHR as a Partner in the Financing practice. Christian joins from Bruun & Hjejle, where he worked since 2016. Christian is based in Copenhagen.
Eversheds Sutherland has continued to invest in its European growth strategy with lateral partner hire, Anne Servoir, who joins the firm’s Paris-based Commercial Advisory team. Anne joins from Hoyng Rokh Monegier.
Team
Clifford Chance 19-Lawyer Paris Funds Team Joins Gibson Dunn
Gibson Dunn first announced the arrival of the team, including four Partners (Xavier Comaills, Marie Préat, Elodie Cinconze, and Pierre Goyat) in April, but with the group joining the firm on July 1st 2026, it was disclosed that an additional 12 Associates have also moved across.
Baker McKenzie announces the entry of Francesco Macrì as Partner and Head of Real Estate in Italy, together with Diletta Pietrosemoli, Associate. Both join from Orrick.
Fieldfisher Strengthens European Tech & Data Practice with Arrival of Frédéric Sardain in Paris
Fieldfisher has strengthened its Tech & Data practice with the appointment of Technology lawyer Frédéric Sardain as a Partner in Paris. He joined the firm on July 1st 2026 alongside Associates Claire Allavena and Maxime Seiller, bringing extensive experience advising clients on complex digital transformation projects, technology regulation and strategic technology disputes. The team joins from Jeantet.
Bird & Bird strengthens Dispute Resolution Group in Poland
Bird & Bird has strengthened its Dispute Resolution Group with the appointment of Commercial Disputes specialist Łukasz Gembiś as a Partner and Head of the Dispute Resolution and Public Procurement team in Poland. Łukasz joins alongside his team comprising Counsel Paulina Sawicka and Associate Kacper Wróblewski, while Senior Associate Patryk Polek will join in August. The team joins from DWF and is based in Warsaw.
Eversheds Sutherland adds TMT Partner Miguel Barroso
Eversheds Sutherland has brought on Miguel Barroso as a Partner in the Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) department of its Madrid office, with Associate Cristina Ramírez joining alongside him. Both come from Dentons.
Eversheds Sutherland has appointed a new Funds team in Paris, led by Partner Tiana Rambatomanga, who will establish and lead the global law firm’s Fund Structuring practice in the local market. Tiana joins with a team of two: Brandy Keunan, Associate and Ghita Berrada, Legal Officer. The team joins from Willkie Farr & Gallagher.
Sullivan & Cromwell signals European Litigation move with Hengeler hires
Sullivan & Cromwell has hired its first European litigators with two Partners from Hengeler Mueller in Germany. The firm announced on Thursday evening that Philipp Hanfland and Maximilian Bülau will join the firm’s Frankfurt office as its first Disputes Partners in Europe’s largest economy.
Promotions & Appointments
Ashurst Perkins Coie promotes Anne Grewlich to Head of Region Europe
As of 1st July 2026, Anne Grewlich is taking on the role of Head of Region Europe at Ashurst Perkins Coie, while continuing to lead their Global Loans and Global Markets team across CEMEA.
Eversheds Sutherland promotes Litigation Lawyer to Partner
Eversheds Sutherland has promoted Sarah Leutwiler to Partner, effective July 1st 2026. Sarah is based in Zurich.
Dentons appoints David Zafra Carollo as Düsseldorf Managing Partner
Dentons has appointed Real Estate lawyer David Zafra Carollo as Managing Partner of its Düsseldorf office, effective July 1, 2026. In his new role, he will lead the office of more than 30 lawyers. He succeeds Dr. Sascha Grosjean who has served as Office Managing Partner for the past three years and whose term has ended.
Hogan Lovells promotes Structured Finance lawyer to Partner
Assia Damianova will be made up to Partner at Hogan Lovells Cadwalader, effective 1st July 2026. Assia is based in London.
Baker McKenzie promotes Anahita Thoms to Country Managing Partner
As of 1st July 2026, Anahita Thoms take up the role of Country Managing Partner of Baker McKenzie Germany. She brings deep experience across international trade, crisis management and strategic governance to the position. Alongside this role, she will continue to lead the firm’s International Trade Practice in Germany.
Harneys appoints new Office Managing Partners in the British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands
Harneys has announced two senior leadership appointments. Claire Goldstein and Nick Hoffman have been appointed as Office Managing Partners in the BVI and Cayman Islands, respectively. Both appointments are effective 1 July 2026.
Withers promotes 12 Partners across the US, UK and Singapore
Withers has promoted 12 lawyers to Partner across the US, the UK and Singapore, strengthening its Private Client, Family and Disputes capabilities in three of its key markets. The appointments, effective from 1st July 2026, comprised five US Partners, four in London, and three in Singapore, with elevations within Withers KhattarWong remaining subject to regulatory approvals.
Walkers promotes Szymon Durlo to Senior Counsel
Szymon Durlo has been promoted to Senior Counsel in Walkers’ Finance practice in Dubai.
Elvinger Hoss Prussen promotes new Partner and ten new Counsel
Law firm Elvinger Hoss Prussen has announced the appointment of one new Partner and ten new Counsel in their Luxembourg office. The new partner is Loïc Bacquelaine, whose principal field of activity is the provision of advice to regulated entities, including management companies, AIFMs and other professionals of the financial sector. Meanwhile, Eva Brauckmann, Christophe Bricage, Iren Butrakova, Mateusz Glowacki, Inès Goeminne, Benoît Nerriec, Aurélie Petersen, Karolina Szpinda, Floris Van Rymenants and Filipe Vilas Boa have all been promoted to Counsel at the law firm.
Firm and Market Activity
Office Openings & Closings
KPMG launches Portuguese legal arm after hiring from four local law firms
KPMG has launched a legal arm in Portugal with a team of seven Partners recruited from five law firms. To kick off the venture, which aims to have more than 70 lawyers within the next two years, the firm has recruited senior lawyers from Morais Leitão, Cuatrecasas, Deloitte Legal Telles and GPA. These lawyers include four Partners: João Afonso (ex-Morais Leitão, Corporate/M&A, Lisbon), Jorge Cortez (ex-Morais Leitão, Corporate/M&A, Porto), Marta Gouveia Gomes (ex-Deloitte Legal, Real Estate, Lisbon), and Samantha Cyrne (ex-Cuatrecasas, Corporate/M&A, Porto). It also includes three Associate Partners: Bernardo Almeida Azevedo (ex-Morais Leitão, Administrative Law, Porto), Dzhamil Oda (ex-Morais Leitão, EU & Competition, Lisbon), and Manuel Gouveia Pereira (ex-GPA, Environmental Law, Lisbon).
New law firm Attuned launches in Dundee
A boutique legal studio built on decades of corporate and commercial expertise has launched in Dundee. Attuned is founded by Campbell Clark and Kirk Dailly, who bring a track record of supporting innovative and ambitious businesses through mergers and acquisitions, investment transactions and commercial contracts.
Mergers & Alliances
Ashurst Perkins Coie Merger Goes Live
Ashurst and Perkins Coie’s merger has gone live, with the newly combined Ashurst Perkins Coie featuring 3,500 client-facing practitioners and 950 partners across more than 50 offices.
Hogan Lovells Cadwalader launches as Big Law’s merger wave rolls on
The merger between Cadwalader – the oldest firm on Wall Street – and global heavyweight Hogan Lovells is officially complete. Hogan Lovells Cadwalader is now live. The new firm has around 3,200 lawyers and over 900 partners across 38 offices in more than 18 countries, with combined turnover of around $3.6 billion.
Hobbs Law merges with Glanvilles in West Sussex
On 1st July 2026 well-known Bognor Regis firm Hobbs Law will become part of Glanvilles following a successful merger. This merger adds Mike and Louise Hobbs’ Hobbs Law Bognor Regis office to the already established four offices of Glanvilles’ in Chichester, Petworth, Fareham and Havant.
Financial Results
Double-digit profit growth at global heavyweight law firm Simmons & Simmons
In the year to 30 April 2026 profits grew by 14% to £245 million. Profit per equity partner was up by 11% to £1.25m. Revenue was up by 12% to £690m, with particular success for the asset management and investments funds division and the technology, media and telecoms practice.
Shoosmiths tops £1m PEP for second consecutive year as turnover inches up
Shoosmiths’ profit hit £80m in FY26, a record year for the firm that saw its profit per equity partner (PEP) exceed £1m for the second consecutive year. PEP rose 3% to £1.04m in the year to 31 March 2026, having rocketed 30% the year before to £1.01m. Meanwhile, profit rose by 4% and turnover inched up 2% to £221.4m, marking 11 years of continuous growth.
Addleshaw Goddard Posts 17% Revenue Growth, PEP Rises to £1.1M
Addleshaw Goddard’s revenue rose 17% to £664 million in the last financial year, while its profit per equity partner increased 10% to £1.1 million.
Market Commentary
Macfarlanes ups NQ salary to £150k, matches Magic Circle
Macfarlanes has raised salaries for its newly qualified lawyers from £140,000 to £150,000, in a move that sees it match the Magic Circle at the top of the pay scale for UK firms.
Balfour Beatty lines up Legal Head replacement as GC heads for SSE
UK construction and infrastructure business Balfour Beatty has hired Ed Egerton as Chief Legal and Commercial Officer, replacing group General Counsel Tracey Wood. Ed is joining from global engineering, design and project management business AtkinsRéalis, where most recently he served as acting GC. He will report directly to group CEO Philip Hoare when Egerton joins in September.
Ashurst to shift to cash accounting in post-merger US pivot
Ashurst is to pivot to a US-style of financial accounting following its merger with Perkins Coie this week, moving to a cash-based system from one previously based on accruals.
Innovation & Culture
Technology & Innovation
Setfords bets big on own tech with in-house platform launch
Platform firm Setfords has migrated all 650 consultant lawyers and more than 200 support staff onto Halo, a proprietary practice management platform developed in-house. The investment forms part of a broader strategy to own the technology and data underpinning the business.
The great AI reset: More legal techs to follow Legora in pricing switch
Law firms and in-house teams are gearing up for a big change in their cost base, as more legal techs look set to follow Legora in its shift away from seat-based pricing. While seat-based pricing sees firms charged based on the number of users, consumption-based pricing is based on usage.
Welcome to this week’s update, where we bring you the latest moves, promotions, and strategic appointments shaping the legal industry.
Partner Moves
Individual
UK & Ireland
Weil Hires Senior London Finance Partner, Expanding Funds and Capital Solutions Offering
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP announced that Fiona Cumming will join the firm as a Partner in its Finance practice. She will arrive from A&O Shearman where she is Private Capital sector Co-Lead and Co-Head of its global fund finance practice.
Kennedys targets Clyde & Co in London for aviation Partner
Kennedys has strengthened its global aviation bench in London with the hire of Partner Rob Ireland from Clyde & Co. Ireland has rejoined Kennedys after a decade as a Partner in Clydes’ aviation practice.
Fox Williams Arbitration Head Ben Giaretta joins Newmans Row as full-time arbitrator
Prominent London arbitration specialist Ben Giaretta is leaving Fox Williams to practice exclusively as an arbitrator at Newmans Row.
Weil takes London Finance Partner from Sidley
Weil, Gotshal & Manges has hired finance Partner in London from rival from Sidley Austin. James Crooks, who specialises in leveraged finance and general debt financing transactions, will join the firm’s capital solutions practice.
Latham Adds Experienced Data and Technology Transactions Partner in London
Richard Offord has joined the firm’s London office as a Partner in the Data & Technology Transactions Practice. Offord joins from Travers Smith.
Greenberg Traurig accelerates London Real Estate growth, adding Patrick Williams and Freya Dear
Greenberg Traurig, LLP has continued the strategic expansion of its Real Estate Practice with the addition of Patrick Williams and Freya Dear as shareholders in the firm’s London office. Williams joined the firm from Fried Frank on June 10, while Dear will join after the completion of her notice period at Fried Frank.
Europe
Linklaters loses German Funds Partner to McDermott
Frankfurt-based investment funds Partner Olena Tokman is joining McDermott Will & Schulte on August 1 after seven years at Linklaters, where she was promoted to Partner in 2023.
In house
Bayer appoints Litigation Head Max Thümmel as Group General Counsel
Bayer AG has appointed longtime in-house lawyer Max Thümmel as its new Group General Counsel, elevating a senior litigation specialist to oversee the legal affairs of one of the world’s largest life sciences companies.
Promotions & Appointments
Baker McKenzie completes 2026 partner promotions with 30-strong international round
Baker McKenzie has promoted 30 to Partner across its international network in its annual summer promotions round, following 17 Partner promotions across North and Latin America in January. This year’s 47 promotions form the smallest cohort for the firm in the past decade, during which it has regularly made up more than 80.
Firm and Market Activity
Office Openings & Closings
Pérez-Llorca has become the first Ibero-American law firm to establish a physical presence in Abu Dhabi. This opening strengthens the firm’s commitment to the Middle East, a key region for global investment, and forms part of an international roadmap that this year also includes the launch of operations in Peru.
Mergers & Alliances
Lindsays to merge with Dallas McMillan as Glasgow team expands
Lindsays is continuing its growth with a merger with Glasgow-based legal practice Dallas McMillan, effective from 1 September. Through the merger, Dallas McMillan’s Partners and staff will join Lindsays, with their clients benefiting from access to a broader range of legal services across the combined business.
Financial Results
Walker Morris closes in on £100m target after record year
Walker Morris has recorded its highest-ever revenue, surpassing the £90 million mark for the first time as the Leeds-headquartered firm continues its push towards its £100 million growth target. The firm generated fee income of £90.2 million in the year to 30 April 2026, up 11% from the previous year. Net profit also increased by 11%, while PEP exceeded £1.1 million.
Ashurst posts double-digit growth ahead of Perkins Coie merger
Ashurst’s revenue increased from just over £1bn to £1.15bn, marking 10 consecutive years of significant turnover growth. Average growth in its PEP over the same period has been 10 per cent each year. It rose by 15 per cent over 2025/26 to hit £1.59m from £1.39m.
Market Commentary
Hogan Lovells bumps NQ lawyer pay to £145k in run-up to Cadwalader merger
Hogan Lovells has increased salaries for its newly qualified (NQ) Associates in London ahead of its mega-merger with US law firm Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft. The firm confirmed that pay for its most junior lawyers has risen by 3.5%, from £140,000 to £145,000.
Desk shuffle begins: Hogan Lovells to move 400 people to aid Cadwalader integration
Hogan Lovells is embarking on an office reorganisation exercise in London ahead of next week’s merger with Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft, with around 400 people set to switch places to aid integration. The two firms merge officially on 1 July, with Cadwalader’s 110 staff and partners set to move out of 100 Bishopsgate and into Hogan Lovells’ London HQ at Atlantic House.
Cohen & Gresser launches new Media, Entertainment & Sports practice
The new practice draws on the firm’s multidisciplinary strengths to advise businesses, investors, and talent at the intersection of creativity, technology, and commerce.
“Distracted” firms the target of Burges Salmon’s new five-year strategy
The Bristol-founded firm has opted to double down on its national and cross-border referral workflows, eyeing displaced teams from larger City firms that might no longer put stock in those practices. Firms that historically would have competed with Burges Salmon on lower-margin mandates, its leaders claim, are no longer receiving that work because either teams have become cost-prohibited for clients or teams have left those firms entirely.
Innovation & Culture
Technology & Innovation
AI law firm wins court case in UK first
Garfield AI, the UK’s first regulated AI law firm, helped a freelancer recover £7,000 in unpaid fees after a three-hour trial at Wandsworth County Court last month. The claim featured a string of witnesses, extensive cross-examination and a reserved judgment, with the claimant not only winning her case but also defeating a counterclaim from the other side.
Law students face AI classes after training provider deal
Legal education provider BARBRI has acquired AI business Lega to train law students and lawyers in using AI tools. The purchase will bring Lega’s AI training programmes into BARBRI’s legal education and professional development business, which includes preparation for the SQE. Lega provides workshops and training sessions on the practical uses of generative AI in legal work.
Shoosmiths launches its own AI contract review tool created with Microsoft
Shoosmiths is rolling out its own proprietary generative AI contract review tool it developed with Microsoft as its AI-forward strategy pushes on. The firm created and piloted Project Apollo in collaboration with the tech giant over the past year. Built on Shoosmiths’ own dealmaking know-how, the firm said the tool is designed to mirror the way a senior associate would justify decision-making to a partner.
Firms face hike in AI cost base as Legora gears up for pricing switch
Legora has told law firms using its AI platform that it plans to switch to consumption-based pricing, with companies such as Anthropic and OpenAI having already made the move with some of their products.
Fish & Richardson launches proprietary AI patent tool to support patent workflows
Global IP firm Fish & Richardson has created a new proprietary AI patent tool to enhance patent workflows, assisting lawyers to provide robust outcomes for its clients’ IP portfolios. FishStream AI is intended to help the Boston-based firm’s patent lawyers perform tasks faster and more efficiently, integrating the firm’s enterprise grade AI with its patent and technical knowledge.
Welcome to this week’s update, where we bring you the latest moves, promotions, and strategic appointments shaping the legal industry.
Partner Moves
Individual
UK & Ireland
Steptoe & Johnson adds LIDW26 Co-Chair to London Disputes team from Clyde & Co
Steptoe & Johnson has hired outgoing London International Disputes Week Co-Chair Professor Loukas Mistelis from Clyde & Co as an Arbitration Partner in London.
Orrick adds four Partners across US and UK as it continues Structured Finance buildout
The US firm has added Victor Liang in New York and Brittany Fox in Austin from Morrison Foerster, alongside John Paul Igoe in Charlotte from Mayer Brown. Polly O’Brien will also join in London from McDermott Will & Schulte.
gunnercooke hires Real Estate lawyer from Penningtons Manches Cooper
Louis Manches has joined gunnercooke as a Real Estate Partner. Louis is based in London,
Broadfield Adds Two London Partners To Expand Private Wealth And IP Capabilities
Broadfield announced the appointment of Sarah Sarwar (Private Client) and Ash von Schwan (IP and Technology) as Partners in its London office, strengthening the firm’s private wealth and intellectual property capabilities as it continues to expand its international platform. Sarah joins from Morr & Co and Ash joins from Baker McKenzie.
Simmons & Simmons Patent Head joins European IP firm
Former Simmons & Simmons Patent Head Kevin Cordina has joined Carpmaels & Ransford as a Partner in its Engineering and Technology team. Kevin is based in London.
Emma-Jane Flannery joins A&L Goodbody
A&L Goodbody (ALG) has announced the appointment of Emma-Jane Flannery as its new Head of Employment law in its Belfast office. Emma joins from Coca-Cola HBC, where she was Senior Legal Counsel.
Knights bolsters Bristol Private Client offering with Partner appointment
Professional services firm Knights has strengthened its Private Client team in Bristol with the appointment of a Partner. Nerys Thomas is an expert across all aspects of Private Client law and advises clients on tax, trusts and succession planning. Nerys joins from Michelmores.
Mishcon de Reya boosts Employment team with new Partner hire
Mishcon de Reya has announced that Anna Byford has joined the firm as a Partner in its Employment department. Anna will lead the Employment Innovate team, which provides the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious employment, business immigration and incentives advice to fast-growth, scale-up businesses in the Innovation economy. Anna joins from Deloitte Legal, where she was a Director.
Europe
Freshfields adds Private Equity Partner in Madrid from Pérez-Llorca
Freshfields has hired a Private Equity Partner from Pérez-Llorca to lead its Madrid-based Private Equity team. Pablo González Mosqueira will take up his new role as Partner to help drive the expansion of Freshfields’ global M&A and Capital practice.
Fieldfisher hires M&A and Private Equity Partner from Squire Patton Boggs
Carlos Blanco Morilla will join Fieldfisher as a Partner in their Madrid Office.
Eversheds Sutherland has made a further lateral Partner appointment, welcoming Alexander Wojtek to its Hamburg office, Germany. Alexander joins from Bird & Bird where he advised banks, alternative debt funds, institutional investors and sponsors on complex project finance transactions and joint ventures, with a strong focus on renewable energy and infrastructure projects.
Florian Schwuchow joins Orka in Real Estate law
The law firm Orka is bringing in a specialist in commercial tenancy law for its Berlin office. Florian joins from CMC Center Management GmbH.
Italian firm hires International Arbitration Lawyer from BonelliErede
Michela D’Avino has left BonelliErede after two decades to join the partnership at Milan-headquartered De Berti Jacchia Franchini Forlani.
Carole Nerguararian coming soon to HSF Kramer
The Paris office of the firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has just promoted Restructuring Lawyer Carole Nerguararian to Partner.
Freshfields swoops for Hengeler Partner as German regroup continues
Freshfields has made another rare lateral hire in Germany, recruiting Partner Daniel Möritz from Hengeler Mueller. Möritz is set to join the firm’s Munich office after having spent nearly 15 years at Hengeler Mueller, with six years in Hengeler’s Düsseldorf office and just under nine years in Munich. He is experienced in advising industrials, insurers and private equity investors on international, complex and regulated transactions.
Team
Mishcon de Reya adds Litigation trio from Watson Farley & Williams in the UAE
Mishcon de Reya has hired a team of Litigation and Arbitration specialists from Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) to expand its dispute resolution practice in the UAE. The team is led by Partner Charlotte Bijlani, who joins as Co-Head of the UAE disputes practice, alongside Managing Associate Haya Al Bawab and Associate Gabriela Benavides.
King & Spalding raids WilmerHale for heavyweight Disputes team
King & Spalding has hired a five-strong Disputes team from WilmerHale across London, New York and Washington DC. WilmerHale’s former Head of International Arbitration, Gary Born, who is based between London and New York, joins the firm after nearly four decades at WilmerHale. He is joined from WilmerHale by London-based Partners Frank Schwarz and Marleen Krueger, and Washington DC-based Partners Rachael Kent and Danielle Morris.
Skadden announced that Robert Griffin, Kapil Vishnu Pandit and Skye Smith have joined the firm as Partners in the Investment Management Group. Robert and Skye will be based in Skadden’s office in Abu Dhabi’s ADGM, and Kapil in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office.
Promotions & Appointments
Jo Hewitt Appointed Baker McKenzie London Office Managing Partner
Jo Hewitt has been appointed Managing Partner of Baker McKenzie’s London office, the first female leader to take up the role. Her term will run from 1 October 2026 until 30 June 2029.
Travers Smith promotes three in scaled-back Partner round
Travers Smith has added three lawyers to its partnership, its smallest round since 2014 when just two new appointments were made.
Thorntons promotes Corah Franco to Partner
Thorntons has promoted Corah Franco to Partner in its Private Client team. Corah joined Thorntons in October 2022, after completing her training and spending more than three years focusing on private client work.
Harper Macleod promotes 35 lawyers across Scotland
Harper Macleod has promoted 35 lawyers across Scotland, including seven Legal Directors and five Senior Associates, nine Associates and 14 Senior Solicitors across a range of practice areas.
Gateley makes senior promotions in Belfast
Gateley has announced a trio of promotions and a new appointment in its Belfast office, including the promotion of a new Partner and Director.
Madelène Leurs appointed M&A Partner
Madelène Leurs has been appointed Partner at Boels Zanders. As a lawyer, Madelène often acts in company acquisitions, investments by private equity, venture capital and family offices, and in the design and advice of joint ventures. In this way, she combines her specialisations in mergers and acquisitions and corporate law within Boels Zanders, where she has been working since 2017. Madelène is based in Maastricht.
Appointment of Rein Bressers as M&A Partner
Boels Zanders has a new Partner. Rein Bressers started his career in 2015 as a mergers and acquisitions specialist at a law firm in the Zuidas. A year ago, he made the switch to Boels Zanders, where he assists clients with his characteristic quality and commitment. Rein is based in Eindhoven.
Christopher Bullock promoted to Partner at Browne Jacobson
Christopher Bullock was recently promoted to Partner in the Corporate team at Browne Jacobson following the tie-in with Davidson McDonnell. Christopher is based in Cookstown, in Northern Ireland.
Gerson Raiser joins the Clifford Chance Partnership
Gerson Raiser has been promoted to Partner in the Frankfurt office of Clifford Chance. Gerson specialises in Disputes.
Firm and Market Activity
Office Openings & Closings
Addleshaw Goddard announces expansion into the Netherlands
Addleshaw Goddard (AG), the international law firm, is entering the Netherlands’ legal market with the integration of Florent, a leading Amsterdam-based law firm. The merger with Florent, a full-service Dutch corporate law firm located in the heart of the Zuidas financial district, is a significant milestone in the firm’s ambitious AG2030 international growth strategy.
Northern firm Brabners has opened its first London office.
Swale & Spark launches across Luxembourg and Paris
Swale & Spark, a new multidisciplinary business law firm operating across Luxembourg and Paris, has officially launched.
Immigration solicitor Eimear Nugent opens new practice
Experienced immigration solicitor Eimear Nugent has announced the opening of her new practice, Nugent Solicitors, based in Swords, North County Dublin.
Financial Results
Browne Jacobson revenue nears £150m following 9% rise
Browne Jacobson has reported revenue of £148.8 million for FY26, up 9% on the previous year. The figures continue an impressive run of growth for the UK and Ireland firm, which recorded double-digit revenue increases in each of the last four years.
Market Commentary
Simpson Thacher launches private equity-focused training contract
Simpson Thacher is launching a private equity-focused training contract in London, the first formal path to qualification the firm has offered in the City. The US powerhouse – known for its top-tier PE practice – said the rotational programme will give trainees aiming for a career as a private equity specialist experience across “the core practice areas that underpin the firm’s market-leading private capital platform”.
Dr. Vivien Vacha joins Jade Energy as General Counsel in Berlin
Vivien previously worked at TES-H2, where she was Legal Counsel for Germany.
Kennedys bags Trowers’s GC in latest major hire
Kennedys has hired Trowers & Hamlins’ General Counsel, Claire Larbey, to become the firm’s new General Counsel. Larbey will replace Andrew Coates, who is retiring after 25 years serving as the firm’s Chief Risk Officer – a role that will be replaced by the new General Counsel position.
Innovation & Culture
Technology & Innovation
AI-native IP firm Lightbringer raises $10m in Series A funding round
Swedish native AI law firm start-up Lightbringer, which specialises in IP law, has secured $10m in a Series A funding round. The round was co-led by London-based venture capital firm 6 Degrees Capital alongside Dutch investment company Newion.
UK government launches legal AI scheme
Lawyers have welcomed UK government-backed “AI Growth Labs” to build and test AI technology for the legal sector, including tools to speed up conveyancing during property sales. The Ministry of Justice said the labs will enable innovative AI software to be tested securely and released to the market sooner. It will work with lawyers and liaise with regulators to make it easier to introduce new legal AI.
Welcome to this week’s update, where we bring you the latest moves, promotions, and strategic appointments shaping the legal industry.
Partner Moves
Individual
UK & Ireland
Morgan Lewis hires Goodwin’s former London Co-Head to lead European Private Equity
Morgan Lewis has hired Goodwin Private Equity Partner and former London office Co-Chair Gemma Roberts as it continues to add senior talent in London.
McDermott continues London litigation growth with Brown Rudnick Partner hire
McDermott Will & Schulte has added former Brown Rudnick partner Jessica Lee to its growing disputes team.
DAC Beachcroft boosts London commercial disputes practice with Signature Partner hire
DAC Beachcroft has boosted its commercial disputes practice in London with a Partner hire from Signature Litigation. Paul Brehony brings almost 30 years of experience to DACB.
DLA Piper Adds Andrew Bechtel as a Partner in London
DLA Piper is expanding its global Capital Solutions bench with the addition of Andrew Bechtel who joins from Simpson Thatcher.
Cadwalader partner exits for US firm ahead of Hogan Lovells merger
Cadwalader Private Wealth Partner, Matthew Sperry, has left the firm for Pillsbury after less than a year, as the former prepares to merge with Hogan Lovells next month.
Stewarts gains DLA Piper construction insurance pro
Stewarts has hired former Clyde & Co lawyer Alexandra Lyons as a Partner in its policyholder disputes practice.
Am Law 100 Firm Sheppard Mullin Signals London Expansion with Senior PE Hire
Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton has hired Simmons & Simmons former Co-Head of Private Equity, Gideon Sharp to lead its London office, becoming the latest U.S. firm to make expansive moves in the U.K. capital.
Europe
Skadden gains new Antitrust/Competition Partner in Brussels
Rafique Bachour joins Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP as Partner in the Brussels Antitrust/Competition team. Bachour joins from Freshfields.
Kather Augenstein loses prominent patent litigator
Patent litigator Christopher Weber is founding a new litigation firm patlit.xyz based in Düsseldorf.
Team
Four Partner Private Equity team join Latham in Germany
A team of four Private Equity and M&A Partners Wessel Heukamp, Verena Nosch, Markus Paul and Carsten Haak have joined Latham & Watkins from Freshfields in Germany.
Promotions & Appointments
Newly-formed Winston Taylor names first Paris head
Grine Lahreche has been appointed managing partner of the 19-partner office, having been a partner at legacy Winston & Strawn for three years before its merger with Taylor Wessing’s UK business.
Clifford Chance unveils first formal local partner round
Clifford Chance has announced seven promotions to local partner in the first formal round for the role. The salaried role is not new, but this is the first time the firm has formally announced a dedicated round. Going forward, promotions to the role will be announced annually in June, separately from the firm’s global partner round, which takes place in April.
Simmons & Simmons appoints new GC and Chief Client Officer
Simmons & Simmons has made two major leadership appointments to the firm, hiring Emma Williams as General Counsel (GC) and Partner, and Andy Peat as Chief Client Officer (CCO) and Partner. Emma Williams joins from Simpson Thacher while Andy Peat exits DLA.
Anahita Thoms takes over leadership at Baker McKenzie Germany
Anahita Thoms was elected Country Managing Partner by the partners and will lead Baker McKenzie’s German office for the next three years in the post previously held by Alexander Wolff.
Fieldfisher appoints James Craddock as Chief Operating Officer
Fieldfisher announces the appointment of James Craddock as Chief Operating Officer (COO). James joins Fieldfisher from DLA Piper, where he held a number of senior leadership roles.
Firm and Market Activity
Office Openings & Closings
DLA Piper enhances Saudi Arabia offering with new office in King Abdullah Financial District
Global law firm DLA Piper reaffirms Saudi Arabia as a strategic priority market, with continued investment aligned to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 transformation, marked by the opening of a new office in King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), the country’s premier financial centre.
Mergers & Alliances
Irwin Mitchell Mulls PE Backing
U.K. law firm Irwin Mitchell is considering taking private equity backing as it seeks to regain ownership of its umbrella company, which is majority-controlled by retired Partners, according to sources and media reports.
Financial Results
Kennedys revenue climbs 9% to £457m as North America and APAC drive growth
Kennedys has posted revenue of £457 million in its latest financial year, marking a 9% increase on the previous year and the firm’s twelfth consecutive year of growth. The UK remains the firm’s largest market, responsible for 47% of total revenue. Its EMEA and LATAM businesses contributed 9.2%.
Kirkland and Latham both beat $1bn in London office revenue
Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins both broke through the $1bn barrier for London office revenue for the first time ever last year, new data in this year’s The Lawyer’s US 50 report confirms.
Paul Weiss, Kirkland, Simpson Thacher and Quinn Emanuel Lead UK RPL Rankings
A quartet of U.S.-based law firms dominates the rankings of the legal institutions with the highest revenue per lawyer in the U.K., according to the latest in-depth research by Law.com.
Market Commentary
London’s Associate pay divide deepens after US firm salary hikes
Milbank kicked off the latest round of US associate salary increases last week, with McDermott following suit and Quinn Emanuel raising the stakes further in London. The firm was once again the first mover, pushing associate salaries up the “Cravath scale”, the benchmark pay structure followed by most top US firms.
Hengeler Mueller’s Leaders Bet on Diversification and Tech to Navigate in Uncertain Times
In his first interview since becoming Co-Managing Partner in April, Jens Wenzel set out how the firm is handling a market that has shifted sharply since its last leadership election in 2022, not least with the rise of AI reshaping how legal work is delivered.
Innovation & Culture
Technology & Innovation
IBA launches Artificial Intelligence Institute to focus on responsible AI governance
The International Bar Association (IBA) has launched an Artificial Intelligence Institute, a new initiative intended to advance responsible AI governance through international cooperation and interdisciplinary expertise.
Kirkland co-builds AI platform with tech firm Palantir
Kirkland & Ellis has co-developed an AI platform with Palantir to help its private equity clients raise funds from investors as part of a multi-year technology partnership. The deal with the data analysis, surveillance and AI company – whose technology has been used in the US by immigration authorities to help round up undocumented immigrants − is part of a $500m plan by the world’s largest law firm by revenue to build its own AI technology.
Legora expands European presence with Madrid, Milan and Paris office openings
Swedish legaltech firm Legora is opening three new offices in Madrid, Milan and Paris as it seeks to tap into increasing European-based demand. The offices are set to open in the third quarter of this year, with their primary focus on sales, customer success and legal engineering – a key role in assisting its customer base with AI adoption and workflow creation.
Al Tamimi & Company partners with Legora to advance Arabic-first legal AI across the Middle East
Essam Al Tamimi explains: “We worked with Legora’s competitors. We tried different systems. But it became clear that the determination and drive of the Legora team was most closely aligned with our vision and would provide clients with the best solution. We were very impressed with the system, and I received excellent feedback from our team.”
Welcome to this week’s update, where we bring you the latest moves, promotions, and strategic appointments shaping the legal industry.
Partner Moves
Individual
UK & Ireland
gunnercooke welcomes Planning & Enviroment Lawyer Kali Yau
Kali joins from Birketts, where she worked as a Legal Director. Kali is based in London.
Pinsent Masons welcomes Structured Finance Lawyer Thomas Shen
Thomas joins from Simmons & Simmons, where he worked as a Managing Associate. Thomas is based in London.
Fieldfisher boosts Disputes and Energy offering with Partner hire Richard Power
European law firm Fieldfisher has appointed Richard Power as a Partner in its London Dispute Resolution practice, effective from 1 June 2026. Richard joins from Clyde & Co, where he specialised in complex cross-border disputes, with a particular focus on International Arbitration and Energy Disputes.
Eversheds Sutherland strengthens Commercial Advisory practice with Technology Partner hire
Eversheds Sutherland has strengthened its Commercial Advisory offering with the appointment of Technology and Sourcing specialist Nichola Donovan as a Partner in its London office. Nichola joins the firm from DLA Piper.
Eversheds Sutherland strengthens Restructuring offering with Senior Partner appointment
Eversheds Sutherland has welcomed Partner Simon Thomas to its Restructuring & Insolvency London-based practice. Simon joins from Goodwin Procter where he was a Partner in its Financial Restructuring Group.
Morgan Lewis continues to expand its global investigations and sanctions bench with the arrival of Paul Feldberg as a Partner in the firm’s Litigation practice in London. Paul joins from Brown Rudnick, where he served as Head of the UK White Collar Defence, Investigations, and Compliance practice.
Farren leaves Fieldfisher to rejoin BCLP
Ania Farren has left Fieldfisher to rejoin the partnership at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner in London. Ania will join the International Arbitration practice.
Signature Expands International Fraud Capabilities with New Partner Appointment
Signature Litigation today announces the appointment of leading International Fraud Partner Catherine Naylor, who joins its offices in London from Gowling WLG.
Fieldfisher launches Commercial practice in Birmingham with Partner hire
Law firm Fieldfisher has expanded its Birmingham office with the launch of a dedicated Commercial practice, alongside the appointment of Partner Sarah Riding. Riding joins from Gowling WLG, where she was Partner and Head of Commercial, IT and Outsourcing.
Paul Hastings Securitisation Partner jumps to Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright has boosted its Securitisation practice in London with the hire of Partner Victoria Morton from Paul Hastings. Morton joins after a decade at Paul Hastings, where she was a member of the firm’s structured credit team and made Partner in 2022.
Stevens & Bolton bags top specialist on Assisted Dying
Stevens & Bolton has recruited one of the UK’s leading experts in the law surrounding assisted dying, as it pushes for growth in its private client division. Trusts and Estates Litigator Alexa Payet joins from Michelmores. Alexa will be based in the firm’s Guildford office.
Travers Planning Head exits for Clyde & Co
Travers Smith’s Head of Planning has left the firm to join Clyde & Co. Jamie McKie joins Clydes as a Partner, bringing experience advising on various town and country planning matters. Jamie is based in London.
Kirkland boosts London Patent Litigation bench with Life Sciences barrister
Kirkland has hired Life Sciences barrister Tim Austen from IP set Three New Square in a boost to its top-of-market Patent Litigation offering. Austen will join the firm as a Partner this summer and continue to practice as a barrister.
gunnercooke hires Real Estate Partner Scott Pearman
Scott joins from London Bridge Partnership, where he worked as Managing Partner. Scott is based in London.
Europe
Weil welcome nine new colleagues to their German practice
In the area of Antitrust, Ingo Brinker and Niklas Brueggemann join as Partners in the Munich office. Ingo joins from White & Case. Niklas joins from Latham & Watkins.
Eversheds Sutherland welcomes M&A and Corporate Partner
Eversheds Sutherland has appointed Dominique Gottret as a Partner in the Bern office. Dominique joins from KPMG Switzerland, where he was Partner and Head of M&A and Corporate Law.
Marcel Duplois moves from Poellath to Gräfe Tax & Legal
The Tax lawyer will join the Munich boutique as a Partner on 1 June. This brings the team to five Partners.
Paschalis joins from Arendt & Medernach, where he specialised in International Arbitration and EU Law. Paschalis is based in Luxembourg.
Banking and Finance Partner Rhéa Christophilopoulos joins Jones Day in Paris
Rhéa Christophilopoulos has joined Jones Day as a partner in its Financial Markets Practice. She is based in the Firm’s Paris Office. Rhéa joins from Linklaters.
Linklaters has hired Marc Lordonnois as a Partner in its Public Law and Regulatory practice in Paris
Marc Lordonnois specialises in Public Law, with a particular focus on infrastructure, energy and regulated sectors. Marc joins from Weil, Gotshal & Manges.
Middle East
Gurminder Sanghera joins Ogier as Banking and Finance Partner in Dubai
Gurminder Sanghera has joined Ogier as a Partner in its Banking and Finance team in Dubai, further strengthening the firm’s capability to support complex cross-border financing and capital markets work through the DIFC. Gurminder joins from Maples Group.
Dentons adds Corporate Partner duo in Dubai
Dentons has appointed Christopher Neal and Selman Ansari as Corporate Partners in Dubai. Christopher joins from Pinsent Masons. Selman joins from AS&H Clifford Chance.
Fraser Dawson rejoins Addleshaw Goddard’s Corporate and Private Equity practice
Following a senior leadership role at NEOM Investment Fund, Fraser rejoins the Abu Dhabi office as a Partner in the Corporate and Private Equity team.
Team
Hogan Lovells Hires Arbitration Team from Hughes Hubbard & Reed in Paris Ahead of Merger
Hogan Lovells announced Friday that Sébastien Bonnard had joined the firm’s Paris office along with a team of former Hughes Hubbard lawyers, including Counsel Sabrina Touchard and Associates Eleni Jacovides and Florence Warsmann.
Gibson Dunn Hires Ex-Kirkland Partners in Munich Amid German Restructuring Boom
Gibson Dunn & Crutcher has strengthened its German Restructuring practice and presence in Europe with the addition of former Kirkland & Ellis Partners Leo Plank and Sacha Lürken in Munich.
Hogan Lovells strengthens in Middle East with twin Partner hire from Ashurst
Hogan Lovells has announced the appointment of Simon Rahimzada and Vasi Papdopoulos as Partners in its Corporate & Finance practice in Dubai.
Katten Expands in London with Structured Products, Derivatives Practice
Katten Muchin Rosenman hired two Crowell & Moring Partners in London to launch the firm’s Structured Products and Derivatives practice and support the firm’s growing Structured Finance practice. Joining the firm to lead the new practice is Jennifer Kafcas, working alongside Alvino van Schalkwyk.
Gateley Middle East launches regional Tax consultancy with Partner and team hire in Dubai
Gateley Middle East has launched a Tax consultancy with the hire of a Partner and team of lawyers in a move the firm says will help its clients navigate the next phase of tax and regulatory change across the region. Renan Öztürk has joined the firm as a Partner and Head of Tax for the Middle East, alongside eight Tax lawyers and advisors. Renan joins from Alvarez & Marsal, where he worked as a Senior Director.
In house
Antitrust lawyer Franz Stenitzer promoted to Partner at Deloitte Legal
The Viennese law firm Jank Weiler Operenyi, which is part of Deloitte Legal’s global network, is gaining an experienced specialist in Competition law. Franz previously worked under the umbrella of stenitzer.legal, where he was self-employed.
Promotions & Appointments
Sidley promotes five in London following partnership shake-up
Sidley Austin has promoted five lawyers to Partner in London as part of a 52-strong round globally. The London cohort includes Finance lawyers Lewis Atherton and Carry Chen, Corporate Real Estate lawyer David Horan, M&A specialist Ed Perry and Capital Markets lawyer Omar Shafi.
Bauer Media Group promoted Rayyan Mughal to Senior Legal Counsel
Rayyan Mughal (Commercial, IP and Technology) has been promoted to In-House Senior Legal Counsel at Bauer Media Group. Rayyan is based in London.
Con Barry appointed Partner at CKT
Comyn Kelleher Tobin LLP has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Con Barry as partner, alongside a number of senior promotions and newly qualified solicitors. Con advises across Healthcare, Mental Health and Administrative law, acting in complex and sensitive statutory and regulatory matters. Con is based in Cork.
Firm and Market Activity
Office Openings & Closings
Mishcon de Reya opens its doors in Dubai
Mishcon de Reya announced the official opening of its Dubai office, further strengthening the firm’s operations in the UAE.
Market Commentary
Cadwalader London Associates Set for Higher Pay Scale Than Hogan Lovells Colleagues Post-Merger
Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft associates have been told that they will remain on ‘Cravath scale’ pay once their firm merges with Hogan Lovells on July 1, leaving a significant salary gap between the lawyers of the two sides in London.
King & Spalding’s London boom fuels fresh office expansion
King & Spalding has boosted its London footprint at 8 Bishopsgate for the second time in two years, taking the tower’s highest office floor.
Mishcon to Introduce Exceptional Hours Bonus Worth 30%
Mishcon De Reya is introducing a bonus scheme that will allow lawyers working exceptional hours to earn up to 30% more than their base salary.
Clifford Chance overhauls partnership structure amid management bid to clear $5m PEP
Clifford Chance is revamping its partnership model, formalising a non-equity ‘local partner’ tier, as part of ambitious plans to boost profitability. The firm is gearing up to announce a new cohort of local partners firmwide, with the move forming one plank of a management push to nearly double profit per equity partner (PEP) over the next five years.
Milbank Boosts Associate Salaries, and McDermott Swiftly Follows
Milbank is increasing associate salaries, and at least one firm, McDermott Will & Schulte, has confirmed they are matching Milbank’s associate salary raise.
Quinn Emanuel raises London associate pay to stay ‘top of market’
Quinn Emanuel has increased associate salaries in London by 5% across the board as elite firms continue to compete aggressively for litigation talent. The new salary scale will take effect from 1 July 2026 and follows salary increases announced for the firm’s US associates this week.
US firm mergers trigger office reshuffle at 100 Bishopsgate
Bracewell, an energy sector specialist, will move out of its Tower 42 space to take over the 20,000 sq ft office in 100 Bishopsgate. Houston-headquartered Bracewell has snapped up the City of London space being vacated by Winston due to its merger with Taylor Wessing.
Innovation & Culture
Technology & Innovation
OpenAI moves into legal tech with major hire
OpenAI is preparing to break into the legal tech market after making a major hire to lead its new legal venture. The AI giant has hired Jason Boehmig, the founder of contract lifecycle management platform Ironclad, to be a product leader for its “legal vertical”.
Legora buys real estate AI startup in fourth deal of the year
Legora has acquired commercial real estate AI startup Cadastral, its fourth acquisition of 2026, marking the company’s entry into the commercial real estate sector.
Welcome to this week’s update, where we bring you the latest moves, promotions, and strategic appointments shaping the legal industry.
Partner Moves
Individual
UK & Ireland
A&L Goodbody LLP (ALG) has appointed Elena Canavan-Young as a new Partner in its Asset Management & Investment Funds practice. Elena joins from William Fry.
Dentons appoints Real Estate Partner Diarmuid Mawe in Dublin
Diarmuid is an experienced real estate lawyer whose clients are both domestic and international businesses, including developers and institutional investors operating in sectors such as retail, logistics, offices and residential. Diarmuid joins from Maples Group, where he was Partner and Head of Property.
Keystone Law welcomes 8 new Partners to its practice
Keystone Law welcomes Employment Partner Gearalt Fahy (Leeds), Corporate Partner Tanya Shillingford (London), Commercial Property Partners Emma Cracknell (UK-based) and Oliver Ray (UK-based), Marine Partner Hannah Cash (who joined a week earlier), Family Partners Laura Hughes (London) and Elizabeth Simos (London), and Commercial Partner Ben Hargraves (France-based). Gearalt Fahy joins from Womble Bond Dickinson. Tanya Shillingford joins from RWK Goodman. Emma Cracknell and Oliver Ray join from Barker Gotelee Solicitors. Laura Hughes joins from Penningtons Manches Cooper. Elizabeth Simos joins from Ketley Miller Joels. Ben Hargraves joins from Neot. Aside from Elizabeth Simos and Ben Hargraves, who were promotion upon moving, all hires were previously Partners at their respective firms.
Charles Russell Speechlys appoints Corporate and Private Equity specialist in London
Charles Russell Speechlys is pleased to announce the appointment of Nadim Meer as Partner in the Corporate team. Nadim joins the Firm from Mishcon de Reya, where he was Corporate Partner and Head of Private Equity.
Alston & Bird Expands Global Capabilities with First Tax Partner in London
Satvi Vepa joins the Am Law 50 firm with a practice that focuses on the tax aspects of domestic and cross-border financing transactions. Satvi joins from Simmons & Simmons.
Europe
White & Case hires Chairman of Mercer Solar at GoldenPeaks Capital
Michał Piekarski is set to join the Warsaw office as a Local Partner. Michał is a member of the EMEA Energy, Infrastructure, Project and Asset Finance regional section, focusing on complex energy projects, transactions and regulatory matters.
Middle East
Philipp Korotin has joined UCL Law Firm as Partner and Head of the M&A Practice
Philipp specialises in Cross-border M&A/Joint Ventures & Corporate Governance, Legal Strategy & Risk Management and Foundation & Private Wealth. Philipp joins from VEON, where he was a Special M&A Counsel. He is based in Dubai.
Team
Latham hires three-Partner City Corporate team from Morrison Foerster
Latham & Watkins has boosted its London M&A and Private Equity practice with the hire of a three-Partner team from Morrison Foerster, including Office Head Andrew Boyd. The team includes MoFo’s Co-Head of European M&A, Gary Brown, as well as Luke Rowland, who joined the partnership in January.
Promotions & Appointments
Gilson Gray strengthens senior team with new Partner promotions
Gilson Gray has promoted two senior lawyers to Partner, strengthening its Real Estate and Litigation offering. Real Estate specialist Gregor Duthie (Glasgow) and Litigator Stephen Forsyth (Dundee) have both stepped up from Legal Director to Partner.
DWF announces 15 promotions in Scotland
DWF has announced 15 promotions across its Edinburgh and Glasgow offices.
Four new Partners among raft of promotions after record year at Digby Brown
Digby Brown Solicitors has confirmed four lawyers are to be appointed Partner following a year of record-breaking growth.
Garrigues locks in Managing Partner Until 2032 Amid Aggressive Latin America Push
Spain’s leading law firm Garrigues has extended executive chairman Fernando Vives’s mandate to 2032 as the firm drives record growth and expansion across Latin America.
Cleary Gottlieb Elevates Digital Regulatory Expert Amaryllis Müller to Partner
Cleary Gottlieb announced today the promotion of Amaryllis Müller to Partner in its market-leading Competition practice. Amaryllis is based in Brussels.
Aislinn O’Shea promoted to Partner at Mason Hayes & Curran
Mason Hayes & Curran has announced the promotion of Aislinn O’Shea to Partner in the Ireland-based firm’s Healthcare team.
Firm and Market Activity
Office Openings & Closings
Stephenson Harwood returns to Madrid with new office opening
The new Madrid offering is set to become full-service, but will focus initially on Private Capital and Funds, and Energy Transition and Infrastructure. The office is the firm’s fourth in Europe, with other locations in London, Paris, Athens, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.
Expanding Transatlantic Reach, Clark Hill Launches French Desk
Clark Hill has launched a French Desk to serve clients from French-speaking locations such as France, Belgium and Quebec, Canada, and to expand the international reach of the firm, which has offices in Dublin and Mexico City.
Mergers & Alliances
Private equity-backed HF acquires Rosling King
HF (Horwich Farrelly) has swooped to acquire the stricken firm Rosling King, which recently filed for administration. Around 40 Rosling King partners and staff will join the insurance and commercial-focused HF.
BBS Law and Carter Bond unite as Orwins
BBS Law and Carter Bond have rebranded as Orwins, bringing two firms together under a single identity and signalling a new chapter in the business’s national ambitions.
Financial Results
US 50 in London 2026: Financial Results
The May Transatlantic report is part two of The Lawyer’s US 50 2026. It focuses on the financial performance of the largest US-headquartered firms in the UK. Along with a raft of data points, it includes an individual profile of each of the 50 firms that summarises their financial performance, strategic focus and key mandates.
Market Commentary
Platform firms are pulling in more lawyers from major firms, report finds
More than 5,000 lawyers now work at UK platform firms, with the model increasingly attracting lawyers from established firms, according to a new report. The analysis from legal analytics company Codex Edge found the sector continued to grow rapidly in 2025, with firms including Setfords, Keystone, Taylor Rose, Gunnercooke and AI-powered newcomer Lawhive driving much of the expansion.
“We are no longer full-service:” Howard Kennedy narrows focus in strategy overhaul
City mid-sizer Howard Kennedy is to concentrate on ‘seven specialisms’ in the future after conducting a major review of its strategy. The changes will see the London Bridge-based outfit refocus its efforts on key areas after years of holding itself out as a full-service firm, an approach that managing partner James Stewart told The Lawyer its clients no longer responded to in the same way.
US firms dominate high-value litigation in London, research shows
US firms are dominating high-value litigation in London despite only handling a relatively small number of claims, according to litigation data from Solomonic. Median claim value for US firms was around £10m in 2025, compared to £740,000 for other firms – a 13x gap, Solomonic data show. That is despite handling only 4% of claims between 2020 and 2025, and just 2.7% in 2025.
A&O Shearman co-opts two women onto global board
A&O Shearman has added a Partner pair to its board, completing a two-stage process that left some members “disappointed” with the lack of gender diversity after the first round. Singapore-based Pallavi Gopinath Aney joins the board along with Austin Managing Partner Emily Westridge Black. Gopinath Aney is a Capital Markets lawyer, who Co-Leads the firm’s India group. Westridge Black meanwhile is also A&O Shearman’s Chemicals sector Lead.
Gowling WLG launches Real Estate training contract
Gowling WLG has become the latest major law firm to launch a training contract geared toward aspiring lawyers seeking to qualify in a specific practice area. The international law firm has unveiled a new two-year route to qualification as a real estate specialist that will run alongside its standard training contract pathway, seeing trainees complete four six-month seats within its real estate group.
CMS appoints Christy Farrer as first Chief Operating Officer
Christy Farrer has been appointed as the first Chief Operating Officer of CMS UK. In this newly created role, Ms Farrer will lead the firm’s operational strategy across its international offices.
Clydes to slash jobs as part of back-office restructuring
Clyde & Co is kickstarting a redundancy consultation with its business services teams in the latest move to overhaul its shared services structure. The consultation is understood to be limited to business services roles including IT and legal support, with fee-earners not impacted at present.
Innovation & Culture
Technology & Innovation
Kirkland to splash half a billion on AI build-out
Kirkland & Ellis is set to pour half a billion dollars into building its own artificial intelligence platform over the next few years. The world’s highest-grossing law firm expects to spend more than $100m on the initiative this year, with total investment forecast to exceed $500m over the next several years. The platform is intended to embed the firm’s institutional knowledge directly into legal delivery to support matters.
Litigation AI startup founded by former City lawyer raises $2.5m
A litigation AI startup co-founded by a former City lawyer has raised a $2.5 million seed round as it expands into the US market. London-based Crimson was founded by former litigator Mark Feldner, whose background includes stints at Clifford Chance and Willkie, alongside two AI engineers. The company announced the funding alongside the launch of a New York office.
Legora plans Tokyo and Singapore office openings to drive APAC expansion
Swedish legaltech firm Legora is opening two new offices in Tokyo and Singapore to roll out its expansion in the APAC region, adding to its Sydney office which opened last year.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
New judicial diversity board launches amid concerns over talent pipeline
A new Judicial and Legal Diversity Board has been launched to improve diversity across judicial appointments in England and Wales. The board brings together senior figures from the judiciary, government and legal profession as concerns persist over representation and the strength of the judicial talent pipeline. The board is Co-Chaired by the Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill and Lord Chancellor David Lammy MP.
Welcome to this week’s update, where we bring you the latest moves, promotions, and strategic appointments shaping the legal industry.
Partner Moves
Individual
UK & Ireland
Gibson Dunn lands PE Real Estate Partner from Jones Day
Private Equity Real Estate Partner Chris Slack has left Jones Day to join Gibson Dunn in London. Slack, who arrives at Gibson Dunn after more than 13 years at Jones Day, will work closely with the firm’s Funds offering while sitting in the Real Estate department.
Brabners hires Real Estate Partner
Brabners has hired Matt Ramsden to join their Real Estate practice in Leeds. Matt joins from DLA Piper, where he served as a Legal Director.
Gore & Grimes welcomes new Litigation Partner
Gore & Grimes Solicitors has appointed Eoin Cunneen as a Partner in its Litigation and Dispute Resolution team. Eoin joins from Flynn O’Driscoll and is based in Dublin.
Keystone Law hires Marine and Superyacht Specialist Hannah Cash
Hannah will join Keystone’s London practice as Partner. She previously worked as a solicitor at YachtingLawyers.com.
BonelliErede strengthens City presence with Augusto Praloran joining London team
BonelliErede announces that Augusto Praloran, a Partner in the firm’s Corporate practice, will be relocating from Milan to London.
Temple Bright adds former JPMorganChase Counsel to roster
Partner-only law firm welcomes Financial Services sector expert Caroline Parr to its London office.
Lindsays has strengthened its Private Client team with the appointment of Aileen Entwistle
Aileen joins Lindsays as a Private Client Partner, based in Glasgow. Aileen previously worked as a Partner at Aberdein Considine.
New senior appointments at Mason Hayes & Curran
Mason Hayes & Curran has announced three senior appointments across its Tax and Financial Services teams in Dublin. Finn Kelly joins from Matheson as a Tax Partner and Susan Lynch is promoted to Of Counsel in the firm’s Tax practice. Tara Nestor joins from Hogan Lovells as Of Counsel in Debt Capital Markets.
Europe
McDermott Rebuilds Brussels with Baker McKenzie Privacy Partner Hire
McDermott Will & Schulte has hired Senior Privacy Partner Elisabeth Dehareng from Baker McKenzie in Brussels, effective May 18th. Elisabeth joins the Regulatory practice group.
Clyde & Co strengthens with Partner of DLA Piper
Clyde & Co strengthens its advice in the field of IT law and Data Protection in their Düsseldorf office. Dr. Thorsten Ammann has joined the firm as an Equity Partner on May 18, 2026.
Orsingher Ortu Avvocati Associati hires two Corporate/M&A lawyers from K&L Gates
Orsingher Ortu Avvocati Associati announces two new hires: Arturo Meglio as Partner in the Corporate/M&A department, and Luca Nardello, Managing Associate. Arturo and Luca are based in Milan.
Squire Patton Boggs and Stephenson Harwood add Disputes Partners in Madrid
Squire Patton Boggs and Stephenson Harwood have both made senior hires in Madrid, adding Arbitration and Restructuring expertise, respectively, to their Spanish Disputes practices. Squire Patton Boggs has recruited former Ministerio de Justicia State Attorney Lorena Fatás Pérez as a Litigation Partner in their Madrid office. Stephenson Harwood has hired Restructuring and Insolvency specialist Juan Oñate from Pérez-Llorca to work in their Madrid office as Managing Partner.
Team
Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy welcomes Mohamed Nabil Hazzaa and Naila Ramsay
Mohamed Nabil Hazzaa will join as Partner and Co-Head of Finance & Projects. Naila Ramsay joins as Partner in Finance & Projects. Both Partners previously worked at Sharkawy & Sarhan and are based in Cairo.
Orrick raids Dechert in Paris for five-strong hire
Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe has hired a senior Dechert partner in Paris, along with his team, adding heft to the firm’s European Healthcare and Life Sciences bench. Partner Alain Decombe leads the team – which includes Vianney Toulouse, a Senior Associate who will join Orrick as a Partner – to their new firm after nearly 21 years at Dechert.
Kirkland hires four-Partner Antitrust team from Cleary across London and Brussels
Kirkland & Ellis has hired four Antitrust Partners from Cleary. The Partners are Robert Snelders, Thomas Graf, and Conor Opdebeeck-Wilson in Brussels and London addition Henry Mostyn.
Promotions & Appointments
Gateley announces Middle East promotion
Gateley announces the promotion of Amun Bashir to Partner in their Middle East Corporate team. Amun is based in Dubai.
Gowling WLG announces Middle East promotion
Gowling WLG announces the promotion of Simon Elliott to Partner in their Middle East Corporate team. Simon is based in Dubai.
Brabners Welcomes New Head of Corporate
Brabners has appointed Corporate partner Ruth Hargreaves as its new Head of Corporate. Ruth’s planned succession of Mark Rathbone in the role follows year-on-year growth for Brabners’ 76-strong corporate team, which she will head as it continues to build on its sector-led investment and the firm’s expanding national platform. Ruth is based in Manchester.
Freshfields Adds Mark Sansom as New Global Client Partner & Victoria Sigeti as UK Managing Partner
Global law firm Freshfields has named Mark Sansom (Antitrust Litigation) as its new global Client Partner, with Victoria Sigeti appointed as the firm’s new UK Managing Partner. Both Partners are based out of Freshfields’ London office.
Hayes Solicitors LLP announces 11 promotions
Hayes solicitors LLP has announced 11 promotions across the firm, including two new Partners, three Senior Associates, and six Associates.
Linklaters appoints new National Managing Partner for Saudi Arabia
Amro Bakhaidar has been appointed as the National Managing Partner – Saudi Arabia for a four-year term. Amro is a leading specialist in equity capital markets and public M&A transactions in Saudi Arabia. Amro is based in Riyadh.
Firm and Market Activity
Office Openings & Closings
Addleshaw Goddard relocates Edinburgh office
International law firm Addleshaw Goddard has completed its office move in Edinburgh city centre. The firm has taken almost 30,000 sq ft space at 24 St Andrew Square, following a complete refurbishment which has maintained the building’s classical façade while providing modern, open plan efficient offices.
Macdonald Henderson moves to new Glasgow office
Macdonald Henderson is relocating its Glasgow city centre office to new premises. From 18 May 2026, its new address will be Wellington Place, 107 West Regent Street.
Squire Patton Boggs have moved into their Birmingham offices
SPB reports that their Birmingham colleagues have moved into their office from 18 May 2026. This move reflects their commitment to the city and continued growth across the Midlands.
Charles Russell Speechlys moves offices in Milan following consistent growth of Italian practice
The Firm now occupies two floors at Via Borgona 8, a historic trophy asset and free-standing building in Milan’s city centre. The Firm now has 17 lawyers and 5 support employees across the Italian practice, with ample headroom for future growth.
The practice has opened premises on Main Street, expanding into South Lanarkshire. Elaine MacDonald, Senior Partner, said: “It’s incredibly rewarding to see how the firm has grown over the past five years. Building a strong and reputable brand in such a short period of time is something we’re very proud of.”
Frankfurt lawyer trio launches its own law firm for Corporate deals
Stephan Ebner, Rolf Landgraf and Michel de Araujo Kurth are taking the plunge into self-employment. Their boutique, Maclaw, is intended to advise medium-sized companies and owner families on transactions and succession issues.
Ex-A&O Shearman Partner founds new Tax and Legal boutique in Luxembourg
SCHAFFNER is an independent Tax law boutique based in Luxembourg, built on excellence, precision, trust and long-term client relationships. The boutique was founded by Jean Schaffner formerly of A&O Shearman.
Mergers & Alliances
As of May 18th, the combination between Browne Jacobson and Davidson McDonnell is officially complete. As a result, almost 50 professionals join Browne Jacobson, with Davidson McDonnell’s Directors becoming Partners in the firm.
Turley Legal acquires Limavady firm Martin King French & Ingram
Coleraine-based Turley Legal has announced the acquisition of Martin King French & Ingram. The deal marks a significant milestone for Turley Legal as it expands its geographic footprint into Limavady, strengthening its presence across the North West and complementing its existing offices in Coleraine and Belfast. It also broadens the firm’s service offering, enhancing its ability to support clients in residential property, private client and personal legal matters alongside its established corporate and commercial expertise.
Financial Results
Moore Barlow reveals revenue hike amid Knights merger discussions
Moore Barlow, the South East firm currently in merger discussions with Knights, saw revenue rose by 13 per cent in 2025/26. Billings rose to £44.7m, with the insolvency and restructuring team beating its revenue target by 46 per cent, family by 9 per cent, and the schools and charities team by 12 per cent.
Knights passes £200m after another year of mergers
Listed law firm Knights has reported a revenue increase of 28 per cent to £207m for the 2025/26 financial year. Underlying profit before tax, meanwhile, rose 18 per cent to £33m.
Market Commentary
London Partner market cools amid top-tier talent squeeze
London’s lateral Partner market recorded its slowest opening quarter in three years in Q1 2026, according to a new report from legal search firm Macrae. There were 122 Partner moves during the quarter, down from 151 in Q1 2025, pointing to a more subdued start to the year after several years of elevated activity across the City market.
Kirkland & Ellis announced the formation of its integrated Real Assets Practice Group
The new practice will combine Kirkland’s Real Estate, Infrastructure, Energy and Minerals/Mining practices to align with client needs and industry trends. The combined group includes more than 600 lawyers across Kirkland’s global offices.
CM Murray appoints former Hill Dickinson Chief Executive as a strategic adviser
CM Murray has appointed former Hill Dickinson Chief Executive and Managing Partner Peter Jackson as a strategic adviser on a consultancy basis, as the specialist London boutique seeks to expand its work with law firms and other professional services clients.
Innovation & Culture
Technology & Innovation
Linklaters has established a team of lawyers and data scientists to build legal AI tools for clients of the top 10 UK law firm. The three data scientists and three lawyers will “develop customised AI workflows and tools for clients that an off-the-shelf tool cannot deliver”, Linklaters said.
Harvey announces partnership with Swiss legal AI intelligence platform DeepJudge
Harvey has announced a partnership with Swiss legal AI intelligence start-up DeepJudge, with the aim bring law firm and in-house expertise into AI-powered legal work. DeepJudge’s platform enables legal teams to integrate their previous work and decision making into Harvey’s workflows, helping lawyers to research, draft and analyse with AI but combined with their own institutional knowledge.
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