UK & Ireland
Bellevue Law adds Slaughter and May senior manager as first chief operating officer
London disputes boutique Bellevue Law has hired a senior manager from Slaughter and May as its first chief operating officer. Kay Osborne has joined Bellevue after nearly six years at Slaughters, where she was most recently a senior manager in the firm’s partnership and executive office, working with outgoing senior partner, Steve Cook, who will retire in May 2024.
Stewarts adds Norton Rose Fulbright partner in London to head international arbitration team
Leading disputes boutique confirms arrival of Sherina Petit after nearly 15 years at NRF.
Italian firm BonelliErede builds UK base with London counsel hire
Experienced barrister Richard Samuel adds disputes capabilities as part of international growth push.
Quinn Emanuel boosts London partner ranks with raid on Cadwalader
Hire of arbitration specialist Melis Acuner brings litigation firm’s UK partner count to 28.
Arbitration partner exits Kirkland & Ellis in London for disputes boutique
Signature Litigation announces 20% revenue hike as Philipp Kurek joins after 14 years at US giant.
Allen & Overy bolsters London arbitration practice with White & Case partner hire
Construction specialist Daniel Garton adds to Magic Circle firm’s ranks ahead of Shearman merger
RWK Goodman hires employment team from Ince & Co in latest round of exits.
At least 15 lawyers have quit the troubled Axiom Ince group over the past week. The outgoing lawyers joining RWK Goodman include Marta Mendiondo, Martin Pratt, Holly Freuchen and Sudipta Dey. Mendiondo joins as head of immigration London and employment lawyer Pratt joins as a partner. Freuchen joins as a senior associate in the employment team and Dey joins as an associate and a senior immigration advisor.
8 London Associates Leave Kirkland to Follow Partners to Paul Weiss
Paul Weiss’ raid on Kirkland is ongoing, with 13 partners making the move in recent weeks.
EMEA
Squire Patton Boggs adds senior corporate partner in Dubai from Baker McKenzie
Omar Momany joins having led Bakers’ UAE corporate/M&A practice
ECIJA Makes Second Partner Hire in Madrid in as Many Weeks
Álvaro Rodríguez de la Calle joins the Spanish law firm after more than two years directing KPMG Spain’s labor area.
APAC
HSF Takes Singapore Project Finance Partner from King & Spalding
Herbert Smith Freehills counts 56 lawyers in its Singapore office while King & Spalding now has 29. King & Spalding project finance partner Antony Patten has left the firm to join Herbert Smith Freehills as a partner in Singapore.
The Americas
Duane Morris Lands Longtime Fox Rothschild Corporate Leader
Michael Harrington spent 26 years at Fox Rothschild and roughly a dozen as chair of its corporate department.
Baker Donelson, Jackson Lewis Among Firms Adding Partners in Southeast
“There’s a culture of congeniality here that’s very palpable. But they also hold each other accountable,” said new Baker Donelson shareholder Scott Bowers.
Brazil-Based Mattos Filho New York Office Head Jumps to DLA Piper
Antitrust specialist Amadeu Ribeiro, who is licensed to practice in Brazil and the U.S., has been the face of a leading Brazilian firm in the U.S. for more than a decade.
Commercial Litigation Partner Joins Hunton Andrews Kurth; Paul, Weiss Adds Infrastructure Adviser
Susan Shin has joined Hunton Andrews Kurth as a partner in its commercial litigation group. She joins from Weil, Gotshal & Manges, where she was a partner in that firm’s complex litigation practice. Brown Rudnick has hired Kevin Brown as a partner in the firm’s tax group. He was previously counsel at Davis Polk & Wardwell.
The firm just added two litigation shareholders in Phoenix, after adding another one in July. Laura Sixkiller’s practice mainly revolves around securities and M&A litigation while Kate Benveniste is focused more on real estate litigation, particularly in the property tech space. Both are rejoining Greenberg Traurig after leaving the firm for DLA Piper a number of years ago.
Foley & Lardner Adds 4-Lawyer Husch Blackwell Real Estate Team in Texas
Foley & Lardner hired a four-lawyer Husch Blackwell real estate team in Texas because of the Lone Star State’s robust economy.
In-House
This week’s roundup of top in-house moves also includes appointments at Disney Parks, Alcoa, Webster Financial Corporation and Cogeco. Global software giant Microsoft has promoted Hossein Nowbar to chief legal officer, replacing Lisa Tanzi, who announced her departure from the tech company earlier this month. Nowbar is elevated from general counsel, with former deputy GC and head of litigation Jonathan Palmer moved up to the GC role, Bloomberg reported. Cynthia Randall will take over Palmer’s previous role.
Alcoa Taps Canadian Exec for GC Role
Andrew Hastings is taking the legal reins of Alcoa, which has 15,000 employees and $12.5 billion in annual revenue.
Former Molson Coors GC Takes Legal Reins at Hilton
“I am honored to be joining Hilton, a company I have long respected for its history, innovation and award-winning workplace culture,” said Anne-Marie D’Angelo, who started Friday as general counsel.
Promotions & Appointments:
Addleshaw Goddard begins search for successor as managing partner opts to step down early
John Joyce to stand down next April a year before end of third term. The managing partner of UK law firm Addleshaw Goddard (AG), John Joyce, has announced he will stand down a year ahead of the end of his third term. Joyce will step down as managing partner 30 April 2024 at the end of the current financial year, 10 years after he was first elected and at the end of his 25th anniversary as a partner in the business.
Cooley appoints first woman CEO as Conroy prepares to stand down after 16 years
San Francisco corporate head Rachel Proffitt to take over in 2024; Conroy to stay on as chair
Winston & Strawn names new chairman after almost two decades
Global litigation co-chair Steve D’Amore to succeed veteran chair Tom Fitzgerald in June 2024
Longtime Red Lobster GC Claws His Way to the Top
“I am looking forward to working with my teams to address the challenges we face in light of industry headwinds and to execute on our plans and deliver results,” newly appointed CEO Horace Dawson said.
Mergers & Alliances:
Irwin Mitchell acquires leading family law boutique
UK firm absorbs North East-based Silk Family Law just a few weeks after snapping up 95-strong Scottish firm.
Pillsbury Becomes Latest Firm to Begin Merger Dance With Stroock
The firms have signed a non-exclusive letter of intent to combine, sources confirmed.
DC Civil Rights Boutique Expands to San Francisco Via Merger
Katz Banks Kumin, a civil rights boutique known for its work representing victims of sexual harassment by Harvey Weinstein and others, launched in San Francisco via a merger with another boutique with wage-and-hour class action expertise.
A&O, Shearman Partners to Begin Merger Vote Later This Month
The partnership votes to approve the tie-up will start on September 28 and will be completed by October 13.
Office Openings & Closing:
Arnold & Porter adds senior Foley Hoag partner for Boston debut
Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer has become the latest law firm to open an office in Boston, securing a co-leader of Foley Hoag’s life sciences industry group for the launch. Hemmie Chang has left Foley after nearly 13 years to lead Arnold & Porter’s new office, which the Washington DC-based firm said would focus on life sciences and health care transactions, litigation, regulatory counselling and government investigations.
Osborne Clarke to open in Miami to boost US arbitration and tech law strategy
Firm hires Samaniego Law’s Javier Fernández-Samaniego to head Miami office
With ‘Lots of Client Ties’ to Dallas, Seyfarth Launches Office With Bryan Cave Team
Seyfarth Shaw has opened an office in Dallas, with real estate lawyers and litigators, nearly three decades after it moved into Texas with an office in Houston. A Bryan Cave real estate partner in Charlotte, North Carolina, also made the move to Seyfarth.
King & Spalding Gets Foreign Law License to Operate in Saudi Arabia
As Bracewell appoints partner to the firm’s corporate and securities practice in Dubai.
Financials:
Lockdowns, Crackdowns and Tensions With US Hit China’s Once-Soaring Law Firms Hard
Chinese firm revenue plummeted despite growth in head count.
Showered With Stock, Tech GCs Incentivized to ‘Knock It Out of the Park’
“Base salary and bonus cash compensation isn’t something I’ve spent a lot of time discussing with my peers, because at some point it tops out. What we talk about is equity,” said Danielle Sheer, general counsel of Commvault.
UK Top 50 Ranked by Revenue per Lawyer: Average Down 2%
Like their U.S. counterparts, lawyers at the U.K.’s top commercial firms on average brought in less this year, with notable exceptions.
The 2023 Global 200 Ranked by Revenue
The 200 largest law firms in the world, made up mainly of U.S. firms, saw growth slow in the latest fiscal year, with some regions out-performing others.
The 2023 Global 100 Ranked by Profits Per Equity Partner
The 100 largest law firms in the world saw profit decline on the back of several boom years.
Technology & Innovation:
What Generative AI Can—and Can’t—Do for Contract Review
LLMs and generative AI are still under development, but they have the potential to revolutionize the way lawyers work, including automating the drafting of contracts, translating legal documents, and identifying potential risks in contracts.
Data Hygiene: Critical in Building Firm Connectivity and Leveraging AI
The firms with a decided advantage in the AI arms race will be those who are operating from a place of “connectivity,” meaning that their internal operational teams are empowered to interact seamlessly. And this starts with an overlooked but crucial practice: good data hygiene.
Generative AI Captured Lawyers’ Attention. But What Ever Happened to Blockchain?
While blockchain-related law firm practices are still expanding, blockchain may have lost some of its development potential in the eyes of some lawyers.
Doing More With Less: A Disciplined Use of Legal Tech
Legal leaders can no longer be distracted by bells, whistles and gimmicks, and instead must be focused on identifying and implementing meaningful tools that enable in-house teams to be true catalysts for change across the business.
Diversity & Inclusion:
A New York State Bar report from a group of Big Law partners, corporate lawyers and academics focuses on methods of enhancing diversity that won’t leave organizations vulnerable to legal risks.
Generative AI Conversations Are a Peek Into the Legal Tech ‘Boys’ Club’
Many legal tech panels on generative artificial intelligence are still dominated by a homogenous group: white men. It’s a glimpse into the more insidious barriers that stand in the way of women tech founders fighting to make it in the industry.
Market Commentary:
The Flight to Quality and Workplace Experience
That the pace of change is “accelerating” is surely an understatement. What seemed almost a near certainty a year ago — that law firms would fully and permanently embrace work-from-home — is experiencing a seeming reversal. While many firms have, in fact, embraced hybrid operations, the meaning of hybrid has evolved from “office optional,” to an average required 2 days a week, to now many firms coming out with four-day work week mandates — this time, with teeth.
UK & Ireland
Allen & Overy Swoops on Akin for Corporate Partner Hire
The hire represents a rare corporate lateral partner addition for A&O in London. Sophie Jermine will join the firm’s London office as a partner in the firm’s corporate practice—leaving Akin after nine years with the firm. She has been a partner since 2006.
Allen & Overy Hits White & Case For Second Lateral Hire of the Week
Daniel Garton has joined the firm from White & Case, leaving after over 16 years with the U.S. firm. He has joined A&O’s international arbitration practice, and specialises in construction arbitration.
13th Kirkland Partner Quits for Paul Weiss
The dramatic team departure started in mid-August when Neel Sachdev quit the world’s largest law firm alongside several others. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison has hired its 13th partner from Kirkland & Ellis in the space of a month with the appointment of London debt finance partner Stefan Arnold-Soulby. Arnold-Soulby, who has acted for private equity firms including Warburg Pincus, Investindustrial, Carlyle, Bain Capital and Partners Group, joins Neel Sachdev and eight other London partners making the move from Kirkland in addition to four partners in the U.S., according to a person with knowledge of the situation.
EMEA
Freshfields Adds White & Case Veteran Partner to White-Collar Defense Team in Paris
Firms in Europe are bulking up their teams in anticipation of more compliance work. Ludovic Malgrain joins Freshfields as a partner in the litigation team within the firm’s dispute resolution department.
Hogan Lovells Hires Energy M&A Team From Dentons in Germany
The team, led by two partners, will be based in Berlin and bring Hogan Lovells’ broader infrastructure and energy team to more than 40 lawyers, the firm said.
ECIJA and Andersen Make New Partner Hires in Spain
ECIJA adds to its urban planning and public law areas, whilst Andersen brings on a former CMS banking and finance partner. For ECIJA, the rapidly growing law firm brought on two partners: Ignasi Subirachs joined the firm’s urban planning, administrative and public law practice in Barcelona, while Jorge González Cortade joined to lead the public and regulatory law area in Madrid.
Clyde & Co Swoops for Tax Expert as UAE Implements New Corporate Tax Regime
The tax will be effective in financial years starting on or after June 1, 2023. Rachel Fox joins the firm from William Fry in Ireland, where she was made partner in 2019, and will lead the firm’s Middle East tax offering in its global corporate and advisory practice.
APAC
Proskauer Rose Greater China Partner Duo Finds New Home at Stephenson Harwood
The two partners are joining Stephenson Harwood with two other counsel. Two former Proskauer Rose partners, Jay Tai and Yong Ren, have joined Stephenson Harwood in Asia. Tai has relocated from Hong Kong to Singapore while Ren has moved to Hong Kong from Beijing for their new roles.
CMS Grows Hong Kong Offering with Team of Four Lawyers
The firm now has 16 fee-earners in its dispute resolution, shipping and insurance practice. CMS has expanded its Hong Kong offering with a team of four lawyers including partner, Adrian Elms.
Mayer Brown Adds New Corporate Partner in Hong Kong
Allison Lee was most recently an international counsel at Debevoise & Plimpton, where she had spent 15 years.
Australia’s Gadens Hires Data Partner from Allens
Michael Morris joins Gadens Brisbane office. Morris, who joins Gadens’ corporate advisory practice in Brisbane, has over 23 years of legal experience and is “a well-recognised legal expert” in data, intellectual property, information technology and telecoms, Gadens said.
The Americas
Fox Rothschild Adds Trust and Estate Partner in Wilmington
Fox Rothschild welcomed Denise D. Nordheimer to the firm’s Wilmington office as a partner in the taxation and wealth planning department.
Kirkland Private Equity Departures Continue, as Goodwin Picks Up Partner in San Francisco
Leon Johnson’s hiring is a signal that Goodwin is seeking to be a more comprehensive partner with its private equity clients as those firms diversify how they are investing their capital.
Potter Anderson Hires New Del. Partner
Potter Anderson & Corroon announced that Lauren E.M. Russell has joined the firm as a partner in the labor and employment group.
Trio of Pillsbury Partners Exits for Clifford Chance
Clifford Chance has hired three tech transaction partners from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, as the firm focuses on regional expansion in the Americas in several practices.New York-based Vipul Nishawala and Washington, D.C.-based Meighan O’Reardon and James McPhillips have all joined Clifford Chance’s global tech group.
Meta Associate GC Heads to Squire
Marty Mackowski has joined Squire as law firm demand for antitrust partners stays high. The “antitrust stakes have never been higher” for clients, Squire’s Diarmuid Ryan said.
Former Schnader Chair Moves to Welsh & Recker
Dennis Suplee led the now defunct firm from 1992 to 1998. Former Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis chairman Dennis Suplee has moved to Welsh & Recker as of counsel, following former Schnader partners Bruce Merenstein and Sam Silver who jumped to the Philadelphia litigation boutique prior to Schnader’s dissolution.
In Latest Exit, Stroock Litigation Partner Heads to Crowell
As “Stroock was going through its challenges, and I decided to make a move again,” Eric Aronson said, he contacted Crowell. “This was the only place that I really wanted to go.”
In Latest Exit, Stroock Litigation Partner Heads to Crowell
As “Stroock was going through its challenges, and I decided to make a move again,” Eric Aronson said, he contacted Crowell. “This was the only place that I really wanted to go.”
Kirkland Partner Jumps to McDermott to Lead Exec Comp Practice in New York
Kate Vera did most of her work at Kirkland with private equity clients and now looks to grow the practice at McDermott.
Duane Morris Lands 2 Securities Litigators From Maynard Nexsen in Atlanta
Terry Weiss and Stefanie Wayco arrive at the firm as it pursues growth in Texas, New York, California, Chicago and South Florida, as well as Georgia.
Hogan Lovells Picks Up Pryor Cashman Media Entertainment Partner in Miami
“I’ve been watching what they’ve been doing in sports, entertainment and media, and high-stakes litigation, and thought it’d be exciting to go back to the bigger global platform,” Hans Hertell said. “When I thought, in my career, I’d be going more boutique, I found that as I’ve grown my practice I’ve needed a more global platform to grow my own career and my client base.”
In-House
US Foods Goes Outside to Fill Legal Chief Vacancy
Martha Ha is jumping into the food-supply business after a legal career spent mostly in health care.
Ex-Facebook Lawyer Takes Legal Reins of GM-Backed Battery Startup
Mitra Future Technologies is focusing on North American production and distribution, believing it can overcome the stronghold China currently has in the lithium-ion battery market.
Banged-Up Airbnb Competitor Appoints General Counsel
Katherine Potter is taking the legal reins of Sonder after more than a decade at the senior living firm AlerisLife, where she rose to CEO.
Urgent Care Giant Taps Health Care Veteran for GC Role
Allison Kirk Griffiths has taken the legal reins of NextCare after rapidly ascending the legal leadership rungs at her last employer.
Taylor English, Seeing ‘Strong’ Demand in GC Practice, Adds Former Tesla Lawyer
The firm’s practice provides in-house counsel to about 50 clients that range from startups to 30-year-old companies. “There are certain entities that love this model,” Taylor English’s Allen Nelson said.
Promotions & Appointments:
UnitedLex Announces James Schellhase as New CEO in ‘Seminal Moment’ for the ALSP
The company’s previous CEO will stay on as UnitedLex’s chairman of the board of directors.
Microsoft CLO’s Retirement Sparks Chain Reaction of Promotions
A 26-year Microsoft veteran is taking over for chief legal officer Lisa Tanzi, who joined the company just before Windows 95 came out, thinking she’d get a few years of tech experience and move on.
In Transition to Next-Gen Leaders, Thompson Coburn Taps Litigator as New Chair
Chris Hohn, a Thompson Coburn partner in St. Louis who is on the management and executive committees, will become chair in August 2024.
After Nearly 2 Decades, Winston & Strawn Will Have a New Chair
Steve D’Amore, currently global co-leader of Winston & Strawn’s litigation department, has spent his entire career at the firm, starting more than 30 years ago. Outside of the U.S., Winston & Strawn has offices in Brussels, Paris, London, Hong Kong, Shanghai and São Paulo.
Irwin Mitchell Names Group CEO Following Predecessor’s Passing
In August, Irwin Mitchell said that Andrew Tucker had passed away after an ‘unexpected illness’. The U.K. Top 50 firm has named Craig Marshall as Tucker’s successor. Marshall has been with the firm since 2007, becoming group chief operating officer in 2021.
Norton Rose Names Class Action Litigator as New Canadian Managing Partner
Jennifer Teskey takes over the role Jan. 1 from incumbent Charles Hurdon.
Mergers & Alliances:
Indian Firm JSA Revives Chennai Office with Merger
Indian firms have been bulking up significantly over the past few years.
Office Openings & Closing:
Ex-FTX GC Launches Law Firm, Says His ‘Hugely Disappointing Experience’ Will Be Asset for Clients
“The difference between something that’s illegal and something that needs your advice and counsel to get corrected is usually pretty stark,” said Ryne Miller, who left FTX after CEO Sam Bankman-Fried was charged with carrying out a massive fraud.
Denver Sees More Big Law Competition as Womble Plants Flag With Hogan Lovells Laterals
Citing a boom in energy and natural resources work and opportunities for an Am Law 100 firm focused on the upper middle market, Womble Bond Dickinson is launching an office in Denver with two laterals from Hogan Lovells.
US Patent Boutique Hires Partner from McDermott to Launch Debut International Office in Tokyo
Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone, founded by four former Paul, Weiss partners last November, now has three offices in New York, Washington D.C. and Tokyo. Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone, a U.S. patent litigation boutique established late last year, has launched its debut international office in Tokyo with the hire of partner Maxwell Fox from McDermott, Will & Emery.
Osborne Clarke Opens Third US Office in Miami
The firm also has offices in New York and San Francisco, but does not practise US law.
Financials:
Perkins Coie, McGuireWoods Among Top-Paid Counsel for DNC, RNC
Several Big Law firms and prominent boutiques have received large sums this year from the RNC and DNC. Legal spending by the parties has ballooned, as complex election laws have led to more litigation.
Paul Weiss’ Trio of Kirkland Hires Could Each Score $20M Yearly
Their potential pay may not be the highest for partners at high-end Am Law 25 firms, where annual compensation for a handful is more than $25 million.
2023 GC Compensation Survey: Find Out Who’s Atop New York’s Rankings
Legal chiefs for private equity giants snagged three of the top 10 spots. “Their GCs have gold-plated resumes, and those resumes command a lot of gold,” said Jason Winmill, an in-house consultant.
Are Cuts Looming for UK Law Firms? The Devil is in the Detail
This year’s ranking contains several warnings—chief among them being the need for further corrective measures to address the shrinking profit margins.
UK Top 50 Results: Are Cuts Looming? The Devil is in the Detail
This year’s ranking contains several warnings—chief among them being the need for further corrective measures to address the shrinking profit margins.
UK Top 50 Ranked by PEP: Biggest Drop Since the Financial Crisis
Many of the astronomical rises of the past couple of years have been ‘corrected’, with PEP at some firms dropping by as much as 55%.
Technology & Innovation:
Death of SEO? Nope, It Still Heavily Relies on Thought Leaders
In this article, Ioana Good presents a brief discussion on whether artificial intelligence will eventually replace the human element involved in SEO strategy and practices—and why that may not be the case.
Legal Tech’s Problem: Generative AI Is Readily Available, But Not Legal Data
While legal tech vendors are launching a host of generative AI-powered tools, clients are often prohibiting them from using their data for training purposes.
Legal Tech Vendors Are Taking On Generative AI Education. Are Attorneys Welcoming It?
While legal technology providers have often coupled their products with educational or training resources in the past, such offerings seem to be gaining traction in the age of generative artificial intelligence.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Littler Mendelson’s Newest Trial Lawyer Sees ‘Positive’ Signs in the DEI Landscape
Matt Stephens, one of the few openly transgender trial lawyers in California, joined Littler Mendelson as a partner in San Diego.
Big Law Sees Growing Client Demand for DEI Advice as Law Firms Also Face Scrutiny
McGuireWoods’ new DEI team was partly driven by the “onslaught of questions” from clients, said partner Amy Morrissey Turk.
Market Commentary:
Are Law Firms’ Real Estate and Tech Spending Invariably at Odds? It’s Not That Simple
The second and third largest capital expenses for most law firms can both compete for resources and be utterly dependent upon each other.
Top GCs Call for Role to be Formalised in UK Corporate Governance Code
A letter on behalf of nearly 80 GCs criticises the code’s ‘extraordinary’ lack of reference to the role of general counsel.
How Paul Weiss’ ‘Shocking’ Raid on Kirkland Unfolded—and What It Means for the London Market
The firm’s aggressive hiring strategy has so far seen 12 arrivals from Kirkland & Ellis, and one from Linklaters.
Remote GC Revolution Fizzles Out as Employers Flock to ‘Hard Hybrid’
“It has now moved to where, in most cases, you do need to work where the job is,” said Mike Evers, a Chicago-based in-house recruiter.
Will Lateral Battle Between Kirkland and Paul Weiss Create ‘Ripple Effects’?
If your firm is in the Am Law 100, the odds are good that the moves affect you and your firm, according to some veteran recruiters.
Slaughter and May Agrees to Meet Lawyer Climate Pressure Group
Slaughter is first large U.K. firm to engage with the climate group, which asks lawyers to pledge to withhold their services on matters that could support ‘new fossil fuel projects’.
Top GCs Call for Role to be Formalised in UK Corporate Governance Code
A letter on behalf of nearly 80 GCs criticises the code’s ‘extraordinary’ lack of reference to the role of general counsel.
Demand dropped in the first half of the year but counter-cyclical practices offset the decline, resulting in an increase in demand in the second half of the year.
Law Firms’ Herd Mentality is (Sometimes) a Force for Good
Law firms have the habit of following one another, which has sometimes resulted in inertia on the most serious social issues—but this week has shown that it could have positive effects, writes The London Lawyer.
Being an eighteen-year-old fresh out of A levels, and with limited real working experience, I found myself thinking that I had similarly limited options in how to approach the working world to fund my forthcoming gap year. As I have seen first-hand, young people in similar situations to mine tend to default to extensive hours of their summer, performing monotonous hospitality or retail roles. Yet now, time at legal head-hunters Fides Search has wholly challenged my preconceived belief of that being the best way forward. Despite some traditional student-suited jobs perhaps presenting pros in facilitating the continued laissez-faire attitudes of many school graduates, this article will explain why the former is exponentially outweighed by the possibilities presented by an early experience in executive search. While student-orientated jobs certainly allow for this more carefree transition into adulthood, with responsibility and commitment still relatively low, simply being aware of the plethora of options available within, around and moving on from executive search could be abundantly beneficial for a range of people in a variety of situations. Whether it be other students such as me with a keen eye on the legal sphere, those seeking to make their travels possible or young adults simply pursuing meaningful employment – employers such as Fides do provide unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth.
My own experience…
The industry: To fully appreciate the potential of an early career in legal executive search, it’s essential to understand the multifaceted nature of this industry. At its core, executive search involves identifying and recruiting top-tier talent for a diverse range of practices and positions, usually within law firms or in-house. It’s a field where success hinges on the ability to connect with people, understand their aspirations, and match them with opportunities that align with their skills and ambitions. Ultimately, this integrates a recruitment model with the legal world and thus demands those within the legal executive search to develop into founts of knowledge for various practices and the broader business dynamic of firms, partners, and associates.
What did I learn?
Alongside simply getting real-life experience working full-time for numerous months, my tenure at Fides taught me the criticality of a cohesive company – integrating different roles and providing different functions as efficiently as possible. I became well accustomed to the requirement for rapid responses and communication across the teams at Fides to reach this desired efficiency. Similarly, I had to quickly learn the right way to communicate with clients and candidates to instil the trust that is the foundation of Fides’ work and develop deeper relationships than the face-value headhunting process does. In turn, this showed me the importance of a network, as in particular the consultants at Fides that had developed an extensive professional network seamlessly navigated new and potential opportunities by being able to put the right people together. More specifically, I became increasingly comfortable with the legal and executive search worlds; the structures, goals, models, and dynamics that drive law firms forward and how that slot into recruitment – truly being able to understand what respective parties want.
How will this help my journey?
In terms of how this period of work will impact my future trajectory, it is important to consider both the short-term head-start that Fides has offered me in facilitating my travels (being able to get out and see the world before most of my peers) and also the longer term benefits I will have in a leg up into the wider corporate and specific legal spheres. My interest having already been piqued by law, the Fides experience has provided me with invaluable insight into the everyday working lives and communications of a lawyer, along with a deeper understanding of common aspirations and driving factors behind career decisions, potentially allowing me to pave my future way more in a more self-assured manner than those in similar shoes. Generally speaking, for my journey, I learnt that whilst there’s a plethora of professions which do provide short-term sanctuaries for those seeking to start new chapters travelling across the globe, there are just as many exceedingly more beneficial opportunities in industries like executive search offering long term leg ups into the legal and wider working world. Now as I look forward to new Asian-Pacific adventures and opportunities, I can look back at Fides fondly – knowing that at 18 I’ve already found a truly fulfilling profession on which my future self could choose to capitalise.
What can you glean from this experience?
From my early experience in the legal executive search industry, it’s clear that you can gain valuable insights and skills that can benefit you in various ways. Here’s what I’ve gleaned from my experience:
It’s a Multifaceted Industry: You can understand that the legal executive search industry is multifaceted and goes beyond just recruiting. It involves connecting with people, understanding their career aspirations, and aligning them with suitable opportunities. This knowledge can be applied to various industries, not just legal, as the skills of connecting people with opportunities are transferable.
Efficiency and Communication: My experience has highlighted the importance of efficiency and effective communication within a company. Learning to work cohesively with different teams and rapidly responding to clients and candidates are skills that are valuable in any workplace.
Building Trust and Relationships: In the executive search field, trust is paramount. I’ve learned the significance of building trust with clients and candidates, which is a crucial skill in any professional setting. Building and maintaining strong relationships can open doors and lead to future opportunities.
Networking: I’ve seen firsthand the power of having a professional network. Professionals in executive search often thrive because of their extensive networks. Networking is a valuable skill for personal and professional growth, as it can lead to opportunities and collaborations.
Understanding the Legal World: exposure to the legal world through this experience has given me a deeper understanding of the legal profession, its structures, goals, and dynamics. This knowledge can be beneficial if I decide to pursue a career in law or any field related to the legal industry.
Fulfilling Profession: I’ve discovered a fulfilling profession at a young age, which is a valuable insight. Many people spend years searching for a career that truly resonates with them. Knowing that I’ve found a profession I enjoy has provided a sense of purpose and direction in my future endeavours.
Overall, my early experience in the legal executive search industry has equipped me with a set of skills and knowledge that can benefit me in various career paths. It has also given me a head start in terms of understanding the legal and corporate worlds, which can be a valuable asset as I continue my journey.
Being an eighteen-year-old fresh out of A levels, and with limited real working experience, I found myself thinking that I had similarly limited options in how to approach the working world to fund my forthcoming gap year. As I have seen first-hand, young people in similar situations to mine tend to default to extensive hours of their summer, performing monotonous hospitality or retail roles. Yet now, time at legal head-hunters Fides Search has wholly challenged my preconceived belief of that being the best way forward. Despite some traditional student-suited jobs perhaps presenting pros in facilitating the continued laissez-faire attitudes of many school graduates, this article will explain why the former is exponentially outweighed by the possibilities presented by an early experience in executive search. While student-orientated jobs certainly allow for this more carefree transition into adulthood, with responsibility and commitment still relatively low, simply being aware of the plethora of options available within, around and moving on from executive search could be abundantly beneficial for a range of people in a variety of situations. Whether it be other students such as me with a keen eye on the legal sphere, those seeking to make their travels possible or young adults simply pursuing meaningful employment – employers such as Fides do provide unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth.
My own experience…
The industry: To fully appreciate the potential of an early career in legal executive search, it’s essential to understand the multifaceted nature of this industry. At its core, executive search involves identifying and recruiting top-tier talent for a diverse range of practices and positions, usually within law firms or in-house. It’s a field where success hinges on the ability to connect with people, understand their aspirations, and match them with opportunities that align with their skills and ambitions. Ultimately, this integrates a recruitment model with the legal world and thus demands those within the legal executive search to develop into founts of knowledge for various practices and the broader business dynamic of firms, partners, and associates.
What did I learn?
Alongside simply getting real-life experience working full-time for numerous months, my tenure at Fides taught me the criticality of a cohesive company – integrating different roles and providing different functions as efficiently as possible. I became well accustomed to the requirement for rapid responses and communication across the teams at Fides to reach this desired efficiency. Similarly, I had to quickly learn the right way to communicate with clients and candidates to instil the trust that is the foundation of Fides’ work and develop deeper relationships than the face-value headhunting process does. In turn, this showed me the importance of a network, as in particular the consultants at Fides that had developed an extensive professional network seamlessly navigated new and potential opportunities by being able to put the right people together. More specifically, I became increasingly comfortable with the legal and executive search worlds; the structures, goals, models, and dynamics that drive law firms forward and how that slot into recruitment – truly being able to understand what respective parties want.
How will this help my journey?
In terms of how this period of work will impact my future trajectory, it is important to consider both the short-term head-start that Fides has offered me in facilitating my travels (being able to get out and see the world before most of my peers) and also the longer term benefits I will have in a leg up into the wider corporate and specific legal spheres. My interest having already been piqued by law, the Fides experience has provided me with invaluable insight into the everyday working lives and communications of a lawyer, along with a deeper understanding of common aspirations and driving factors behind career decisions, potentially allowing me to pave my future way more in a more self-assured manner than those in similar shoes. Generally speaking, for my journey, I learnt that whilst there’s a plethora of professions which do provide short-term sanctuaries for those seeking to start new chapters travelling across the globe, there are just as many exceedingly more beneficial opportunities in industries like executive search offering long term leg ups into the legal and wider working world. Now as I look forward to new Asian-Pacific adventures and opportunities, I can look back at Fides fondly – knowing that at 18 I’ve already found a truly fulfilling profession on which my future self could choose to capitalise.
What can you glean from this experience?
From my early experience in the legal executive search industry, it’s clear that you can gain valuable insights and skills that can benefit you in various ways. Here’s what I’ve gleaned from my experience:
It’s a Multifaceted Industry: You can understand that the legal executive search industry is multifaceted and goes beyond just recruiting. It involves connecting with people, understanding their career aspirations, and aligning them with suitable opportunities. This knowledge can be applied to various industries, not just legal, as the skills of connecting people with opportunities are transferable.
Efficiency and Communication: My experience has highlighted the importance of efficiency and effective communication within a company. Learning to work cohesively with different teams and rapidly responding to clients and candidates are skills that are valuable in any workplace.
Building Trust and Relationships: In the executive search field, trust is paramount. I’ve learned the significance of building trust with clients and candidates, which is a crucial skill in any professional setting. Building and maintaining strong relationships can open doors and lead to future opportunities.
Networking: I’ve seen firsthand the power of having a professional network. Professionals in executive search often thrive because of their extensive networks. Networking is a valuable skill for personal and professional growth, as it can lead to opportunities and collaborations.
Understanding the Legal World: exposure to the legal world through this experience has given me a deeper understanding of the legal profession, its structures, goals, and dynamics. This knowledge can be beneficial if I decide to pursue a career in law or any field related to the legal industry.
Fulfilling Profession: I’ve discovered a fulfilling profession at a young age, which is a valuable insight. Many people spend years searching for a career that truly resonates with them. Knowing that I’ve found a profession I enjoy has provided a sense of purpose and direction in my future endeavours.
Overall, my early experience in the legal executive search industry has equipped me with a set of skills and knowledge that can benefit me in various career paths. It has also given me a head start in terms of understanding the legal and corporate worlds, which can be a valuable asset as I continue my journey.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Paul Weiss Raid on Kirkland & Ellis Continues with 4 More London Partner Hires
The firm has also brought in a private equity partner from Linklaters, as part of an aggressive hiring spree that saw the firm add Neel Sachdev and others to its London office. Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison is set to further bolster its private equity offering in London with the addition of four more partners from Kirkland & Ellis and a partner from Linklaters. Kirkland private equity partners Roger Johnson and Andreas Philipson, and tax partners Timothy Lowe and Cian O’Conner—both of whom were previously lawyers at Linklaters—will all join Paul Weiss alongside Linklaters partner Will Aitken-Davies, people with knowledge of the move said.
EMEA
Shearman Loses 4-Partner Private Equity Team in Paris as A&O Merger Vote Looms
They will be joining Proskauer Rose in a few weeks, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. Shearman & Sterling has lost four partners from its private equity team in Paris, the latest partner departures from the firm ahead of a planned merger vote next month with Allen & Overy. Xavier Norlain, Jeremy Scemama, Maud Manon and Matthieu Lampel, all partners in corporate/private equity, are leaving after just over two years at Shearman. They arrived in 2021 from DLA Piper in Paris.
Allen & Overy Finance Partner Flies to Bird & Bird in Warsaw
Bird & Bird has also hired a Dentons partner in Madrid. An Allen & Overy partner who had been with the firm for over 25 years has left the firm to join Bird & Bird. Piotr Lesinski, a debt capital markets and finance regulatory partner based in Warsaw, had been with A&O since 1998. He became an A&O partner in 2010, according to a person with knowledge of the hire.
Webber Wentzel Lures Forensics Team From PwC
The new team hire will bolster Webber Wentzel’s disputes practice as it navigates the legal landscape of the complex area of business crime. Webber Wentzel has hired a four-person team of business crime specialists from PwC. Lionel Van Tonder is joining the South Africa-based law firm as a partner in its disputes practice, effective 1 September having retired from PwC where he was a director in June this year.
Garrigues Hires Partner to Lead Criminal Law Practice in Lisbon
The firm is currently focused on recruitment in order to build a team under João Lima Cluny’s leadership, a spokesperson told Law.com International.
White & Case Launches Spain Antitrust Practice With 2 Hires
José Antonio de la Calle and Sanna Orkan previously made up a purely antitrust legal boutique, which has now been fully integrated into White & Case’s Madrid office.
APAC
Litigation Boutique Grows China Practice With Partner Hire from Loeb & Loeb
Benjamin Qiu, who has deep experience with cross-border transactions involving firms in China, joins the firm as increased regulations on both side of the Pacific are pushing international firms scrutinize their business operations in the region.
Herbert Smith Expands Asia Private Capital Team With Hire From White & Case in Singapore
White & Case has lost several partners and local partners to firms in Asia over the last year. Herbert Smith Freehills has expanded its Asia private capital team in Singapore with the hire of Peiwen Chen, who was most recently a local partner at White & Case in the Southeast Asian city-state. She joins the firm as a partner. Chen’s hire takes place as Sydney-based M&A partner Malika Chandrasegaran relocates to Singapore. Chen and Chandrasegaran are expected to help respond to growing client demand for private capital advice in their specialty areas of energy transition and technology, respectively, according to a statement.
Clifford Chance Poaches HSF Real Estate Partner for Sydney Office
Clifford Chance has poached Herbert Smith Freehills real estate and infrastructure partner Philip Podzebenko to join its Sydney office. Clifford Chance said Podzebenko will add senior capabilities in real estate and infrastructure investments, deepen relationships with private capital investors and strengthen the firm’s offerings in private equity, energy transition and infrastructure.
RPC Adds Contentious Practice Partner to Hong Kong
Reynolds Porter Chamberlain has hired a new partner for its Hong Kong office. Joining RPC is dispute resolution partner Ivan Chang, who was previously a partner in the now-defunct Hong Kong office of Addleshaw Goddard.
Jones Day Boosts Asia Pacific Energy Practice with Ashurst, Akin Gump Hires
Simon Brown joins in Brisbane and Paul Greening joins Singapore office.
White & Case Lands Restructuring Partner from Ashurst Hong Kong
Sophie Lyall has more than 15 years of experience, specializing in all aspects of front-end restructuring and insolvency matters across industries.
China’s Haiwen Makes Duo Partner Hire From Mayer Brown
Haiwen’s duo-partner hire from Mayer Brown comes three months after the Beijing firm added three new partners from Herbert Smith Freehills to its Greater China capital markets practice. Beijing-based Haiwen & Partners has hired banking and projects lawyers Hallam Chow and Boya Shen from Mayer Brown, who will both be dually-based in Haiwen’s Beijing and Hong Kong offices.
K&L Gates Hires Tech Partner from Seyfarth Shaw Hong Kong
Paul Haswell becomes the 19th partner at K&L Gates Hong Kong. K&L Gates has added a new partner in Hong Kong. Technology lawyer Paul Haswell has joined the Pittsburgh-headquartered firm from Seyfarth Shaw, where he was the head of the firm’s regional technology practice.
Appleby Adds First Shanghai Partner Almost a Decade After Office Launch
Appleby became the first offshore law firm licensed to provide offshore legal advice in mainland China in 2014. Hannah Yao is the firm’s first ever partner hire to be based full time in Shanghai, where it has had a presence since 2012. Admitted in the U.S. and in China, Yao was a counsel at Beijing firm Fangda Partner and formerly a lawyer at King & Wood Mallesons.
Benjamin Qui, who has deep experience with cross-border transactions involving firms in China, joins the firm as increased regulations on both side of the Pacific are pushing international firms scrutinize their business operations in the region.
The Americas
Jackson Walker Adds 2 Winston Trial Lawyers in Houston
Hugh Tanner, who was chair of Winston & Strawn’s oil and gas litigation practice and a member of the executive committee, joined Jackson Walker along with James “Jim” Nye.
Kennedys Hires in General Counsel as a Partner in Chile
The UK Top 50 firm has six offices in Latin America, as well as a regional hub in Miami that serves the region and associations in other countries. Rodrigo Hayvard was general counsel and chief compliance officer at FID Seguros, a general insurance company, before returning to Kennedys, where earlier in his career he was a senior associate.
Canada’s Fasken Grows Emerging Tech Practice With Hire From Blakes
Marc Shewchun is the Canadian firm’s third significant hire in just over a week.
Paul Weiss Securities Attorney Heads to Schulte
Schulte Roth & Zabel has added Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison counsel David Curtiss as a partner in its M&A, acquisitions and securities group in New York, the firm said Wednesday. Curtiss had been at Paul Weiss the previous three years.
White & Case Takes Veteran IP Tech Partner From Orrick
Jordan Coyle, a longtime intellectual property and technology litigation partner with Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, has joined White & Case as a partner in its IP practice and technology industry group in Washington, D.C.
Toronto’s Fasken Grows Emerging Tech Practice With Hire From Blakes
Marc Shewchun is the Canadian firm’s third significant hire in just over a week. Fasken Martineau DuMoulin has snapped up leading technology lawyer Marc Shewchun from Blake, Cassels & Graydon, where he launched Nitro, a legal services program that provides cost-effective legal services tailored to the needs of emerging technology companies.
Schnader Attorneys Scatter in Wake of Firm Dissolution
Ten lawyers have landed as shareholders at Segal McCambridge. Additionally, the firm’s Pittsburgh-based higher education chair joined Ogletree Deakins, while several New York partners have moved to Pryor Cashman and Gordon Rees.
Boies Schiller Hires Partner From Kobre & Kim to Handle Government Investigations
“Federal authorities in Miami have become increasingly more aggressive in pursuing cross-border and international cases,” said Martin De Luca, an incoming Boies Schiller white collar-focused partner.
Lowenstein Brings on Hedge Fund GC, Expects More High-Level Laterals
Am Law 100 firm Lowenstein Sandler is set to bring on Glenview Capital Management general counsel and chief compliance officer Jonathan Danziger, effective Sept. 18, with investment management group chair Robert Minion teasing more high-profile laterals to come later in the month. Jonathan Danziger spent the last 12 years at Glenview Capital Management, where he served as general counsel and chief compliance officer.
Judge Timothy K. Lewis Joins Blank Rome Following Schnader Dissolution
Lewis joins former federal Judges Stephen Orlofsky, from the District of New Jersey, and James Giles and Edward Cahn, from the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, at the Am Law 100 firm.
Arnold & Porter Lures 6-Lawyer Trial Team From Shook Hardy
The group has represented clients in the medical device, tobacco and pharmaceutical industries, among others, in pretrial litigation and as trial and appellate counsel. Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer has brought on a six-lawyer trial team in its product liability litigation practice from Shook, Hardy & Bacon, as demand for litigation matters continues to soar across Big Law. Frank Cruz-Alvarez, Brian Jackson, Christopher Nease, David Thorne and Michael Walden joined the firm as partners and Rachel Forman joined as of counsel, the firm said Thursday.
Big Law Turns to Federal Government for Litigation and Regulatory Hires
Steptoe has hired former DOJ national security official Andrew Adams in its investigations practice, while Foley Hoag brought on former Biden administration official Beth Neitzel to its litigation team.
Offit Kurman Latest Firm to Add Schnader Talent
The firm is adding five principals and two associates split between Philadelphia, New York and Bethesda, Maryland. Joining Offit are principals Brad Jacobs, Ronald Karam, W. Drew Kastner, Stephenie Yeung and Deborah Rouse, alongside associates Andrew Chou and Niamh Drury.
In-House
Moody’s Hands Legal Reins to 17-Year Company Veteran
The ratings agency opted for an insider to fill its first opening for the GC role since 2000. Moody’s Corp.’s Richard Steele is taking the legal reins from longtime general counsel John Goggins. Steele will serve as senior vice president and general counsel. He will oversee Moody’s global legal and compliance functions and has joined the company’s executive leadership team.
Former PayPal Legal Chief Lands at Disney After 2 Years of Renewal
Louise Pentland made a surprise exit from the fintech star at the height of the Great Resignation, saying, “None of us are maximizing our potential if we continue in the same role forever.”
Star Startup Fetch Adds GC Amid Executive Hiring Spree
Madison, Wisconsin-based Fetch, a retail rewards app and customer-engagement platform with a $2.5 billion valuation, has hired the former general counsel of pet telehealth startup Fuzzy to head its legal department as it looks to move beyond rewards to become a shopping-data juggernaut. David Toomey departed Fuzzy after it abruptly shut down in June after seven years in business and $80 million in fundraising.
Ex-J. Crew GC Who’s in Court Fight Over Firing Lands Legal Chief Role in Academia
Maria Di Lorenzo alleged the retailer failed to accommodate her hearing disability as required by law and dismissed her instead. She had been out of work since late 2021.
Promotions & Appointments:
Reed Smith Gains CFO With Big Four and Staffing Solutions Background
James Metzger joins Reed Smith at a time when law firms seek to optimize their operational efficiency and closely track profitability and other business performance metrics.
AIG Lauds GC Lucy Fato for ‘Pivotal Role’ in Rebound, Hands Her Promotion
Fato is shifting from roles with a litany of specific duties to one with the general mission of helping “support AIG’s journey to become a top performing global insurer.” American International Group has elevated Lucy Fato, already one of the most powerful executives at the insurance giant, to vice chair, a newly created role.
Amid Rapid Growth in Region, Baker Donelson Names New Nashville Office Leader
Looking to Enter Philadelphia, Montco Law Firm Selects New Managing Partner
“We began transitioning our clients from more senior partners to junior partners and began with certain practice areas,” new managing partner William Roark said of Hamburg Rubin Mullin Maxwell & Lupin’s succession planning. “The analysis then turned inward, and we realized we should probably have a transition put into place as well.”
Baker McKenzie Promotes Houston-Based DEI Exec to Global Role
Marredia Crawford, now Chief Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Officer at global firm Baker McKenzie, said her focus is continuing to move forward with inclusion at the firm.
The law firm did not state the reason for global CEO Gerry Pecht’s early departure.
Mergers & Alliances:
With Latest Merger, Spencer Fane Lands in Both Northern and Southern California
While billing rate increases were among clients’ top concerns about a potential merger, Pahl & McCay told clients their hourly rates wouldn’t go up, the firm leader said.
Macau Law Firms MdME, DSL to Merge
The combined firm will offer legal services out of its Macau, Hong Kong and Lisbon offices from October 1.
Reelected Hogan Lovells CEO Says Merger Still a Possibility, Highlights Other Paths to Growth
“I don’t want to talk to firms that have huge pension commitments or revenue drops because of partner departures or that are suffering in branding recognition. We would like to be opportunistic and associate ourselves with winners,” said Miguel Zaldivar.
Canadian Legal Tech Companies CiteRight and Jurisage to Merge
The merger of the two companies will create a comprehensive, integrated legal research and drafting solution that is available in Canada and will soon also be available in the U.S.
Nishimura & Asahi Strikes Alliance with Philippine Firm
The Japanese firm has already allied with local law firms in Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.
Office Openings & Closing:
Greenberg Traurig Renews Office Lease in Miami, Leaving Footprint Intact
The deal, for over 128,000 square feet, marks the largest office lease in the Miami market in the past five years, according to broker Cushman & Wakefield.
Greenberg Traurig Gets UAE Law License as Big Law Continues Middle East Expansion
This summer saw Am Law 100 firms gaining law licenses, opening offices and making partnerships in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Allen Matkins Launches in New York With 2 McDermott Partners: Marshall Brozost and Aly Shivji
California law firm Allen Matkins has added boots on the ground in New York, which will help it expand relationships with East Coast and international clients in the real estate industry.
Goodwin Secures New Phila. Lease, Marking Its Permanent Entry Into the City
The firm is moving into 31,500 square feet of space at Schuylkill Yards, close to 30th St. Station and a number of life sciences clients in University City.
Pérez-Llorca Continues International Push With Lisbon Launch
When the opening takes place in 2024, three of the Spanish firm’s five international offices will have been opened in just a three-year period.
Financials:
Facing Falling Profits, Cahill Seeks to Adjust Amid Drop in Leveraged Finance Market
This slowdown “is the longest since leveraged finance has been around,” said Cahill executive committee co-chair William Hartnett.
Nishimura & Asahi Changes Ownership Structure, Foreign Lawyers to Own Equity
Nishimura’s New York and Germany-admitted international dispute resolution partner Lars Markert has since been promoted into the firm’s equity partnership.
Gateley After-Tax Profits Take 47% Hit After Recent Acquisitions
Staff bonus payments will not be paid out this year, with the firm citing ‘the challenging economic back drop’. Listed U.K. law firm Gateley has announced reported group profits after tax of £12.2 million—representing a 47% drop on last year’s figure. While underlying operating profit climbed by 11% to £25 million, the firm said that discretionary staff bonus payments would not be paid out this year, “due to the challenging economic back drop”.
Technology & Innovation:
5 Lessons Legal Tech and Legal Departments Should Learn From Growing Generative AI Lawsuits
While the generative artificial intelligence lawsuits are ongoing, experts are already pointing to key ways legal technology providers and in-house teams can avoid risk.
The Constitution Has Entered the ‘Chat’: AI Violates the Right to Effective Assistance of Counsel
This column addresses how using artificial intelligence in the criminal justice system may be unfairly prejudicial to defendants and violates their constitutional right to effective assistance of counsel.
Microsoft Says It Will Pay Tab for Infringement Suits Against Its AI Customers
The tech giant says it doesn’t want uncertainties surrounding patent infringement law for generative AI to scare away customers from its Copilot tool.
Tracking Generative AI: How Evolving AI Models Are Impacting Legal
A running compilation of how the legal landscape continues to be shaped by generative AI tools, from GPT technologies to art generation tools and beyond.
Innovation Concerns Grow Over EU AI Regulation
“From the perspective of AI companies, people want clarity around which applications are prohibited, and what the obligations are associated with each category,” said Shannon Yavorsky, an Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe partner.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Female GCs Who Break Into Fortune 1000 Earn Big Bucks, But Men Hold Most of the Jobs
“We still have gender pay gaps in many companies, so let’s keep making progress,” said Melba Hughes of the recruiting firm Major, Lindsey & Africa. Female general counsel at Fortune 1000 companies received slightly higher total compensation than their male counterparts last year, but they continued to be drastically outnumbered.
GCs Collaborate with Skadden and Others to Ramp Up Corporate LGBTQ+ Inclusivity
The campaign, which involves top lawyers from Rolls Royce, BP and others, comes just months after Law.com revealed stagnant LGBT representation in the legal industry.
Market Commentary:
A wave of “conservative” political lawsuits and advocacy campaigns seeking to advance “anti-ESG” or “anti-woke” themes have resulted in certain companies de-emphasizing disclosure of their ESG initiatives, according to Simpson Thacher & Bartlett’s Stephen Blake and Sareen Armani.
Flexibility Is a Talent Attractor, But It Comes With Its Own Challenges
For all the draws of flexible work, some firms still face challenges around compensation, expectations and cultural alignment that may stand in the way of using it as a strategy to attract talent.
CMS Launches UK Redundancy Process Among Corporate Associates
It comes after the firm revealed a slowdown in global revenue growth earlier this summer. CMS is conducting a review ahead of a redundancy process targeted at its associate ranks, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. The review will centre on the firm’s U.K. corporate practice, the person added.
GCs, Outside Counsel Share Responsibility for Eliminating Artificial Emergencies
Highly paid lawyers know they signed up for responsiveness, but rising rates and modern connectivity are enabling some clients to expect instant responses on nights and weekends.
‘The Market Is Virtually Dead’: International Law Firms Are Struggling to Hire in China
International firms are struggling to hire and domestic Chinese firms are growing at a much slower pace than just two years ago. With continued volatility in China, law firms aren’t sure how to plan their growth and lawyers looking at the lateral market are wondering where they should go.
Can Continuation Funds Be a Lifeline for Private Equity?
In this article, Sonia Bhasin discusses the use of continuation funds as a solution for private equity funds that are nearing or past their expiration date and have unrealized assets in their portfolio.
Australian Government Plans to Consider Law Firms’ Pro Bono Efforts When Allocating Work
The Australian government wants law firms to log at least 35 hours per lawyer per year of pro bono work. The Australian government is planning to take account of how much pro bono work a law firm does when allocating work to firms. It will also publish a list of law firms on government procurement panels that do not meet its target of 35 pro bono hours per year per lawyer, according to an open letter by Attorney General Mark Dreyfus, a member of Australia’s Labor Government.
Will Cahill’s Brand Save It From the Modern Big Law Environment?
The firm is smaller in partnership than most of its peers and lacks extensive practice diversification. “Is there a place for a 400-person firm in Big Law?” said an Am Law 50 chair.
All This Growth: What Is it For?
Law firms are obsessed with growth. More are merging, launching new offices, teaming up through associations, and even changing their structure so they can compete globally. But is their focus on expansion and revenue growth the way to go? Might it be short-sighted?
In the upper echelons of the legal realm, the landscape of Big Law is undergoing seismic shifts, redefining traditional paradigms whilst casting new light on the roles and statuses of firms, partners, and junior lawyers. As the legal industry stands at the crossroads of innovation and tradition, it is imperative for respective stakeholders to comprehend the inception and direction of this change to ascertain its implications on their professional trajectories. It is no longer viable to be shackled to the outdated perspective of a disparity in quality between the ‘Magic’ and ‘Silver Circle’ firms against the rest; those that still are will ultimately begin to be left behind in the wake of this new global elite. This article will offer an insight into what dynamics have evolved and why, how the firms in question feel, and more importantly how this may impact you or your outlook on the Big Law landscape.
The Seeds of Transformation
The transformation of Big Law is rooted in a mesh of multifaceted dynamics, and it is crucial to recognise these to understand why the previously established pecking order is only going to continue disintegrating. Economic globalisation, advancements in technology, evolving client expectations, and the re-evaluation of work-life balance have collectively cultivated a climate of change. Traditional hierarchies are dissolving, replaced by a more agile, client-centric approach that prizes efficiency and adaptability. A defining attribute of the emerging global elite is their astute amalgamation of legal expertise with technological acumen. This shift underscores a transformation in the very nature of legal practice – one that recognizes the symbiotic relationship between legal proficiency and technological innovation. The historical dominance of ‘Magic Circle’ and ‘Silver Circle’ firms stemmed from their strong foothold in financial centres like London, heralding a legacy of top-tier legal services entrenched in tradition and excellence. However, alongside embracing transformative technology, the new global elite firms are not bound by the confines of a single geographic epicentre. They are strategically positioned across key global hubs, allowing them to leverage diverse perspectives, tap into burgeoning markets, and serve clients with a holistic, international approach. Indeed, the Financial News reported the likes of Freshfields’ senior partner Georgia Dawson trying to move on from the ‘magic circle’ label, stating that it was “not entirely appropriate” considering their aspirations to become a “truly global firm.” This combination of geographical agility and technological progressiveness has proven to be a catalyst in the global elite’s rise to prominence and the forward-looking large firms’ sustainability, enabling them to attract a diverse and widespread clientele transcending borders and industries. It is the firms that have recognised and acted upon these dynamics that are continuously eroding both the traditional pedigree of a ‘Magic’ or ‘Silver Circle’ title and their best talent.
Partners – Adapting to a New Landscape
The transformation of the big law landscape carries profound implications for partners across the spectrum of large to midsize firms. For partners within larger firms and traditional circles, this shift necessitates a recalibration of their practice and client engagement strategies as the competitive arena expands globally. They face the dual challenge of sustaining their firm’s reputation while embracing innovation to meet the evolving expectations of clients. In contrast, partners in midsize firms find themselves at a pivotal crossroads, with the opportunity to leverage their agility and niche expertise to compete with the new global elite on specialised fronts. For partners respectively, smaller boutiques fostering focussed expertise increasingly offer an attractive alternative to careers at midsize firms and potentially pave the way for later success within the new global elite. The transformation signifies a legal marketplace that rewards adaptability, expertise, and a client-focused approach, compelling partners from large to midsize firms to navigate this evolving terrain with strategic acumen and a steadfast commitment to delivering unparalleled legal services. Often at a higher charge-out rate, with less price-sensitive clientele.
For Partners it is increasingly pertinent to be aware of:
Increased Competition in the Midmarket: As clients seek more cost-effective and specialised legal services, partners in traditional firms may face increased competition from boutique and agile firms that are able to offer niche expertise and competitive pricing. To remain relevant, partners may adapt by diversifying their skills and service offerings.
Globalisation: The new global elite firms are often more geographically dispersed, providing partners with the opportunity to collaborate on a global scale. This expansion can lead to access to new markets and clients, but it also requires partners to navigate complex cross-border legal issues.
Technology: The legal industry is being transformed by technology, from AI-powered research tools to blockchain-based smart contracts. Partners must embrace these technological advancements to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and meet client demands for innovation.
A Client-Centric Approach: Clients are increasingly seeking value-added services, including proactive legal advice and strategic thinking. Partners must shift from a transactional approach to a more client-centric one, understanding the broader business context of their clients’ needs.
The Next Generation – What does it mean for Junior/Trainee Lawyers?
The evolving legal pecking order, veering away from the traditional ‘Magic’ and ‘Silver Circle’ firms toward the emerging global elite, brings forth a distinct set of considerations for trainee and junior lawyers across these larger and midsize firms alike. For trainees and junior lawyers in larger firms, the paradigm shift translates into a heightened need for versatility and adaptability. As global practices expand, they may have the opportunity to gain international exposure, navigate complex cross-border matters and develop a broader skill set. However, the competitive environment also demands that they demonstrate a proactive approach to innovation and open lucrative doors for aspiring partners across the legal sphere possessing sought-after niches and technological proficiency. Despite this, the demand for associates and the new generation of partners to maintain high thresholds of work is not overshadowed by their adaptability, it must be the focus for these young lawyers to combine a rapid malleability with a traditionally diligent work ethic.
The key takeaways for aspiring lawyers are:
Specialisation: The new global elite firms often emphasise specialisation and niche expertise. Junior or trainee lawyers may find it beneficial to develop deep knowledge in specific areas of law to stand out in a competitive job market with a headline offering.
Technological Proficiency: Aspiring lawyers must be tech-savvy, as technology is increasingly integrated into legal practice. Proficiency in legal tech tools and the ability to adapt to new technologies, such as AI in particular, will be essential for success.
A Global Perspective: The globalisation of law firms means that junior lawyers may have the opportunity to work on international matters from the outset of their careers. This provides valuable experience but also requires further adaptability and cultural sensitivity, whilst those with multijurisdictional and multilingual capabilities become increasingly sought after.
The Firms Themselves – A Quest for Sustainability
The transition away from the traditional dominance of ‘Magic’ and ‘Silver Circle’ firms towards the emergence of the new global elite presents a pivotal challenge for firms across the spectrum of Big Law. For the well-established ‘Magic’ and ‘Silver Circle’ firms and their larger counterparts, the quest for sustainability amid this transformation involves a dual mandate. Firstly, it requires a fundamental re-evaluation of their business models. Firms must adapt to changing client demands by fostering a culture of innovation, integrating advanced technologies, and enhancing operational efficiency. Secondly, these firms must prioritise the retention of top-tier talent, ensuring that they can continue to attract and retain legal professionals capable of providing exceptional services to a global clientele. In contrast, midsize firms find themselves at a juncture ripe with potential. Their relatively nimble structure allows them to pivot swiftly and respond to market opportunities with agility. To secure further growth and maintain competitiveness, midsize firms often focus on niche expertise and client-centric approaches. This enables them to provide specialised services that cater to the evolving needs of their clients, potentially carving out distinctive positions in the market.
Meanwhile, the new global elite firms are characterised by a rapid expansion strategy, aiming to establish a robust presence across international jurisdictions and offer a broader spectrum of services. Their quest for growth requires astute merger and acquisition strategies, effective integration of diverse teams, and the cultivation of an inclusive global culture; whilst also maintaining the most lucrative financial offerings and very strong lateral partner retention strategies. In this dynamic environment, firms, irrespective of their size or legacy, must embrace the evolving expectations of clients and the transformative forces of technology. By fostering innovative thinking, enhancing client relationships, and adapting their operational structures to the new global legal landscape, they can pursue sustainability and growth while navigating the profound shifts in the industry. Considering this it may be unsurprising that ex-Slaughter and May lawyer Charlie Harvey described the ‘Magic Circle’ title as having “somewhat lost its sheen” as the notion that global elites are now seeing the true prosperity grow. The challenge lies not just in maintaining traditional prestige but also in demonstrating a readiness to inclusively evolve and thrive in an increasingly competitive and client-driven market and in light of this firms should consider:
Adaptability: Traditional firms must adapt to the changing legal landscape or risk becoming stagnant. This may involve rethinking business models, embracing technology, and fostering a culture of innovation – in addition to seeking ever-increasing client centricity as demands for transparency and efficiency are reshaping the legal market. Firms that prioritise a client-centric approach and invest in client relationships will thrive.
Talent Retention: To compete in the global market, firms must attract and retain top legal talent. This requires offering competitive compensation, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment that values diversity and inclusion. This diversity piece simultaneously appeals to a breadth of both talent and clientele alike, whilst also modernising traditional outlooks. The talent retention strategies of today can be seen as marking a 10–15-year paradigm shift in the way that elite law firms reward their partners, as many have moved to a more meritocratic reward system, in turn providing an environment for similarly elite partners to maximise their income potential. Underscoring the stickiness of Big Law’s top talent, today’s firms must rigorously compete for these high-profile partners, perhaps meaning revitalised reward structures and a lucrative medium for premier legal powerhouses.
Strategic Alliances: Many firms are continuing to form strategic alliances or mergers to strengthen their global presence and offer a wider range of services, providing the new global elite an effective route to continue their explosive rise to prominence. A recent agreement between international firm Eversheds Sutherland LLP, and Asian heavyweight King & Wood Mallesons is exemplary of this, intricately combining the Asian-Pacific prowess of KWM with the EMEA excellence of Eversheds Sutherland. Whilst not a complete merger, indeed the motive behind this is “driven by a shared commitment by both firms to provide the best client service” according to Eversheds, typifying the potential of strategic alliances as the new agreement sets the precedent for record years respectively.
In conclusion, the eclipse of the ‘Magic Circle’ and ‘Silver Circle’ firms’ traditional supremacy symbolises the transformative dynamism sweeping through the legal industry. The rise of the new global elite reflects a profound shift in the archetype of legal excellence—one that mirrors the intricate interplay of globalisation, technology, and inclusivity. While the ‘Magic Circle’ and ‘Silver Circle’ firms will always remain integral to the historical fabric of the legal world, the emergence of the new global elite attests to the enduring power of innovation and adaptation in shaping the legal landscape of the future. Partners, junior lawyers, and firms themselves must adapt to remain competitive and relevant in this dynamic environment. While the challenges are significant, so too are the opportunities for those who embrace change, innovation, and a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of clients in a globalised world. Nonetheless, we must consider that with so many firms on the cusp or competing to be classed as a ‘global elite’, not everybody can be, leaving us with the poignant question to be answered over the coming decade, Who are the new global elite?
Ultimately it depends on your criteria, and to me there seem to be three; The raw profit powerhouses that are truly elite and global such as Latham & Watkins; The traditional elite, who are global but lack the powerful US profitability, for example, Slaughter & May, A&O; And the new wave of modern, fully global firms with extensive reach and diverse legal acumen in the likes of Eversheds and DLA. Whatever your outlook on the criteria may be, it will certainly become clear over the coming years as those seeking to cement themselves in this competitive club become similarly globalised, whilst perhaps not all maintaining similarly elite.
EMEA
Allen & Overy Finance Partner Flies to Bird & Bird in Warsaw
Piotr Lesinski, a debt capital markets and finance regulatory partner based in Warsaw, had been with A&O since 1998. He became an A&O partner in 2010, according to a person with knowledge of the hire. Bird & Bird has also hired a Dentons partner in Madrid.
French Firm Moncey Hires Veteran Linklaters Partner
Fabrice de La Morandière had been a partner at Linklaters for 22 years and headed the firm’s private equity practice and corporate department.
Norton Rose South Africa Boosts Mining Law Capabilities with Bar Hire
It is a significant hire for the firm in Johannesburg. Anneke Higgs’ joins NRFSA as a director—the equivalent of partner—from the bar where she has been an advocate for 15 years.
Addleshaw Goddard, DWF Scale Up in Dubai with Partner Hires
Several law firms are scaling up in the Middle East amid liberalizing markets. Sandeep Puri joins Addleshaws from Baker & McKenzie, having worked in the UAE for over two decades, advising on banking, finance and capital market matters, on both the lender and sponsor sides, according to a firm statement.
King & Spalding, Fieldfisher Add Partners in Paris
Fieldfisher has hired a biotech partner along with two associates while King & Spalding is building in arbitration. Amy Frey, an international arbitration partner, has rejoined King & Spalding after less than a year at McDermott Will & Emery.
Latham & Watkins Loses Veteran PE Partner in Hamburg to German Rival Gleiss Lutz
Stefan Widder, a 21-year veteran of Latham, will bring the number of partners at Gleiss Lutz Hamburg to seven and the total number of lawyers at the Hamburg office to 33.
The firm said it is seeing an increase in demand for advice on white-collar investigations, competition, litigation, and other compliance-related issues. The team will include current Stephenson Harwood lawyers as well as significant new recruits from outside the firm, including a compliance specialist from Baker McKenzie in Paris and a former French member of Parliament who was instrumental in drafting new laws extending legal privilege for in-house counsel.
APAC
RPC Adds Contentious Practice Partner to Hong Kong
Ivan Chang was a partner in the shuttered Hong Kong office of Addleshaw Goddard.
Appleby Adds First Shanghai Partner Almost a Decade After Office Launch
Appleby became the first offshore law firm licensed to provide offshore legal advice in mainland China in 2014. Hannah Yao is the firm’s first ever partner hire to be based full time in Shanghai, where it has had a presence since 2012. Admitted in the U.S. and in China, Yao was a counsel at Beijing firm Fangda Partner and formerly a lawyer at King & Wood Mallesons.
K&L Gates Hires Tech Partner from Seyfarth Shaw Hong Kong
Paul Haswell becomes the 19th partner at K&L Gates Hong Kong.
Yulchon Grows Disputes and Antitrust Practices With Duo Partner Hire in Seoul
Big Six South Korean law firm Yulchon has recently made two key partner hires from the Korea Fair Trade Commission and Korea’s international dispute resolution law firm KL Partners. Following the recent addition of partner Jooyup Chae, who was previously the general counsel of Korea’s biotechnology company SK Biopharmaceuticals, the Seoul-based firm has further deepened its dispute resolution bench with the hire of international arbitration lawyer Eun Nyung Lee.
Former Rouse Disputes Head Set to Join Hong Kong Firm Tanner De Witt
Douglas Clark, who started his legal career as an associate at Hogan Lovells in 1993 left Rouse in 2022 to set up his own practice.
Clifford Chance Lands M&A Partner From Linklaters in Hong Kong
Hong Kong-based M&A lawyer Alex Bidlake was a lead partner on Cathay Pacific Airways’ $5.3 billion government bailout in 2020.
PwC Australia Departures Continue, Melbourne Partner Joins Pinsent Masons
Florence Riviere joins Pinsent Masons’ property team in Melbourne.
All of Proskauer’s Full-Time Greater China Partners Depart
The firm no longer has any full-time partners in China or Hong Kong, but it says it will continue to operate in Hong Kong and will not be leaving the market.
The Americas
Clifford Chance Hires Jones Day Energy Partner in Houston
Jones Day energy partner David Stringer joined Clifford Chance as a partner in Houston on Tuesday, as the U.K. firm continues to build an energy and infrastructure team in its new office.
Bennett Jones Grabs Partner From Blake Cassels for New Montreal Office
Yannick Beaudoin has been part of some of the biggest infrastructure and financing projects in the region.
Shearman & Sterling Lures Capital Markets Attorney Back From Linklaters
Alejandro Gordano is rejoining the firm as a New York-based partner in the Latin America group, after working at Linklaters and in an in-house role.
Holland & Knight Welcomes Zubin Khambatta to Growing Health Care Practice in Texas
Holland & Knight has strengthened its health care regulatory and enforcement practice group with the addition of Zubin Khambatta as a partner in Austin, the law firm said. He was previously a partner with Perkins Coie.
DLA Litigator Returns to Dentons as a Partner in Dallas
DLA Piper trial lawyer Matthew Nickel rejoined Dentons as a partner in Dallas on Monday, saying it was the ‘right time’ for his career.
Another Kirkland Partner Heads to Phillips Lytle, as Firm Builds Out Midwest Base
Former Kirkland partner Jaran Moten, now at Phillips Lytle, said he thinks clients are more often hiring multiple firms to work certain matters, and the ability to do so successfully will help give firms like his an edge.
McDermott Hires Former EY GC From Gibson Dunn, as Accounting Firms Face More Scrutiny
Ron Hauben’s arrival at McDermott coincides with increased regulatory activity from the SEC and PCAOB.
“This law firm functions as a team,” Bohrer said. “They’re all supportive of each other. It’s not like in a Big Law firm, where people are competing for that partnership spot.”
King & Spalding Continues Texas Growth With Locke Lord ‘Heavy Hitter’
Locke Lord partner Mitchell Tiras, who joined King & Spalding on Monday as a partner in Houston said his move provides his clients with broader-based services as they evolve.
Eversheds Sutherland Builds ‘Gateway to a Global Firm’ With New San Francisco Tax Partner
Michael Lebovitz, the co-head of the international tax and transfer pricing team at Mayer Brown, joined Eversheds as it builds its San Francisco presence.
McDermott Lands International M&A Partner From Dechert
Howard Kleinman has a focus on South America and cross-border transactions.
Milbank Adds Cahill Partner Who Will Co-Lead White Collar Defense Practice
The addition of Nola Heller boosts the firm’s pitch to land on clients’ most important matters, said Milbank’s George Canellos.
Troutman Pepper Takes 2 Private Equity Partners as Midmarket Deal Work Moves Ahead
Bruce Steinert, a Perkins Coie partner, joined the firm in San Francisco, while Gibson Dunn of counsel Jonathan Homer joined the firm in New York.
Baker McKenzie Regulatory Co-Chairs, Seeking Greater ‘Support,’ Jump to K&L Gates
Amy Greer and Jennifer Klass were recruited to build the practice from scratch in 2019, but they said they ultimately needed a firm that offered a broader set of skills and expertise to serve their clients.
Dilworth Paxson to Hire Up to 20 Lawyers From Dissolving Schnader Harrison
The group is composed of attorneys who’d previously belonged to Schnader’s trusts and estates, litigation, real estate, and transactional practice groups.
Sidley Picks Up Cooley Venture Finance Partner in Palo Alto
Cindy Lovering, who spent more than six years at Cooley, joined Sidley’s California global finance practice.
Jones Day Energy Partner Is Latest Big Law Hire for Clifford Chance
Jones Day energy partner David Stringer joined Clifford Chance as a partner in Houston on Tuesday, as the U.K. firm continues to build an energy and infrastructure team in its new office.
O’Melveny Hires Long-Serving SEC Regional Director in Los Angeles
O’Melveny has once again grown its roster of former high-ranking government officials with the addition of Michele Wein Layne to its white-collar defense and corporate investigations group.
White & Case Private Credit Partner Returns to Proskauer
As private credit continues to grow, Jessica Shearer’s “skill set will be an asset to the continued growth of our group and that of our clients,” said Proskauer’s Mike Mezzacappa.
Fish & Richardson Announces 2023 Del. Associate Hire
Fish & Richardson has welcomed nine lateral associates to the litigation practice group since the start of 2023, including Brandon Pakkebier in the firm’s Delaware office in February.
Cravath Public Company M&A Partner Heads to Latham
Latham & Watkins bolstered its public company M&A practice with the addition of Cravath, Swaine & Moore M&A partner Andrew Elken, announced on Monday. Elken, who had been at Cravath since beginning his legal career in 2009, will be based out of Latham’s New York office.
In-House
Ex-Foot Locker, Circle K Exec Takes Legal Reins of 520-Location Shoe Store Chain
Randolph Brodwin spent the bulk of his career at Foot Locker, rising from real estate counsel to associate general counsel over 23 years. Now, he’s becoming chief legal officer of a privately owned retailer that recently celebrated its 100th anniversary.
Pax8 Taps Ethics and Compliance Veteran as First CCO
Mary Gill said she is thrilled “to have this opportunity to lead the design and build out of the company’s next generation ethics and compliance program.”
Archer Daniels Midland Taps Globetrotting Legal Vet to Succeed GC Who Put Out Fires
Food giant ADM has hired Regina Bynote Jones away from oil-field-services company Baker Hughes to serve as its senior vice president and general counsel.
Iconic Crystal Maker Swarovski Taps Former Nestle, Wrigley and Coca-Cola Attorney as Legal Chief
Stephan Mechnig appointment as chief legal and compliance officer comes a year after the nearly 130-year-old company installed someone outside the family as CEO for the first time.
Dollar Tree Hires Legal Chief to Replace Ex-Trump Official Who Abruptly Departed
Jonathan Leiken is taking the legal reins of Dollar Tree after helping guide his last employer, the ATM-maker Diebold Nixdorf, through bankruptcy.
Saying ‘Ja’ to Transfer Pays Off for BMG Legal Veteran
A year after relocating from Los Angeles to BMG’s Berlin headquarters, Tony Abner is taking the legal reins of the world’s fourth-largest music company.
Burgeoning UCSF Hospital System Appoints First Chief Counsel
Incoming general counsel Rachel Nosowsky will be “an excellent colleague and mentor for all the attorneys in our office,” said UCSF Chief Campus Counsel Greta Schnetzler.
Saint Louis Bank Axes CEO, Promotes GC to Succeed Him
Kevin King, the general counsel of the three-office Saint Louis Bank who’s practiced banking law for more than four decades, is succeeding CEO Travis Liebig. The bank isn’t explaining the ouster.
National Insurance Crime Bureau Promotes Ex-Federal Prosecutor to GC
At the Illinois-based nonprofit, Rich DiZinno will help ferret out fraud, something he battled as an assistant U.S. attorney and as chief counsel for national security and crime for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.
Ex-Waymo Deputy GC Takes Legal Reins of Battery Startup
David Tressler spent six years at Google-owned Waymo, during which the company became the first self-driving car service to serve the general public without backup drivers in the vehicle.
Biden Picks Former Obama Lawyer for White House Counsel
During his first stint at the White House, Ed Siskel helped fend off attacks on the Affordable Care Act. He also spearheaded the response to congressional inquiries into the 2012 Benghazi attack that resulted in the killing of the U.S. ambassador to Libya.
Legal Chief for Movie Theater Association Follows Other Execs Out the Exit Door
Jackie Brenneman is the third long-tenured executive of the National Association of Theatre Owners to depart this year.
CLO Cashes Out at ATM-Maker Diebold; Replacement Punches In
After guiding the manufacturer through bankruptcy, Jonathan Leiken is passing the legal reins to veteran Diebold attorney Elizabeth “Lisa” Radigan, whom he called “brilliant, caring and a wise teacher of the law.”
Lawyer Stepping Aside Who Helped Shape Charter Communications Into No. 2 Cable Operator
David Ellen played a key role in the transformation of the cable industry, first as general counsel of Cablevision before its $17.7 billion sale in 2016 and then as a senior executive at Charter as it digested nearly $100 billion in acquisitions.
Promotions & Appointments:
Norton Rose South Africa’s Incoming CEO Committed to Full-Time Executive Leadership
Being chief executive far outweighs the bitter-sweetness of no longer running the disputes practice, says CEO elect Brent Botha in an interview with Law.com International.
Hogan Lovells Names New San Francisco Leader, With Plans to Expand Office
Megan Nishikawa, an energy, environmental and life sciences litigator who joined the firm last fall from King & Spalding, is stepping into the San Francisco office managing partner role on Sept. 1.
Hogan Lovells Partners Are Voting on CEO Miguel Zaldivar’s Second Term
Board members unanimously recommended that Zaldivar, who’s led Hogan Lovells since July 2020, should continue serving at the helm for another four-year term.
Mergers & Alliances:
Canadian IP Firm Smart & Biggar Gets Bigger With Merger
The IPH Group-affiliated firm will combine with former competitor Ridout & Maybee, cementing its position as the largest IP shop in Canada.
Clark Hill Combines With Dublin-Based Firm
Clark Hill’s acquisition of the 10-solicitor Dublin, Ireland-based firm HBMO Solicitors follows earlier acquisitions in the U.S., in Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia.
Fox Rothschild Absorbs Five-Lawyer Auto Boutique
Firm chair Mark Morris said Aboyoun Dobbs has been the “go-to firm for automobile dealerships in the tri-state area since its founding in 1989.”
A&O Shearman: The Compelling but Unspoken Rationale
Industry observer Hugh A. Simons dives into historical data and law firm dynamics to explore the true, though perhaps unspoken, benefits of a merger between Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling.
One Big Advantage of Growth by Acquisition? Sticky Clients.
Law firms are continuing to seek out acquisitions as a means of growth, which comes with its share of both challenges and benefits.
Continuing Growth in Existing Markets, Clark Hill Combines With Dublin Commercial Firm
Clark Hill’s acquisition of the 10-solicitor HBMO Solicitors in Dublin follows earlier acquisitions in Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia.
Stroock Loses Business-Side Leaders, as Uncertain Merger Future Poses Recruiting Challenges
“Joining Stroock, my goal was to focus on partner hiring…We were seeing a lot of success,” said Regina Robbins, the firm’s former director of talent acquisition. “When the information was getting out in the marketplace about the Paul Hastings group and about the merger talks, it was difficult to help the firm find partners and grow.”
Office Openings & Closing:
Eversheds Sutherland’s New Austin Office Boasts Prime Location, Amenities
To accommodate growth, Eversheds Sutherland moved into new offices in downtown Austin on Monday that will accommodate significantly more lawyers.
Law Firm Leasing Activity Rebounds to Highest Post-Pandemic Point
Building off a strong first quarter, U.S. law firm leasing activity remained robust in the second quarter, resulting in the strongest period of leasing on record since the start of the pandemic, according to the latest quarterly report from Savills. Los Angeles also saw multiple deals over 20,000 square feet.
Financials:
Nishimura & Asahi Changes Ownership Structure, Foreign Lawyers to Own Equity
Nishimura’s New York and Germany-admitted international dispute resolution partner Lars Markert has since announced his entry to the firm’s equity partnership.
White & Case UK Accounts Show Stagnant Profit Despite Turnover Boost
The LLPs also showed that the firm made almost £3 million more from currency exchange rate fluctuations in the past year.
DWF Profits Slide Ahead of Private Equity Takeover
Though the UK listed law firm’s revenue edged up, the firm’s leaders said they did not expect to undertake ‘any material M&A in the short term’ due to economic pressures.
General Counsel Compensation Chart: Who Made the 2023 Top-Paid GC List?
The tight talent market helped drive up compensation, as current employers tried to lock down legal chiefs with retention bonuses, and companies trying to fill openings dangled juicy signing bonuses and stock grants.
2023 Could Turn Out All Right, If Law Firms Can Collect on What They’re Owed
Clients are slower to pay, but that means inventory is building. If firms start seeing checks come in, the second half of 2023 could be much more promising, Citi’s midyear survey shows.
DC Law Firms See Rebound in First Half of 2023, Increasing Revenues and Controlling Comp Expenses
“The real standout was controlling the compensation line and that really helped D.C.-focused firms,” said Wells Fargo’s Owen Burman.
Big Atlanta Law Firms Saw Revenue and Profits Rise in First Half, Even as Collections Slowed
Billing rate increases appeared to be the largest fuel for revenue growth, as demand in Atlanta was down 1.6%, compared to a 0.4% decrease for all firms nationally, according to Wells Fargo.
Law Firms Are Still Grasping for the ‘Other Side’ of Uncertainty
Firms benefitted from 7.7% average billing rate increases in the first half, Wells Fargo said, noting they are continuing to absorb productivity hits in the hopes of getting to the “other side” of the economic storm.
How to Manage Partner Compensation Expectations in a Challenging Year
MesaFive consultant Blane Prescott recounts common firm compensation models and how firms can set comp in a down year
Technology & Innovation:
1 in 4 Large Law Firms Expect Generative AI to Replace Jobs Internally in Next 5 Years
Generative AI has ‘potential to take away many of the more mundane and administrative tasks that currently form a necessary part of the lawyer’s workload’.
5 Ways Legal Is Mitigating Generative AI Risks
As some of the risks of using generative AI have come to light, legal tech providers and law firms are accessing and using the technology in news ways.
Concerned About ChatGPT Risks, This Australian Law Firm Built an Alternative
It took about six months for the firm to build its own GenAI platform, which it has named “Airlie” in honor of Airlie Smith—the first woman lawyer to join any of the firms that merged to form Allens.
AI in the Workplace: Benefits and Potential Drawbacks
Estimates suggest that nearly 80% of employers are now using AI in some capacity, so it’s imperative businesses understand AI’s rapidly growing presence across the labor landscape.
Cutting Through the Mess: What Does AI Really Mean for Lawyers?
In this column, Katherine B. Forrest presents her views on how artificial intelligence will impact the legal profession moving forward. She also includes some practical guidance about what ethical and professional obligations lawyers should keep in mind as they contend with its increasing usage.
Use This Framework for Integrating AI Into Your Thought Leadership Content Process
There are opportunities throughout the writing process for humans to partner with AI. Here’s how to think about that division of labor.
Law Firms Say They Expect GenAI to Reduce Reliance on Billable Hour—but Observers Are Skeptical
The majority of large UK law firms expect GenAI to impact their approach to the billable hour, according to a Law.com International survey.
Troutman Pepper Rolls Out Proprietary Gen AI Chatbot ‘Athena’ With Painstaking Care
With its new chatbot Athena, powered by OpenAI’s GPT-3.5, the firm is drawing an unequivocal line when it comes to certain use cases—and keeping a watchful eye.
Where Generative AI Will Likely Have the Most Impact in Law Firms
A Tuesday standing-room only session at ILTACON 2023 in Orlando highlighted some of the areas of the law firm work where generative AI is expected to have the most impact.
Sullivan & Cromwell’s Investments in AI Lead to Discovery, Deposition ‘Assistants’
Two post-doctoral students set up a lab in Sullivan & Cromwell’s offices to develop and train AI technology. Its capabilities could alter the very fabric of being a lawyer.
Diversity & Inclusion:
GCs Collaborate with Skadden and Others to Ramp Up Corporate LGBTQ+ Inclusivity
The campaign, which involves top lawyers from Rolls Royce, BP and others, comes just months after Law.com revealed stagnant LGBT representation in the legal industry.
The Law Firm Disrupted: The Generation Gap in Big Law Is Real, but It’s Broader Too
Guess who made which damning statement about Gen Z.
Leading DEI with Practicality and Purpose
Corporate counsel are well positioned to play a key role in focusing their companies on the case for DEI, whether premised on fundamental fairness, correcting for historical underrepresentation, or aligning with the shareholder goal of profitability.
Lawsuits Over Big Law Diversity Fellowships Prompt Firms to Scrutinize DEI Program Language
The lawsuits filed this week take particular aim at language contained in the firms’ diversity fellowship applications that conservative legal activist Edward Blum’s group views as exclusionary against its “white, nondisabled heterosexual man” client.
This Weil Gotshal Duo Is Fighting to Make Class a Protected Characteristic in the UK
Two figures are quietly leading a nationwide push to reform the U.K.’s Equality Act in a way that could profoundly affect the way social class is perceived.
The Battle for DEI in the Court of Public Opinion
“Those who are fighting DEI efforts misunderstand and mischaracterize the work. There seems to be a significant disconnect between their characterization of the work and what the work actually is,” says Yusuf Zakir, chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer at Davis Wright Tremaine.
Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: From Optimism to Action
Alyssa Levy, a first-year corporate associate with Sidley Austin talks to Lin Cherry, Chief Talent Experience Officer at the technology services company, Wizeline, on why it’s important for organizations to advance DE&I as well as some small but powerful steps any organization can take.
Market Commentary:
Is London on the Cusp of a White Collar Boom?
With a SFO soon to welcome a new director and a UK recession looking more likely, some partners are expecting an uptick in investigations, while others offer more sober takes.
India as an Emerging Hub for International Arbitration
The Delhi High Court recently established a significant precedent by clarifying third-party funders cannot be held liable to pay adverse awards, and here’s how it will change the landscape of arbitration in the country.
In recent months, global brands such as Volkswagen Group have been revisiting their Chinese target acquisition plans, while Japanese energy companies have been pushed by an energy resource-scarce domestic market to further their investments abroad.
Japanese Tech Startups’ Nasdaq IPO Thirst Generates Deal Work for US Law Firms in Japan
Japanese deep technology, life science and biotechnology companies feel that they are comfortable speaking to U.S. investment banks or U.S. stock exchanges such as Nasdaq, according to a Tokyo-based Greenberg Traurig lawyer.
A wave of “conservative” political lawsuits and advocacy campaigns seeking to advance “anti-ESG” or “anti-woke” themes have resulted in certain companies de-emphasizing disclosure of their ESG initiatives, according to Simpson Thacher & Bartlett’s Stephen Blake and Sareen Armani.
Crunch Time for ESG: When Will Green Advice Pay Off for Law Firms in Asia?
Most jurisdictions in Asia are at different stages in their ESG journeys and that disparity, compounded by the lack of alternative resources and the ambiguity of government regulations and policies across the region, presents significant challenges for companies.
Law Firm Merger Fever May Be Good News for Boutiques
With firm mergers expected to accelerate, boutiques feeling pressure from clients to grow may be ready to take calls from larger firms.
How the GC of a Startup Building ‘Harmless’ AI Balances Risks, Rewards
“It’s a surprisingly full time job at times . . . to really deeply understand where we’re willing to tolerate more risk in service of our mission and where we’re more sensitive to risk,” Anthropic AI legal chief Brian Israel said.
Should I Stay or Go? 8 Questions Partners Facing a Merger Need to Answer
With all the mergers—or potential mergers—taking place this year, what key factors should lawyers consider when deciding whether to remain at their firm or move on?
Partners Are Frustrated With ‘Zoom Associates.’ But Will Threatening Their Bonuses Change That?
Consultants and partners have bluntly described some younger associates as “lacking accountability and initiative.” But surveys suggest younger lawyers and aspiring lawyers are more varied in their motivations than earlier generations.
Law Firm Closures Highlight a Tale of Two Markets
Midsize law firms are seeing faster demand growth than big firms. But this segment of the market is still vulnerable to large, existential threats.
Where Have All the London Rainmakers Gone?
U.K. firms need to rethink their star culture if they want to compete on a global scale.
Prepare to Communicate More Law Firm Leadership Transitions
Since the pandemic, turnover in the leadership ranks of major law firms has been increasing. Transitions can cause anxiety and uncertainty—especially if firms don’t have a clear and consistent messaging. With a good plan, however, firms can use transitions as a way to re-tell their story.
How to Kill Your Culture in a Minor Recession, According to Midlevels
In our annual Midlevel Associates Survey, thousands of associates told us how their firms missed the mark in managing through a downturn—but they gave some praise.
Leveraging Lateral Partner Recruiting Strategies in a Down Market
While the economic downturn certainly adds a layer of complexity to the lateral partner recruitment process, it does not render it an insurmountable task.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Kirkland PE Heavyweight Neel Sachdev Joins Paul Weiss with 3 Other Partners
Paul Weiss’ own London head moved to Kirkland earlier this month. Kirkland & Ellis rainmaker Neel Sachdev is leading a team of four partners out of the firm to Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison. Sachdev and fellow debt finance partners, Kanesh Balasubramaniam, Matthew Merkle and Deirdre Jones have all joined Paul Weiss’ London office.
Raid on Kirkland: 10 More US and UK Lawyers Expected to Join Paul Weiss
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison’s raid of Kirkland & Ellis this month includes a four-partner London team led by private equity giant Neel Sachdev as well as other partners in the U.S. and U.K.—a team that could number more than ten lawyers in all. Sources confirmed that Paul Weiss has also hired Kirkland debt finance partner Eric Wedel, who had been with the firm for almost 17 years, working out of New York and Los Angeles. It is anticipated that Wedel will bring a team of three or four partners with him, sources said.
BonelliErede Targets London Expansion with Partner Additions
It isn’t the only elite firm in the Slaughter and May network to eye London growth, with Cravath adding partners to its UK base earlier in the year.
EMEA
Fieldfisher Makes 2 Partner Hires in Madrid From Dentons, Jones Day
UK firm plans to increase Spanish revenue by 50% by 2025. Eduardo Gómez de Enterría has joined Fieldfisher in Madrid as head of employment after leading Dentons’ practice for three years, and real estate partner Victor Casarrubios has joined the office after heading Jones Day’s real estate practice in Spain since 2007.
White & Case Doha Managing Partner Walks to Mayer Brown
Anne Wicks had been with White & Case since 2004, and relocated from the firm’s London office to its Abu Dhabi base in 2013. She became managing partner of White & Case’s Doha office in June 2020, according to a person with knowledge of the hire.
APAC
The UK firm has been deepening its bench in Asia in recent months. Stephenson Harwood’s Greater China associated firm, Wei Tu Law Firm, has strengthened its regional private wealth and corporate practice with the hire of partner Joanna Jiang, who was most recently a partner at Beijing-based Zhong Lun Law Firm, in Guangzhou.
Clyde & Co Cuts 10 Lawyers in Australia as Economy Slows
In addition to the 10, the firm has also parted ways with an insurance partner of seven years. Clyde & Co has made 10 lawyers redundant in Australia, a few weeks after it made back office cuts. Confirming the numbers, a firm spokesperson said none of the lawyers were partners and came from a total staff of around 500 in Australia.
The Americas
McDermott Lands 3-Lawyer Real Estate Transactional Group
David Herman is “one of the most significant hires we have made in New York in a long time,” said McDermott’s Ira Coleman. The lawyers include partner David Herman in New York, partner Sam Limmer in Washington, D.C., and of counsel Cynthia Resnick in Miami.
ArentFox Schiff Hires 3-Partner Employment Team From Sheppard Mullin
Morgan Forsey, Daniel McQueen and Nora Stilestein joined ArentFox in Los Angeles on Monday.
Munger Tolles Hires Former California Deputy Solicitor General
Aimee Feinberg, who argued before the U.S. Supreme Court on key issues, including funds for the U.S.-Mexico border wall, returns to Munger Tolles, based in San Francisco.
Egan Nelson Emerging Companies Chair Jumps to Michael Best in Austin
Aaron Barker brings his emerging-companies practice to Michael Best & Friedrich as a corporate partner in Austin and head of Venture Best, Texas, the firm’s emerging-companies team.
Hall Booth Smith Elects 6 Partners; Gordon Rees Adds Partner in Atlanta
Hall Booth Smith announced the election of six new partners, including one in each of three Georgia offices. Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani added Joseph C. Sullivan as a partner in the firm’s Atlanta office from Taylor English Duma. Smith, Gambrell & Russell partner David J. Burge has been elected board chairman of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA).
Holland & Knight Trade Partner Jumps to White & Case in Mexico
Carlos Véjar, who also previously served as general counsel for international trade at the Mexican Economy Ministry, is changing coordinates as scores of manufacturers and their suppliers relocate to North America.
Freshfields Lands Schulte Litigation Co-Head
Gayle Klein, the litigation co-head at Schulte Roth & Zabel, has decamped for Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, joining the firm’s U.S. dispute resolution practice in New York as a partner. Klein had been at Schulte for about 2½ years, following an 8½-year stint at Weil, Gotshal & Manges, where she became, at 32, the youngest female partner in the firm history at the time.
Stevens & Lee Adds Wilmington Of Counsel
Stevens & Lee announced that Melissa N. Donimirski has joined the firm’s litigation department as of counsel in its Wilmington office.
McGuireWoods Creates C-Suite Role for AI and Innovation
The Am Law 100 firm is the latest to grow its C-suite staff with a hire focused specifically on AI. McGuireWoods has hired Peter Geovanes as the firm’s first chief innovation and AI officer, the latest Am Law 200 firm to bring on a C-suite leader focused on artificial intelligence.
Weil Adds Skadden Energy Partner as Houston Buildout Continues
The string of hires “results from a months-long review of the market and a strategic plan on what we want to do,” said Kyle Krpata, co-head of Weil’s private equity practice.
Shearman Co-Executive Director Decamps for Sheppard Mullin
Robert Brown joined Sheppard Mullin as chief operating officer, based in New York.
Steptoe Energy Regulatory Partner Jumps to Vinson & Elkins in DC
Vinson & Elkins’ hiring of Steptoe & Johnson partner Monique Watson continues the Houston-founded firm’s focus on expanding its energy regulatory team. Vinson & Elkins continues to grow its energy regulatory practice, adding Steptoe & Johnson partner Monique Watson, who formerly worked at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and brings experience in oil and gas pipelines and environmental impacts.
In-House
Tesla Adds Energy Firm’s Top Lawyer, Senior Employment Litigator
Christopher Dawood announced via LinkedIn this month that he’s joined Tesla as senior counsel for employment litigation. Dawood was previously an of counsel in the labor and employment litigation practice at Jackson Lewis in Sacramento.
Ahead of Possible Sale, UScellular Promotes Legal Chief to GC
Chicago-based UScellular promoted Adriana Rios Welton, head of legal and government affairs, to general counsel. She takes over from John Kelsh, who will focus on being general counsel at parent company Telephone and Data Systems. Title upgrades such as Adriana Rios Welton’s could give her an advantage in any M&A negotiations.
Longtime Bank GC to Join Thomson Reuters
Norie Campbell, former general counsel for TD Bank, is joining Thomson Reuters as chief legal officer, the Canadian-based technology and media company announced Monday.
Tupperware’s CLO Resigning as Company Fights to Stay Afloat
The company did not disclose why Karen Sheehan will be stepping aside Sept. 30. Her exit will cap a tumultuous nine years marked by plunging sales, C-suite turnover and accounting probes.
Looming Legal Threats, the Murdochs’ Influence Make Fox CLO Vacancy Both Alluring and Terrifying
“Taking over at a fraught organization is inherently a gamble. If things start terrible and improve to merely bad, people may not give you any credit,” Andrew Verstein, a law professor at UCLA, said.
QVC Veteran Promoted to GC of Parent, Will Help Lead Turnaround Effort
Eve DelSoldo is taking the legal reins of Qurate Retail Group, which is seeking to resuscitate growth after the rise of e-commerce dramatically altered consumer shopping behavior.
Promotions & Appointments:
Cuatrecasas Taps Barcelona Partner to Lead Corporate Practice in Palma
Less than a year into his post at the Spanish law firm, Sergio Agüera Amat has been given double duty. Cuatrecasas has tapped a Barcelona real estate partner to coordinate the firm’s corporate and M&A practice in Palma de Mallorca. Less than a year into his post at the Spanish law firm, Sergio Agüera Amat has been given double duty – tasked with leading the firm’s corporate and M&A practice on the Balearic Islands while maintaining his position in the Barcelona office focused on commercial real estate law.
Dentons Taps South Korea Leader as Global Board Chair
Nicholas Howon Park succeeds Xuefeng Peng, the president of Beijing-based Dacheng Law Offices. Dacheng and Dentons called off their combination earlier this month.
In ‘Big Deal’ Move, Baker Botts Promotes 3 Women Partners to Department Chair
The corporate, intellectual property and litigation departments are now chaired by women partners, as Houston partner Danny David takes over as managing partner on Aug. 1. Three of Baker Botts’ five departments are now led by women partners. Christa Brown-Sanford chairs the IP department, Samantha Crispin chairs the corporate department, and Bridget Moore chairs the litigation department.
Baker Donelson Shareholder Named ABA Committee Co-Chair
Ferdose al-Taie, an attorney at Baker Donelson, has been appointed to serve as co-chair of the American Bar Association (ABA) Litigation Section’s White-Collar and Criminal Litigation Committee.
White House Counsel Stuart Delery Steps Down
Stuart Delery, the top lawyer in the Biden White House, will soon be leaving his post. In a statement, President Joe Biden called Delery “a trusted adviser and a constant source of innovative legal thinking since Day One of my Administration.”
Mergers & Alliances:
Schnader Waited Too Long to Merge, While Stroock’s Fate Lies in the Balance
The soon-to-be defunct Philadelphia institution and the venerable New York shop have faced a similar set of obstacles in recent months. Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis’ decision to dissolve after nearly 90 years came in the wake of failed merger talks and a declined credit extension from its bank, according to a notice shared by the firm with Pennsylvania and Philadelphia authorities.
The Unraveling of Dentons Dacheng: Was it the Law or the Love that Frayed?
Dentons attributed its breakup with Dacheng to evolving Chinese regulations—it’s a brilliant communications strategy, non-Chinese clients will be pleased. But is there more to this than meets the eye?
Ailing Firms Value Independence, Autonomy Over Survival, Delaying Vital Merger Talks
Philadelphia’s Schnader Harrison is the latest example of a firm that would have been better off acting sooner rather than later.
Luthra and Luthra Adds 33 Lawyers in Merger
Earlier this year, Luthra and Luthra Law Offices’ founder and managing partner unexpectedly passed away. One of India’s most prominent law firms is set to merge with another firm. Luthra and Luthra Law Offices has announced that it will form a partnership with Atlas Law Partners, with the latter firm’s managing partner, Harry Chawla, becoming the head of the newly combined firm.
Office Openings & Closing:
Following Mass Departures, Lewis Brisbois Spinoff to Shutter 5 Months After Launch
Following another sizeable group departure this week to O’Hagan Meyer, the labor and employment boutique that spun out of Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith in May has announced plans to cease operations entirely just five months after its inception. Nearly three dozen attorneys left Daugherty Lordan to join O’Hagan Meyer in Southern California this week.
Latest US Firm Shrinks China Presence as Latham Closes in Shanghai
Latham’s closure of its Shanghai office marks the trend of American law firms scaling back their businesses in mainland China in recent months.
After Kirkland’s Migration to Century City, Other Big Law Firms Are Following
Skadden is joining a growing number of firms basing their Los Angeles operations out of Century City, as firms continue to reduce their footprints downtown.
Wilson Elser Adds in Indiana, as Second Hundred Firms Continue Expansion
The No. 107-ranked firm by revenue announced this week that its clients wanted an expansion in the Midwest. With Am Law 200 firms poised to continue expanding their maps, defense firm Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman Dicker is the latest to plant a flag, adding an office in Indianapolis with laterals from Foley Mansfield and the Indiana Attorney General’s Office.
‘Predominantly an In-Office Firm’: Davis Polk Renews NYC Lease, With 30,000 More Square Feet
The firm’s new 25-year lease at 450 Lex is now the largest by square footage in New York in 2023 to date, according to real estate broker CBRE.
Financials:
Comp Likely to Top $10M Each for 3 Kirkland Laterals Jumping to Paul Weiss
The hires of U.K. partners Neel Sachdev and Roger Johnson and U.S. partner Eric Wedel mark the latest foray in the trans-Atlantic Kirkland-Paul Weiss lateral war that saw Kirkland recruit Alvaro Membrillera, previously Paul Weiss’s London head.
Technology & Innovation:
Spain’s Burgeoning Legal Tech Sector May Make Waves Internationally
Spain has largely relied on European heavyweights for its legal tech solutions. But the last two years have seen a flurry of local innovation, with an eye on international expansion.
Legal Still Has a Lot to Learn—And Navigate—In the Gen AI Era
After months of enthusiasm surrounding generative artificial intelligence, misunderstandings about the technology linger among attorneys and judges alike.
Here Are the Generative AI Products UK Law Firms Are Using
The pressure on law firms to implement generative artificial intelligence into their operations has steadily grown over the course of 2023. The clamour has been so intense that some GenAI companies have had to impose waiting lists.
How GCs Can Get Their Team Onboard with New Tech
A recent study found a majority of lawyers are ‘apathetic’ about lawtech, but there are ways for GCs and senior in-house lawyers to encourage a change of mindset.
Legatics Announces $5 Million Investment, With Plans to Expand to U.S. Market
The investment comes months after Legatics released Legatics 2, an expanded version of the legal transaction management platform with more flexible project management software.
Agiloft Launches AI Trainer, Allowing Legal Teams to Customize AI Models for Contract Analysis
Agiloft seeks to empower legal teams with no IT or coding experience to customize their own artificial intelligence models for a more bespoke approach to contract review and analysis.
How Law Firms Can Avoid A Summer of Cyberattack Threats
Summer at law firms creates an attack surface that hackers love to take advantage of. Legal and support staff rotate through vacations and time off, new crops of interns unfamiliar with tech processes enter the fold, and the remaining employees are often burned out and too distracted to notice the critical signs of an impending cyberattack.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Gender Diversity: Firms Must Jump Off the Bandwagon and Focus on What Works
Next 100 Years founder and former lawyer Dana Denis-Smith calls for a more strategic look at diversity initiatives, focusing on the changes that make a real difference.
Market Commentary:
China’s Regulations Went From Being a Client Problem to a Law Firm Problem, Too
For international law firms that have substantial practices in mainland China, the country’s focus on national security and the broader geopolitical issues has major implications.
Amid Layoffs and Attrition, Law Firms Are Planning More Staffing Adjustments
“With forced exits and continued staff attrition wreaking havoc on the depth and breadth of both skills and experience, are firms fundamentally compromising the quality of a support structure?” a recent report asks.
In Big Law, ‘Flexibility’ Is a Word for All Seasons
“I’m starting to hear ‘flexibility’ along with just being thoughtful about how do you become a bit more rigid about mandating people to come in?” noted Williams Lea’s Joe McSpadden.
What Makes a Successful Litigation Secondment Program?
McKinsey associate GC Veronica Ip and MoFo’s Kate Driscoll discuss what each got out of the six-month spell that Driscoll covered for Ip while she was on parental leave.
“The parties are spending a lot of time and money litigating almost as if they’re in court,” Sarchio said, noting that one recent arbitration involved around 72 document requests. “I keep telling them, this is arbitration. It’s supposed to be streamlined.”
Pacesetter Research: Prioritizing the “G” in ESG, Enables the Integration of the “E” and the “S”
With rising pressure from stakeholders on “E” and “S” initiatives, the “E” and “S” have typically dominated ESG conversations however prioritizing the G may facilitate the integration of all three components.
Amid Spreading Patchwork of Data Privacy Regs, Attorneys Embrace New Opportunities
Litigators are already finding ways to sue tech companies using existing laws, and compliance-side attorneys are advising clients to be proactive with new state laws.
The Pitch for Fully Remote Lawyers Is Becoming More Difficult
“I’ve worked with several attorneys recently making lateral moves to large global law firms, and none were given a formal 100% remote-work option,” said executive coach and former Big Law partner Laura Terrell.
Lateral Hires Highlight Big Law Focus on Boosting Energy Practices
“The introduction of the IRA, and all of these credits available, has really ramped up the need for lawyers who practice in this space,” Pillsbury’s Nora Burke said.
Amid Layoffs and Attrition, Law Firms Are Planning More Staffing Adjustments
“With forced exits and continued staff attrition wreaking havoc on the depth and breadth of both skills and experience, are firms fundamentally compromising the quality of a support structure?” a recent report asks.
Japanese Tech Startups’ Nasdaq IPO Thirst Generates Deal Work for US Law Firms in Japan
Japanese deep technology, life science and biotechnology companies feel that they are comfortable speaking to US investment banks or US stock exchanges such as Nasdaq, according to a Tokyo-based Greenberg Traurig lawyer.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
One in One Out at MoFo as London Hiring Market Hots Up
The latest moves follow a wash of partner activity that signifies growing confidence in London’s hiring market. Morrison Foerster’s London office has parted ways with a finance partner who joins McDermott, Will & Emery, but has gained a senior tech partner. Partner Vlad Maly is leaving the firm after over seven years to join rival U.S. outfit McDermott, expanding the firm’s London transaction offering.
BNP Paribas’ UK Disputes Head Joins Norton Rose Fulbright
The latest hire is also the President of the UK’s Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. Alison Kellett joins the firm as a partner. At BNP Paribas, she also headed up the bank’s Channel Islands region, and oversaw legal investigations and litigation and legal financial security, according to NRF’s statement.
Mishcon Partner Exits for CMS in London
Neil Baylis has joined CMS’ antitrust, competition and trade practice. He leaves Mishcon after four and a half years with the firm as a partner, having joined from K&L Gates in 2019.
EMEA
Reed Smith Frankfurt Founding Partner Moves to Deloitte
Simon Grieser joins the Big Four giant as a partner next month. He will join as a partner on September 1, 2023 and will advise in particular credit and financial services institutions as well as national and international investors, and will also work closely with the corporate and litigation service lines.
Jones Day Adds Veteran Baker McKenzie Partner in Munich
Michael Bartosch brings almost two decades of experience to the firm. The veteran partner joins Jones Day’s corporate practice, which, according to the firm, brings together its transactional work worldwide, encompassing mergers and acquisitions and private equity.
White & Case Doha Managing Partner Walks to Mayer Brown
The partner had been with White & Case for nearly 20 years, and had been managing partner of its Doha office since 2020. Anne Wicks had been with White & Case since 2004, and relocated from the firm’s London office to its Abu Dhabi base in 2013. She became managing partner of White & Case’s Doha office in June 2020, according to a person with knowledge of the hire.
APAC
Another Partner Leaves PwC Legal, Joins DLA Piper
DLA Piper has hired renewables partner Luke Westmore from PwC, the second Australian partner to leave the beleaguered accounting giant this month. Westmore, who joins DLA’s projects and infrastructure team in Sydney, has 15 years’ of experience in large-scale renewable energy projects in Australia and internationally. His clients are a mix of international and Australian companies.
Australia’s Gilbert + Tobin Adds Ashurst Renewable Energy Lawyer to Partnership
Strong demand for projects and infrastructure lawyers. Australian corporate law firm Gilbert + Tobin has hired Ashurst lawyer Lixian Liang to join the partnership in its energy and infrastructure team in Sydney.
Atsumi & Sakai, White & Case, Baker McKenzie Add New Partners Across Asia
Most of the hires have been promoted into partnership at their new firms. Tokyo-based Atsumi & Sakai has bolstered its mergers and acquisitions, and labor and employment offerings with the hire of Tomotaka Tokuno, who was most recently an associate at Allen & Overy, as an of counsel.
Clyde & Co Cuts 10 Lawyers in Australia as Economy Slows
In addition to the 10, the firm has also parted ways with an insurance partner of seven years.
The Americas
Paul Weiss Lands Wilson Sonsini Antitrust Head in DC
Scott Sher said his practice has remained “busy on all fronts” in the current regulatory environment.
Akin Hires Chair of Lowenstein’s Emerging Managers Practice
Max Karpel, who joined Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld as a partner in New York on Monday, represents emerging and established investment managers and also has a family office practice.
Lateral Partner Moves in Atlanta, Charlotte and Nashville Increasing
”Atlanta has really matured as a legal market. I think very clearly now it is a major legal market.” said Decipher chief data officer Greg Hamman.
California Trial Boutique Launches Austin Office With DLA Piper Team
Reichman Jorgensen Lehman & Feldberg tapped trial lawyer Amy Ruhland to lead the new office.
Hogan Lovells Partner Trio Jumps to Alston’s Litigation Team
Each new partner has a practice consisting of longtime clients, “which we believe will follow the team to Alston & Bird,” James Sullivan, the partner in charge of Alston’s New York office, said. Michael Hefter, Seth Cohen and Ryan Philp moved from Hogan Lovells to Alston as partners in its litigation and trial practice group.
King & Spalding Taps Sidley Antitrust Co-Head to Lead Global Practice
Sean Royall will have a presence in the firm’s Houston, DC and Brussels offices as he looks to expand its global antitrust and consumer protection practice.
On the Move: Nelson Mullins Expands REIT Practice, Jones Day Adds White Collar Defense Lawyer
Howard Hirsch joined Nelson Mullins’ REIT practice, while Jill Keller Hengen moved from King & Spalding to Jones Day’s investigations and white collar defense practice.
Freshfields Lands Schulte Litigation Co-Head
Gayle Klein, the litigation co-head at Schulte Roth & Zabel, has decamped for Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, joining the firm’s U.S. dispute resolution practice in New York as a partner.
Allen & Overy Hits Paul Hastings for US Energy Private Equity Head
The partner joins ahead of A&O’s tie-up with Shearman & Sterling. Kfir Abutbul has joined A&O as head of its U.S. energy private equity and a partner in its U.S. corporate private equity and M&A practice.
In-House
Coca-Cola In-House Leader Picked as World Cup 2026 General Counsel
Curtis Franks announced his hiring Monday morning on LinkedIn, writing “Looking forward to being a part of the largest sporting event ever!” Since March, FIFA has been scouting for a general counsel, a role it calls “high-profile and demanding.”
Auto-Parts Giant Fills CLO Post by Hiring Alum
For the second time in her career, MaryAnn Kanary has come back to a firm where she previously worked to become legal chief.
27-Year Lloyd’s of London Veteran Steps Down as GC to ‘Pursue Fresh Challenges’
The insurance and reinsurance marketplace has appointed Claire Schrader, a 23-year Lloyd’s employee, to serve as interim general counsel while it seeks a success for the departing Peter Spires.
Ex-Tegna GC Takes Legal Reins at Global PR Firm FGS
Akin Harrison, who left Tegna in June after its $5.4 billion sale fell through, is joining a New York-based PR powerhouse formed through the merger of four firms last year.
Promotions & Appointments:
Potter Anderson Partner Elected Vice Chair of Delaware College of Art & Design Board of Trustees
Joy A. Barrist, a partner in Potter Anderson & Corroon’s real estate group, has recently been elected vice chair of the Delaware College of Art and Design (DCAD) board of trustees.
Viet Dinh Exiting as Fox Legal Chief, Will Receive $23M Payout
Dinh is leaving after a tumultuous year in which the company paid $787 million to settle a defamation lawsuit.
Baker McKenzie Promotes London Partner to EMEA Chair
The firm has also appointed its Stockholm managing partner to its executive committee. Kirsty Wilson, a corporate partner with over 30 years experience, will assume the role later this summer, according to a person with knowledge of the promotion. She continues in her roles on the firm’s executive committee as well as its global inclusion, diversity and equity committee, according to a statement from the firm.
Mergers & Alliances:
Dentons Ends Dacheng Combination in China
The breakup is due to an evolving regulatory environment for Chinese law firms in China including new mandates and requirements relating to data privacy, cybersecurity, capital control and governance.
Will More U.S. Firms Need to Follow Dentons in Backing Away From China?
The country’s heightened national security focus, among other geopolitical issues, could prompt the mass withdrawal of international law firms.
Shearman, Simpson Guide KKR’s $1.6B Buy of Simon & Schuster
While most of the chatter around Shearman has been around its pending merger with A&O, the firm is still doing the good work while the vote looms.
Office Openings & Closing:
Schnader Partners Vote to Formalize Dissolution Plan
The firm’s wind-up committee will be led by current managing partner and executive committee member Theresa Loscalzo, former firm CEO and chairman David Smith, and the firm’s general counsel and DEI co-chair Keith Whitson.
Schnader Set to Close Doors at End of August
“We have this month now to hopefully have partners transfer [to other firms] with their books of business, hopefully taking staff with them,” said Duane Morris partner Les Corwin, who’s overseeing the dissolution effort.
Japanese Law Firm Launches in India
The Bar Council of India (BCI) announced in March this year the liberalization of the Indian legal market after more than two decades of restrictions.
Financials:
Countercyclical Work Elevates Most of Legal Industry in Q2
Overall demand at midsize firms was up 3.7%, while Am Law 100 (0.3%) and Second Hundred (0.2%) firms are still below 1%.
Big Law and Midsize Firms Are Charting Different Paths to Growth
Am Law 100 firms have tried to cut head count and expenses, midsize firms have sought to bolster revenue, and the Second Hundred have sought “to find a Goldilocks zone between the two,” says a new report.
CMS Sees Slowdown in Global Revenue Growth
The firm has promoted a record number of partners globally over the past year. CMS has reported a global revenue growth of 6.2%, a reduced figure on the 18% growth made by the firm in 2022. The international law firm’s global revenue now stands at €1.86 billion—up from €1.75 billion recorded the year before.
Technology & Innovation:
Spain May Be an Emerging AI Hotspot, Leading the Way for a Spike in Cross-Border M&A
Spain’s artificial intelligence market has flown under the radar. But with several homegrown AI startups likely to excel in Spanish-speaking countries, U.S. tech companies sense acquisition opportunities.
Can AI Help Law Firms Solve the Boom-Bust Hiring Cycle?
“Most law firms typically haven’t used a lot of data in these decisions,” one lawyer said. “But increasingly, I think they’ll make investments to enable the use of data regarding how associates work and are deployed to solve for one variable in the demand equation.”
Dentons Head of Innovation on Why and How the Firm Built Its Own Gen AI Chatbot
Legaltech News caught up with Joe Cohen, UKIME head of innovation at Dentons to discuss fleetAI, the firm’s newly released proprietary version of ChatGPT.
Filevine Launches ImmigrationAI, Using AI to Help Streamline Document Filing
The AI-powered document filing tool is meant to cut down on time and redundancies for immigration attorneys filing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration forms for their clients.
Opus 2 Launches Transaction Management Platform, Focusing on M&A Work Collaboration, Management
The new offering is built on the same technology leveraged by the Opus 2 Case Management platform.
The Intersection of Generative AI and Copyright Law
Whether prompted to write a corporate slogan, create music, generate works of art and advertisements, or summarize a book — GAI can do it all. However, its increasing popularity means that users of GAI programs face substantial intellectual property risks — particularly when businesses use GAI for marketing and other public-facing purposes.
Inside Track: How to Grasp AI’s Legal Landscape and Not Have Your Head Explode
“Regulating a misleading claim published in a newspaper in 1914 entails the same analysis as regulating a misleading claim about the capabilities of a company’s AI,” Holland & Knight said in a report on how the Federal Trade Commission will oversee the emerging industry.
Diversity & Inclusion:
‘Landmines Everywhere’ for Employers’ DEI Programs, Prompting Big Law Response
Three major law firms have announced the formation of industry groups to address rising DEI scrutiny in the wake of Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard.
A Slippery Slope: The Erosion of DEI in the Legal Profession and Beyond
There are three developments that should be particularly troubling to those who value the smorgasbord of ideas generated when collaborating with colleagues from varied backgrounds: the end of affirmative action in education; the banning of books in schools; and the censorship of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Gender Diversity: Firms Must Jump Off the Bandwagon and Focus on What Works
Next 100 Years founder and former lawyer Dana Denis-Smith calls for a more strategic look at diversity initiatives, focusing on the changes that make a real difference.
Market Commentary:
Five Indicators Mediation Is at a Tipping Point
More and more, countries, courts and states are turning to mediation to solve more complex disputes due to its collaborative, cost-effective, and confidential process. It allows all parties greater control over the outcome and greater speed to resolution. Mediation is proven to help courts decrease case backlogs and help businesses resolve legal disputes quickly and efficiently.
The Staying Power of Small and Midsize Firms
For the firms that seek to maintain long-term independence, remaining true to who they are and their original goals helps ensure their staying power, allowing them to remain a consistent partner to clients.
As More Partners Leave, Stroock Votes to End Pension Obligation
A five-partner restructuring team is the latest to leave Stroock for Morgan Lewis. Meanwhile, the New York firm said it has secured the votes needed to end its pension obligation, removing an obstacle for a merger.
Ethics and the Razzle Dazzle of Seeking ‘More Time’
How far can attorneys go to get an adjournment from a judge, even where extra time is in the client’s best interests or where the client simply wants a postponement, before they could face disciplinary action?
Dechert to Let Current Summers Defer Start Date to Fall 2025
Up to 20 associates can chose to “explore, study, travel or experience another opportunity.”
The Hidden Reason Behind Big Law’s Layoffs
It is too easy to blame all the job cuts on market conditions, there is something else going on and it is more worrying for juniors, writes the Global Lawyer.
West Coast Big Law Associate Deferrals ‘Bleed Into East Coast’
“The largest driver of cost savings would stem from a reduction in the size of a firm’s new associate class,” Decipher’s Greg Hamman said.
Even in a down year for cap markets and M&A, Big Law in New York still added head count.
In Big Law, ‘Flexibility’ Is A Word For All Seasons
“I’m starting to hear ‘flexibility’ along with just being thoughtful about how do you become a bit more rigid about mandating people to come in?” noted Williams Lea’s Joe McSpadden.
Quinn Emanuel, Fried Frank Tell UK Lawyers to WFH Throughout August
The firms are continuing a new, mostly US-firm-led tradition of allowing staff to work remotely during the summer.
What’s Next for the Saudi Regional Headquarters Program?
As the Saudi government looks to attract multinational groups to the Kingdom, Marco De Leo, managing partner of BonelliErede’s Dubai office, considers what they should be mindful of.
London Legal Recruitment Market Suffering Quietest Spell For Years
‘M&A is down, so roles are down,’ say recruiters and partners, as research shows a steep drop in hiring.
How a Rupture Tore Right Through East-West Law Firms
The East-West political rupture is particularly consequential for Dentons’ brand. But this doesn’t mean that other international law firms won’t be thinking about China on a constitutional level, argues The Global Lawyer.
The rapid advancement of technology in recent years has given rise to a new era marked by the prominence of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This transformative technology has infiltrated every facet of modern life, promising unparalleled efficiency, innovation, and convenience. However, as AI continues to revolutionize industries, it has also brought forth a critical concern: its environmental impact. While AI offers immense potential to address environmental challenges, it simultaneously raises questions about its own carbon footprint and broader ecological consequences. This article delves into the multifaceted environmental impact of AI, exploring its positive contributions, its energy consumption, electronic waste generation, and potential mitigation strategies.
AI’s Positive Environmental Contributions
Contrary to initial apprehensions, AI has shown remarkable promise in contributing positively to environmental sustainability. One of its most significant roles lies in optimizing resource allocation and energy consumption. In fields like smart grid management, AI algorithms analyse real-time data to optimize energy distribution, leading to reduced wastage and more efficient power consumption. Moreover, AI-driven precision agriculture aids in optimal irrigation, pesticide use, and crop management, minimizing environmental impacts associated with excessive resource utilization.
AI also plays a pivotal role in environmental monitoring and conservation. Advanced AI-based algorithms analyse satellite images and sensor data to track deforestation, pollution levels, and wildlife movements. These insights facilitate timely interventions and informed decision-making, aiding in the preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems.
Energy Consumption and Carbon Footprint
While AI’s potential for positive environmental impact is undeniable, concerns regarding its energy consumption and subsequent carbon footprint loom large. Deep learning, a subset of AI, involves training models on massive datasets through iterative processes, requiring substantial computational power. As a result, data centres housing these computations consume vast amounts of energy, primarily derived from fossil fuels. A 2019 study published in the journal Science estimated that training a single AI model could emit as much carbon as five cars during their lifetimes.
The proliferation of AI-powered devices, such as smart assistants and autonomous vehicles, further contributes to energy consumption. These devices rely on constant data processing and communication with cloud servers, demanding continuous energy supply. As AI applications continue to expand, so does the energy consumption associated with their operations.
Electronic Waste Generation
In addition to energy consumption, AI’s environmental impact extends to electronic waste generation. The rapid pace of technological advancement leads to the swift obsolescence of AI hardware. As newer, more efficient models are developed, older hardware becomes outdated and discarded, contributing to the mounting electronic waste crisis.
The components used in AI hardware, such as GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) and specialized chips, often contain rare and precious metals that are resource-intensive to extract and refine. Improper disposal of these components not only results in the loss of valuable resources but also poses potential environmental hazards due to the leaching of hazardous materials into soil and water.
Mitigation Strategies
Efforts to address the environmental impact of AI are gaining traction on multiple fronts. One approach involves the development of energy-efficient AI algorithms and hardware. Researchers are actively working to optimize algorithms to require fewer computational resources for training and inference. Moreover, innovations in hardware design, such as more power-efficient chips and cooling systems, are aimed at reducing energy consumption in data centres.
Another strategy revolves around the utilisation of renewable energy sources for powering AI operations. Tech giants like Google and Microsoft have committed to transitioning their data centres to rely on renewable energy, mitigating the carbon footprint of AI computations. Additionally, edge computing—a paradigm where AI computations occur on local devices rather than distant data centres—can reduce energy consumption and data transfer requirements.
Regulations and policies also play a crucial role in mitigating AI’s environmental impact. Governments and international organizations can impose standards for energy efficiency and responsible disposal of AI hardware. Encouraging the adoption of circular economy principles, which emphasize recycling and reusing electronic components, can significantly reduce electronic waste generation.
Furthermore, fostering research and development in AI for environmental sustainability can yield innovative solutions. AI can be harnessed to optimize renewable energy systems, enhance waste management processes, and develop more sustainable transportation networks. By channelling AI’s capabilities toward addressing environmental challenges, a symbiotic relationship between technology and ecology can be established.
The environmental impact of AI is a complex interplay of its potential for positive contributions and its energy consumption, electronic waste generation, and associated carbon footprint. While AI holds promise in revolutionizing industries and addressing pressing environmental issues, it also demands careful consideration of its ecological consequences. The integration of energy-efficient algorithms, sustainable hardware design, renewable energy sources, and responsible policies are essential steps in minimizing AI’s negative environmental impact.
As the world grapples with the challenges of the 21st century, the responsible development and deployment of AI offer a unique opportunity to forge a more sustainable and harmonious relationship between technological advancement and the environment. By embracing innovative solutions and adopting a holistic approach, society can harness the power of AI to create a future that is both technologically advanced and environmentally resilient.
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