Moves:
UK & Ireland
US law firm Perkins Coie hires Ian Bagshaw for London launch
Perkins Coie, a US law firm, is establishing its presence in London with the hiring of heavyweight private equity lawyer Ian Bagshaw.
Emma Dwyer has joined Fieldfisher as a Partner in their Derivatives and Structured Finance Group
Emma makes her move from Allen & Overy where she was a partner for over 10 years.
McDermott Adds Heavyweight London Finance Duo From Morrison & Foerster
McDermott Will & Emery have enhanced their finance and restructuring expertise in London with the addition of a heavyweight finance duo from Morrison & Foerster. Christopher Kandel and John Burge join after spending almost five years each at Morrison & Foerster.
Cleary Gottlieb adds private equity lawyers from Kirkland, Travers Smith in London recruitment drive
Counsel Joanna Roberts leaves Travers Smith to become a partner in their debt finance practice as Alexander van der Gaag joins from Kirkland.
Beauchamps appoints John Gaffney as EU and competition partner and head of ESG
During his role as a partner at a prominent Dublin law firm’s EU, competition, and regulatory unit, Mr. Gaffney advised a wide range of public and private clients on matters pertaining to state assistance, competition, merger control, and public procurement law.
Tayor Wessing recruits patent specialist Eoin Martyn as partner
Mr. Martyn is admitted to practice as an attorney in Queensland, Australia, England & Wales, and Ireland. He joins from Mcann FitzGerald LLP.
EMEA
Hausfeld, a global disputes-only law firm, is happy to announce that partners Joanna Christoforou from Morgan Lewis and René Galle from A&O Shearman will join its London and Hamburg offices, respectively. Both have extensive experience in antitrust law and antitrust litigation.
Addleshaw Goddard adds new Employment partner to growing Middle East business
Addleshaw Goddard has appointed Rachel Hill as a Partner in its regional employment practice. Her appointment comes shortly after Anna Zeitlin from PwC joins the firm to build a fintech practice.
Standard Bank Loses Top Lawyers, Including Former Norton Rose CEO, to African Firms ENS and CDH
CDH South Africa has named Marelise van der Westhuizen, Standard Bank’s head of disputes, as a director in its dispute resolution practice.
Goodwin and White & Case Grow Investment Funds Practices in Luxembourg
In order to address the increasing demand from clients for specialized funds counsel and to pursue new market opportunities, White & Case has appointed Emmanuel Gutton, a seasoned global investment funds attorney, as a partner. Virginie Leroy, a partner in private investment funds, has joined Goodwin Procter’s expanding Luxembourg office. She comes from AKD, a Benelux firm, where she co-headed the investment management practice and served as a partner.
APAC
Bird & Bird to open office in Tokyo, Japan, recruiting new partner Hiro Iwamura
Bird & Bird plans to create an office in Tokyo, Japan, before the end of the year, with Hiroyuki (Hiro) Iwamura serving as a partner in the region.
Baker McKenzie, Adds New Litigator as Firms in Korea Fight to Bolster Disputes Offering
Sunyoung Kim, who is dual-qualified in the United States and Korea, has spent the last ten years with Big Six firm Lee & Ko, her move to Baker McKenzie marks a return to the company, where she previously worked as an associate in the Hong Kong office.
Nishimura & Asahi Adds Hunton Andrews Kurth Tokyo Partner in Vietnam
Following Sean Conaty’s departure, Hunton Andrews Kurth will have one dual-based partner and one associate in Tokyo.
Trowers & Hamlins Hires Former Squire, McDermott Singapore Managing Partner
Ignatius Hwang has joined the firm as a partner and will oversee its Asian energy and infrastructure practices.
The Americas
Akin Adds Sidley Energy M&A, Projects Partner in Houston
Akin has announced that Trent Bridges, an energy transactions partner, has joined the firm’s Houston office. He comes to the firm from Sidley Austin and previously worked as vice president and assistant general counsel for Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.
Potter Anderson Welcomes New Delaware Counsel
Potter Anderson announced that Nicole K. Pedi has joined the firm as counsel with the General Litigation Practice Group.
Sullivan & Cromwell Lands 2 Skadden M&A Partners in Silicon Valley
Mike Ringler and Peter Jones are set to join from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, according to a firm statement.
People in the News—May 16, 2024—Fitzpatrick Lentz
David M. Steckel has been welcomed to Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba’s employment law and labour relations group.
Slew of Big Law Firms Invest in Lateral Partners in California
This past week, over a dozen Am Law 200 firms announced lateral hires in California. The majority of California hiring were made in Orange County and Los Angeles, but some also came from Palo Alto, Silicon Valley, and San Francisco. Several new attorneys were hired as part of the firm’s transactional practices.
Manufacturing Industry CLO Returns to K&L Gates After Two Decades
Dan Fayock was most recently executive vice president, chief legal officer, and corporate secretary for Arconic, an aluminium company.
Winston & Strawn Adds New IP Leader From Buchalter in San Francisco
Marlene Williams joins Winston & Strawn’s trademarks practice as global lead and counsel. Previously, Williams was a shareholder in Buchalter’s intellectual property firm, which operated out of Los Angeles and San Francisco.
On the Move and After Hours: Goldberg Segalla
Goldberg Segalla has announced the addition of Christopher J. Major, Esq. as a partner to the firm’s worker’s compensation group in Newark.
Norton Rose Fulbright Gains Private Equity Partner in Dallas
Nate Christensen, a private equity lawyer, has joined the firm’s Corporate, M&A, and Securities group as a partner in its Dallas office.
Debevoise Lands Clifford Chance US Antitrust Head
Tim Cornell had worked at Clifford Chance for almost 14 years and spent the last 11 as the firm’s head of antitrust in the United States.
Harter Secrest Adds Rochester Counsel, Nossaman Hires Denver Partner
Douglas R. Smith has joined Harter Secrest & Emery as counsel in the intellectual property practice group of the firm’s Rochester, New York, office; also, Nossaman has added Brent Butzin to its infrastructure group.
Lex Mundi Appoints Partner at Mexican Member Firm Basham as Chair
Carlos Velázquez De León will manage a network of over 150 renowned independent law firms from around the world as Lex Mundi begins on a new strategic plan.
In house
UnitedHealth Carves Out New Job for Legal Chief as DOJ Antitrust Probe Looms
Rupert Bondy will now be senior counsel and executive vice president for governance, compliance, and security.
Owner of Luxury Hotels Plucks New GC From Apartment Industry
Anika Fischer has taken over as legal director of DiamondRock Hospitality, which is experiencing leadership changes 20 years after its founding.
US coal mining business Alpha rehires former CLO to head legal team
Mark Manno has been rehired by US mining business Alpha Metallurgical Resources as general counsel. Roger Nicholson is departing the company at the end of this month.
US pizza chain Marco’s Pizza promotes former Subway lawyer to legal chief
US pizza business Marco’s Pizza has elevated Kristin Corcoran to the position of chief legal counsel, taking Todd Watson’s place as general counsel and top legal officer.
Team Moves
Venable, adding 8-Lawyer Lateral Team, Joins Fast-Growing Legal Market in Colorado
Venable LLP announced that they are expanding their geographic reach to include the state of Colorado, with the addition of eight top commercial and employment litigators and counsellors stationed in Denver. James (Jim) Sawtelle, a trial lawyer with over 30 years of experience, will be the partner in charge of Venable’s new office.
K&L Gates Recruits 4-Lawyer International Trade Group From DLA Piper
K&L Gates, a prominent international law practice, have taken a significant strategic step in hiring a four-lawyer International Trade Group from DLA Piper. The new hires join K&L Gates at a time when trade practices in Big Law are expected to grow.
HFW Poaches Again from MinterEllison, Takes Team of 7 in Hong Kong
A group of five associates, led by two disputes partners, Steven Yip and Malcolm Chin, has joined the UK company. Yip and Chin co-led MinterEllison’s building, infrastructure, and projects practice in Hong Kong. The team’s departure will leave the Australian corporation with no construction or project-focused offerings in the city.
Latham & Watkins Poised to Bring in Cahill Partner Trio in London
After more than three years at Cahill Gordon, Jonathan Brownson, Joydeep Choudhuri, and Prue Criddle are expected to join Latham. Between 2020 and 2021, all three of them moved from Allen & Overy, now known as A&O Shearman, to the Cahill’s London office.
Promotions & Appointments:
Freshfields Partner, NFL Players Union Attorney Named Legal Aid’s Servants of Justice
Mary Eaton, partner and co-head of securities and shareholder litigation at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, received the prize this year, as did DeMaurice Smith, former executive director of the National Football League Players Association.
Womble Bond Plans US Leadership Shift, After 9-Year Term of Betty Temple
Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP announced today that Merrick Benn has been appointed US Chair and CEO, beginning January 1, 2025. Benn, a member of the firm’s Global Board, will succeed Betty Temple, who has served as US Chair and CEO since 2016.
People in the News—May 15, 2024—Holland & Knight, Buchanan Ingersoll
Dana Feinstein, an employment attorney at Holland & Knight in Philadelphia, was recently elected to the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) board of directors.
Ashurst appoints Arnaud Julien as Luxembourg office Managing Partner
Ashurst, a global legal company, has announced that Arnaud Julien has been appointed managing partner of its Luxembourg office; previously, he was a partner in the investment funds department.
Bennett Jones Names New Office Leaders in Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto
Kwang Lim will take the leadership title in Vancouver, Preet Gill takes on the leadership role in Toronto, meanwhile acting Montreal managing partner Pascale Dionne-Bourassa now has the official title.
Norton Rose Fulbright Names Longtime Corporate Lawyer as New Managing Partner in Montreal
Nicolas Labrecque succeeds Luc Morin, who was just appointed as a judge.
Bird & Bird appoints Michael Finn to lead Irish office
Since becoming a partner in 2023, he has overseen some of the company’s most significant client engagements in the areas of intellectual property litigation, business conflicts, technology, and life sciences.
Keoghs NI announces 21 new appointments and promotions
The insurance law expert Keoghs has announced 21 new hires and promotions, including two new partners, six associates, and six more lawyers, marking a significant increase in Northern Ireland.
Mergers & Alliances:
Shearman-Associated Firm Is Being ‘Dissolved’ Following A&O Merger
Studio Legale Associato Shearman & Sterling (Studio Legale), the Italian firm that has served as Shearman & Sterling’s affiliated firm since 2021, is being dissolved, according to four sources familiar with the issue.
SurePoint Technologies Acquires Business Intelligence Provider Leopard Solutions
SurePoint Technologies has announced the purchase of Leopard Solutions as part of a strategic effort to strengthen its business intelligence capabilities. This acquisition is a big step forward for SurePoint Technologies as it attempts to strengthen its position in the competitive landscape of data analytics and business solutions.
Due diligence, done early in merger talks, should mitigate any potential surprises about litigation against a law firm.
Office Openings & Closing:
Paul Weiss Funds New Litigation Center to Combat Hate-Driven Violence
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP today announced the establishment of The Center to Combat Hate, which will work with civil rights organizations and educational institutions to pursue impactful litigation to address and rectify hate-motivated violence and intimidation.
Cahill Opens Delaware Office, Rolls Out Expanded Digital Assets Practice
Cahill Gordon & Reindel will create a new office in Wilmington, Delaware, as it develops its cryptocurrency business with three additional partners, the firm announced Wednesday.
Nelson Mullins Opens New LA Office, Adds 6-Lawyer Product Liability Team
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, a full-service national legal firm with offices across the country, announced the opening of a new office in downtown Los Angeles, California, as well as the addition of six litigation professionals from LondonFischer to the firm’s product liability practice.
British Firm Spencer West Opens Office in Sydney
The firm has appointed former BBC lawyer Andrew Ailwood as its new office lead.
Australia’s HWL Ebsworth Announces New Leaders After Managing Partner’s Death
Russell Mailler, the chief strategy officer who worked closely with Martinez, is promoted to chief executive partner, while Kris Hopkins is promoted to CEO.
Addleshaw Goddard Appoints New Middle East Managing Partner
Robin Hickman, who was chosen as Addleshaw Goddard’s regional managing partner for a four-year term beginning May 1, 2024, follows Andrew Johnston, who left the region to become the firm’s managing partner in London on the same date.
Financials:
Boosted by Energy Work, Bracewell Grew Revenue by 7.6%, PEP by 11.4% in 2023
With high demand in the energy sector in the United States and around the world, Bracewell’s revenue increased by 7.6% in 2023. In a year of great financial performance, revenue per lawyer increased by 14.1%, as did profits per equity partner by 11.4%.
According to Nvidia’s proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday, Timothy Teter’s remuneration has increased by 21% from the $9.1 million he received last year.
Q1 Results Suggest Texas Law Firms On Track for a Strong 2024
Larger legal firms started 2024 on a high note, with strong first-quarter performance. According to recent studies, revenue, demand, and rates increased, indicating a strong start to the year for the legal profession.
In-House Counsel Saw Pay Rise Over Past Year, Despite Drop in Job-Hopping
According to the research, median salary for in-house counsel increased by 4.4% in 2024 compared to the previous year, with managing counsel experiencing the highest rise (3.8%), followed by general counsel (3.2%) and senior counsel (2.9%).
Top Partner Pay at Simpson Thacher to Breach $20M
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett’s top partners are set to earn more than $20 million this year, as the Wall Street law firm widens the pay gap between its best and lowest-paid equity partners.
City pay war: Linklaters matches Freshfields with £150k NQ lawyer salary
The move represents a £25,000 or 20% rise in rates, which were previously £125,000. The raise went into effect at the beginning of the month.
Technology & Innovation:
Hence Technologies to Launch AI Software to Help Law Firms With Geopolitical Risks
Hence Technologies, a prominent provider of AI solutions, is going to launch innovative software to help law firms navigate geopolitical concerns. This new AI technology promises to provide legal professionals with real-time information and analysis to help them manage geopolitical risks and protect their clients’ interests.
Optimize AI Outputs With a Repeatable, Scalable Human QC Process
In this article, Mary Bennett, shares her story with AI and uses tools like ChatGPT and Grammarly are not just tools; they are game changers. They significantly enhance the quality and consistency of content, providing a reassuring boost to our work.
Big Law’s AI Talent War Aims to Influence Software Development
The current legal landscape shows an increase in Big Law’s interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Many of the major law firms are shifting to a more tech-centric approach, leveraging their status as leading users of legal technology to influence vendor development of AI-powered services.
Wilson Sonsini Brings ‘Agentic AI’ to Clients With New Neuron Contracting Module
The commercial solution is the latest addition to Neuron, Wilson Sonsini’s next-generation proprietary software platform that streamlines, automates, and digitizes the normal legal processes that a start-up goes through—from formation to exit.
‘Another Arrow in the Quiver’: Quinn Brings AI-Backed Litigation Forecasting Tools to All US Lawyers
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, the world’s largest all-disputes law firm, announced this morning that it will collaborate with Pre/Dicta, a legal technology start-up that uses artificial intelligence and data analytics to produce forecasting tools for litigators.
Swedish Gen AI Assistant Leya Raises $10.5M in Seed Funding
Leya offers a platform with an AI system that integrates with the papers and information that firms have accumulated over time, as well as legal data from over 15 jurisdictions.
Everlaw Offers Free Gen AI Access Through ‘Everlaw for Good’ Program
Everlaw has launched the ‘Everlaw for Good’ program. This effort seeks to democratize access to cutting-edge legal technology by providing free access to Gen AI, Everlaw’s powerful AI-powered document analysis tool.
Klarna Lawyers Told to Use ChatGPT to Save Time Drafting Contracts
The CEO of the fintech company has instructed employees to “test, test, test, and explore,” with 86% of the legal function already using generative AI models in their daily work.
Diversity & Inclusion:
‘Walk a Fine Line’: Managing Hyperpolarized Environment Zooms Up Employers’ List of Worries
According to the Littler Mendelson 12th Annual Employer Survey, 49% of the 400 in-house lawyers, business executives, and HR professionals polled were moderately or very concerned about managing controversial political or social ideas in the run-up to the 2024 elections.
Rising Stars: Europe’s Best Up-and-Coming Female Lawyers, 2024
As businesses prioritize diversity and work-life balance, women lawyers say they are more able to establish their own pathways to success—meeting the demands of their practices while preserving and prioritizing their personal connections, family life, and passion projects.
Japan’s Big Law Firms Are Nurturing Female Talent. But What If the Talent Pool Dries Up?
In February, lawyer Reiko Fuchigami was elected president of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, heralding a triumph for gender equality in Japan. Her election garnered domestic and worldwide headlines because she is the first woman to lead Japan’s largest legal organization, which was created in 1949.
Q&As With The Legal’s Diversity Initiative Honorees
The Legal Intelligencer is proud to announce four finalists for the 2024 Diversity Initiative award.
Lawyer Suing King & Spalding Asks Law Firm to Apologize for Diversity Program Exclusion
A former University of Baltimore School of Law student claims King & Spalding refused to accept her for a summer associate diversity fellowship. She claims in a federal lawsuit that she was discriminated against because she is white and heterosexual.
Market Commentary:
‘A Leap of Faith’: Some In-House Leaders Join Fight to Fix Big Law’s Mental Health Crisis
Partner Michael Kraut is cited in a Corporate Counsel article about the possible role of legal departments in promoting the mental health of professionals at law firms.
How Much Deference Makes a Difference?
This article compares New York and New Jersey’s appellate standards of review for pain and suffering awards in medical malpractice claims.
Navigating a New Legal Landscape: Protecting the Corporate Veil in the Med Mal Suit
David G. Tomeo and Melissa A. Dziak, shareholders with Marshall Dennehey, write that “This article explores the historical roots and status of the “piercing the corporate veil” doctrine in New Jersey and Pennsylvania”.
Pennsylvania Legal Awards: 2024 Lawyers on the Fast Track (Large Firms)
This award honours the region’s most promising Pennsylvania and Delaware lawyers under the age of forty.
It’s a Good Time to Be a Sports and Entertainment Lawyer in Sunny South Florida
This article discusses how sports and entertainment are hard industries to navigate, but they are also incredibly enjoyable to work in.
Osborne Clarke becomes first firm referred to tribunal over alleged ‘SLAPP’
Osborne Clarke is one of two firms referred to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) for allegedly utilizing a’strategic lawsuit against public participation’ (SLAPP) to represent former Conservative Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi.
Can Hong Kong’s Independent Law Firms Survive Without a Chinese Tie-Up?
The legal business has seen a surge of mergers between Hong Kong- and mainland China-founded firms, indicating that Hong Kong local practices are reconsidering their future as independent firms.
Eversheds and Fieldfisher miss out on £4m HS2 panel
Three companies have secured £4 million slots on the most recent panel of High Speed Two railway (HS2), taking the place of Eversheds Sutherland and Fieldfisher. Sharpe Pritchard, Gowling WLG, and Burges Salmon have all been awarded positions on the panel for general, commercial, and procurement legal services.
A problem shared is a problem halved: is that the case for lawyers?
This article was written by Nikki Edwards and Avneet Baryan who believe that creating a safe space for lawyers to share their feelings can improve mental health and wellbeing.
Nurturing the Next Generation: Professional Development in the Legal Sphere
By embracing lifelong learning, ethical leadership, and technological innovation, young attorneys may negotiate the intricacies of the legal world and make significant contributions.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Another Exit For Travers As Corporate Partner Walks To Linklaters
Richard Spedding, an M&A partner in Travers Smith’s corporate M&A and equity capital markets practice, joined in 1999 following five years as an associate at Freshfields.
Squire Patton Boggs adds partners across UK from four firms
SPB has employed Ellie Pinnells from Fieldfisher to lead its Birmingham litigation team.
Philip Lee welcomes Dr Alison Hardiman as planning and environmental partner
Philip Lee has made Dr Alison Hardiman a partner in the firm’s planning and environmental practice.
DLA Piper recruits former European Medicines Agency legal head
DLA Piper has hired Stefano Marino, the former head of the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) legal department, as a senior consultant.
EMEA
Paul Weiss Expansion Drive Continues With Further Additions
Richard Pepper has worked with Macfarlanes for nearly three years and joined the firm in 2021. He worked as a counsel at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton for ten years and trained at Slaughter and May.
Africa Moves: PwC Director and Shell Counsel Take Law Firm Roles
The director of legal business and solutions at PwC in Kenya has joined Spencer West, a fee-sharing UK law practice, as a co-founding partner in its Nairobi office. Joseph Githaiga joined the firm on May 1st and will work on the corporate, commercial, and data protection and cyber security departments, according to the announcement.
Isabelle Dauzet joins Stephenson Harwood as partner
Stephenson Harwood LLP has bolstered its international employment skills with the addition of partner Isabelle Dauzet, who will manage the firm’s Paris employment team.
Eversheds Hires Partner-Led Banking Team in Milan, in Latest Shearman-Related Exit After A&O Tie-Up
Pasquale Bifulco, who joined Eversheds, comes from Studio Legale Associato Shearman & Sterling, where he was a partner, and leads a team that includes a senior associate and an associate acquired from another firm.
Paul Weiss adds antitrust partner from European Commission for Brussels launch
Henrik Morch has joined the firm’s antitrust practice as a partner after spending more than three decades at the European Commission.
APAC
Korea’s Big Six Yulchon Adds Tech and Entertainment Expert from Lee & Ko
South Korea’s Big Six firm Yulchon has hired Chunghwan Choi to its intellectual property and technology practice in Seoul.
Loeb & Loeb Takes Two from CMS Hong Kong Affiliate
Shirley Lau and Polly Liu have joined Loeb & Loeb in Hong Kong as partners in the Capital Markets and Corporate department.
Yoon & Yang adds three former judges to bolster litigation bench
South Korea Big Six firm Yoon & Yang has continued to develop its litigation practice after adding three former judges Dongkeun Lee (L), Jae Ho Hwang, and Sungwook You to its rapidly expanded partner ranks.
The Americas
Former Federal Prosecutor Adds Name to New York Litigation and White-Collar Boutique’s Shingle
Lynn Neils has become a named partner at Elliott Kwok Levine Jaroslaw Neils, where she will be reunited with fellow Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison alums Mark Elliott, Ilene Jaroslaw, and Matthew Levine, who worked together as associates in the early 1990s.
Gibson Dunn, Cahill Hire NY Restructuring Partners as Practice Outperforms Most
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is delighted to announce that Caith Kushner has joined the firm’s New York office as a partner and member of the Liability Management and Special Situations Practice in the Business Restructuring and Reorganisation Practice Group.
After Stint at Freshfields, Antitrust Duo Returns to Wilson Sonsini
Jamillia Ferris, who previously led Freshfields’ U.S. antitrust practice, has rejoined Wilson Sonsini as a partner, alongside Matthew McDonald.
Mintz Hires Manatt’s Data Privacy Leader, 2 Colleagues in Boston Expansion
Scott Lashway, who founded Manatt’s Boston office in 2019, is now the co-chair of Mintz’s data privacy and cybersecurity practice.
Skadden Adds Sofi GC, Shearman Fintech Co-Chair to Lead Financial Regulatory Group
Mark Chorazak and Adam Cohen join in Washington DC and New York respectively amid increasing US bank regulation.
Energy Partners Make Big Law Moves in Texas
Andrew Lehman, a private equity partner at McDermott Will & Emery, has returned to Akin as a partner in Houston; Husch has hired Locke Lord energy regulatory partner Carrie Collier-Brown in Austin; and Clifford Chance has hired Shearman & Sterling tax partner Todd Lowther to its US tax practice in Houston.
Gowling WLG Snags Former Top Lawyer From Canada’s Largest Alcohol Retailer
Julie Lane joins the firm’s food and beverage group after working for the Liquor Control Board of Ontario for more than two decades.
Ashurst Hires Papua New Guinea Partner from PwC
Ashurst, a global law firm, has expanded its Port Moresby office by hiring Tureia Sample as their new Projects and Corporate partner. Tureia will become the Office Managing Partner (OMP) later this year. Her appointment demonstrates Ashurst’s commitment to the energy transition and its ongoing investment in Papua New Guinea.
Freshfields Antitrust Duo Returns to Wilson Sonsini
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, the world’s leading provider of legal services to technology, life sciences, and growth industries, announced that Jamillia Ferris and Matthew McDonald have rejoined the firm as partners.
Newsmakers: ‘I hope I make him proud:’ Alfred Ted Ruemke Joins PMR Law in Honor of Late Son
Esteemed trial lawyer Alfred “Ted” Ruemke has moved to Houston-brd Paranjpe Mahadass Ruemke, or PMR Law, in honour of his late son, who co-founded the firm.
Steptoe, Nixon Peabody and Nelson Mullins Announce DC Litigation, Investigations Hires
Steptoe has hired Sandra Hanna, a partner at Miller & Chevalier, to expand its investigations and white-collar defence practice in Washington, D.C., and New York.
Kate Felton has joined Nossaman’s environment and land use division, while Jeff Sharkey has joined Balch & Bingham’s Washington, D.C. office as a senior regulatory adviser to expand the firm’s nuclear energy practice.
Alston & Bird boosts US litigation group with Pryor Cashman partner hire
Scott Schirick joins in New York, where he will focus on federal and state litigation, regulatory, and white-collar issues.
In-House
Collision-Repair Giant’s Executive Overhaul Includes Hiring PE Veteran as CLO.
Caliber Collision, the nation’s largest collision repair chain, has appointed Mark Chloupek as its chief legal officer.
Former Legal Exec at Hulu, Disney Joins Telecom Aiming to Narrow Digital Divide
Chadwick Ho, a member of the leadership team that founded the streaming website Hulu in 2007, is taking over legal control of Lumen Technologies, an old-school telecom that has transformed itself into a broadband provider for the masses.
Intercepted Memo Says NFL’s Legal Chief to Retire After Quarter-Century With League
Jeff Pash, the NFL’s executive vice president and general counsel, is ready to retire after 27 years with the organization.
Ex-Conagra General Counsel Takes Legal Reins of Rival Hormel
Colleen Batcheler has returned to the food sector after a two-year hiatus to help Hertz regain traction after its bankruptcy.
Former Simmons & Simmons lawyer takes legal reigns of Post Office Ltd.
Daniel Chumbley is leaving Simmons, where he was an adaptive consultant, to take on the position of Head of Legal at Post Office Ltd.
Space internet business AST SpaceMobile hires CLO
AST SpaceMobile, a US-listed space-based internet services company, has appointed Andrew Johnson as its new chief legal officer, succeeding outgoing general counsel Brian Heller.
Lumen Technologies names former Sabre CLO as next legal head
Chad Ho will be replacing long-time legal chief Stacey Goff, who is exiting after 26 years with the company.
Team Moves
Italian Practices Hire Up Amid A&O Shearman Launch
Fabio Fauceglia, an M&A partner at Studio Legale, has joined Orrick’s M&A and private equity division in Milan, along with five associates, beginning May 1st. Orrick has also hired Leonardo Pinta, an associate at Studio Legale, as an M&A counsel in Rome, starting May 1st.
Squire Patton Boggs Adds Partners From 4 Firms in UK Hiring Push
The London hires include finance lawyer Chris Hastings from Eversheds Sutherland, Georgie Messent who is the former director, and head of environmental and sustainability at PwC, and tax lawyer David Nisbet from Osborne Clarke.
Archer & Greiner has brought on eight associates to their office in New Jersey; Genova Burns adds two attorneys; and more moves.
JSA adds four-lawyer disputes team from K law
Promotions & Appointments:
People in the News—May 7, 2024—Hamburg Rubin, Pietragallo Gordon
Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin announced that John F. McCaul has been elected to the board of directors for the MontCo Anti-Hunger Network (MAHN).
People in the News—May 8, 2024—Raynes & Lawn
Community Legal Services and Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA) recently welcomed two new members to their overlapping boards of directors including Joseph Z. Traub, a partner at Raynes & Lawn.
Vaughan McLean, Formerly Vaughan Baio, Appoints New Leader, While Pursuing Further Growth
Tracey McLean, headquartered in Syracuse, New York, will join Joseph Vaughan at the firm, which has also added workers in New Jersey, Florida, and Philadelphia.
People in the News—May 10, 2024—Archer & Greiner, Reger Rizzo
Debra S. Rosen, an Archer & Greiner partner, has been appointed to the Alice Paul Institute’s (API) board of directors.
Buchanan Ingersoll’s New Leader Eyes Strategic Growth in Existing Markets
On Thursday, Pittsburgh-based James Newell succeeded Joe Dougherty as chairman and CEO of the Am Law 200 business.
Fountain Court’s Matthew Gearing KC becomes first former solicitor called to Singapore Bar
The former A&O partner has joined Toby Landau KC and Jern-Fei Ng KC as UK appointments to the Law Society of Singapore.
McDermott Will & Emery refreshes London leadership team
Aymen Mahmoud will take over as London managing partner from Hamid Yunis, while Graham White will become senior partner.
McCann FitzGerald appoints Adam Finlay as head of technology and innovation
McCann FitzGerald has named Adam Finlay to lead the firm’s technology and innovation group.
Mergers & Alliances:
Midmarket Firms Based in New York and Connecticut Combine for Greater Shared Presence in Northeast.
Harris Beach, based in Rochester, is completing plans to merge with Murtha Cullina, a Connecticut-based firm with a presence throughout New England, to form Harris Beach Murtha, which will have over 250 attorneys working from 15 offices across three states.
Clark Hill Launches Boulder Office in Combination With Food, Beverage, Hospitality Boutique
Clark Hill, an Am Law 200 company, has expanded its Mountain West presence by combining with Boulder’s three-lawyer LaszloLaw.
Australia’s Thomson Geer Takes Over Perth Practice, Buys Stake in IP Business
The company announces that it has purchased a 4.9% share in takeover target Qantm.
Office Openings & Closing:
‘Macro Impacts’: How Much Am Law 200 Firms Have Reduced Their Space
In 2023, the Am Law 200 firms leased an average of 525,500 square feet of office space for $50.20 per square foot. This article shows how the stats have changed in recent years.
Top Biglaw Firm Opens Another Texas Outpost With The Help Of Some Lateral Partners
Willkie Farr & Gallagher, a firm that brought in $1,500,000,000 gross revenue in 2023, ranking it at No. 30 on the most current Am Law 100, is opening its latest office.
As More Law Firms Expand in Texas, Some Am Law 25 Firms Stay on Sidelines
Six of the Am Law 25 firms do not have an office in Houston. Is it more difficult to attract high-performing staff when other Am Law 100 firms have already relocated in?
Barnes & Thornburg Relocates Nashville Office Near Health Care Institutions
Barnes & Thornburg LLP has announced the launch of a new office in Nashville, Tennessee. The office will be led by five new partners in key areas for the firm, including capital markets partners Jay H. Knight and Taylor K. Wirth, healthcare partners J.D. Thomas and Elisa Harris, and white-collar litigation partner Joy Boyd Longnecker.
UK Firm Opens 11-Strong Office in Peru Led by Three Partners
The Lima office’s inauguration follows the firm’s March 2024 expansion in Mexico, when it acquired a 12-person team managed by three seasoned litigators.
Freeman Mathis & Gary Opens Fort Lauderdale Office, Plans for More Florida Growth
Managing Partner Ben Mathis said “Both in Tampa and now in Fort Lauderdale, (lawyers) are just busy. We could hire someone tomorrow with no business at any level and fill them up.”
Financials:
The 2024 Am Law 200: Ranked By Gross Revenue
Gross Revenue for the Second Hundred increased in 2023 by 5.9%, which is higher than the 4.2% increase in 2022.
S&P predicts “flat to 10% growth” in capital markets revenue relating to institutional lenders for 2024.
Pa.’s Second Hundred Sees Increased Revenue, Mixed Performance
The performance of Pennsylvania’s Second Hundred firms was more variable, with several struggling to meet the national average of 5.9% revenue growth.
Quinn Emanuel Hikes London NQ Pay to £180K
The news about the raise comes after Freshfields’ increase earlier this month, with some suggesting it signals a revival of the pay war.
Technology & Innovation:
Aderant Launches Stridyn, New AI-Powered Cloud Platform to Connect All Products
Stridyn will now power all of Aderant’s cloud applications with built-in AI capabilities offered via MADDI, the provider’s AI-powered virtual assistant that debuted last summer.
Reveal Acquires Onna to Enhance E-Discovery Platform’s Data Management Capabilities
Reveal, an e-discovery service, has announced the acquisition of Onna, a data management platform, confirming its ambition to develop an end-to-end electronic discovery tool powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
‘Making Sure the World Knows We Are Doing It’: Sullivan & Cromwell Formalizes AI Practice
The firm has been working on artificial intelligence since 2015, however the recent advancements in capability, along with growing amounts of money invested as well as ethical and political questions, demand a more focused approach.
Think Gen AI Is Mind-Blowing Today? Next Decade’s Advancements Will Be ‘Momentous’
Suffolk University Law School Dean Andrew Perlman stated, “I believe it is going to be the most significant technology ever created for the legal industry and many others, In a CLOC Global Institute keynote.”
CLOC Legal Tech Rundown: Ironclad Custom AI, New Lexis Tool and More
An update on product introductions and new alliances from the CLOC Global Institute 2024 conference in Las Vegas, featuring ContractPodAi, Evisort, Icertis, Ironclad, and LexisNexis.
Legal Tech Rundown: Adobe Acrobat AI Assistant, New DISCO Features, Taft AI Group and More
Aatos, a Helsinki-based legal technology and legal services software firm, announced plans to expand throughout Finland, Sweden, and Denmark. Also, Adobe has announced the release of Acrobat AI Assistant for its enterprise customers.
Hence Technologies to Launch AI Software to Help Law Firms with Geopolitical Risks
The software promises to not only map geopolitical events and transform them into legal concerns, but it also aims to assist in-house legal departments in identifying potential political implications and infringements on their transactions and matters.
Clients are increasingly turning away from Big Law in search of that elusive personal touch, while young litigators want autonomy in their own companies.
Sullivan & Cromwell eyes artificial intelligence growth with new practice launch
Sullivan & Cromwell, a top 25 US firm, has launched a specialized artificial intelligence department to capitalize on the surge in generative AI technology and growing client demand for AI-related advice.
Diversity & Inclusion:
‘The Biggest Fallacy of the Industry’: How Flexible Working Policies are Failing Both Men and Women
Top lawyers and commentators highlight how policies fail women and how, owing to social pressure, men frequently avoid the subject entirely.
Market Commentary:
More Workers Seek Mental Health Accommodations, Creating Vexing Legal, HR Decisions for Firms
Littler Mendelson polled 400 in-house lawyers, executives, and HR professionals, and three-quarters of them observed an increase in requests for leaves of absence or other mental health accommodations.
‘We’re Watching A&O Shearman With Interest’: CMS’s New Senior Partner on US Merger Ambition
Charles Currier, who took the top job late last year, feels as if the firm has ‘good sense’ of the US market now.
As White & Case Celebrates 50 Years in D.C., Firm Focuses on Litigation and Regulatory Strengths
While other large legal firms are expanding their Washington, D.C. offices to become full-service, White & Case’s emphasis on difficult regulatory and litigation matters in the District demonstrates the firm’s strategy for remaining profitable in that area.
Texas Second Hundred Grows to Four With Addition of Chamberlain Hrdlicka
The four Texas-based firms on the Second Hundred join six other Texas firms on the American Law 100.
Filings for Hong Kong listings have surged, as have privatizations. Kirkland, Clifford Chance, Davis Polk, and Skadden take up employment.
Dominant Dubai: Fresh Data Shows Most Middle East Lawyers are Based in the City
Despite Saudi Arabia’s and Abu Dhabi’s best efforts, an in-depth examination reveals that around 60% of lawyers at the top Middle Eastern companies are based in Dubai.
What’s Going On at Paul Weiss?
According to The Global Lawyer, the US company has solid reasons to rapidly expand with top-tier lawyers in London. However, it has since established itself in Brussels and opened a Latin America practice. Is the New York corporation expanding globally?
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Dentons hires Laura Whyatt as a competition partner in London
Dentons has engaged Laura Whyatt, a contentious competition lawyer, as a Partner in London. Laura joined Willkie Farr & Gallagher after previously working at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan and Sherman & Sterling in London and Brussels.
Allen & Overy’s UK financial services regulatory head resigns ahead of Shearman & Sterling merger
Damian Carolan heads for the exit as Magic Circle stalwart Allen & Overy prepared to merge with US law firm Shearman & Sterling on 1 May.
Latest Travers Defection as Infrastructure Partner Joins Sidley
Ben Thompson, who has been with Travers for just under three years, came from another US company, Weil, Gotshal Manges, where he was counsel.
Davis Polk Takes Paul Hastings’ Former Co-Head of Global Finance in London
In a statement regarding Luke McDougall’s departure, Paul Hastings expressed confidence in the London office and the firm overall, citing an increase in work so far in 2024.
White & Case, Linklaters Swap India Experts in Singapore, London
Savi Hebbur joined White & Case from Linklaters in London, and Sayak Maity left White & Case for Linklaters in Singapore.
Simmons & Simmons welcomes Micheál Mulvey as corporate partner
Mr Mulvey has over 15 years of experience advising clients on cross-border mergers and acquisitions, late-stage venture capital and corporate venturing, and foreign direct investment in a variety of industries, with a particular emphasis on healthcare and life sciences, technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT), and food and agribusiness.
EMEA
Germany Moves Digest: Hires for DLA Piper, Goodwin and Morgan Lewis
Partner Christian Freiherr von Buddenbrock joined DLA Piper’s new Düsseldorf office in the April of this year, together with one counsel and one senior associate.
Orrick replenishes Milan office with hires from Shearman’s Italian arm
Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe has drafted in Fabio Fauceglia, the former M&A head of Shearman & Sterling’s Italian associate firm to rebuild its transactional capacity in the country.
Shearman’s Italy head joins White & Case on eve of A&O merger
Dominic Fanuele the head of Shearman & Sterling’s association firm in Italy, has left to join White & Case.
APAC
Weil Gotshal Hong Kong Managing Partner Leaves For GC Role
Tim Gardner, Weil Gotshal & Manges’ Hong Kong managing partner and co-head of its Asia private equity group, has left the company to become general counsel for PAG, an Asian private equity investment firm.
EY Law Braced For Trio of Departures
EY shuttered Riverview legal in December 2023 and stated that LC Lawyers, EY’s Hong Kong-affiliated legal firm, would also close its doors that month.
White & Case Adds Former Linklaters Asia Funds Head in Tokyo
Eriko Sakata, who has been with Linklaters for more than 20 years, advises global asset managers and blue-chip enterprises on the formation and management of investment funds and co-investment vehicles.
Australia’s JWS Hires Technology Partner Sophie Dawson from Bird & Bird
The hire comes after two technical partners left JWS last month.
Australian Firm Looks to Norton Rose for New Construction Partner
Alice Chen, who is joining Spark Helmore’s projects and government commercial team, specializes in construction contracts and procurement with a government-focused client base.
Asia Moves: Counsel-Level Hires Continue as Asian Firms Karas So, Chandler MHM Add to Ranks
Tara Hamilton, who is dual-qualified in Hong Kong and Australia, worked as a counsel at Weil, advising debtors and creditors on both contentious and non-contentious insolvency and restructuring situations. She also represents insolvency practitioners, trustees, and creditors in court.
The Americas
People in the News—April 30, 2024—Lamb McErlane, McNees
Lamb McErlane announced that attorney Katherine ‘Katie’ LaDow has been elected a partner in the firm.
Willkie Lures Investment Funds Leader From DLA Piper
Nathaniel Marrs, who previously co-led DLA’s investment fund department, has joined Willkie’s Chicago office.
Crowell Adds 2 More Corporate Partners From Neal Gerber in Chicago
Firm chair Phil Inglima said the four partners are considered as a team by their clients, and they anticipate the additions will help corporate growth both nationally and in the Chicago office.
Former Watergate Defense Attorney Leaves Squire Patton Boggs for Boutique, Citing Conflicts
Alvin Davis, who represented one of the Watergate plotters and was the Miami managing partner for two firms, is joining boutique company Heise Suarez Melville after years of dealing with conflict difficulties at his previous firm.
Big Law in DC Recruits From FDA, DOJ in Latest String of Government Hires
Several attorneys from the United States Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Justice have joined law firms in Washington, D.C. this week, including Sidley Austin, Mitchell Sandler, and Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel, in the latest round of federal government hires this election season.
Rate Flexibility, Plaintiff Focus Leads Atlanta Partner to Leave Seyfarth for Labor Boutique
Alex Meier said “there really is a lot of opportunity on the plaintiff’s side. I felt like there was a gap”.
Dentons Hires zs Litigation Partner from Ashurst
Jason Brooks will be located in the capital, Port Moresby. He is an experienced commercial litigation lawyer who handles judicial reviews, tax litigation, customs litigation, employment law, and regulatory concerns.
Brazil’s TozziniFreire Loses 3 Partners to Demarest, Another Partner to Lefosse
Partners João Busin, Juliana Maluf, and Beatriz Seixas joined Demarest Advogados, along with associates Isabella Koshyama, Bárbara Queiroz, Ilson Maciel, and Pedro Vecci. Additionally, Partner Fernando Carvalho joined Lefosse Advogados, along with associates Luis Sima, Beatriz Salotti, and Mylla Mattar.
Akerman Scoops Up Former Miami-Dade Attorney to Chair Land Use Practice
Dennis Kerbel had led the Miami-Dade County Attorney’s Office’s zoning, land use, and environment section since 2015.
On The Move: Jones Walker Seeks to Expand Tax Practice’s Reach; King & Spalding Adds Ex-Prosecutor
Zach Branson’s return to Jones Walker in Atlanta adds to the attraction of the firm’s national tax credits business, according to a practice leader. Also, Barry Kamar, a partner at King & Spalding, will strengthen the firm’s regional contacts in the Middle East and Latin America.
Connecticut Movers: Key Moves at Law Firms in Stamford, Hartford and New Haven
Former federal prosecutor Stephen B. Reynolds has returned to Day Pitney as a partner in the firm’s government enforcement and white-collar criminal defense group in Stamford.
Gibson Dunn Hires Wachtell FinReg Counsel to Join as Partner
Ro Spaziani collaborates with three Gibson Dunn practice areas at the confluence of financial regulation, fintech, and digital assets.
Faegre Drinker Adds Phila. Partners From Ballard Spahr, Manko Gold
Timothy Katsiff is a commercial litigator, whereas Thomas Duncan specializes in environmental transactions.
Paul Weiss Lands M&A Heavy Hitter From Cleary
Jim Langston joins Paul Weiss in New York as the need for corporate and M&A lawyers remains large, despite a sluggish transaction recovery.
Ex-Quinn Emanuel Sports Practice Leader Lands at Bilzin Sumberg
Robert Raskopf took two years out of the private practice world starting in 2021. He’s previously represented the Washington Commanders and Jerry Falwell Jr.
Clifford Chance underlines US ambitions with hires from Shearman and White & Case
Todd Lowther joins CC’s tax, energy, and infrastructure teams from Shearman in Houston, where the firm launched an office last summer to focus on energy and infrastructure work. Meanwhile, in New York, the firm has engaged Chang-Do Gong from White & Case to help strengthen its US M&A practice.
In-House
Longtime Lawyer at Hush Puppies Parent Steps Into GC Role at Messy Time
Dave Latchana is taking over legal operations at Wolverine Worldwide, which is struggling to compete with inexpensive shoe makers.
Nextdoor Chief Legal Officer Joins Executive Exodus
John Orta will leave the social networking platform for communities on May 8, marking the end of his nearly six-year tenure as legal chief.
Legal Chief Who Led Southwest Through 9/11, COVID-19 Stepping Down
Mark Shaw, 61, is staying on as executive adviser. Southwest CEO Bob Jordan reported that Shaw “helped us navigate many triumphs and challenges throughout his career.”
In-House Moves of Month: Hertz, IBM, TikTok Grab Headlines
Bethesda, Maryland-based DiamondRock Hospitality, an owner of high-end hotels, said goodbye to Bill Tennis, 69, its general counsel of 14 years.
E-Discovery Startup Fileread Hires Former AstraZeneca Head of Legal Services Josh Kreamer as GC
The hire comes less than a year after Fileread raised $6 million in funding from a Google-backed investment venture.
Former Post Office General Counsel Leaves Current GC Role Amid Inquiry Questioning
Chris Aujard, the Post Office’s temporary general counsel from 2013 to 2015, resigned from a number of general counsel and/or secretary positions for fintech investment firm FNZ on April 23.
Rebuilding French Supermarket Group Casino Hires Restructuring Lawyer as GC
Ubisoft, the video game company, has also appointed a replacement for its long-time chief legal officer.
BHP Group General Counsel Steps Down
Lyndon Arnall was appointed in 2020, but he declared on LinkedIn that April 30 would be his last day at the organization.
EY Turns to Veteran of NYC Office to Fill Global GC Post
Michael Solender, EY’s senior lawyer for a decade, is handing over legal responsibilities to top deputy David Weintraub.
Team Moves
Kirkland Targets Goodwin Again to Add More Funds Lawyers
Mirela Hristova, Michelle Kim, and Joseph Baron are among the firm’s most recent hires, overseen by partner James Donohue. All four will become partners at Kirkland.
18-Lawyer Team From Seyfarth Exiting for Immigration Boutique
Nearly 90 people, including lawyers and employees, could relocate from Seyfarth to BAL.
On The Move: Seyfarth Grows Corporate Group With BCLP Laterals
Meanwhile, Nelson Mullins has expanded its litigation practice with new partners in D.C. and Charlotte, and a former Kilpatrick associate has returned from a general counsel post.
Small Firm’s Full Roster of Attorneys Moves to Warshaw Burstein
Brady Klein & Weissman will continue to function as a limited liability partnership for fee collections, so the transfer is not a merger.
Insurance Team Leaves Clyde & Co in Latest Defection
Janette McLennan, an insurance partner at Clyde & Co, and her team are departing to join Sparke Helmore in Australia, this is the latest of several partner exits from the UK-based firm.
Paul Hastings Grabs Partner-Led Team From DLA Piper to Rebuild Restructuring Department in Paris
This year, the company expanded its European financial restructuring practice by adding many partners, including a new group co-chair.
In 10-Lawyer Move, Mintz Lures Proskauer Life Science Patent Chair and Team
Mintz is expanding its patent litigation bench in Los Angeles, Boston, and New York with a 10-lawyer team.
Promotions & Appointments:
People in the News—April 29, 2024—Faegre Drinker, Saxton & Stump
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath has announced its 2024 leadership appointments, including Philadelphia-based partner Elizabeth K. Lange’s appointment as vice chair of Women’s Forward.
Bird & Bird appoints lawyers in global promotion round
Bird & Bird appoints 13 to Partner, 3 to Senior Counsel, 24 to Counsel, 1 to Legal Director and 1 to Of Counsel in annual global promotion round.
A&O Shearman Names UK and US Managing Partners
In the United Kingdom, Denise Gibson, an Allen & Overy partner, has been appointed managing partner. She serves as co-head of the global leveraged finance group and a partner in the London banking practice.
Newsmakers: Managing Shareholder Named to Chamberlain Hrdlicka’s San Antonio Office
Chamberlain Hrdlicka today announced that Jaime Vasquez has been designated managing shareholder of the firm’s San Antonio location.
After 2 Years of Increases, Partner Promotions Slowed at Texas Law Firms for 2024
The 25 companies with the most lawyers in Texas elevated 19.3% fewer lawyers to partner in 2024 compared to 2023.
Promotions Season Continues Apace as 4 UK Firms Bolster Ranks
Bird & Bird, Taylor Wessing, Kennedys, and DAC Beachcroft are the latest firms to announce their new partner cohorts.
DAC Beachcroft names Ronan McLoughlin as new Irish chief
Mr McLoughlin succeeds Lisa Broderick, who took over the top job in 2018, for an initial three-year term.
William Fry names nine new partners
The business has hired nine new partners in four departments: asset management and investment funds, litigation and investigations, real estate, and technology, as well as two new consultants and thirteen senior associates.
Mergers & Alliances:
Can Big Law Merge in Chicago Any More?
Willkie’s Craig Martin said that Chicago’s “diversity of business” is driving legal demand.
Harrisburg Boutiques Merge, Looking to Innovate on Work-Life Balance
SkarlatosZonarich and Mette, Evans & Woodside have merged to form a 25-lawyer firm known as Mette.
A&O Shearman Goes Live, With New Firm Naming Board and Practice Leaders
Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling have finalized their merger, with firm leadership boasting of a marriage that will result in a $3.5 billion multinational legal firm with over 4,000 lawyers, including 800 partners.
Smith, Gambrell & Russell Grows Real Estate, International Practices in New York
The Atlanta-based firm acquired two real estate attorneys and merged with a small practice that represents German corporations in the United States.
Connecticut’s Wiggin and Dana Absorbs Boca Raton Trusts and Estates Boutique
The combination with Ellis Law gives the firm, historically concentrated in the Northeast, a second office in Florida.
Office Openings & Closing:
Cravath Moves Into New Manhattan Headquarters
The firm, which signed a lease for the premises in 2019, announced on Monday that it had finished the transition.
Mayer Brown Set to Split With 170-Lawyer Greater China Offices
The firm’s Hong Kong office is one of the largest businesses conducted by an international legal firm, but it has been hampered by a market slump, data security concerns, and a political scandal.
White-Collar Boutique Launches in DC With Former SEC Official, Cranfill Sumner Partners
Christina Zaroulis Milnor, a former SEC official, will help start a new boutique in Washington, DC.
Blank Rome Recruits 25 Burns & Levinson Lawyers to Launch Boston Office
The hiring gives the Philadelphia-based firm its 16th location and a new cannabis practice.
Simpson Thacher Plans Boston Office, Hires Skadden Funds Partnerh
The New York legal practice is the third American legal 100 firm to announce a Boston location in the previous eight days.
Goodwin Enters Fresh London Digs, Complete with Dance Studio and Cathedral Views
The Boston-founded firm has moved into a new 90,000 square foot office in the heart of St Paul’s, in the latest London office move.
Eckert Seamans Products Liability Chair Exits to Open Bowman and Brooke’s Philadelphia Office
Partner Dennis Ziemba stated that “Certainly there is some crossover too from clients with Eckert, and also some clients of Bowman and Brooke I’m getting introduced to”.
Japan’s Atsumi & Sakai Launches 4th International Outfit in Brussels
The new office, run by lawyer Etsuko Kameoka, will specialize in European Union-related legal advice, particularly in competition law.
Clyde & Co Expands Saudi Presence With Jeddah Launch
The new office will be led by corporate and advisory partner Mohammed Almarzouki, who is a certified lawyer in Saudi Arabia, a trained solicitor in England and Wales, and an attorney in New York. He joined Clyde & Co in 2023 and has over a decade of experience assisting Saudi and multinational firms, as well as family businesses in Jeddah.
Cravath Moves Into New Manhattan Headquarters
The firm, which signed its lease for the space in 2019, said on Monday it completed the relocation.
Paul Weiss Launches Latin America Practice With Former Willkie Farr Partner at the Helm
Leticia Ossa Daza, a Colombian native who founded Willkie Farr’s Latin America practice, will now do the same for Paul Weiss as the American firm looks to expand in the region.
China Closures Continue as Sidley and Weil Winds Down Shanghai Offices
Sidley is shifting several of its lawyers, including two Shanghai partners, to its Beijing and Hong Kong offices, according to a lawyer at the US firm.
DLA Piper Opens Office in Brazil to Tap Cross-border Work
The São Paulo office will be overseen by a recent hire from Allen & Overy, with help from Brazilian lawyers headquartered in New York, as the company pursues more US-Brazil cross-border transactions.
Spanish Law Firm Uría Menéndez to Shutter Office in New York
The Spanish law firm’s Park Avenue office will close at the end of June, after 34 years in New York.
DLA Piper Loses Office in Colombia as Affiliate Firm Abandons Alliance
DLA Piper’s Colombia subsidiary has left the global law firm’s network, taking more than 120 lawyers with it.
Willkie Opens in Dallas With 3 Haynes and Boone Private Equity Partners
Willkie Farr & Gallagher, an Am Law 100 firm, has launched an office in Dallas that will be staffed initially by three private equity lawyers from Haynes and Boone, as well as four partners from Willkie’s Houston office, all of whom will keep offices in Dallas.
Herbert Smith Freehills launches global digital legal delivery practicej
The new practice will be overseen by Libby Jackson, the long-time head of HSF’s alternative legal services department, with assistance from recently appointed chief technology officer David Turner.
Financials:
Robinhood’s Steadying Force, Legal Chief Dan Gallagher, Saw Pay Seesaw Again in 2023
Gallagher’s 2023 income was 29% lower than the previous year, but 1,142% higher than the 2021 salary.
Alphabet’s Legal Chief Has Outearned Apple’s for First Time
Kent Walker, Alphabet’s legal chief, had his pay increase by 12% in 2023.
Freshfields ups junior lawyer pay
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has raised the salary for freshly qualified lawyers in London to £150,000.
Billing Rate Increases, Demand Gains Help Law Firms Double Their Revenue Growth in Q1
Wells Fargo stated that billing rate rise “continues to be the primary contributor to revenue growth,” with standard rates rising 9% in the first quarter of 2024.
Wachtell Star Received Record-Breaking Pay in First Year as Salesforce CLO
Sabastian Niles joined the CRM behemoth in July, leaving his position as one of the country’s leading legal consultants on M&A and shareholder activism.
Billing Rate Growth and Litigation Demand Drive Big Law Gains in Q1
Thomson Reuters’ Bill Josten noted that worked billing rates were up 6.4% in Q1, the highest quarter-over-quarter increase since at least the Great Recession.
Billing Rate Increases Boost Atlanta and Southeast Law Firms’ Financial Growth
Big law firm executives in the Southeast stated that they will raise charges by up to 7% in 2023 in response to rising costs for everything from salary to rent.
Technology & Innovation:
AI Will Ramp Up Intense Big Law Battle for Talent, Client Share
Law firm profit margins will fall because “AI disproportionately impacts non-partner hours,” which generate the highest margins, according to Law.com Pro Fellows research.
Brightflag Announces New Generative AI-Powered Features, Chatbot
The new capabilities, which are based on Brightflag’s decade-old AI models, are intended to provide a layer between the user and the invoice “Approve Button.”
What Law Students Should Know About Generative AI Before Their Summer Jobs
Begin familiarizing yourself with it right away so that you may not only meet your professional responsibilities but also distinguish yourself from others.
Coheso Launches AI-Powered Platform for In-House Legal Intake and Work Management
Coheso has announced the public launch of their generative AI-powered legal intake and work management platform, which will assist in-house legal and compliance teams in replacing generic tools with domain-specific solutions to accelerate processes.
Litera Announces Integration with Microsoft Copilot
Matt James, Litera’s vice president of sales advisors and engineering, told Legaltech News that the integration will be available when Microsoft launches its Copilot plugin for Word.
Contract Analysis Company eBrevia Launches Gen AI-Powered DraftPro Months After Co-Founders’ Buyback
Adam Nguyen and Jacob Mundt, co-founders of eBrevia, purchased the firm back from Donnelley Financial Solutions (DFIN) in December 2023, five years after they first sold it.
Ex-Virtual Firm Leader Joins Veteran Am Law 200 CFO to Launch Back-Office Support Venture#
Federate Legal’s founders want to serve both Big Law practitioners looking to start their own practices and established small and midsize firms.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Forging Forward: How Wellbeing Anchors the Heart of DEI Strategy
Lee Ashby Watts of Bass, Berry & Sims writes that “Neglecting wellbeing within DEI initiatives could undermine efforts to shape a positive firm culture”.
Chartwell Law Accused of Discrimination in Florida EEOC Complaints After Firing Two Muslim Lawyers
A partner and an associate, both stationed in Miami, claim they faced retaliation and eventually lost their positions after voicing concerns about how they were handled at the Philadelphia firm.
Gender Pay Gap Persists in Australian Law Firms, Survey Reveals
According to a poll conducted by the College of Law Australia, experienced female lawyers in Australia are paid approximately 25% less than their male counterparts.
Kennedys promotes more women than men to partnership for third year
Kennedys has announced that 17 partners, nine of whom are women, will join its partnership, raising the total number of partners worldwide to 349 as of May.
Market Commentary:
Fancy Offices Are a Big Gamble
Law firms are seeking to undermine the remote working narrative by focusing on ultra-modern real estate, but this does little to solve the culture issue.
Ranked: The Largest Law Firms Across the Middle East, 2024
According to Law.com International’s most recent annual ranking, the largest legal institutions operating in the Middle East are regional giant Al Tamimi & Co, as well as international law firms Clyde & Co, White & Case, and Allen & Overy.
36% of Lawyers Have a Drinking Problem: Attorney Mental Health in Focus
Attorney and mental health advocate L.A. Perkins of Perkins Law said, “I had a lot of lawyers reach out to me and share with me, in confidence, the struggles that they were going through”.
Letter From London: A&O Shearman—How To Know If It’s Working
Here are five things to look out for that will provide some insights into the merger’s performance before any obvious financial data emerge, according to Law.com. Paul Hodkinson, International Editor-in-Chief, contributes to this bimonthly column.
Geographic Expansion, Increased Competitiveness Underscore String of Law Firm Mergers
Law firm alliances, ranging from A&O Shearman to a succession of boutique acquisitions, are assisting firms in expanding into new sectors and increasing their market stature.
‘Our Strength Is Also Our Weakness’: Is It Better to Be a Specialist Firm or a Full-Service One?
Clients and attorneys alike may find it difficult to decide between a full-service firm and a specialist firm. The answer may depend on the types of clientele such organizations are looking to service.
What It’s Like Managing the Legal Expectations of 55 Countries
Hager Gueldich describes her function as the African Union’s legal counsel as that of a mediator, strategist, and, at times, negotiator at the crossroads of law and politics.
Columbia University Cancels University-Wide Commencement
According to a separate May 6 announcement regarding commencement, the university is focusing its resources on keeping the school ceremonies “safe, respectful and running smoothly.”
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Slaughter and May Makes Rare Hire with Freshfields Pensions Partner
Slaughter & May has made a remarkable hire, adding a longtime Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer partner to its pensions practice. Charles Magoffin, a partner with Freshfields since 2010, will join Slaughter and May as senior counsel in September, according to the firm’s statement.
Former Clifford Chance arbitration head departs for Twenty Essex
Audley Sheppard, who joined Coward Chance in 1986 prior to the merger that established Clifford Chance, will begin his new role in June after serving as a consultant at the firm for the previous year.
Goodwin swoops on Travers for London private equity partner duo
Ian Keefe and George Weavil, both Travers lifetime members who became partners in 2018, bring substantial experience in pan-European and international private equity and M&A transactions to Goodwin’s London office.
Powderly Solicitors recruits criminal defence lawyer Eoghan O’Sullivan as partner
Powderly Solicitors LLP in Co Kildare has appointed Eoghan O’Sullivan as a partner with expertise in criminal defence and childcare law.
EMEA
Herbert Smith, Norton Rose and CDH Make Key Hires to South Africa Offices
Norton Rose has appointed Gillian Lumb as a director on its national employment and labour unit in Cape Town. A director is equivalent to a partner in Norton Rose Africa.
HFW Hits Eversheds Paris for 2-Partner-Led Arbitration Team
HFW welcomes new partners Julien Fouret and Gaëlle Le Quillec, as well as senior associate Camille Dupuy.
Longtime Paris-Based McDermott Partner Joins Rimon in Texas
Nicolas Lafont, the latest Rimon lateral hire to cite the firm’s rate flexibility as a key reason for his move, said, “Texas is the place to be”.
Claus Zimmermann, an international trade specialist, has joined Ashurst as a partner in Brussels to oversee the firm’s European Union and international trade litigation, policy, and regulatory practices.
APAC
Jones Day Adds Banking Partner Duo in Australia
Alastair Gourlay, a Banking and Finance partner, has left Baker McKenzie to join Jones Day’s Sydney office.
Herbert Smith Freehills Adds Third Partner to Bangkok Bench
Pariyapol Kamolsilp has joined the UK firm from Thailand’s local practice, Kudun & Partners.
JSA Makes 2nd Partner Hire In A Week As Disputes Lawyer Returns
J. Sagar Associates, an Indian law practice, has added their second partner in a week, after welcoming back disputes expert Harshavardhan Abburi to Hyderabad. He becomes the firm’s sole partner stationed in the southern city.
Sam Picks Up Cam Capital Markets Partner In Mumbai
Indian law firm Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co has added their second capital markets partner in 2024 with the hiring of partner Rohit Tiwari from rival Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas in Mumbai.
The Americas
Paul Hastings Lands Co-Leader of Sidley’s PE Practice in 2-Partner Move
Alexander Temel’s clients include Goldman Sachs and Sixth Street Partners, among others. Also, William Schwab, a partner at Sidley, has joined Temel.
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner Hires New CFO From Perkins Coie
Trevor Varnes is BCLP’s most recent hire in Seattle.
People in the News—April 23, 2024—Marshall Dennehey, Capehart Scatchard
Marshall Dennehey announced that Christopher S. Devlin has joined the firms ranks as director of professional development and training.
Sidley has appointed John Godfrey as a partner in its Global M&A and private equity department. He was previously with Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison. Proskauer has appointed Christiana ‘Christi’ Lazo as a partner in its private client services division. She was previously at Kirkland and Ellis.
People in the News—April 24, 2024—King Spry, Chamberlain Hrdlicka
Shorav Kaushik and Joseph Kemmerling joined Bethlehem, Pennsylvania-based King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul.
Shutts & Bowen Scoops Up Former Fox Rothschild Trademark Leader
Patricia Flanagan is the second lateral partner to depart Fox Rothschild’s West Palm Beach office this month.
People in the News—April 25, 2024—Panitch Schwarze, Barley Snyder
Panitch Schwarze Belisario & Nadel, an intellectual property law firm, has announced the appointment of Fang Liu as a partner.
Amid Week of Departures, Perkins Coie Picks Up GC as IP Partner
Zach Hong came to Perkins’ New York office from Cleerly, a digital health care firm.
On the Move and After Hours: NJOPD; Peckar Abramson; Bernstein DePhillips; CSG Law
Peckar & Abramson has named Mark A. Rosen a senior partner in the firm’s New Jersey and New York offices.
People in the News—April 26, 2024—Antheil Maslow, Ballard Spahr
Antheil Maslow & MacMinn has announced the addition of Stephen M. Zaffuto to its business and finance and real estate practice divisions.
Midsize Moves: Finn Dixon Hires Cleary Gottlieb Partner, Cotchett Pitre Scoops Hagens Berman Partner
Finn Dixon & Herling reported that Zachary J. Moore has joined the firm as a partner in its investment management practice, while Thomas Loeser has recently joined Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy as partner.
In-House
Etsy Welcomed Aboard Ex-Facebook GC Colin Stretch With Baskets of Stock
Stretch joined the e-commerce company as chief legal officer in February 2023, his first in-house position since serving as the social media company’s general counsel from 2013 to 2019.
Dutch Grocery Giant Hires CLO for Sprawling US Empire
Kim Lyda will take over legal operations at Ahold Delhaize USA, which operates over 2,000 grocery stores under brands such as Food Lion, Giant Food, and Stop & Shop.
Sony Pictures Entertainment Hires Disney Lawyer as General Counsel
CEO Tony Vinciquerra asserted that Jill Ratner will “help us meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry landscape and to capitalize on opportunities for growth.”
Veteran Entertainment Lawyer Takes Over Reins as GC of Canadian Media Company WildBrain
Mark Trachuk, who has over 35 years of expertise, replaces James Bishop in the position.
Haleon General Counsel Joins Saudi Aramco
Aramco’s new hire Bjarne Philip Tellmann earned GC of the Year at the 2017 British Legal Awards, bringing top-tier experience from pharmaceutical giant GSK and Pearson.
Teletubbies-owner WildBrain appoints media veteran as next GC
WildBrain, a Canadian children’s and family entertainment firm, has hired Mark Trachuk as general counsel, succeeding James Bishop, who resigned earlier this month.
Energy transition tech specialist ENODA hires first general counsel
Aniela Foster-Turner has been named the first general counsel for ENODA, an energy technology company.
Capstone Green Energy names legal chief amid post-bankruptcy rebuilding efforts
Capstone Green Energy, a US cleantech company, has hired Mark Funaki as general counsel as it looks to strengthen itself after emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy procedures late last year.
Team Moves
Greenberg Traurig Adds Partner-Led Corporate Trio in Milan
Eriprando Guerritore, an expert in fund formation and investment management, has joined Greenberg Traurig Santa Maria alongside associates Ruggero Maria Zanolini and Claudio Saba from Italian legal firm Gatti Pavesi Bianchi Ludovici.
Charles Russell Speechlys Takes Hong Kong Quartet From Soon-To-Close KPMG Affiliate
Shirley Fu, the founder and managing partner of SF Lawyers, will lead a team of three other lawyers in Hong Kong.
Baker McKenzie Hires Bulk of US Firm’s Corporate Department in ‘Transformational Hire’
Nine partners and 17 attorneys will make the shift, assisting Baker McKenzie in meeting its aim of becoming a full-service firm in Los Angeles.
Poland’s LSW Brings On 8 Partners in Push to Expand Corporate Capabilities
A team of 15 partners, associates, and business professionals has joined LSW at a time when the Polish market is seeing an increase in international investment.
Promotions & Appointments:
Morris James Associate Appointed to Delaware Combined Campaign for Justice Committee
Alyssa Meldrum, a Morris James colleague, has been selected to the Delaware Combined Campaign for Justice (CCJ) committee in 2024.
Meet CT’s New Honorary Consul to Finland, Robinson & Cole’s Patrick Trostle
Patrick J. Trostle, a partner at Robinson & Cole, has been appointed Honorary Consul to the Republic of Finland for the State of Connecticut. His role will be to promote and facilitate commercial and diplomatic contacts between Finnish and Connecticut-based firms.
DLA Piper unveils 63-strong partner promotion round
The reduced cohort takes the corporation closer to its objective of 30% female partnership by 2025.
Ashurst unveils another record promotions round as 30 make partner
Ashurst has promoted 30 attorneys to partner in its most recent promotions round, making it the third year in a row that the Anglo Australian company has achieved a record amount.
Two new partners at DLA Piper Ireland
Global law firm DLA Piper has promoted Dublin lawyers William Marshall and Darach Connolly to partner.
Caldwell & Robinson promotes Jade O’Kane to partner
Caldwell & Robinson Solicitors has promoted Jade O’Kane to partner in the firm’s private client group.
Mergers & Alliances:
Smith Gambrell Sees Revenues Grow, Profits Fall Amid 2023 Merger
Managing partner Stephen Forte said “We viewed ’23 as an important investment year for us to bring more scale for us and to be present in one of the major markets in a bigger way”.
Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins have joined Thoma Bravo’s £4.3 billion acquisition of U.K. cyber security business Darktrace, in the latest example of U.S. private equity firms acquiring U.K. plcs.
Office Openings & Closing:
There’s Something in the Water: San Diego Is Once Again a Hot Market for National Law Firms
In the last ten years, San Diego has attracted corporate legal firms as diverse as London powerhouse Eversheds Sutherland, Los Angeles-based Manatt Phelps & Phillips, and Glaser Weil, as well as national companies Polsinelli, Greenberg Traurig, Quarles & Brady, Fennemore & Craig, and others.
Stradley Ronon Launches First West Coast Office With Securities Litigation Team
The Pennsylvania-based company has hired ten attorneys, including five partners, from the litigation boutique Keesal, Young & Logan.
Longtime Litigation Law Firm Closes as Partners Head to Separate Practices
Mabry & McClelland have defended clients in a number of high-profile personal injury lawsuits in recent years.
The legal arm of the Big Four company intends to increase or triple its size in Australia within a few years, according to Deloitte Legal’s Asia Pacific and Australia chief.
Quinn Emanuel Formalizes Saudi Presence
Major legal firms have been attracted by the ‘magnetic pull’ of Saudi economic growth.
Maples Group Relocates to Neuroinclusive London Office
The Maples Group, a market-leading provider of legal, fiduciary, and fund services, has relocated its London office to 280 Bishopsgate, a freshly rebuilt, cutting-edge building with the best environmental and welfare ratings. The move underlines the Group’s commitment to assisting its clients and employees in a changing environment, as well as its outstanding performance in the UK market.
Japan’s TMI Establishes 2nd Malaysia Alliance, Sets Up New Office
TMI Associates, a major Japanese law company, has formed an association with Malaysian law firm SY Teo & Co, which was established by Sze Yi Teo, an associate in TMI’s Singapore office. The alliance will also open an office in Kuala Lumpur under the name SY Teo & Co, in collaboration with TMI Associates.
Financials:
All 3 Florida-Rooted Am Law 100 Firms Report Revenue Gains Amid Transactional Lag
Holland & Knight earned the greatest success as a result of their combination with Waller Lansden in early 2023. Meanwhile, Greenberg Traurig made more moderate increases than last year, maintaining its position in the rankings, while Akerman lost staff and slid several spots.
Brownstein, Akin See Record Q1 Lobbying Revenue Amid Influx of Business
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck & Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld each claimed their best first quarter on record.
A Tight Economy Increased Costs and Hindered Productivity for Pennsylvania’s Am Law 100
According to an examination of Am Law 100 revenue and net income numbers, eight Pennsylvania firms’ total costs outpaced revenue growth by 0.5% to 4.6%.
As They Plan Expansion, Most of Big Law in Missouri Grew Revenue and Profits Last Year
The majority of the nine Am Law 200 companies in the Show Me State increased its revenue, RPL, and average profits per equity partner.
2 Spanish Firms Break €90M in 2023 Global Revenue
Through its partnership with Taylor Wessing, ECIJA secured major clients such as Spotify and Amazon.
Flurry of Law Firms Sign New Client Lobbying Relationships as Big Law Reports Millions in Q1 Revenue
Brownstein Hyatt, Akin, K&L Gates, Holland & Knight, Covington and Hogan Lovells all reported new lobbying client relationships in recent weeks.
Revenue Up 3.5%, PEP Grew 10.4% at Hunton Andrews As Demand Revved Up Last Fall
The firm’s financial indicators improved in 2023, as demand across a variety of practices increased throughout the latter part of the fiscal year.
Comcast Legal Chief Breaks Into the $10M Pay Club
Reid, Comcast’s top legal officer and secretary, received $11.2 million last year, according to the company’s proxy statement filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday.
Technology & Innovation:
How AI Boosts Law Firm Profitability and Expands Market Opportunities
By streamlining a variety of procedures ranging from case intake to litigation support, AI not only reduces the strain of legal practitioners but also improves their capacity to serve clients efficiently.
AI Patent Unicorn Patsnap’s GC Discusses AI Regulation, Helping Startups Grow Sustainably, and More
Legaltech News spoke with Eric Topel, Patsnap’s first general counsel, on what the next several months would be like as he prepares for compliance with the EU AI Act and other impending AI regulations.
How Lowenstein Sandler Developed a Client-Facing Gen AI Chatbot
Lowenstein Sandler’s chief marketing officer, Kevin Iredell, believes that client-facing chatbots will eventually replace the law firm’s website search box.
LexisNexis Announces Gen AI-Powered Corporate Research Capabilities Nexis+AI
Nexis+AI is now in commercial preview with a handful of corporations, with a broader release scheduled for later this year.
Will the FTC Noncompete Ban Mean a Major Shift for Legal Tech?
Many in legal IT are divided on whether the FTC’s restriction on non-competes will result in significant improvements in hiring and talent acquisition or fall short.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Eversheds Elevates a Record 40 to Partner with Women Making up 60%
It goes against the flow of this year’s marketing in the City of London.
Kleinbard Cleared Of Wrongdoing In Pennsylvania Diversity Contracting Tiff
Female-owned Griesing Mazzeo Law had accused the firm of shorting it on fees after duping it into serving as a small diverse business subcontractor. A Pennsylvania federal judge dismissed the suit Thursday.
Stewarts’ partner count nears treble figures as firm promotes six
Stewarts has promoted six attorneys to partner, including five women, capping a year of growth for the specialty disputes company.
Market Commentary:
Most Big Chicago Law Firms Grew in 2023, but Several Not as Fast as Am Law 100
Six of the nine Chicago-based Am Law 100 law firms experienced slower revenue growth than the 100 as a whole. However, the majority of Chicago organizations either maintained or improved their positions in the most recent rankings.
How GCs Can Fix Firms That Are Too Risk-Averse or Too Willing to Go for Broke
Theresa Shea, general counsel of Utz Brands said “There are times you have to say, ‘You can’t do this.’ But that can’t be every time,”.
This City Is Competing With New York as an International Arbitration Hub
Winston & Strawn, Reed Smith, and White & Case are among the companies looking to expand in this field.
Switching Practice Areas: A Challenge or a Treasure?
Change is unavoidable, particularly for young lawyers seeking advancement and opportunities within their existing careers. Young lawyers frequently explore changing practice areas for a variety of reasons. As with every modest or significant change, there are both dangers and benefits.
Are Chinese Firms Sidelining Big Law on Hong Kong Listings Work?
Greater China-based law firms serve as the sole legal consultants to issuers in many Hong Kong Stock Exchange IPOs. Big Law cannot compete on fees with Chinese firms and justify the modest profits associated with the listings, which are significantly smaller than the billion-dollar transactions they handled in the past.
‘We See Them as Future Partners’: Simmons Launches Associate Council for ‘Next Gen’ Leaders
The council, which includes a ‘rigorous’ selection procedure and video applications, will provide strategic counsel to the company’s executive committee.
Caribbean Energy Needs Are on the Rise, and Plenty of That Work is Headed For U.S. Law Firms
Following a quiet spell in the Caribbean due to COVID-19 and supply chain issues, lawyers are beginning to witness an increase in work from the region, notably in the energy industry.
As Equity Tiers Shrink, Big Law Grows Leverage
Overall, in 2023, Am Law 100 firms grew their leverage. The statistic, defined as total lawyers (excluding equity partners) divided by the number of equity partners, is frequently used to help law firms evaluate their equity partner ratio as their head count and partnerships develop.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Allen & Overy Hits Milbank Again for London Partner Hire
Karen McMaster, a restructuring partner, has joined the firm, which plans to formally merge with Shearman & Sterling in May.
Dentons welcomes new partner to London Litigation & Arbitration team
Alex McGregor, a highly accomplished ESG litigation and regulatory lawyer, has joined Dentons’ Disputes team in London. Alex joins the firm as a partner from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP in the UK, having begun his legal career in Australia.
DAC Beachcroft bolsters its team in Dublin
Seamus White, a legal director, has joined the Injury Risk team; Lisa Kelly and Feena Robinson, senior associates, have joined the Specialist Insurance team; and Sinead Morgan, legal director, has joined the Employment Team.
Gibson Dunn unveils hire of Linklaters’ former leveraged finance co-head in London
Gibson Dunn has announced the employment of former Linklaters partner David Irvine in London to co-chair its global finance practice.
EMEA
Merger-Bound Shearman Loses Paris Tax lawyers to McDermott
McDermott announced that its Paris tax practice now employs ten attorneys, including four partners, one counsel, and five associates.
EU Competition Boutique Hires Veteran Litigator to Open Paris Office
Geradin Partners, which opened offices in Brussels in 2015, London in 2021, and Amsterdam in 2023, continues its European development with the opening of its Paris office today, thanks to the hiring of former EU official and competition lawyer Marc Barennes and his team.
Fieldfisher raids SKW Schwarz to boost media and entertainment practice in Germany
Martin Diesbach, Elisabeth Noltenius, and Julia Schafdecker, media and entertainment partners at SKW Schwarz, will join Fieldfisher’s Berlin office, as will a four-person IP team managed by partner Sascha Pres and IP litigators Christina Kufer, Tien Nguyen, and Laura Krug.
APAC
Deloitte Hires Former DLA Piper Partner Melinda Upton in Australia
Melinda Upton, an intellectual property lawyer, has joined Deloitte’s Australian legal team as a partner.
Troy Doyle is departing, citing customer needs for real flexible pricing structures and experienced partner engagement in restructuring cases.
Divest Patel, a former partner in Johnson Winter Slattery’s private equity and M&A practice divisions, holds dual qualifications in Australia and South Africa.
Clyde & Co Australia Departures Continue as 3 Partners Leave for Kennedys
Nicole Wearne, Ganga Narayanan, and Mark Attard, insurance partners, are the latest prominent lawyers to quit Clyde & Co.
Allen & Overy Hires Technology Duo to Bolster Asia Pacific Offering
Ravi de Fonseka and Daniel Thompson have joined from Australian business Johnson Winter Slattery.
Latham, Norton Rose Add Partners in Tokyo, Singapore
Yohei Nakagawa and Beelee Seah, who were both made partners last year, are leaving Morrison Foerster and Baker McKenzie, respectively.
The Americas
Littler Lures Toronto Partner From Ogletree Deakins as Part of Canadian Expansion
Stephen Shore stated that the global labour and employment giant’s drive towards expansion was one of the factors that drew him to the company.
Orrick Lures Kramer Levin’s Life Sciences Practice Head
Alyssa Caridis, co-head of Orrick’s IP business unit, about Irena Royzman noted “We see her as another game-changing addition to our growing national team handling cutting-edge cases,”.
Liberty McAteer has returned as a partner at Moses & Singer’s intellectual property, AI, and data law divisions, while John M. Nolan III has joined Margolis Edelstein’s employment practices liability group.
People in the News—April 15, 2024—Lamb McErlane, Burns White
Lamb McErlane has announced the addition of Curtis L. Sebastian to its municipal law department.
Weil Adds Simpson Thacher Infrastructure Partner in Houston
Jacqui Bogucki, an infrastructure partner from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, has joined Weil, Gotshal & Manges as a partner in Houston as the firm expands its energy and infrastructure practice.
On the Move: Thompson Coburn Enters Southeast With Birmingham Office Launch
Thompson Coburn expanded its higher education business with four lateral additions, including the construction of a new office in Birmingham, Alabama. The presence of partners Tres Cleveland, Brandt Hill, and Evan Moltz in Birmingham, as well as Roger Swartzwelder in Washington, D.C., has prompted widespread coverage by legal media organizations.
Lowenstein Sandler Adds Bankruptcy Vet from Loeb & Loeb
Daniel Besikof worked as the deputy chairman of Loeb & Loeb’s bankruptcy group.
After Less Than a Year at Simpson Thacher, 2 Partners Head to Latham
Tracey Zaccone and Justin Rosenberg joined Simpson from Paul Weiss last year.
Lewis Brisbois Adds New Partner in Delaware
Ann Kashishian joined Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith’s Wilmington office as a partner in the firm’s complicated business and commercial litigation, bankruptcy, and insolvency areas.
People in the News—April 16, 2024—Eisenberg Rothweiler, Stradley Ronon
Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck announced the recent hiring of Stephan A. Cornell as an attorney in Philadelphia.
Goodwin Continues Recruiting From Cooley, Adding Longtime Tech Industry Litigator
Over the years, Patrick Gunn’s clients have included Zoom and eBay, as well as Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Oracle founder Larry Ellison.
2 More Morrison Cohen Partners Exit for Loeb & Loeb
Partners Michael Weinstein and Joshua Saidlower will join former colleague Stephen Budow, a founding member of midsize firm Morrison Cohen and chair emeritus of the corporate department, as well as partners Andy Arsiotis, Michael Barry, Matt Friedman, Mike Martell, Steven Rockoff, and Henry Zangara.
Top State Insurance Regulator Joins Alston in New York
Mona Bhalla led a 130-person agency tasked with overseeing New York’s life insurance market.
Tarter Krinsky Continues Hiring From Shuttered Ingram Yuzek
Tarter Krinsky hired nine lawyers from the recently closed New York law firm Ingram Yuzek.
Chasan Lamparello hires three new education attorneys and Genova Burns elevates one of its partners.
Midsize Moves: Saxton & Stump Adds Clement Rivers Partner, Barley Snyder Hires ERISA Counsel
Saxton & Stump reported that Jason A. Daigle has joined the company as an equity stakeholder, working out of the Charleston, South Carolina office. Barley Snyder stated that attorney Karen E. Toth has recently joined the firm in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Dentons Loses Corporate Practice Head in Montreal to Miller Thomson
Seon Kang has joined the national Canadian corporation after more than 20 years at the multinational conglomerate.
The end of an era as HSF’s arbitration head Paula Hodges bows out
After 16 years in the top spot, Hodges will hand reins to new practice co-heads, reports Ben Rigby
In-House
Longtime Mary Kay Legal Chief Julia Simon Joins Top Texas Litigation Firm
“If I wanted to stay in-house, I would have stayed at Mary Kay. What I wanted was a different challenge,” Mary Kay’s retired legal chief Julia Simon told Law.com on her return to private practice in April. “The idea of bringing my broad knowledge and skills back to private practice and to a top tier trial firm was compelling.”
Legal Ops Director Jenn McCarron Exits Netflix
Jenn McCarron wrote “If I sound defiant, it’s because I am,”. “I cannot and will not accept the status quo. The stakes are too high, and our industry will get left behind if we do.”
Patent Data Unicorn Names First GC, Hiring From Another AI-Driven Unicorn
Eric Topel joined Patsnap this month from Nevada’s Socure. The Singapore-based startup raised $300 million from an investment group that includes Japan’s SoftBank, with a valuation of more than $1 billion in 2021.
Founding GC of Animal Health Giant Zoetis Steps Down
Heidi Chen worked at Pfizer for 13 years before helping to spin off the company’s animal-health business as a standalone public company in 2012 and becoming its first legal head.
Orthofix names CLO replacement following trio of executive dismissals last year
Andres Cedron arrives from Stryker Corporation to replace departed legal chief Patrick Keran.
Team Moves
3 Partners on Crowell & Moring’s GM Team Move to Morgan Lewis
April Nelson Ross and Rachel Raphael are located in Washington, D.C., while Mohamed Awan resides in Chicago.
Gaining Steam in Los Angeles, Shook Hires Litigation Group From Carlton Fields
Four litigation partners from Los Angeles, Atlanta, and South Florida have joined Shook, Hardy & Bacon.
Tarter Krinsky Continues Hiring From Shuttered Ingram Yuzek
Tarter Krinsky hired nine lawyers from the recently closed New York law firm Ingram Yuzek.
Baker McKenzie Adds Leading Energy Litigation Team in Texas
Baker McKenzie, a global legal practice, has announced the addition of highly acclaimed litigators David Baay, Jack Massey, Kelsey Machado, Ian Shelton, and Matthew (Matt) Rawlinson to its Houston team.
Chasan Lamparello Mallon & Cappuzzo has added three attorneys to its education practice group: Dennis McKeever, Marcie Mackolin, and Jaclyn Morgese. The attorneys join the firm from Cornell, Merlino & Osborne, where they practiced school law and served as board of education counsel.
Promotions & Appointments:
New York Community Bancorp Taps Skadden Partner as GC Amid Financial Turmoil
Bao Nguyen succeeds Patrick Quinn, who joined NYCB in 1999 and had been general counsel for the previous two years.
Orthofix Replaces Legal Chief Fired for ‘Offensive Conduct’
Andres Cedron said “This is an exciting time for the company, and I look forward to helping Orthofix become an even stronger competitor in the market,”.
People in the News—April 17, 2024—Klehr Harrison, McAndrews Mehalick
Klehr Harrison Harvey Branzburg stated that Lisa Lori, a partner in the firm’s litigation department, has been named Marywood University’s next president.
People in the News—April 18, 2024—Feldman Shepherd, Strassburger McKenna
Feldman Shepherd Wohlgelernter Tanner Weinstock Dodig, a Philadelphia personal injury and class action law firm, has announced the addition of attorney George A. Donnelly to its team.
Freshfields Promotes 23 to Global Partnership
The latest round represents a tiny dip from the firm’s highest promotion round last year, when it elevated 30 lawyers to partnership.
A&O Shearman Names Middle East Managing Partner
Following Garousha’s recent election as senior partner of the newly amalgamated firm, A&O partner David Foster will take over the job.
Argentina’s Beccar Varela Appoints New Managing Partner
Maximiliano D’Auro takes over as the firm celebrates its 127th anniversary, succeeding a managing partner who had headed the huge Argentine firm for more than 20 years.
CMS makes up 54 in latest partner promotions round
CMS has promoted 54 partners in its most recent promotions round, which includes 10 across the UK.
Herbert Smith Freehills promotes four
Herbert Smith Freehills has added Murphy Mok in Hong Kong, Emily Fox in Paris, Marco de Sousa in New York, and Matthew Shelley in Brisbane to its partnership.
Mergers & Alliances:
Ellingboe, who oversaw Faegre Baker Daniels’ corporate litigation division prior to its 2020 merger with Drinker Biddle & Reath, stated that the virtual environment allowed attorneys to meet and communicate, which likely resulted in greater cross-office collaboration.
Where Do the Most Merger-Hungry Law Firms Get Their Appetite?
Fennemore Craig and Clark Hill have dominated the law firm merger scene in the past year.
Lawyers See Positive Outlook for Mergers & Acquisitions in Australia
They will encounter additional challenges, as Australian regulators, like those in many other nations and areas throughout the world, tighten their examination of M&A transactions.
Crowell Builds in Chicago, Luring Neal Gerber Corporate and Securities Leaders
Following its merger with a Chicago-based intellectual property boutique in 2021, the firm is currently expanding its corporate practice.
Troutman Pepper and Locke Lord in Merger Talks to Create New Am Law 50 Law Firm
The merger would result in a firm with almost 1,600 lawyers, propelling it squarely into the Am Law 50.
Skadden, Slaughter and May lead on International Paper’s £5.8bn DS Smith acquisition
Skadden is assisting longtime client International Paper on its £5.8 billion recommended bid for FTSE 100 UK packaging company DS Smith, which is represented by Slaughter and May.
Office Openings & Closing:
Pullman & Comley Celebrates Expansion of Westport Office
One of the state’s largest firms has expanded its base in Westport to better serve clients in lower Fairfield County.
White & Case Expands Miami Office, Doubling Down On Market’s Long-Term Growth
The New York-based firm, which added another level to its long-term home in the Southeast Financial Center, has followed Greenberg Traurig in renewing office contracts.
Greenberg Traurig Becomes Fully Incorporated in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Greenberg Traurig, LLP, a global law company, is now fully incorporated as a Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) law firm after receiving all essential government licenses.
Mid-Market Roundup: Growing Midsize Firms Take More Space and Find Talent in Boutiques
One of Connecticut’s top law firms doubled its size, while five partners from a now-defunct boutique joined New York’s Warshaw Burstein.
Six CMS Partners in Chile Exit to Form Own Firm, With Associates in Tow
A/C/R Legal will focus on transactional work, such as mergers and acquisitions, as well as supporting startups and handling highly complicated litigation and collective bargaining agreements.
Financials:
Twilio GC Sees Pay Drop 73% in 2023
Twilio’s chief legal officer Dana Wagner is no longer one of the highest-compensated general counsel, as his stock award shrank by more than $20 million in 2023.
Hinshaw, After Lateral Hires and Combination, Grows Revenue and Profits Double Digits
Firm chair Peter Sullivan reported that the average PEP shot up more than 34%, as retirements and the progression of some lateral partners through a contract stage had some effect.
Norton Rose Fulbright Grew Revenue 8% Amid Management Exits
According to U.S. managing partner Jeff Cody, demand for the worldwide legal firm’s platform has increased.
The 2024 Am Law 100: Ranked by Profits Per Lawyer
Profits per lawyer is an alternate approach of looking at firm profitability that aims to remove the impact of issues like indebtedness. The average is around $518,000, with the top of the list being around $3.04 million.
The 2024 Am Law 100: Ranked by Profits Per Equity Partner
In 2023, the Am Law 100’s average PEP increased by 9.3%. Thirty-seven enterprises experienced at least 10% growth, up from 14 last year. Twenty enterprises saw reductions in 2023.
The 2024 Am Law 100: Ranked by Gross Revenue
Fifty-four companies reported gross revenue of $1 billion or more in 2023, four more than in 2022. Ninety enterprises reported increases in gross revenue.
Netflix CLO’s Pay Hits Record, but Big Changes Loom
A redesigned executive pay program went into effect on January 1, linking pay more closely to performance. Executives will no longer be able to pick how much of their compensation comes in the form of a wage.
Technology & Innovation:
Law Firm Leaders Say Gen AI Can Level Playing Field Between Large and Smaller Firms
John Polson of Fisher & Phillips said that “[Generative AI] does help the smaller firm punch above its weight on projects and matters that require a lot of people,”.
We’re Entering the Golden Age of Legal Technology
Technological skills, such as the ability to automate procedures and use artificial intelligence to get more insight into data, are being introduced to the legal industry at an unprecedented rate.
Thomson Reuters Expands CoCounsel to All Business Segments, Adds New Gen AI Legal Capabilities
In addition to providing three new talents for legal and tax professionals in the United States and the United Kingdom, Thomson Reuters announced ambitions to expand the CoCounsel generative AI assistant across all professional lines it covers, including risk, fraud, and media.
AI-Generated Works Dilemma: Balancing AI Terms of Service With Contractual Obligations
Artificial intelligence, like any other developing technology, is fraught with legal difficulties. These legal issues may not provide appealing entertainment, but they are critical in influencing the use and potential of AI.
BT Group offers automatic panel spot to firm that makes best use of AI
BT Group has reduced its legal panel from 15 to 11 companies and declared that the panel firm that best utilizes AI and legal technology would receive an automatic spot when the roster is next evaluated.
Diversity & Inclusion:
People in the News—April 19, 2024—McMonagle Perri, Klasko
On April 1, McMonagle Perri McHugh Mischak Davis’ partner Charles M. Gibbs held a virtual town hall with Philadelphia Councilman Kenyatta Johnson.
Nearly 14% of ABA-Accredited US Law Schools Haven’t Had a Woman Dean
A 2021 Villanova Law Review paper said, “despite these very real barriers, women should not be discouraged from contemplating becoming a dean,”.
South Korea’s legal profession lags on gender equality, IBA report finds
Only 29% of all lawyers in South Korea are female, and women hold only 13% of senior positions in legal firms.
Freshfields beats gender target for fourth year in a row in latest partner promotion round
The 52% female promotions represent the fourth consecutive year that the Magic Circle firm has exceeded its diversity target of at least 40% new partners being women. This indicates a significant shift from 2020, when only four (19%) of the 21-person cohort were female.
McCann FitzGerald backs women in finance initiative
McCann FitzGerald LLP has signed Ireland’s Women in Finance Charter, an industry-led and government-backed initiative aiming at expanding women’s participation at all levels of the Irish financial services industry.
Market Commentary:
Can You Be a Diligent Parent And an Equity Partner?
The Global Lawyer: Gender diversity progress at the equity partnership level has stalled, and long-term goals are failing—most likely due to systemic discrimination against primary careers.
Indonesia’s M&A and Project Finance Market Expected to Take Off in 2024
The results of the country’s presidential election in February have restored investor confidence in Southeast Asia’s largest economy, and multinational law firms are bracing for a surge in Indonesia-related work.
In another big deal this week, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer led Johnson & Johnson’s $13.1 billion acquisition of Shockwave Medical (represented by Fenwick & West), while Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett assisted Blackstone Real Estate Partners X in its $10 billion acquisition of Apartment Income REIT Corp (represented by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom).
vLex Expands Vincent AI With Document Analyze, Launches Law Firm AI Co-Development Lab
vLex announced the launch of Document Analyze, a suite of generative artificial intelligence-powered tools for responding to litigation and transactional documents, as well as vLex Labs, an initiative in which the company will collaborate with leading global law firms to develop custom AI products.
Susman Godfrey Jumps to Am Law 100 Ranking, Joining 5 Other Homegrown Texas Firms
Four of the six native Texas firms reported better income in 2023 than the previous year, propelling them up the Am Law 100 ranks.
Weil Revises Partner Pay Criteria, as Firm Plots Leadership Succession
Barry Wolf has overseen the firm since 2009 and will reach the obligatory retirement age of 68 in the next four years.
Several DC Law Firms Rose in Latest Am Law 100 Ranking
While three D.C. companies fell in the Am Law 100 rankings, six rose and three remained.
Law Firms Seek Out ‘Money-Generating’ Partner Moves Amid Big Law’s Arms Race
Even while partner movements were down year on year, Decipher said that law firms last year discovered one of the quickest ways to grow: purchasing partners with books of business.
Mason Hayes & Curran wins three IP awards
The team was named Ireland Trademark Prosecution Firm of the Year, Ireland Copyright Firm of the Year, and Ireland IP Transactions & Advisory Firm of the Year, after being shortlisted in five of six categories.
Eversheds Sutherland are Recognized at the Real Deals Private Equity Awards 2024
This year marks the 23rd annual Real Deals Private Equity Awards which are the longest running and most prestigious private equity awards in Europe. The awards celebrate excellence in European private equity and recognizes and rewards those who have made an outstanding contribution to the industry.
In the ever competitive ‘Big Law’, lateral recruitment serves as a strategic avenue for growth. However, ensuring the right fit goes beyond resumes and interviews. Enter Third-Party Due Diligence (DD), a tool aimed at supplying law firm leadership with a comprehensive appraisal of a partner candidate or lateral team. Too often law firms have recruited talent that, on paper and during the interview process, seem right but simply do not end up being right. This, we feel comes down to a number of manageable factors. The level of investment from clients in hiring laterally goes far beyond the purely financial with cultural and reputational risks being attached to any lateral hiring process.
Simply put we aim to de-risk the hiring process and in turn help our clients make informed decisions around their lateral talent, saving their time, money and, most importantly, their reputation.
The Process Simplified:
What’s Tested and Asked?
Conclusion:
Third-party Due Diligence is essential in ensuring the right fit in lateral recruitment within law firms. By providing a comprehensive assessment beyond traditional methods, it enables firms to make informed decisions and mitigate risks.
Law firms are frequently hiring applicants who have a limited scope for growth within the firm, are not properly vetted, or who make promises that are not inline with reality. The lack of a robust hiring procedure raises concern amongst stakeholders, exposes leadership to selection issues, and may impact the wider perception of a firm in the market, discouraging future prospects. While the exact cost of failed lateral hires is difficult to determine, it is estimated that firms sustain considerable financial losses each year as a result of underperforming partners, ranging from seven to eight figures, with many being lateral hires.
Conversely, strategically chosen lateral personnel can make a significant contribution to a company’s future success. Thus, the risk can be worth it, but reducing risk requires the development of appropriate systems and procedures.
To read more: Due Diligence – Fides (fidessearch.com) or contact Edward Parker at: +44 (0) 7803 788 086 or eparker@fidessearch.com
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Another Linklaters London Partner Exits, This Time to Skadden
After more than 12 years at Linklaters, financial regulatory partner Sebastian Barling is expected to join Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom’s London office. In 2018, he became a partner.
Paul Weiss Hits Linklaters Again for Latest London Partner Hire
M&A partner Matthew Hearn is set to be the latest partner to join Paul Weiss’ growing London office. Hearn, who has been at Linklaters for over a decade, follows in the footsteps of his former Linklaters M&A colleague, partner Dan Schuster-Woldan, who joined as the new head of European public M&A in late January.
Cooley Taps Norton Rose’s London Antitrust Head
Mark Simpson, the head of antitrust and competition at Norton Rose, is scheduled to join the Palo Alto-based company after more than 15 years there, ten of those as a partner.
Eversheds Taps DLA Veteran as McDermott Brings in Sidley Partner
Barney Smedley, who has worked at DLA for more than 20 years, will be joining the Leeds branch of Eversheds.
The UK Corporate practice of Trowers & Hamlins has added two new partners, bolstering the firm’s private equity capability even more. Established associates Mark Metcalfe and Sarah Souter, who were both partners at Gateley Legal in the past, have joined Trowers in an effort to strengthen the company’s image as the premier legal supplier in the lower and midmarket private equity arena.
Kirkland raids Allen & Overy for second London debt finance partner in past month
Vanessa Xu, a debt finance attorney from Allen & Overy in London, has joined Kirkland & Ellis. She is the second partner to join the firm in the last few weeks.
Mason Hayes & Curran recruits funds partner Anthony O’Hanlon
Anthony O’Hanlon has been named a partner in the financial services unit of business law firm Mason Hayes & Curran.
EMEA
Paul Weiss Eyes Brussels Expansion With Second Partner Hire in a Week
Partner Richard Pepper of Macfarlanes is joining the firm’s new Brussels office, which was opened last week with the addition of antitrust partner Ross Ferguson of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett.
Jones Day in Paris Grabs Partner-Led Government Regulation Team From White & Case
François-Guilhem Vaissier, a partner, has provided advice on a variety of projects, including a desalination plant in Morocco, conventional and renewable energy projects in Africa, and high-speed rail projects in France.
Curtis promotes in London and Milan
Valerio Salvatori has been made counsel in Milan, and Juan Carlos Boué and William Hampson have been promoted to the partnership at Curtis Mallet-Prevost Colt & Mosle in London.
APAC
Australia’s Wotton + Kearney Debuts in Asia With 2 Partners From Kennedys Singapore
Partner Ben Nicholson and partner Tom Morrison, who both join Wotton + Kearney from Kennedys in Singapore, will lead the practice there.
Kirkland White Collar Heavyweight Resurfaces at Litigation Boutique
After serving as a partner in Kirkland’s government, regulatory, and internal investigations division for more than 11 years, Satnam Tumani departed the company in December.
East & Concord HK firm Makes M&A Hire from Akin Beijing
Dennis Yeung, an M&A specialist, has joined Yang & Yang Solicitors, the Hong Kong association firm of East & Concord Partners, a PRC legal practice. Dennis formerly worked in the Beijing office of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, which closed recently.
SG: Another McDermott Energy Partner Joins WFW
Clarinda Tjia-Dharmadi, a second energy partner, has joined Watson Farley & Williams in Singapore from the U.S. law firm McDermott, Will & Emery.
Offshore Firm Campbells Makes HK Finance Hire from Rival Mourant
Renowned offshore law company Mourant has lost partner Paul Trewartha, an expert in banking and finance, to Campbells, a Caymans-based law practice.
The Americas
A&O Shearman Announces First Partner Promotions Round Ahead of May Merger
The day Daniel Sinaiko, a co-chair of an A&O U.S. energy practice, was enticed to join Latham, was also the day that Shearman and A&O announced the promotions.
Simpson Thacher Recruits Milbank Partner to Continue Building Energy Practice
The newest partner at Simpson Thacher operates in the infrastructure and energy sectors and is named Javad Asghari.
People in the News—April 8, 2024—McNees, Burns White
Attorney Allen C. Tucci joined the company as a member of the venture capital and emerging companies, international law, mergers and acquisitions, corporate and tax practice groups, and securities law departments at McNees Wallace & Nurick, which is located in the Devon office.
Dentons Ex-US Leader McNamara Exits Partnership for CEO Role at Industry Advisory Shop
Mike McNamara was the founding CEO of Baretz + Brunelle and is currently an equity partner. In July 2021, he announced his resignation as Dentons U.S.’s CEO.
Recruiting From Paul Hastings Again, Akin Adds Financial Restructuring Lawyer
Avi Luft, a Paul Hastings financial restructuring lawyer, has become a partner at Akin in New York.
Sheppard Mullin Hires Locke Lord Corporate Partner in Chicago
Michael Wilson, formerly a co-chair of the corporate and transactional department at Locke Lord, represents numerous private equity and venture capital firms.
Berger McDermott Adds New Del. Counsel
Periann Doko, an attorney, has joined the corporate and commercial litigation division of Berger McDermott as counsel.
Newsmakers: Bracewell Expands Energy Practice With Addition of Parker Lee in New York
Parker A. Lee, an energy transactional lawyer, has joined Bracewell as a partner in the New York office.
Allen & Overy Arbitration Partner Jumps to Hughes Hubbard
Gaela Gehring Flores is part of a recent exodus of elite talent with that specialty, and she will co-chair the firm’s international arbitration group, headquartered in Washington, D.C.
Since Donald Dufresne’s book of business is portable, he anticipates that all of his clients—whose work primarily focuses on equestrian matters—will accompany him.
Morgan Lewis, Hogan Lovells, Ropes, Wiley and Cohen Milstein Add DC Laterals
Morgan Lewis added R. Latane Montague, a former head of Hogan Lovells’ transportation department, while Hogan Lovells hired litigators Nadira Clarke, Lily Chinn, and Anne Carpenter from Baker Botts.
People in the News—April 12, 2024—McNees, Margolis Edelstein
Cara Mia Pinto, a trademark attorney, joined the Pittsburgh team of McNees Wallace & Nurick as of counsel. She brings over ten years of experience building trademark portfolios and safeguarding businesses to the intellectual property division.
Kirkland, Proskauer, Hogan Lovells Add Partners Amid Brisk Lateral Activity in Big Firms
On Tuesday, Kirkland announced the appointment of real estate partner Victoria Shusterman in New York.
Proskauer Rose welcomed Christiana Lazo, a partner in private client services based in New York.
Christi creates and manages complex estate and tax strategies both domestically and internationally for extremely wealthy individuals, family offices, and closely held companies.
In-House
GC Who’s Helped Guide Garmin for Quarter-Century Hands Role to Deputy
Garmin CEO Cliff Pemble said “Andrew Etkind has been at the forefront of the most consequential business and legal matters that shaped Garmin into the company it is today,”.
Bears Hire Up-and-Comer as Legal Chief Amid Stadium Negotiations
Once again, Krista Whitaker’s fortuitous encounter with Kevin Warren—the current CEO of the Bears—during her time at Stanford Law School has paid off, as she has been hired for one of the top CLO positions in professional sports.
DISCO Names Eric Friedrichsen as New President and CEO
Following “an extensive global search,” as the e-discovery company put it, Friedrichsen was chosen by DISCO’s board of directors to succeed temporary CEO Scott Hill and the troubled former CEO and co-founder Kiwi Camara.
Former District Judge John Vazquez has joined Cooper University Health Care as Chief Legal Officer; attorneys from Capehart Scatchard are present at a reception honouring Rutgers alumni; and further changes.
IBM Plucks New Legal Chief From Mutual Fund Giant
With extensive experience in the financial services industry, Anne Robinson has held leadership positions at Vanguard, American Express, Citigroup, and Deloitte.
Binance Europe Legal Head Steps Down as Société Générale Gets New GC
After a year on the job, Binance’s head of legal for Europe resigned, while Société Générale, the major French bank, appointed a new general counsel when its long-serving previous GC moved on to a new position.
Emer Walsh named chief legal officer at Gas Networks Ireland
Ms. Walsh will be in charge of overseeing the organization’s corporate governance, legal, and data protection initiatives throughout Gas Networks Ireland. She will also be instrumental in implementing the company’s low-carbon energy network transition plan.
Team Moves
Goodwin Gains 5 Cooley Partners in Boston
Pat Mitchell, who established Cooley’s Boston office in 2007, claims that the group has been working together as a team for more than ten years.
Barclay Damon Picks Up 5-Member Team From Murtha Cullina, led by Tony Gangemi
Barclay’s Strategic Expansion Damon mentions the lateral relocation of this IP team into its premises in New Haven.
Hogan Lovells Hires 6-Lawyer Team, Including Former French Energy Regulator, in Paris
Other movements made in Paris included the return to Herbert Smith Freehills of a seasoned banking and finance partner from a French firm and the establishment of a new firm by a seasoned Big Law arbitration partner.
Fieldfisher relaunches in Italy with five-partner team from former ally
The action comes after the top 20 UK firm declared in November of last year that it was severing its connections with Studio Associato Servizi Professionali Integrati (SasPi), a longstanding Italian partner firm that was a member of the Swiss Verein Fieldfisher Global and traded as Fieldfisher Italy.
ArentFox Schiff hires automotive partner quartet from Burns & Levinson
Kelly Ballentine, Sara Judge, Gregory Paonessa, and Paul Marshall Harris are partners on the new team. Their vast knowledge in the automotive sector encompasses a range of areas, such as mergers and acquisitions, franchise conflicts, regulatory adherence, legal defense, and other business affairs.
Promotions & Appointments:
Ropes & Gray Names Next London Managing Partner
After working for McDermott Will & Emery for about 15 years, Rohan Massey joined Ropes and has been there for more than eight years.
People in the News—April 10, 2024—Hamburg Rubin, Goldberg Segalla
The firm Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin has announced the election of John F. McCaul and Danielle M. Yacono to partnership.
People in the News—April 11, 2024—Flaster Greenberg, Sweet Stevens
William Burnett, a shareholder in Flaster Greenberg, was recently named to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania’s new standing local bankruptcy rules committee.
J.D. Silva & Associates Announces New Firm Managing Partner Armando Córdova
Córdova, an associate attorney who joined J.D. Silva & Associates PLLC in 2022, focuses on criminal defense and lawsuits involving personal injury victims.
Veteran IP Lawyer Tapped as Managing Director for IPH Limited Canadian Member Firm
For thirty years, Dario Pietrantonio has held several managerial positions with ROBIC, a company established in Quebec.
Three new partners among Eversheds Sutherland promotions
As part of a spring promotions round, David McKeating, Jonathan Ennis, and Michelle Stewart were promoted to partners at international law firm Eversheds Sutherland.
Two new partners at Fieldfisher Ireland
With the addition of Jonathan Moore and Johan Verbruggen, Fieldfisher Ireland LLP now has 15 partners in total.
Herbert Smith Freehills Refreshes Global Arbitration Leadership
According to a statement from the firm, Paula Hodges will retire at the beginning of next month, and Simon Chapman KC and Andrew Cannon will take over. Hodges, who has worked for HSF for more than 37 years, is leaving the company.
Mergers & Alliances:
HubSpot Legal Boss Poised for Big Payout as Acquisition Speculation Swirls
Alyssa Harvey Dawson has just been HubSpot’s legal officer for 15 months, but according to Reuters, Alphabet is thinking about acquiring the rapidly expanding Salesforce rival.
Shearman NQ Pay to Shrink by £20K Post-Merger
Following A&O Shearman’s go live, the company will implement A&O’s present compensation plan, which pays NQs £125,000.
Spain’s Pérez-Llorca to Absorb Mexico’s González Calvillo
Pérez-Llorca of Spain and González Calvillo of Mexico have decided to merge, adding about 100 attorneys from the second-biggest economy in Latin America to the rapidly growing Iberian firm1. By this strategic alliance, they hope to improve their position in the area and fortify their legal services.
Milbank, A&G Advise Philippines’ Hotel101 Global on $2.3bn SPAC Merger
According to Reuters, Hotel101 Global would list as the first Philippine company in the United States after the agreement, and the “condotel” operator’s equity value is expected to exceed $2.3 billion as a result of the merger. Depending on shareholder and regulatory approval, the purchase is expected to completion in the second half of 2024.
PRC’s Guantao, Hong Kong Law Firm Gallant in Association
In an effort to better serve clients with regard to cross-border legal work, particularly in regard to the Greater Bay Area, the Hong Kong office of PRC law firm Guantao has partnered with local firm Gallant.
Office Openings & Closing:
As Big Law Interest in Denver Grows, Frost Brown Todd Lures 9 Laterals to Open Office
Citing opportunities in the energy, finance and technology industries in Denver, firm chair Robert Sartin said “having a physical presence” will help the firm to grow business there and serve current clients.
Bressler, Amery & Ross Is Growing Across Florida Despite Insurance Defense Work Narrowing
Bressler Amery executive committee member Hope Zelinger said “We have more work than ever because insurance companies are limiting the outside counsels they work with, and we continue to remain on that list”.
Addleshaws Swoops for KWM’s Spanish Arm as it Launches in Madrid
The news was released after KWM’s partnership with Eversheds caused some attorneys to search for new residences.
Fieldfisher Launches Italian Operation
Fieldfisher Italy, a fully integrated legal practice in Milan, employs 26 professionals at first, including five partners, six directors, and 15 lawyers.
Addleshaw Goddard extends global footprint with launch of 13 partner Madrid office
Addleshaw Goddard has announced today that it will open an office in Madrid upon the arrival of all 13 partners and their teams from KWM in Spain in May 2024. Roberto Pomares, Managing Partner of KWM Madrid, will oversee the new office.
UK Insurance firm Fenchurch to enter Asia with SG office
In order to access policyholders and brokers from throughout the island nation and the larger Asia-Pacific region for high-value commercial insurance disputes, Fenchurch, a London-based firm, has decided to establish its Asia centre in Singapore.
Kingsley Napley launches arbitration practice with partner raid on boutique
James Glaysher leaves Candey to run a new practice at an independent UK firm.
Financials:
Profits Swell at Pillsbury Amid Strong Demand and Costs Trimming
In 2023, Pillsbury’s net income increased by 10% as a result of the company concentrating its expansion on profitable processes, cutting expenses, and increasing operational effectiveness.
Sidley Crosses $3B in Revenue, With Growing ‘Share’ of Private Equity Market, Focus on Top Talent
Executive Committee Chair Michael Schmidtberger stated that although private equity may have decreased in 2023, “our share of private equity is growing because we’ve been enlarging that practice.”
AT&T GC’s Comp Marches Higher as Company’s Workforce Shrinks
The number of employees at the corporation has decreased from 281,450 to 149,900 after David McAtee II took over as legal head in 2015.
Boosted by Restructuring and Lit Practices, Brown Rudnick Sees 6% Revenue Gain
While the firm’s equity tier increased by over 5% to 60 partners and Brown Rudnick’s PEP increased by 0.2% to $1.68 million in 2023, profit growth stalled.
Boosted by Litigation, IP and Regulatory Work, Revenue Ticks Up at Wilson Sonsini
Demand was uneven across the corporate practices of the company, but there was a lot of activity in certain areas, such cybersecurity, privacy, and environmental efforts.
Cuatrecasas 2023 Revenue Grows More Than 10% to €388.7M
Based on its most recent financials, the Spanish legal practice has seen a 52.2% increase in revenue over the last ten years.
Sidley Austin London Office Revenue Breaks $200M in ‘Choppy’ Market
Tom Thesing, the firm’s head of London, discusses how the company is driven by lawsuits and regulations while aiming to become as successful as Kirkland & Ellis and Simpson Thacher.
Technology & Innovation:
Lawyers Say Technology Improves Employee Satisfaction. So Why Are Firms Slow to Modernize?
Intapp’s 2024 Technology Perceptions Report found that a minority of lawyers consider their law firms tech-savvy, while many claim they don’t use AI in their day-to-day jobs.
10 Generative AI Questions Every Chief Legal Officer Should Be Able to Answer
CLOs ought to be ready to offer the essential legal safeguards that both safeguard the company and give it the ability to outperform the competition and increase consumer value. The ten questions that follow outline the concerns that all CLOs should have in order to facilitate the adoption of GenAI by businesses and revolutionize their legal role at the same time.
Litera Releases Gen AI-Powered Foundation Dragon, KM Solution for Deal Data
Though Litera is first focusing Foundation Dragon on mergers and acquisitions, the platform will eventually be used for a range of transaction types, such as credit, real estate, venture capital, and fund formation.
Africa Should Not Rush to Regulate AI, Says Clifford Chance Co-Head
The partner’s remarks are made in spite of the fact that the EU just passed the first comprehensive AI law and that the Canadian Parliament is currently considering a similar proposal.
US bill would require AI companies to disclose copyrighted work in training models
Legislative guidelines on using copyrighted content to train software “seems inevitable” given the increasing use of AI in the creative industries.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Innovations in Diversity and Inclusion Winner, Law Firm: Baker McKenzie
JeanMarie Campbell, Head of Client Development, North America CMO Baker, McKenzie said that “Innovation is relevant to all of our clients—not just the most innovative or tech-savvy,”.
Gender Pay Gap: Elite UK Firms Show Little to No Improvement
Freshfields, Clifford Chance, Allen & Overy, Linklaters and Slaughter and May have all published gender pay gap data for 2023.
Lawyer, Mother and the Dark Night of the Soul: What We Are Doing to Women at Law Firms
“I was confident that my company would be receptive to a request for flexible work schedule, based on what I had been taught regarding its concern for keeping women. It didn’t cross my mind it would say no” writes Megan Gray.
Could AI Be a ‘Pivotal Moment’ for the Legal Aid Market?
The field of legal aid is investigating applications of artificial intelligence that may not be the same as those that Big Law has been experimenting with in the past year or two.
Market Commentary:
Dialogue Over Discord: Bridging the Gap Between Gen Z Lawyers and Law Firm Partners
It makes sense that there is a lot of generational conflict given the diversity of generations represented in our legal organizations. But in today’s clash of generations, there’s a more constructive balance to be struck.
GCs and C-Suites See Vastly Different Legal Challenges Looming
In a recent report Thomson Reuters said that “As GCs prepare their departments to be tomorrow’s value centre, they will need to be as ready to advise the business on these future issues as they are comfortable today advising on labour and litigation matters,”.
Companies Deluged by Class Actions as ‘Employee Activism Surges’
According to the recently released Carlton Fields Class Action Survey, labour and employment class actions accounted for 43.4% of law departments’ class action matters in 2023, an increase of nearly 10 percentage points from the previous year.
Alston Makes Major Leap in Latest M&A League Tables
Periann Doko, an attorney, has joined the corporate and commercial litigation division of Berger McDermott as counsel.
At 18%, Law Firm Associate Attrition Rate Continues 2-Year Decline
Jennifer Mandery, vice president for research at the NALP Foundation said that “Starting with the pandemic years we saw high levels of attrition, and we’re starting to see those attrition levels start to revert to what we saw pre-pandemic,”.
Midsize Firms Poised to Gain Market Share as Big Law Sheds Rate-Sensitive Practices
Strong rate increases for Big Law in 2019 will put more pressure on practices that can’t keep up with firm-wide growth, while also creating opportunities for more adaptable smaller firms.
Indian, Australian Firms Take Top Spots on M&A League Tables as Q1 Dominated by Domestic Deals
Four of the twelve biggest M&A agreements disclosed in Q1 of this year are centred on Greater China.
The Saudi Demarche: Measuring the Kingdom and the UAE’s Relative Success:
Given that qualifying institutions must have at least two additional Middle Eastern offices, some saw the RHQP as a subtly disparaging jab at Dubai. However, a lot of them are setting up shop in Riyadh as their regional headquarters because they need to get this license in order to bid on Saudi government contracts.
Clifford Chance Poland Office Under Investigation, Laptops ‘Seized’
Despite being well-known globally for its legal knowledge, Clifford Chance has come under fire. Laptops have reportedly been seized, according to certain unnamed sources, while the company’s Poland branch is being investigated.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Pinsents Lures Baker McKenzie’s London Banking Head
Nick Tostivin, who spent 18 years with Baker McKenzie, will serve as the team leader for Pinsent’s financial division.
Lewis Silkin swoops for Hausfeld partner to boost London disputes team
Duran Ross, a disputes partner at Hausfeld, has been brought back by Lewis Silkin to bolster the company’s London branch.
McDermott strengthens London private equity practice with partner hire from Sidley Austin
In London, McDermott Will & Emery expanded its private equity practice by bringing on Sidley Austin partner Fatema Orjela.
Two new partners at IP law firm Powell Gilbert
With the promotion of Bryce Matthewson and Peter FitzPatrick to partner at IP law firm Powell Gilbert, the total number of partners at UK and Irish businesses now stands at 15.
Pinsent Masons takes on two new Dublin partners
Dorian Rees and Karen Gallagher have been appointed to partners in the Dublin office of international law firm Pinsent Masons.
EMEA
DLA Piper Hires Veteran Africa Legal Expert for D.C. Office
Jacqueline Cooke is joining at a time when the organization is attempting to rebrand. Cooke spent over ten years at 23andMe, where she rose to the No. 2 legal position.
White & Case Expands White-Collar Practice in Germany With Partner Hire From Noerr
Sophia Habbe, a partner based in Frankfurt, has joined White & Case, expanding the firm’s white-collar practice in Germany. This is the firm’s second partner hire in Germany thus far this year.
Middle East Roundup: Trowers Builds Out Real Estate in UAE, Al Tamimi Hires Egypt Banking Head
Trowers & Hamlins has strengthened its Middle Eastern real estate presence with the addition of seasoned partner Eileen Duncan from London to their office in the United Arab Emirates.
Osborne Clarke Snags an Energy Partner in Berlin from Noerr
In April, energy expert Martin Geipel will become an equity partner of Osborne Clarke.
Stephenson Harwood expands Middle East practice with third partner hire in a month
The moves are happening at a time when the CRM industry is rapidly growing and changing this has led to the joining of disputes lawyer John Lewis from Charles Russel Speechlys.
Alston & Bird Hires Brussels Antitrust Partner to Advise on Cross-Border Transactions
According to Jens-Olrik Murach, who joins from Willkie, transatlantic cooperation among competition regulators is growing.
Freshfields Lands Another Latham Private Capital Partner
Giancarlo D’Ambrosio becomes the third partner from Latham & Watkins to join Freshfields’ global private capital practice in a timeframe of under a month.
Paul Weiss Plans Brussels Launch with Simpson Antitrust Partner
Following a record-breaking fiscal year for revenue and earnings, sources confirmed on Wednesday that Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison intends to open an office in Brussels. Ross Ferguson, an antitrust partner at Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett, will be hired to start construction.
Bowmans adds M&A team in Johannesburg from Baker McKenzie
The group includes recently appointed partner Janine Howard, a senior associate, and an associate, under the direction of seasoned partner Angela Simpson, who previously co-led Baker McKenzie’s M&A team in Johannesburg.
Arbitra adds experienced international arbitrator from Swiss firm LALIVE
Arbitration services enterprise Veijo Heiskanen, an international arbitrator from the Swiss company LALIVE, has joined Arbitra’s independent panel of arbitrators.
APAC
China Welcomes Boosted IP Player as East IP and Hong Kong SIPS Merge, Absorb Zhong Lun Team
Veteran of Zhong Lun trademarks Jimmy Huang, alongside five other partners and thirty other IP professionals, joins East IP.
K&L Gates Brings in Australian Corporate Team from Local Rival
Khilen Devani, a partner, and Carl Hinze, the head of the firm’s China practice, join K&L Gates’ Brisbane office from Holding Redlich. They are accompanied by two more Holding Redlich attorneys.
Dentons, Yang & Yang, and Drew & Napier have beefed up their portfolio of senior lawyers as they look to consolidate their market share with the addition of specialists in banking, finance, international arbitration, and litigation, in particular Drew Napier celebrated the arrival of dispute resolution partner Abhinav Bhushan.
Norton Rose Fulbright Hires Technology Partner in Australia
Lisa Fitzgerald, a technology partner, has joined Norton Rose Fulbright’s Melbourne office to assist with providing advice on artificial intelligence, cyber risks, and digital transformation.
Pinsent Masons Bets on Energy Transition and Infrastructure Build for Australia Expansion
Australia’s efforts to increase infrastructure and decarbonize its economy are helping Pinsent Masons to grow there. The company has hired teams from other firms and launched a number of new practices in the last 12 months.
The Americas
DOJ Health Care Litigator Heads to Nelson Mullins
Jillian Willis was most recently the associate chief of the DOJ’s criminal division’s healthcare fraud unit.
People in the News—March 25, 2024—Lamb McErlane, Saxton & Stump
Following her nine-year term as a Chester County Commissioner, Michelle H. Kichline has law firm Lamb McErlane as an attorney.
The firm announced that Brooke Suárez, who joined the insurance and reinsurance group from Sherman Atlas Sylvester & Stamelman, and Julien M. Baumrin, who joined the commercial litigation group from Norris McLaughlin, have joined Riker Danzig as new associates.
People in the News—March 29, 2024—Lamb McErlane, Stradley Ronon
Joelle T. Shanesy has joined Lamb McErlane in the family law department.
Midsize Moves: Saxton & Stump Hire From Troutman, Balch & Bingham Adds Bradley Arant Associate
Samuel D. Harrison, a litigator from Troutman Pepper, has joined Saxton & Stump as senior counsel. Callie Cochran, an attorney in the firm’s environmental and natural resources department, has joined Balch & Bingham’s Birmingham, Alabama, office.
Akin Grabs Another Private Credit Partner From Paul Hastings in NY
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld in New York welcomes Paul Hastings alternative lender and private credit partner Scott Colton who is joining longstanding associate Bill Brady.
DOJ Antitrust Leaders Exit for Skadden, Foley & Lardner
Mark Grundvig, who joins Foley & Lardner, was most recently assistant chief of the DOJ’s antitrust division’s Washington criminal II department. James Fredricks, a former chief of the DOJ’s antitrust division’s Washington criminal II branch, joined Skadden.
Two Fried Frank Partners Exit for Alston, Akin
In order to assist Alston in expanding its M&A practice in New York, David L. Shaw has relocated and joined their ranks, meanwhile Avi Feinberg will assist Akin’s real estate group.
Connecticut Movers: New and Recognized Faces Making News at Murtha Cullina, HSSK and Chaffin Luhana
Two new associates at Murtha Cullina, a promotion to counsel at HSSK, and the opening of Connecticut offices for expanding Chaffin Luhana are just a few of the recent advancements that are being made in Connecticut.
Sidley adds PE M&A lawyer in New York from Paul Weiss
John Godfrey is the sixth attorney from Paul Weiss to move to Sidley in the last ten months.
Pietragallo Litigator Joins Boston’s Lichten & Liss-Riordan, Launching South Jersey Office
In the initial case to reach a federal jury regarding the classification of Uber drivers as either independent contractors or employees, Jeremy Abay collaborated with the company’s founder, Shannon Liss-Riordan.
‘Right Place, Right Time’: McDermott Picks Up Tax Litigation Leader From Baker McKenzie
Susan Ryba, a former chair of the tax practice group at Baker McKenzie in Chicago, is now with McDermott Will & Emery.
Akin, MoFo and Holland & Hart Make DC Partner Hires
Akin brought on Crowell & Moring’s Jason Prince as his international trade partner, Andrew Wheeler, a former administrator of the EPA, joined Holland & Hart and a team of five attorneys from Goodwin Procter was pilfered by Morrison & Foerster.
Akin Adds Hunton Andrews Energy Transactions Leader as a Partner in Houston
Incoming Akin partner Ian Goldberg said, “I’ve been looking to kind of find the best platform for my practice, which is straddling traditional and new energy”.
People in the News—April 3, 2024—Holland & Knight, Cohen Seglias
John Grugan, a lawyer, has joined Holland & Knight as a partner in Philadelphia.
Veteran International Tax Partner Jumps to McCarthy Tétrault in Toronto and Calgary
With over twenty years of experience, Drew Morier has advised clients in Canada and abroad on intricate transactions.
Paul Hastings Lures Weil Partner to Co-Chair Asset-Backed Finance Group
Shawn Kodes and Matthew Nemeth, two Weil attorneys, are joining Paul Hastings as partners as part of this two-lawyer shift.
Judge Francis J. Orlando Jr. becomes a partner at Vaughan Baio; Pashman Stein appoints a new chair in family law
Star Startup Striving for Air Taxi Supremacy Replaces Legal Chief
The shift, which comes as the manufacturer of electric aircraft looks to outperform competitor Joby Aviation, was not disclosed by Stellantis-backed Archer Aviation.
In-House
Former Everlaw Legal Chief Takes Top Lawyer Role at Zendesk
Newly appointed Zendesk Chief Legal Officer Shana Simmons wrote on LinkedIn. “I’m excited to work alongside a team that values innovation, teamwork, and above all—connections”.
Memorial Hermann CLO Moves to Lauded Midwestern Hospital System
Deborah Gordon is departing Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston to assume legal leadership of one of the most well renowned hospitals globally.
Former Mercy Health VP Boomerangs Back to Become Chief Legal Officer
Jennifer Brown, who served as general attorney and chief administrative officer at Graphite Health, a nonprofit company that develops digital health solutions in New Mexico, is returning to Mercy in St. Louis.
In-House Moves of Month: EBay, Estee Lauder, GE, Geico Grab Headlines
A number of significant legal department changes occurred in March, including the abrupt exit of longstanding legal heads at eBay and Estee Lauder and the appointment of well-known tech figures to senior lawyer positions at both established firms like DXC Technologies and up-and-coming Abnormal Security.
Skadden Arps M&A Trio Launches Transactions Group at Morris James
As the practice’s chair, Vincent Cannizzaro was elevated to partner status from his senior associate role at Skadden. Cannizzaro is accompanied by Skadden associate Justin Larsen and lawyer Aarish Sheikh.
Hertz GC Who Settled Barrage of Lawsuits From Enraged Customers Stepping Down
Colleen Batcheler is leaving the organization to take on an unspecified role at another business. She came to a $168 million settlement with clients that the rental car business had wrongfully charged of auto theft after joining the company in 2022.
Association of Corporate Counsel Launches Brazil Chapter
More than a thousand in-house attorneys from a variety of industries in the biggest economy in Latin America will be served by the chapter.
Canadian production house Thunderbird Entertainment promotes legal SVP to GC role
Lori Massini has been elevated to general counsel by Canadian media and production business Thunderbird Entertainment, taking over for Sarah Nathanson, who is leaving this month.
Team Moves
Vinson & Elkins Finance Team Arrives at Paul Hastings
Eight global finance partners of Vinson & Elkins, who were reported to be headed to Paul Hastings last month, completed their relocation on Thursday as the Am Law 100 firm continues to aggressively grow in Texas.
12 Attorneys Have Recently Left Genova Burns, Spotlighting Succession Planning Travails
Despite sources pointing to failed discussions over how to transition beyond the leadership of founding partners Angelo Genova and James Burns, Burns said the firm has “built a brand which will continue beyond its founders.”
Charles Russell Speechlys Adds Singapore Partner Trio from Butler Snow and King & Spalding
Charles Russell Speechlys has appointed Kurt Rademacher and Ivan Lu of Butler Snow and Peter Brabant of King & Spalding as partners.
Nelson Mullins Launches in Houston, Adding 10 Lawyers From 5 Law Firms
Craig Dillard, a litigation partner at Foley & Lardner, will take on the role of managing partner for the recently formed Houston office, starting on Monday. He and Foley litigator Mike Rahmn are anticipated to move to said office later this month.
On the Move: DLA Adds Investment Team From Greenberg, Womble Names Office Leader
DLA Piper has expanded its investment funds practice in Atlanta and Miami by hiring a three-person team from Greenberg Traurig. On Thursday, Terrence “Terry” Davis, a partner in Atlanta and the head of the registered funds business, joined DLA. Previously, Davis was co-chair of Greenberg’s investment management unit. Justin Tait joined the company as a senior attorney in Miami, and Tanya Boyle relocated to Atlanta as of counsel.
Ten get the nod in Fieldfisher’s latest partner promotions
Ten attorneys have joined Fieldfisher as partners in a round of promotions that is dominated by the London headquarters of the company.
Kasowitz Litigation Partner Trio Moves to King & Spalding
After leaving Kasowitz last, Jennifer Recine, who served as the co-chair for real estate litigation, joined David Kupfer and Sarmad Khojasteh at King & Spalding. She joined on Tuesday.
Gordon Rees Expands in Pittsburgh, Adds 11 Attorneys From Burns White
Gordon Rees Pittsburgh office co-managing partner Manoj Jegasothy said this regarding the new group… “We saw that they have a clientele that is particularly suited to be serviced by a national law firm”.
Bowmans Expands in Jo’Burg with 4-Strong Baker McKenzie M&A Team Hire
Bowmans welcomes back Angela Simpson, a former partner and co-head of M&A at Baker McKenzie Johannesburg, and Janine Howard, another M&A specialist from Baker McKenzie. According to Bowmans’ announcement, they are also joined by associate Tsholofelo Mofokeng, who was previously with Baker McKenzie Johannesburg, and senior partner Dominika Pietrzak.
Fieldfisher Hires Pension Team After ‘Strategic Review’ at PwC
According to a statement, the team is still in close collaboration with the Big Four accountants and has made this decision in response to a PwC evaluation.
Midsize Moves: McNees Adds Archer Partner, Wiggin and Dana Hires Former Quinn Emmanuel Team
Wiggin and Dana’s intellectual property department announced that litigator Kate Cassidy and her team have joined the firm’s New York office, with Cassidy as a partner. McNees Wallace & Nurick announced the addition of Allen C. Tucci, a corporate and securities attorney, to the firm’s Devon, Pennsylvania, office.
Jones Day adds government regulation team in Paris from White & Case
Three associates and two trainees make up the team, which is directed by partner François-Guilhem Vaissier. The organization has a wealth of experience in the energy, projects, infrastructure, and finance sectors, having worked in both Europe and Africa.
Promotions & Appointments:
Kraft Heinz Promotes Legal Chief After Year in Which Her Pay Declined
Rashida La Lande has contributed to the development of the company’s ESG agenda, which includes the July announcement of a 30% global reduction in the usage of virgin plastic by 2030.
Macfarlanes Partner Promotions Down on Last Year
Only six attorneys were promoted to partners at the top 50 U.K. firm Macfarlanes, which is a minor decrease from the eight attorneys who were selected in the previous two years.
Simpson Thacher’s Banking and Credit Practice Sees Leadership Change
After roughly 15 years as the practice’s manager, Patrick Ryan will step down and be replaced by Alexandra Kaplan and Brian Steinhardt.
Linklaters promotes 27 to partner as gender diversity target on track for fourth year
In its most recent round of promotions, UK Magic Circle firm Linklaters advanced 27 attorneys to partner, with 11 of those attorneys being women. This means that, for the fourth year running, the business achieved its yearly goal of having at least 40% of promoted partners identifying as female.
McCay Legal appoints property lawyer Sinead Creighan as director
McCay Legal, a firm based in Northern Ireland, has named Sinead Creighan as a director, responsible for overseeing the company’s commercial property, real estate, and private client departments.
Skadden Latest to Announce Partner Promotions with 21 Making the Cut
Additionally, Pinsent Masons has revealed the names of its newest partners.
Pinsent Masons promotes 22 to its partnership
With three promotions in Asia Pacific, five in EMEA, and fourteen in the UK, the company has added new partners to its global network, bringing the total to 502 as of May 1st. With five new partners in the Technology, Science, and Industry (TSI) sector and ten in the energy industry, the firm’s practice groups and sectors have welcomed the new members.
People in the News—April 5, 2024—Marshall Dennehey, Fox Rothschild
Christopher M. Reeser, a shareholder, has been appointed managing attorney of the firm’s Harrisburg office, according to a statement released by Marshall Dennehey.
On the Move: King & Spalding Adds Capital One Counsel as Finance Partner
Following 20 years with Morris Wright, tax attorney Mark Snider joins Nelson Mullins in Cleveland, while Baker Donelson announces the addition of 13 new shareholders, more than half of whom are located in Tennessee and Georgia.
Howard Kennedy partner named next president of London Solicitors Litigation Association
Nikki Edwards, a partner at Howard Kennedy, has been named the London Solicitors Litigation Association’s (LSLA) future president.
Harbottle & Lewis name first female senior partner in firm’s history
Gerrard Tyrrell will be replaced by Catherine Bedford, who will take over the position after almost 17 years.
Mergers & Alliances:
Torys, Willkie Farr, and Stikemans Steer CA$5B Fairstone Bank and Home Trust Merger
The result of the merger will be Canada’s highest alternative lender.
Africa Deal Roundup: Major Firms Take Roles on Resources, Infrastructure, and Music Deals
On the private equity-linked merger of South African gold producer Aurous Resource with Rigel Resource Acquisition Corp, a special purpose acquisition company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Milbank, Sidley Austin, and the South African firm Bowmans are providing advice.
With Merger Near, A&O and Shearman Retain McKinsey, KPMG
The firms reported that they turned to the business consultants for advice ranging “from operational integration through to ways of working.”
With High Interest in Law Firm Acquisitions, ‘A Likely Uptick’ in Mergers Underway
At present, 400–800 lawyer firms are particularly eager to buy out smaller firms, according to Lisa Smith at Fairfax.
BCLP Acquires Seattle Trial Boutique, Capitalizing on Region’s Growing Status as Litigation Hub
An entire year after the Am Law 100 company relocated to the Emerald City, all of the lawyers and employees of Harrigan Leyh Farmer & Thomsen joined BCLP.
McCartan Turkington Breen partners with Hope House Ireland
During or after their treatment, Hope House Ireland offers free lodging to cancer patients and their caregivers for a brief period of peaceful relaxation and recovery.
Office Openings & Closing:
Weil Gotshal Shutters Beijing and Mulls Shanghai Closure
Weil is the latest in a growing list of elite American law firms to close operations in China’s mainland due to the country’s tense geopolitical relations and protracted economic depression, which are forcing the world’s best legal practices to reevaluate their China investments.
Law Firms Paid More for Less Space in 2023 as Downsizing Trend Continues
Due to the peak of law firm leasing activity in Q4 of 2023, prices per square foot increased by over 5%.
Sorrels Law, Expanding Into Dallas, Hires Lawyer/Doctor For the Launch
Founded in Houston in 2021, plaintiffs’ personal injury firm Sorrels Law recently moved into the Austin area and built an office there. A few months later, the firm launched an office in Dallas.
Allen & Overy Launches Riyadh Office
A growing number of foreign companies have chosen Riyadh as their Middle East regional headquarters, indicating Saudi Arabia’s growing significance to them.
KPMG’s Hong Kong Affiliate Law Practice Set to Shut Down
The Big Four accounting company KPMG’s Hong Kong law business, SF Lawyers, is now closing its local offices in the city.
After 47 Years, Denver’s Moye White to Wind Down After Most Lawyers Join Fennemore Craig
Fennemore CEO James Goodnow said “We’ve found this mass lateral hiring works depending on the situation… It’s a very clean way to do a transaction.”
Am Law 200 Firm, ‘Working Differently,’ Will Move to Smaller Space
Leaders of Butler Snow discovered they didn’t require as much space as the company now has in downtown Nashville’s 29-story Pinnacle at Symphony Place building. The 15th and 16th floor offices of the firm feature a conference facility spanning 13,000 square feet.
Paul Weiss Plans Brussels Launch With Simpson Antitrust Partner
Brad Karp affirmed that the firm’s “strategic imperative” is to maintain a “strong presence in Brussels” given its focus on cross-border M&A and related client problems.
DLA Piper to Open Office in Düsseldorf
The company now has five offices in Germany as a result of the opening.
Hong Kong Law Firm Co-Founder Launches New Firm
According to Phillip Georgiou, Georgiou Partnership can provide the necessary knowledge on anything from asset recovery and insolvency to tasks pertaining to regulations and compliance.
Sullivan & Cromwell, Williams & Connolly Expand DC Space, as Leasing Activity Picks Up
In Washington, D.C., Finnegan is returning a floor while S&C and Williams & Connolly each take up about a floor of additional space.
Noerr to Part Company with Four European Offices
Following a decline in Noerr’s CEE income, a deal with CEE legal company Kinstellar may result in the major German law firm parting with a large number of lawyers.
JRAP O’Meara to move to larger headquarters
The Cork law practice JRAP O’Meara Solicitors LLP is moving to the Victorian Quarter on MacCurtain Street, where it will occupy a larger office, from the South Mall.
Financials:
Diversity of Practices Helped Foley Grow Revenue by 8.1%, Profits Per Equity Partner by 11.5%
Despite maintaining a constant number of attorneys, the business reported increased income and profits in 2023.
While Latham has been progressively growing its bonus pool, other companies have achieved comparable results by reallocating the share point value.
According to Tom Fitzgerald, Winston has a large number of situations with “tremendous nuance” in pricing or that are invoiced on a fixed fee basis. Overall, the company hiked billing rates by about 7% to 8%.
Regional West Coast Firms See Modest Gross Revenue Increases, as Equity Partner Tiers Contract
Last year, Procopio, Stoel Rives, Hanson Bridgett, and all three saw improvements in gross revenue or profit; however, PEP was boosted by reductions in the equity partnerships of these companies.
Miles & Stockbridge Sees Revenue and Profits Rise as Partnership Contracts
According to CEO Nancy Greene, the company is considering locations for growth, including Wilmington and New York.
Welcoming New Chair, Ballard Spahr Boasts Steady Revenue Alongside PEP Dip
Peter Michaud said “We outperformed in M&A. “We have done that historically, where when the market sees a downturn in M&A, we’ll still do well.”
After Mass Exodus, FisherBroyles Charts Plan for Rapid Growth
The business hopes to surpass last year’s head count of about 300 lawyers in 2024, even with the mass departure in early 2024, after sales and earnings increased in 2023.
Despite Industry Declines in Real Estate, Seyfarth Grew Revenue, Net Income by 3%
Despite having fewer employees than the previous year, Seyfarth is still “actively exploring” the South Florida market and seeking to expand in its core markets.
Mintz Sees Revenue Hit All-Time High as Profits Dip Amid Office Expansion
Managing partner Robert Bodian stated that the company’s profitability per equity partner were negatively impacted by its expansion into Canada. However, he claimed that the company’s presence in Canada brought in $9.2 million last year.
Mint & Strawn Sets Firm Revenue and Profits Records
According to chair-elect Steve D’Amore, who will succeed longtime chair Tom Fitzgerad this summer, the company wants to put more of an emphasis on international markets going forward, with London and Paris being top goals.
While Latham has been progressively growing its bonus pool, other companies have achieved comparable results by reallocating the share point value.
Revenue Per Lawyer Hits New Peak at Reed Smith, as Profits Stagnate Amid Mounting Costs
Global managing partner Casey Ryan said, “We saw financial growth from top 200 clients, including significant increases in international engagements, which indicates that our global platform is working for our international clients”.
Revenue Flattens at Dechert, But Firm Sees ‘Turnaround’ in Interest Rate-Sensitive Practices
Dechert’s London practice experienced its second-strongest year, said co-chair David Forti, who noted that firmwide, the last three years as a whole “were the best three years we’ve ever had.”
Boies Schiller Flexner Bounces Back With Revenue, Head Count Gains in 2023
With the opening of a new office in Rome and the ongoing renovation of its London location, the litigation shop is expanding again after years of dwindling headcount and revenue.
Schulte Rides Private Capital Matters to 7% Revenue Growth as PEP Dips Amid Firm Investments
The company’s earnings per partner decreased 7.7% to $3.34 million in the previous year as its equity-only partnership grew 13% to 78 members.
Building on 7% Revenue Rise in 2023, Frost Brown Todd Looks to Enter New Markets, Add to Head Count
In an interview, chairman Robert Sartin stated, “We had another very good year, particularly given the sort of uncertainties around the economic environment.”
Kramer Levin Finds ‘A Good Year in a Difficult Environment,’ With Revenue Rising 3.3%
The company’s PEP increased by 1.2% to $2.41 million despite a decline in net income, as the equity tier shrank by 5%.
Boies Schiller Flexner Bounces Back With Revenue, Head Count Gains in 2023
The number is an 11.8% increase from 2022, and the firm’s full-time equivalent head count increased by three attorneys to 153. Profits per equity partner increased 1.3% to $2.5 million, while revenue per lawyer reached $1.6 million, up 9.6%.
Wachtell, Goodwin Top Q1 League Tables as Global M&A Value Jumps 38%
Although there was a notable increase in the amount of worldwide M&A disclosed in Q1, there was a 31% decrease in the number of agreements during the same period last year.
Faegre Drinker Bolsters Finance & Restructuring Team With Partner Deanna Reitman in Dallas
Reitman offers clients business, legal, and regulatory counsel about commodities. With an emphasis on energy, metals, agriculture, carbon, and other sustainable commodities, she has over 25 years of experience in the commodity markets and over 18 years in senior management.
Revenue, Profits Slip at Baker Botts as Firm Invests in Hiring, Singapore Office
Danny David, the managing partner who assumed the position on August 1st, stated that 2023 would be a year of investments with an emphasis on building on his strengths.
Moore & Van Allen Leans Into Countercyclical Practices for Revenue, Profit Growth
Although its primary specialty is banking and finance, the Am Law 200 firm also made money in real estate, IP, litigation, and restructuring.
Stinson, With Surge in Class Actions, Grew Revenue Nearly 4%
Net income dropped by 6.4%, although the company’s profits per equity partner increased by over 2%.
Cahill Drops 2.9% in Revenue as Firm Plans Long-Term Adjustments
In order to lessen the highs and lows of a market-dependent profession, Cahill is aiming to diversify its practice mix, according to firm head Herb Washer.
Wilmer Sees Growing Share of Fees From Meta, as Firm’s Total Revenue Expands
Some analysts believe that law companies suffer commercial problems if the bills from a single customer account for more than 5% of the firm’s entire revenue. Others argue that this threshold has to be significantly higher.
Spencer Fane Notches 16.5% Topline Growth as Firm Seeks Out More Markets
The head of the company pointed out that while lateral partners receive the same compensation as those in the equity tier, they are not acting as “de facto leverage” for the current equity partners.
Slaughters Bounces Back in Q1 Rankings as European M&A Shows Hints of Recovery
Slaughters soared to the top of the London Stock Exchange Group’s (LSEG) first-quarter adviser rankings, moving up from 17th place in Q1 2023 to the top spot. The company fared well in the European rankings as well, moving up from 54th to 4th.
Travers Profits Continue to Fall Amid Challenging Market, Latest LLPs Show
According to limited liability partnership documents that were recently submitted to Companies House, the UK company’s operating profit for the previous year decreased by 13%, from £75 million to £65.3 million. Up till June 2021 of last year, the profit was £78.7 million.
Technology & Innovation:
Can AI Invent? USPTO Provides Guidance on AI-Impacted Inventorship
Jeffrey Weinick and Drew Berweger of CSG Law’s patent group write “Where is the line between AI rising to the role of inventor and mere AI assistance for human inventors?”.
Education in the Age of Gen AI: Negotiating Skills Are Alive and Well
In contrast to the profession’s concerns about incoming attorneys being ill-prepared due to the emergence of generative AI, the first-ever ABA Business Law Section M&A Committee National Invitational demonstrated effective negotiation techniques.
Tech-Enabled Transactional Practice of the Year, Law Firm: Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe
Wendy Butler Curtis, Chief Innovation Officer at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe said that “The essence of innovation lies with our lawyers and their deep understanding of our clients’ objectives and challenges, coupled with an enthusiasm to think beyond convention,”.
Best Use of Emerging Technology (Non-AI), Law Firm: Reanna Martinez, Munger, Tolles & Olson
Reanna Martinez, Manager: Innovation, Systems, and Data at Munger, Tolles & Olson, said, “You have the opportunity to be a trailblazer, driving change in an industry known for its conventions.” This is true for the legal tech sector.
How to Develop Legal Tech Products That Lawyers Love
Technology solutions should not create new problems, but rather solve current ones. They should supplement and enhance the delivery of legal services.
AI Hype Needs To Come To An End
Many are now saying that AI needs to have it “come to Jesus” moment. It’s time to stop the hype, stop talking up AI as if it’s the next best thing since sliced bread and prove that it’s a useful tool and technology that can actually be used in the actual practice of law.
Winston & Strawn Launches Tech-Powered, Right-Staffing Venture for Low-Complexity Work
By offering an alternative to the market for outsourced legal providers that incorporates lawyers with firm training, well-established procedures, cutting-edge technology, and generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, Winston Legal Solutions seeks to allay client worries about cost.
How Artificial Intelligence Can Be Properly Used by In-House Counsel
Given all of AI’s potential advantages—and the likelihood that there may be more in the future that we are unaware of—it is crucial to comprehend the risks associated with employing these technologies, according to a guest columnist for the Law Journal.
Linklaters Turns to Accenture for Tech Advice
Following in the footsteps of A&O and Shearman, Linklaters hired McKinsey and KPMG to provide merger advisory services last month.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Q&As With Florida Individuals Recognized for Their Diversity Initiatives
This year, the Daily Business Review named five people as nominees for the Diversity & Inclusion award in 2024.
GSU’s Reed to Become University of Baltimore Law’s First Woman Dean
Incumbent dean LaVonda Reed said in a statement, “I am excited to join the University of Baltimore as the dean of the School of Law as the university celebrates its centennial anniversary. “The school’s commitment to excellence in teaching, impactful research and service to the legal academy and the profession is as inspiring as the people who make up this wonderful academic community.”
4 Out of Sidley’s 5 Global IP Litigation Leaders Are Women. Here’s How That’s Shaped the Practice
Aimee Fagan and Ching-Lee Fukuda, who both joined Sidley’s IP litigation team as lateral hires, talk about how they plan to develop the practice and what attracted them to the company.
People in the News—April 1, 2024—Capehart Scatchard, Funge
Attorneys from the Capehart Scatchard workers’ compensation department Aminata C. Kamara, Jaclyn M. Terranova, and Megan A. Wilson recently attended a judicial reception honoring four judges from the tri-state area who are Rutgers Law School alumni in honor of Women’s History Month.
Gwabbit Founder Todd Miller Acquires Majority Stake in CRM Provider TRĒ AI
The purchases are happening at a time when the CRM industry is rapidly growing and changing.
Assessing the Legality of DEI Programs
This article examines decisions made in cases both prior to and beyond the SFFA ruling to show how courts and employers have taken racial considerations into account when determining whether or not diversity programs are lawful. It then suggests inquiries that companies should consider to guarantee legal compliance and further diversity goals.
Market Commentary:
The Law Firms and Lawyers That Benefit Most From Private Equity Designation
The law firms and attorneys that regularly receive specified mandates on private equity transactions in the UK have been identified through an extensive examination that included interviews with a broad spectrum of industry executives.
Nonequity Partner Growth Kicks Into High Gear
In 2023, the income partner ranks of several Am Law 100 companies increased by double digit percentages. Many factors, according to analysts, are driving businesses to quickly grow this partner layer.
Freshfields the Latest to Move to 4 Days in US Offices
Starting on May 1st, U.S. partners, associates, legal assistants, and other fee earners at Freshfields will be required to work four days a week in the office.
The Law Firms and Lawyers That Benefit Most From Private Equity Designation
The law firms and attorneys that regularly receive specified mandates on private equity transactions in the UK have been identified through an extensive examination that included interviews with a broad spectrum of industry executives.
Linklaters Partner Promotions Fall Steeply on Last Year
Most of the lawyers in the campaign are based in the UK offering of the business, and they cover 14 countries in Asia, Europe, and the United States.
‘Puppy Yoga is Not a Wellbeing Strategy’: Are Law Firms Doing Enough on Mental Health?
In the month since the Vanessa Ford tragedy, the legal sector has seen a significant increase in the fight for mental health; nevertheless, very few businesses seem to be thinking about making improvements to their wellbeing programs.
General Counsel Commit to 50% Pro Bono Target to Increase In-House Involvement
The pledge has been signed by GCs from FTSE 100 firms, including as GSK, Coca-Cola, ITV, Taylor Wimpey, and Goldman Sachs.
Dentons launches shadow leadership team to nurture next generation of leaders
A shadow executive team made up of prospective future leaders has been created by Dentons’ UK, Ireland, and Middle East business to provide suggestions to the firm’s leadership on strategic and operational initiatives.
The Challenge of China: What Will Kirkland, Latham and the Rest of Big Law Do Now?
It seems that running a legal practice in Greater China is becoming more and more challenging.
Big law companies continue to spend a lot of money on high-priced management consultants like Accenture and McKinsey, but The Global Lawyer wonders what these firms aim to accomplish.
Wilmer Joins Kirkland, Sidley in Racking Up 8-Figure Fees From a Single Client
Regulations requiring SEC disclosure made Meta reveal the amount it paid Wilmer. The same guidelines caused TDS to declare how much it paid Sidley and Blackstone to report how much it paid Kirkland.
Second-Half Demand Increases Buoyed Fox Rothschild in 2023
The company’s nonequity partnership grew while its equity partnership shrank, similar to many of its peers.
We’re proud to announce that our dedication to excellence in recruitment has earned us recognition for prestigious industry awards, listed below:
The Women, Influence & Power in Law UK
2nd in “Legal Recruitment Firm of the Year, 2024”
Investing in Talent: Recruiter Awards
Recognised for Best Recruitment Company to Work For (1-19 Employees) and
Recognised for Best Workplace Environment
Corporate Vision Magazine’s 2024 HR and Employment Awards
Best Legal & Compliance Search Firm of the Year 2024 – London
Since our inception, we’ve tirelessly worked to redefine recruitment solutions and exceed the expectations of both clients and candidates; this nomination fuels our determination to continue delivering exceptional service and making a positive impact in the industry. We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our clients, candidates, and partners for their support.
We look forward to hopefully sharing more updates with you as we continue to #BringtheRightPeopleTogether.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Simpson Thacher Swoops For Weil Gotshal Partner Duo in the UK
According to Simpson Thacher, Paul Hibbert and Emma Serginson will concentrate on finance and credit issues in the infrastructure industry, among other things.
Former Milbank Partner is Latest Paul Weiss UK Addition
Miko Bradford is now a senior legal counsel and chief operational officer for the sponsor finance team at the prestigious U.S.-led firm.
Nick Swimer to Join Lee & Thompson
Nick, a Partner in the Entertainment & Media Industry Group at Reed Smith, will join the company on April 15th.
Kirkland & Ellis Announces New Partners
They are proud to announce the launch of their construction practice with new partner James Clark in the Middle East.
McDermott signs up veteran dealmaker who led Kirkland’s London expansion in 2000s
Former Kirkland and Fried Frank employee Graham White will provide the US firm’s transactional service more strength with his presence.
William Fry hires Derina Bannon as funds consultant
Derina Bannon has been hired by William Fry as a consultant in the asset management and investment funds division of the company.
EMEA
Shearman Europe Head to Exit Firm Ahead of Merger
Ward McKimm spent over two years as Shearman’s co-global head of leveraged finance before taking on the role of president of the company’s EMEA division in 2020.
Ashurst Expands Again in Munich With IP Partner from Bird & Bird
Roman Brtka, an intellectual property partner at Bird & Bird, is joining Ashurst in its Munich office as part of an effort to grow the company’s dispute resolution and digital economy practices in Germany.
Partner Eileen Duncan of the international law firm Trowers & Hamlins has relocated to the United Arab Emirates to assume the role of Head of Real Estate, Middle East, therefore bolstering the firm’s real estate business in the region.
APAC
Linklaters announces new Managing Partner for China
Andrew Chung has joined Linklaters as its new Managing Partner for China. Andrew will participate in important management choices that influence the company’s strategy in this capacity.
Yulchon adds co-head to international dispute resolution team
David MacArthur was hired by Yulchon as a partner and co-head of international dispute resolution, broadening the scope of its offering in international arbitration.
New Partner Boosts White & Case’s Beijing Presence and M&A Practice
White & Case’s M&A Practice and Beijing Presence Are Enhanced by New Partner Alan Bao.
Ashurst Expands Australian Disputes Practice with Partner Hire
The hire signifies the return to Ashurst for Angela Pearsall, who was a partner with the firm for 12 years until 2016 when she joined Clifford Chance.
The Americas
Paul Hastings Lands Goodwin PE Partner as New Vice Chair of Private Equity
Following in the footsteps of a group of private equity attorneys led by Scott Joachim in Palo Alto last year, Josh Ratner moved from Goodwin to Paul Hastings.
K&L Gates Beefs Up West Coast Corporate Practice With Hires From Reed Smith, Hanson Bridgett
Since the start of 2023, Mattias Luukkonen and Michael Gorback have joined K&L Gates as the newest partners located in California.
Paul Hastings Hires White & Case Partner as Co-Chair of International Arbitration Practice
Jonathan Hamilton oversaw White & Case’s arbitration practice in Latin America before.
People in the News—March 20, 2024—Wisler Pearlstine, Reichman Jorgensen
Carla Marino, a Chester County lawyer, joined Wisler Pearlstine’s family law practice as a partner in its Malvern office recently.
Newsmakers: Former Federal Prosecutors Michael Elliott, Mindy Sauter Join McGuireWoods in Dallas
Former federal prosecutors with a focus on healthcare issues, Michael Elliott and Mindy Sauter, have joined McGuireWoods as partners in Dallas. They support McGuireWoods’ government investigations and white-collar litigation group in Texas, together with Chris Quinlan counsel.
People in the News—March 22, 2024—Flaster Greenberg, Gawthrop Greenwood
Owner/Shareholder Eric Palombo is a new member of Flaster Greenberg’s litigation and transportation law practices. He works in both areas of the business.
DLA Piper Hires Former Hong Kong Office Head of Canada’s McMillan
New partners have also been added by Canadian law firms Borden Ladner, Osler Hoskin, and Dentons Canada.
Midsize Moves: Nossaman Adds 2 Partners in Texas, Crowe & Dunlevy Hires Director in Oklahoma
Sejin C. Brooks and Melissa Ferringer have become partners in Nossaman’s eminent domain and valuation practice in the Austin, Texas, office; Chris Vaught, an employment lawyer, has joined Crowe & Dunlevy as a director at the Tulsa, Oklahoma, office of the firm.
‘Bridgegate’ Prosecutor Joins Arnold & Porter in Newark
Paul Fishman, New Jersey’s former top federal prosecutor, has joined Arnold & Porter, his position will involve leading the firm’s crisis management and strategic response team.
In-House
DXC Taps NetApp’s Strategy Chief to Lead Legal
Matt Fawcett, a veteran of the software sector who held the position of legal officer at JDS Uniphase and NetApp, has joined the IT behemoth.
9,000-Screen Cineworld Hires Sally Beauty’s GC as Part of Fresh Start
Global cinema chain operator Cineworld has appointed John Henrich as general counsel as part of a broader refresh of its executive team following its emergence from Chapter 11 proceedings last year.
AI-Based Cybersecurity Startup Plotting IPO Hires Zoom’s Jeff True as Legal Chief
Before joining Zoom in 2020, Jeff True held the position of general counsel at cybersecurity company Palo Alto Networks. Now, he is returning to the field as the head of legal at one of the industry’s hottest startups.
US-listed gaming business Inspired Entertainment announces GC succession plans
Carys Damon will be replaced by Sportingtech CLO Simona Camilleri at the start of July
Team Moves
Troutman Pepper Construction Team Jumps to Cozen O’Connor in LA
Marion Hack is reunited with several former Pepper Hamilton colleagues in Cozen, where she is leading a group of six attorneys.
Dentons Canada Loses Five-Lawyer Banking and Finance Team to McMillan
The firm’s expanding Calgary office will be home to partners Gary Rose, Glen Peterson, Ben Nuttall, and David Fendley, while associate Adam Palmer will operate out of Vancouver. Rose stated that a minimum of one additional attorney, along with a few clerks and paralegals, will be relocating to McMillan shortly.
DAC Beachcroft Absorbs Litigation Team in Mexico
Members of the firm said that the additions will help the firm build out its capabilities in Mexico and position it to take advantage of untapped opportunities.
Katten adds financial services partner trio in London from Curtis
Daniel Lewin, a transactional tax planning attorney, is joined by funds duo Thomas Laurer and Ryan Hansen.
On the Move: Morris Manning, After Bankruptcy Team Exit, Adds Partner in Atlanta
Brian Levy, an attorney, joined Morris Manning from Burr & Forman, while Frank DeBorde, Lisa Wolgast, and two other partners joined Barnes & Thornburg’s finance, insolvency, and restructuring division in Atlanta from Morris Manning.
Promotions & Appointments:
Kilpatrick Elects IP Lawyer Wab Kadaba to Chair Firm
Kilpatrick’s first new chair in more than ten years will be Wab Kadaba. Henry Walker will be succeeded by him.
Newsmakers: Michael Best Names George P. Bush as Office Managing Partner in Austin
The firm’s Austin office now has George P. Bush as its managing partner. Richard J. Ressler is replaced by Bush, who will be in charge of strategy planning and office operations.
Nancy Valentino, Joe Serrantino, Mark Parise, Robert Chomiak, Jr., Christine Blethen, and Mark Parise are among the recent hires and advancements at several state-wide businesses.
CLO of North America’s 5th-Largest Bank Promoted Ahead of Big Merger
Maria Douvas joined the Toronto-based Royal Bank of Canada eight years ago and has since risen quickly through the ranks of the organization’s leadership.
Slaughter and May Promotes Five To Partner
The company will have 106 partners worldwide as of May 1st, with 96 of those partners being situated in London.
Australia’s HWL Ebsworth Appoints Temporary Leader after Managing Partner Dies
After a lengthy illness, Juan Martinez, the longtime CEO of HWL Ebsworth, Australia’s largest independent legal firm by headcount, passed away. A temporary replacement has been named.
Squire Patton Boggs Elevates Abdulaziz Al-Alami to Partner
Among the newly promoted partners is Abdulaziz Al-Alami, who hails from the Corporate practice at the firm’s Riyadh office
Slaughter and May unveils latest partner promotions round
As part of a promotion round, Slaughter and May has selected five attorneys as partners, adhering to the “ambitious” set of diversity targets it first announced three years prior.
Herbert Smith Freehills names lawyer quartet to global ESG leadership
Partner Rebecca Perlman, who oversaw HSF’s ESG practice for the UK, US, and EMEA before joining Kirkland & Ellis’s London office earlier this month, is essentially succeeded by the new leaders.
Mergers & Alliances:
Legal Chiefs Snaring Hefty Golden Parachutes as Merger Activity Perks Up
Cindy Schipani, a professor of business law at the University of Michigan said “I think there is a point that they become so large that they encourage executives to take the deal, regardless of whether it is in the best interests of the shareholders,”.
Key Delaware Decision in ‘Activision’ Upends Standard Board Practices for Approving Mergers
In reaction to the recent ruling in Ap-Fonden v. Activision by the Delaware Court of Chancery, which creates a new avenue for contesting a board’s merger approval procedure, this paper outlines best practices. The decision’s impact on the merger agreement procedures is examined, along with future considerations for practitioners navigating this ruling.
Dentons Expands to New Zealand’s Christchurch with Health Firm Acquisition
Legal firm Claro specializes on the health sector.
Withers Enters into Alliance with Indonesian Boutique
Karna Partnership was established in 2020 and currently has 12 attorneys and five partners.
Office Openings & Closing:
Fox Rothschild Moves to New Wilmington Office
Fox Rothschild announced that its Wilmington office has moved to 1201 North Market Street, Suite 1200, this became effective from March the 11th.
US Firms With Expiring Leases Were Much More Likely to Relocate in 2023 Than Stay Put
In 2023, the number of leases from law firms reached a record high in square footage, with eight of the top ten largest leases in New York, per a recent Cushman & Wakefield research.
Many foreign businesses have been compelled to reduce their activities in Asia due to the market slump, particularly in Greater China. Latham & Watkins, Perkins Coie, Proskauer Rose, and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld have all closed their mainland China operations in the last 12 months.
Stephenson Harwood’s China Affiliate Firm Launches New Office
Joanna Jiang, a corporate partner who joined Wei Tu a year ago, will be in charge of the company’s Shanghai office.
Six Partners Depart from Three Different Firms To Launch New Firm in Mexico
The partners, Ibarra del Paso Gallego, Creel Abogados, and Norton Rose Fulbright, stated that their goal is to run a lean and equitable “one-stop-shop” for corporate affairs in the nation.
Akin Settles On Bishopsgate For Next London Home
According to a statement, the Dallas-based company has selected 155 Bishopsgate as its new London address. The company’s current headquarters are in Spitalfields’ Bishops Square.
India’s Cyril Amarchand Launches Abu Dhabi Office, Marks Second Overseas Foray
In view of the growing investment in India by UAE-based organizations, the firm states that it is concentrated on ‘expanding co-operation between India and the UAE’.
Kinstellar Breaks into Southeast Asia with Vietnamese JV
Their Asia Counsel was established in 2015 and now has one office in Ho Chi Minh City with 21 lawyers.
Financials:
In Year of ‘Difficult Decisions,’ Perkins Coie Grows Revenue 4% and PEP 7.6%
Chair Bill Malley stated that Perkins Coie saw both associate deferrals and layoffs in 2023. “We bent the curve on cost and delivered some excellent results for our partners,”.
Mayer Brown Sees Revenue and PEP Climb Amid Higher Demand, Drop in Equity Tier
The company’s 8.2% decrease in equity partners contributed to a 4.4% increase in PEP, or $2.44 million. The revenue per attorney increased by 1% to around $1.01 million.
Gibson Dunn Breaks $3B Revenue Mark With Litigation, Transactions Firing on All Cylinders
The firm experienced its 28th consecutive year of revenue growth, with a 12.3% increase in gross revenue and a 13.4% increase in earnings per equity partner.
Revenue, Profits Soar at Susman Godfrey as Fees Pour in From Trial Wins, Settlements
Trial firm Susman Godfrey, established in Houston, had an almost twofold increase in revenue in 2023 and a more than twofold increase in earnings per equity partner as its attorneys handled high-profile, high-stakes cases.
Wilmer’s Revenue and Profits Soar Amid Boom in Countercyclical Practices
Wilmer’s income and profit increased by 10% or more in 2023 despite the firm being in the public eye due to the congressional testimony of its clients, thanks to improvements in litigation and investigative techniques.
Despite Cuts, Fenwick Sees Revenue Growth and Remains Bullish on Tech Business Bounceback
Firm chair Richard Dickson said this about about the firm’s scope of work “Some uncertainty remains. But it will come back, and come back stronger,”. “We just don’t know exactly when.”
Revenue Up 6.2% at Orrick, But Profits Grew by Much More
Internationally, the London branch of the company has demonstrated strong performance, according to Mitch Zuklie, Chair of Orrick. In addition, he stated that the company began to get a sizable volume of cross-border work from China, where it had offices in Shanghai and Beijing.
Alston Sees Litigation ‘Spike,’ Contributing to 8% Revenue and Net Income Growth
The firm achieved another financial milestone in 2023, when its PEP passed the $3 million mark for the first time, increasing 9.3% to $3.252 million.
Barnes & Thornburg, Driven by Hiring, Grows Revenue Double Digits
According to Barnes managing partner Andy Detherage, “people were the engine of the Am Law 100 firm’s gains last year, with 34 lateral partners and around 90 lawyers joining the firm overall.”
At Goodwin, Growth Investments Scuttle Profits While Revenue Ticked Up
Goodwin stated that it has no intention of reducing staff in 2024, even if its headcount was larger in 2023.
At Morrison & Foerster, Reduced Overhead and Steady Demand Led to 19% Profitability Gain
Good results in middle-market mergers and acquisitions, bankruptcy, and litigation resulted to a 6.2% rise in gross revenue for the company.
Womble Bond Dickinson’s Revenue Rises Amid Flat Profits Per Partner
CEO Betty Temple said “We’re not going to limit the people who should be partners when they’ve achieved the firm’s milestones,”.
Fried Frank Crosses $1B in Revenue as PEP Soars 21% and Equity Tier Declines
Firm chair Kenneth Rosh said that “There was no plan for mass de-equitization”. “We do manage it [the partnership], and there were some laterals who left and some retirements.”
In Year of ‘Difficult Decisions,’ Perkins Coie Grows Revenue 4% and PEP 7.6%
Although the firm closed its office in Shanghai early this year, but chair Bill Malley said it plans to open an office in Shenzhen. He also said the firm is eyeing a possible launch in London, where it would emphasize its strengths in IP, litigation and privacy.
Mayer Brown Sees Revenue and PEP Climb Amid Higher Demand, Drop in Equity Tier
Launched last year, the firm’s legal venture in Singapore was dubbed “a big deal” by chair Jon Van Gorp, who also mentioned the firm’s excellent performance from its offices in London, Paris, and Brazil.
Gibson Dunn Breaks $3B Revenue Mark With Litigation, Transactions Firing on All Cylinders
The firm experienced its 28th consecutive year of revenue growth, with a 12.3% increase in gross revenue and a 13.4% increase in earnings per equity partner. The company went worldwide in 2023, with offices in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi in the Middle East. A nine-lawyer energy and infrastructure team was also established, based in Paris.
At Goodwin, Growth Investments Scuttle Profits While Revenue Ticked Up
The company will be relocating to a bigger space in the city after seeing a 25.9% rise in revenue in London in 2023. According to the company, Goodin has also extended its operations into Europe and Asia.
At Morrison & Foerster, Reduced Overhead and Steady Demand Led to 19% Profitability Gain
The company provided advice to Toshiba’s board during its $15 billion take-private transaction, the biggest of its kind in Japanese history, on foreign markets. According to the company, its offices in Berlin and London also enjoyed impressive performance.
Led by Record Results in Germany, Noerr Posts 5.7% Higher Revenue for 2023
The leadership of the German company anticipated sustained development as a result of the domestic market’s economic restructuring.
Lowenstein Sandler Sees Double-Digit Drops After Contingency-Aided 2022
Chairman and managing partner Gary Wingens claims that if contingency fees are subtracted from the total, core revenue grew over the prior year. Additionally, the company is about to hire Michael Caplan, a former employee of Goodwin Procter, as its new chief operating officer.
Technology & Innovation:
AI in Law: Navigating the Tightrope Between Innovation and Ethics
Lawyers can efficiently leverage AI’s capabilities while properly managing associated liabilities by continuously exercising independent judgment, following to recognized best practices, and being alert to potential hazards.
AI Risks Are Evolving—And Organizations May Not Be Keeping Up
Defining artificial intelligence (AI) or assuming onerous vendor control requirements may not be the best ways to reduce AI risks, attorneys from Debevoise & Plimpton stated during a webinar on Monday.
Another Look at How AI Is Shaping Litigation Finance
The CEO and co-founder of Legalist, a litigation funding company, Eva Shang, explains how generative AI influences the company’s outreach to attorneys.
With AI Training, Data ‘Anonymization’ Runs Risk of Becoming a Fig Leaf
A popular word among tech companies looking to train their generative AI systems on user data is “data anonymization.” However, experts in data privacy advise being cautious because this description could be vague or unreliable.
Ethical Use, IP Implications: Am Law 200 Firm Tackles Legal’s Gen AI Questions
During a webinar on Tuesday, the legal company Hanson Bridgett examined some of the unanswered issues facing the legal sector.
Why This Australian Gaming Company GC Loves Legal Tech
Legal IT, according to Ivana Kovacevic, saves businesses money and time while allowing in-house attorneys to focus on higher-value tasks.
Tech Titans Unleash Hiring Spree for AI-Focused Lawyers
“The problem about AI is that the field is always changing. AI experts don’t exist, and even those who think they do aren’t quite there yet, according to Anna Gorodetsky, a managing director on Major, Lindsey & Africa’s internal hiring team.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Women of Legal Tech: ‘Every Failure Is an Opportunity,’ Says Kirkland’s Valerie Pennacchio
Practice Innovation Advisor at Kirkland & Ellis Valerie Pennacchio talks about how mentorship can help fight sexism in the workplace, how peer law firms are surprisingly honest about legal technology, and how she realized that her current position is the table she wants to be at.
Senate Confirms Labor Lawyer, First Openly LGBTQ Judge to 4th Circuit
Judge Diana Gribbon Motz, who assumed senior status in September, will be succeeded by Nicole Berner.
People in the News—March 21, 2024—Capehart Scatchard, Anderson Kill
Lawyers from Capehart Scatchard’s diversity and inclusion (D&I) committee recently participated as guest readers in the Read Across America Week 2024 event.
Q&As With Florida Firms Recognized for Their Diversity Initiatives
This year, four law firms were named finalists for the 2024 Diversity & Inclusion award by the Daily Business Review.
Using AI to Improve DEI Outcomes in the Workplace
It is a challenge for employers to integrate AI capabilities carefully and cautiously in the workplace, especially when it comes to DEI goals and activities.
Market Commentary:
In Another Round of Layoffs, BCLP Cuts 50 Roles Across US And UK Offices
A spokesperson confirmed. “We are conducting a small and targeted restructuring in selected areas of the firm to manage costs and shape our size and capabilities to practice demand”.
Bonuses With Strings Attached Play Role in Partner Retention
Forgivable loans have been used by firms such as Kirkland & Ellis and DLA Piper to turn down offers from competitors, while Shearman & Sterling has employed them as a means of encouraging partners to remain with the company during the merger with Allen & Overy.
Raising Concerns on Long-Term Strategies, Midsize Law Firms Remain Stagnant on RTO
The process of getting lawyers back into the office is being made more difficult by a number of factors, including cultural incentives and concerns, a lack of consistency in standards, and the requirement for leadership to set an example for younger attorneys.
The Asia Market Continues to Baffle Law Firm Leaders. In Singapore, Cracks Have Emerged
Jessica Seah writes in the Asia Legal Briefing that Asia is no longer cheap, and the region’s markets are mature enough that firms scoping out opportunities must first do their homework and do it carefully. If they don’t, they may not last.
Regulatory, Governance and Compliance Technology Winner, Law Firm: Hogan Lovells
Jeremy Burdge, Head of Legal Engineering—Americas at Hogan Lovells said that “Encouraging innovation in the legal sector necessitates a blend of cultural change, technology investment, and strategic partnerships,”.
How to Grow Fast Like Kirkland
It is not always easy to comprehend how Kirkland & Ellis became so large. With revenues over $7 billion, the largest law firm globally has confounded law firm strategists by maintaining a relatively restricted practice and office mix, despite being twice as large as most of its competitors.
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