Welcome to this week’s update, where we bring you the latest moves, promotions, and strategic appointments shaping the legal industry
Partner Moves
UK & Ireland
Sullivan & Cromwell continues London buildout with A&O Shearman finance hire
Patrick Clancy reunites with former A&O Shearman Partner Barney Reynolds as Sullivan & Cromwell continues to expand rapidly in the City.
Willkie hires restructuring Partner from Simpson, Thatcher & Bartlett
Marc Hecht joins the London office of Willkie, Farr and Gallagher.
Quinn Emanuel boosts London litigation bench with Milbank partner hire
Commercial litigation and regulatory investigations Partner William Charles joins Quinn Emanuel in London.
Humphries Kerstetter boosts ranks with partner hire from Clifford Chance
Commercial litigator Matthew Scully brings 25 years of experience to the London disputes boutique.
Travers’s former pensions head joins Pinsent Masons
Trustee advisory and pensions risk transfer expert Susie Daykin departs Travers Smith after 22 years.
Tech/IP Partner departs TLT for Druces
Digital regulation, commercial transactions and consumer law specialist Daniel Lloyd relocates to Druces in London.
EMEA
Simmons welcomes the new year with 10 lateral partner hires
Alison Fagan (Dispute Resolution) and Mark Chivers (Corporate) join from DLA in London, Ermine Bolot-Massé (Corporate) join’s the firms Paris office from Dechert, whilst Stefan Nerinckx (Employment) exits Fieldfisher Brussels. Elsewhere in continental Europe, funds specialist Emmanuel-Frédéric Henrion joined the firm from Clifford Chance Luxembourg.
Clifford Chance welcomes Investment Funds Partner from Dechert
Matthais Kerbusch returns to Clifford Chance after a 3-year partnership stint at Dechert
Ropes adds fourth partner to Milan office
Alessandro Capogrosso, a capital markets, private equity and M&A partner, joins the Boston-founded firm from PedersoliGattai.
Arnecke Sibeth launches new Real Estate fund practice with hire from King & Spalding
Real Estate Fund Partner Achim Döser spearheads the new practice at Arnecke Sibeth.
HFW hires former Orrick Geneva head
Leading Arbitration lawyer Vanessa Liborio has joined the partnership at HFW after a decade leading the Geneva office at Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe.
Ashurst hires BCLP partner to build Middle East real estate practice in Abu Dhabi
Ashurst has appointed Chris Beaumont-McQuillan as a partner in Abu Dhabi to build its real estate practice, it’s first hire in the region.
Akin Gump hires Disputes Partner from Ashurst in Dubai
Shane Dury joins the team at Atkin Gump as co-lead of the Middle East Disputes Practice
Simmons hires EY Partner to lead Middle East Tax Practice in Dubai
Business tax advisory services Partner Hannah Shipley makes the move to private practice.
Team moves
Latham adds trio of real estate finance partners from A&O Shearman in London
Global real estate finance head David Oppenheimer makes the move alongside David Varne and structured finance partner Lucy Oddy
Johnson Law Group picks up five lawyers from Pogust Goodhead
Peter Gallagher – former lead solicitor on the Dieselgate trial – assumes the role of managing partner at JLG’s London office, joining alongside colleagues Sarah Bingham, Matthew Hunt, Michael Burke and Priyanka Gladson.
Bird & Bird expands M&A team in Frankfurt
Clemens Maschke and Lieor Koblenz join the team from Dentons
In house
Former Luxembourg FS Regulatory Office Head establishes executive search boutique
Formerly of Norton Rose Fulbright, Nam Nguyen-Groza launches executive search and advisory firm Amrop based in Luxembourg
Firm & Market Activity
Office Openings & Closings
Taylor Wessing’s Benelux operations opt out of joining firm merger with Winston & Strawn
Taylor Wessing’s offices in the Netherlands and Belgium are set to exit the firm’s existing verein and will not join the merger with Winston & Strawn, but will enter into a cooperation agreement with the newly combined entity and operate under the same brand.
International arbitration firm Three Crowns announces Dubai opening
Arbitration specialist Three Crowns is launching an office in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) as part of its continued global expansion, led by managing partner Manish Aggarwa
Simmons & Simmons officially relaunches in Abu Dhabi
Simmons & Simmons has officially relaunched its office in Abu Dhabi, focusing on asset management, investment funds, technology, and artificial intelligence
Mergers & Alliances
Danish duo Horten and DAHL merge to create €100m firm
The merger of two of Denmark’s top law firms, Horten and DAHL, has officially gone live with the new firm spanning Aarhus, Viborg, Esbjerg, Herning and Copenhagen.
European network of four firms disbands
Germany’s Gleiss Lutz, Italy’s Chiomenti, Spain’s Cuatrecasas and France’s Gide Loyrette Nouel have formally dismantled their long-running ‘best friends’ network, a non-exclusive referral and relationship platform in place for over a decade.
Promotions and Appointments
In the latest round of leadership and partnership moves across the legal sector, Pogust Goodhead has appointed Lynn Wong as its new General Counsel, while Norton Rose Fulbright has named Karsten Kühnle as Head of Corporate Germany. Milkbank announced eight new partners in a reduced promotions round, whilst Hogan Lovells elevated 28 lawyers to partnership ahead of its upcoming merger with Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft. Meanwhile, disputes specialist Hausfeld has promoted five lawyers to partner in its 2026 round.
Market Commentary
BigLaw’s $4.6 Trillion Year Sees Kirkland & Top Firms Dominate
M&A Market Soars to Record $4.6 Trillion, with Kirkland & Ellis Latham & Watkins, Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz, and Skadden Arps leading the way on transaction value.
As the year draws to a close, it’s time to hit rewind on our greatest moments from 2025. From key legal market and hiring trends, to our personal highlights and predictions for the future, tune in for the curated insights that defined our industry and shaped our year.
Thank you to our clients, candidates, and partners for making 2025 our best year yet.
From all of us at Fides, we wish you a joyful festive season and look forward to working with you further in 2026.
Moves
UK & Ireland
Eversheds Sutherland marks first senior hires in Ireland since integration
Eversheds Sutherland has hired Robert Dever from Pinsent Masons and Mary Gavin from Ogier to strengthen its newly integrated Irish practice. Dever advises on corporate tax and M&A, while Gavin specialises in employment law. Their appointments support the firm’s growth in Ireland, focusing on sectors including financial services, TMT, life sciences, energy, and industrials.
Eversheds Expands Tech Practice With MoFo Hire
Eversheds Sutherland has bolstered its corporate tech practice by hiring Simon Arlington from Morrison & Foerster, marking its 29th partner addition in a year of significant growth. Meanwhile, Goodwin Procter also expanded its technology M&A team with a partner from White & Case.
Goodwin hires new tech M&A partner from White & Case
Goodwin has hired Emmie Jones from White & Case, where she co-led the fast-growth practice and worked on major private equity deals. She joins Goodwin’s technology M&A team, strengthening its European platform amid ongoing corporate team moves.
Addleshaws hires new partner from client Patron Capital
Addleshaw Goddard has hired Farhod Moghadam from Patron Capital to its London Real Estate investments team, marking its 20th UK partner hire this year. Moghadam brings extensive private equity and credit experience, supporting the firm’s AG 2030 growth strategy and expansion into cross-border real estate deals.
Americas
Ex-Criminal Division Chief for NJ U.S. Atty’s Office Joins NY White Collar Boutique
Joshua Haber, former chief of the Criminal Division for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey, has joined white collar law firm Abell Eskew Landau as a partner. He is the latest senior official to move from the New Jersey U.S. Attorney’s Office into private practice.
Morgan Lewis Welcomes Back Labor & Employment Partner in LA
Jason Mills, an experienced labor and employment defense lawyer and military veteran, has returned to Morgan Lewis & Bockius after less than a year at Sidley Austin. He previously spent 20 years at Morgan Lewis, where he began his career as an associate and served as a U.S. Marine Corps judge advocate.
Holland & Knight Adds A&O Shearman ECVC Partner in Austin
Carmelo Gordian, formerly a partner at A&O Shearman, has joined Holland & Knight in Austin. He specialises in venture capital and emerging company transactions, particularly in sectors like cybersecurity, AI, and life sciences, and says his move was driven by client needs.
Holland & Knight Adds Partners From Public Sector in Austin, Washington, D.C.
Holland & Knight has hired two partners from the public sector. Roy Bonilla, formerly general counsel for the Texas A&M University System, joins to strengthen the firm’s education practice, while Christopher Jaarda, previously a policy adviser to House Speaker Mike Johnson, enhances its public policy and regulation practice.
Paul Weiss Lands New Head of Project Finance From Kirkland, Partner From White & Case
Paul Weiss has appointed Kelann Stirling, formerly of Kirkland & Ellis, as Head of Project Finance and Development, and added Jamie Franklin from White & Case as a Partner in its Finance Group.
Willkie, Wiley, Fried Frank Add Litigation, Asset Management M&A Partners in D.C.
Willkie Farr & Gallagher has hired Christopher DiPompeo from Jones Day as co-chair of its bankruptcy litigation practice, expanding its bankruptcy and restructuring team.
Squire Patton Boggs Adds Patent Litigator From DLA Piper in San Francisco
Squire Patton Boggs has added IP litigator Soumitra “Sam” Deka to its Global IP and Technology practice. Deka joins after over six years at DLA Piper and previously spent more than a dozen years at Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer.
Simpson Thacher Appoints Co-Head for Latin America Practice
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett has appointed São Paulo partner Grenfel Calheiros to co-lead its Latin America practice alongside long-time head Todd Crider.
EMEA
Hogan Lovells recruits Eversheds’ Saudi M&A head amid deals surge
Hogan Lovells has hired Walid Salib, former head of Eversheds Sutherland’s M&A practice in Saudi Arabia, to strengthen its Riyadh office amid a surge in global deal activity driven by Middle Eastern and Asian sovereign wealth funds. Salib, with over 14 years of experience advising private equity, sovereign funds, and multinational clients, will focus on M&A, joint ventures, corporate structuring, and merger clearances. His appointment supports Hogan Lovells’ growth strategy in Saudi Arabia, a market expanding under Vision 2030, as global deal values hit $3 trillion in the first three quarters of 2025.
Saudi general counsel to join A&O Shearman as partner
A&O Shearman is expanding its Saudi corporate practice by hiring Shaima Bakhsh, former general counsel of Hassana Investment Company, as a partner in Riyadh starting January 2026.
APAC
Eversheds Sutherland appoints new Asia technology head
Eversheds Sutherland has hired Albert Yuen as partner in Hong Kong, succeeding Rhys McWhirter. Yuen, with 25+ years in technology, media, and telecoms, brings expertise in tech transactions, data infrastructure, fintech, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, boosting the firm’s regional capabilities.
Kingland adds IP partner in Beijing
Kingland Partners has appointed IP veteran Song Xudong as a partner in Beijing, enhancing its IP and unfair competition practice. Song, with 20 years’ experience, previously worked at King & Wood Mallesons and briefly at DaHui Lawyers, and served 12 years as a judge handling over 2,700 IP cases. He cited Kingland’s collaborative “corporate + team-based” model as a key factor in his move.
Team Move
Paul Weiss adds Sidley finance partner trio in New York
Paul Weiss has added three finance partners from Sidley Austin in New York, Nicholas Schwartz, Mark Adler, and Julie Ann Lamm, to expand its leveraged finance practice. Schwartz, formerly co-head of Sidley’s leveraged finance team, brings extensive experience on major debt deals, including multi-billion-dollar transactions for clients like Clearlake Capital. The group, who previously collaborated at Kirkland & Ellis, will join Paul Weiss’s 35-partner finance team, strengthening the firm’s capabilities as demand for leveraged and debt financing rises in the US.
FGvW adds six-strong partner team from ADVANT Beiten in Frankfurt
German firm Friedrich Graf von Westphalen & Partners (FGvW) has hired six partners from ADVANT Beiten in Frankfurt, including private client specialist Gerritt Ponath and M&A lawyer Detlef Koch. The team also includes experts in corporate, real estate, and tax law. The hires, joining between now and January, expand FGvW’s interdisciplinary offerings and strengthen its presence in the Rhine-Main region. This follows other recent promotions and lateral hires, highlighting the firm’s focus on both organic growth and strategic recruitment.
Kirkland hires competition duo from Weil
Kirkland & Ellis has boosted its London antitrust and competition team by hiring former Weil Gotshal lawyers Nafees Saeed and Chris Thomas as partners. Saeed brings experience from major deals involving Microsoft and Meta, while Thomas has advised clients such as Advent International and Brookfield. Kirkland says the hires strengthen its London–Brussels competition offering, following recent team changes including the arrival of Satyen Dhana and the departure of Sally Evans.
In House
US tech giant Apple raids Meta for its next GC
Apple has appointed Jennifer Newstead, formerly Meta’s chief legal officer, as its next general counsel, succeeding Kate Adams in March next year. Newstead will initially oversee Apple’s legal function and later take on government affairs, reporting directly to CEO Tim Cook. She brings extensive experience from government and private practice, including roles at the US State Department, Davis Polk & Wardwell, and the White House. The leadership change comes amid ongoing high-profile legal challenges for Apple, including antitrust cases in the UK and US. Adams will retire after serving as GC since 2017.
Incyte secures Goodwin biotech and life sciences partner as GC
Incyte has appointed Richard Hoffman as its new general counsel, succeeding Sheila Denton, who will leave early next year. Hoffman, formerly a partner at Goodwin and previously at WilmerHale, brings over 30 years of legal and business experience in biotech and life sciences, including M&A, IPOs, and global collaborations. He will oversee Incyte’s legal and compliance functions and join the executive leadership team, supporting the company’s ongoing growth in oncology and autoimmune medicines. Denton departs after two years to pursue new opportunities.
Direct Line GC joins newly-acquired Hargreaves Lansdown
Hargreaves Lansdown has named Angela Yotov as chief legal officer, succeeding Craig Diamond. Yotov joins from Direct Line Group after its merger with Aviva and brings experience from Ratesetter, Close Brothers, and Barclays. Her appointment follows Hargreaves Lansdown’s £5.4bn acquisition and delisting from the London Stock Exchange.
UK fintech ClearBank hires former FCA adviser as group GC
ClearBank has appointed Angela Roberts as group general counsel, succeeding Philip House. Roberts joins from Allspring Global Investments, bringing over 20 years of legal and regulatory experience, and will lead ClearBank’s legal and governance functions to support its growth. The fintech, based in London and Amsterdam, provides cloud-based clearing bank services. House has moved into a senior advisory role within the company.
Promotions & Appointments
Law firm appoints first chief client officer amid growth strategy
Foot Anstey has appointed Stephen Arnold as its first chief client officer as the firm pushes ahead with its national growth strategy, which has recently included expansion into Northern Ireland and a greater focus on Manchester. Arnold, who has held senior client-strategy roles at Linklaters, Clifford Chance and Clyde & Co, will lead the firm’s client function and support its next phase of growth by improving client service, strengthening collaboration and refining its market approach. Managing partner Martin Hirst said his experience will be crucial as the firm builds its market position.
Kennedys adds special counsel from Wotton Kearney as new partner
Kennedys has appointed Natalie Orola as a partner in its Brisbane office, strengthening its healthcare practice. Orola joins from Wotton Kearney and has over 15 years’ experience advising insurers on medical defence, professional indemnity, and related regulatory matters. Her hire supports Kennedys’ national expansion in healthcare.
BonelliErede promotes first partner in Dubai since 2017 launch
BonelliErede has promoted Riccardo Denaro to partner, marking the first partnership promotion at its Dubai office since its 2017 opening.
Blackadders announces new promotions in Glasgow
Blackadders LLP has announced promotions in its Glasgow office: Taylor Henry is now an associate in the private client team, while Ethan Laing (commercial real estate) and Natasha Connelly (residential property) have been promoted to senior solicitor. The firm highlighted the moves as part of its commitment to career development
A&L Goodbody welcomes 11 new partners
A&L Goodbody has promoted 11 new partners across its Dublin and Belfast offices, effective 1 January 2026. Dublin promotions span energy, infrastructure, natural resources, environment, corporate transactions, disputes, sanctions, financial regulation, restructuring, and tax, while Belfast sees Keith Dunn join the commercial and technology team. Managing partner David Widger highlighted the appointments as strengthening the firm’s leadership and client service capabilities.
Office Openings & Closing
‘Incredibly difficult’ news as Newcastle city centre law firm closes suddenly
Samuel Phillips, a law firm founded in 1919, has closed, according to posts from current and former staff. The firm, which moved from Westgate Road to Grey Street in 2018 and also had a Sunderland office, now displays a “closed” sign and is unresponsive to calls. It was acquired in 2022 by Miah Law, but that company entered administration earlier this year and is no longer registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority, leaving its other firm, Hathaways Law, similarly unreachable.
Mergers & Alliances
Douglas Gilmour & Son (Selkirk) and Pike & Chapman (Galashiels) are merging to form Gilmour Pike Chapman, trading as a limited company from 1 April 2026. The firm will continue operating from its existing offices and welcomes solicitor Iain Burke to the team.
Financials
Trainee and newly qualified solicitor salaries
The Lawyer’s latest update (4 December 2025) shows that trainee and newly-qualified solicitor salaries at major UK firms continue to rise, largely due to pressure from high-paying US firms. A £100k NQ salary, once remarkable in 2010, is now common and top rates are nearing £180k. Magic circle and other large international firms struggle to match this because they take on more trainees, prompting a shift from fixed salaries to flexible “salary bands” that reward high performers while obscuring average pay. Salaries are also increasing in mid-tier London firms and regional markets, reflecting overall sector strength. The data, last fully updated in December 2025, also notes that some firms now cite maximum potential NQ earnings, making comparisons more difficult.
A&O Shearman’s expenses reach £446m in first year of merger
A&O Shearman’s first post-merger accounts show operating expenses of £446m for 2024/25, significantly higher than legacy A&O’s pre-merger figures. Staff costs rose from £858m to over £1bn as headcount increased to 6,961 following the merger. The combined firm reported £1.12bn in operating profit on £2.8bn in revenue, with £981.4m generated in the UK and £706.6m in the Americas.
Technology & Innovation
Law firms seek AI edge with new executive hires
Ropes & Gray has hired former Meta AI leader Gretchen Greene as its first chief of AI strategy, joining a growing wave of law firms adding AI-focused executives since ChatGPT’s rise. Greene will help direct the firm’s AI approach, while Ropes & Gray also launches a program allowing new associates to spend 20% of their billable hours on AI training.
Strategic law firm innovation in the age of AI
Law firms with clear AI strategies experience stronger growth, but success depends on a people-first approach. Involving lawyers, managing expectations, and adopting AI gradually—from basic training to advanced, business-aligned applications—helps firms achieve sustainable benefits beyond efficiency.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
London solicitors group announces judicial shadowing and mentorship diversity schemes
The LSLA has launched two initiatives to promote diversity and professional development: a Judicial Shadow Scheme letting members observe judges, and a mentoring program pairing members across firms and career stages. President Nikki Edwards highlighted the importance of mentorship, representation, and judicial engagement, and the LSLA will survey members on AI, wellbeing, and diversity, donating £10 per response to Big Voice London.
The Winners: The Leadership, Influence & Inclusivity Awards 2025
Dentons’ Amia Tahir received the Global 200 Firm Rising Star award for her efforts in removing barriers and inspiring young people through her advocacy work. In the Law Firm category, Carone Huang of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld was recognized, while Akin’s Jenny Arlington earned the Women Leaders in Tech Law honor.
Market Commentary
‘Failed merger talks’: why Wright Hassall went under
Wright Hassall failed to secure a buyer despite talks with 28 parties, as falling profits and partner departures left it unable to continue. After entering administration, HCR Legal acquired its assets and most staff for £240,000, with the firm carrying significant debts to Lloyds and HMRC.
Pools and top-end gyms: the law firms getting their staff fit
RollOnFriday’s early results for the Best Law Firms to Work At 2026 indicate that firms that prioritise wellbeing through gyms, fitness spaces and flexible work schedules receive the strongest praise. White & Case, Kirkland & Ellis, Debevoise, Birketts, Clifford Chance and Osborne Clarke are commended for quality facilities, while firms such as TLT, Russell-Cooke and Shakespeare Martineau are valued for flexibility that helps staff fit in exercise. Some firms, including Hogan Lovells and Harbottle & Lewis, face criticism for worn or reduced amenities.
Rethinking performance: the impact of tougher partner expectations on culture
Moray McLaren argues that law firm success relies on balancing high partner expectations with a strong, trust-based culture. Profits alone don’t drive performance; firms must align individual ambitions with a shared purpose, foster collaboration, and provide support and transparent recognition. New IBA research will explore how firms can maintain high standards while nurturing culture to achieve sustainable success.
Moves
UK & Ireland
Gibson Dunn targets A&O Shearman for London disputes partner
Employment specialist Robbie Sinclair joins Gibson Dunn as the firm focuses on building its City disputes bench alongside its already strong deals team.
MoFo Adds Third HSF Kramer Partner in London PE Buildout
Morrison & Foerster has added Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer’s head of international private equity in London Eleanor Shanks, making her the third HSF Kramer partner to join in recent months. She follows PE partner David D’Souza and leveraged finance partner Ambharish Dash who joined MoFo in the U.K. this summer from HSF Kramer.
TLT recruits Michael Hamill to Belfast corporate team
After leading the corporate team at Pinsent Masons in Belfast, Michael Hamill joins TLT. He has over ten years of expertise advising clients in both conventional and renewable energy on complicated business transactions, such as joint ventures, M&A, reorganizations, project development, and regulatory compliance.
Fieldfisher appoints Stuart Marks as business services centre director in Belfast
Stuart Marks has been named director of the business services center in Belfast by the European legal firm Fieldfisher. He was managing director and head of business development at FinTrU before joining Fieldfisher.
CMS bolsters energy team with new appointments
CMS has announced the appointment of Susie Lind, one of the UK’s top experts within the renewable energy sector. She joins as an Edinburgh-based partner within the firm’s energy and infrastructure practice. Ms Lind provides more than 20 years’ experience within the sector acting in high-level roles across major energy firms and industry trade associations like RenewableUK and Scottish Renewables.
Americas
Sheppard Mullin Adds Jackson Walker Fund Formation Partner in Dallas
Graham McCall, a Jackson Walker partner in fund development and investment management, claimed that Sheppard Mullin’s extensive clientele and extensive office network drew him in. He has joined the firm’s Corporate practice group and Private Equity industry team in Dallas.
Troutman Pepper Locke Adds Energy Transactions Partner from Hogan Lovells in West Palm Beach
“Oil and gas, in fact, along with renewables, is only growing, and there’s a demand for energy, both domestically and internationally,” said Andrés Chaves, the new partner. Chaves’ expertise spans wind, hydro, solar and biomass projects, liquefied natural gas, natural resources and mining, petrochemical and refinery projects, and pipelines, as well as other midstream oil and gas infrastructure.
Perkins Coie, Holland & Knight Lawyers Head to Haynes and Boone
The Dallas-founded Am Law 100 firm has hired rapidly this year, hiring more than 25 partners so far in many practices.
EMEA
Orrick adds M&A and private equity quartet from Norton Rose Fulbright in Munich
Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe has hired a four-lawyer M&A and private equity team from Norton Rose Fulbright in Munich. The incoming team include partners Michael Prüssner and Benjamin Schikora, alongside associates Hannah Frahm and Helge Meyer.
Munich boutique hires from A&O Shearman
Alice Broichmann is leaving her role as counsel at A&O Shearman in Munich to join the partnership at German boutique Kröck Dispute Resolution.
Maples Group Appoints Partner Antonios Nezeritis to Strengthen Luxembourg Funds Practice
Antonios Nezeritis joins the firm from Ashurst and brings extensive experience advising on Luxembourg fund structures across private equity, venture capital, real assets, and liquid strategies, together with related regulatory and operational matters that are central to the Luxembourg market.
DLA Piper loses two lawyers to Squire Patton Boggs and Galadari in Dubai
Joywin Mathew has joined Squire Patton Boggs as a partner in its financial services practice. Hasan Elshafiey, meanwhile, has been appointed a partner in Galadari’s dispute resolution practice.
STAT founding partner joins Baker Botts in Riyadh as global Islamic finance head
Faris Al Amoudi has been appointed by Baker Botts as a corporate partner and head of global Islamic finance in Riyadh. This is the company’s third hire in Saudi Arabia in a single month.
APAC
Clyde & Co hires former HK Insurance Authority acting GC as China Corporate Head
Clyde & Co has appointed Patrick Peng as partner and head of corporate for Greater China, strengthening its regulatory and corporate insurance capabilities in the region.
Nineth Partner Leaves Squire Patton Boggs in Australia
Workplace partner Kim Hodge is departing to join Australian firm Sparke Helmore.
Lateral Hiring in Hong Kong Pushes on As Eversheds Adds New Partner
Tan Weiyi has been appointed as a partner in the Litigation and Dispute Management practice at Eversheds. Weiyi offers advice on cross-border investigations pertaining to financial fraud, corruption, and other white-collar issues.
Team Moves
US firms eye $2.5tr fund finance opportunity amid spate of transatlantic hires
Jennifer Passagne joined Paul Hastings in London from Haynes Boone, while Duncan McKay joined Gibson Dunn in New York as its head of fund finance. Passagne offers knowledge of capital call facilities, hybrid structures, GP support lines, and NAV facilities.
Orrick adds M&A and private equity quartet from Norton Rose Fulbright in Munich
Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe has hired a four-lawyer M&A and private equity team from Norton Rose Fulbright in Munich. The incoming team include partners Michael Prüssner and Benjamin Schikora, plus associates Hannah Frahm and Helge Meyer.
In House
Sharjah’s Invest Bank appoints new general counsel
Invest Bank announced the appointment of Rakan Shiyab as its new general counsel to help shape the bank’s next chapter of growth and leadership.
Billionaire Steve Cohen’s New York Mets hires Kasowitz partner as next GC
The New York Mets, a US baseball franchise, have appointed Kenneth David as their new general counsel, taking James Denniston’s place. David comes from the US litigation firm Kasowitz, where he was a partner.
Mamdani Taps Cozen Lawyer for Transition Team
Zohran Mamdani, the incoming mayor of New York City, named a head of the Legal Aid Society and lawyers from Winston & Strawn and Cozen O’Connor.
Former DOGE General Counsel Joins Elon Musk’s xAI as Legal Chief
James Burnham has an eclectic experience that includes working as an attorney for President Donald Trump and serving as president of a litigation funding firm.
Snap Hires GC From Partner Ranks of Law Firm That Did $51M in Work for It Last Year
Thirteen-year Munger Tolles veteran Zachary Briers is following Michael O’Sullivan, who’d been with the firm 21 years before he resigned in 2017 to become Snap’s legal head.
Promotions & Appointments
Nine firms land spots on £5m Nuclear Decommissioning Authority panel
A total of nine firms have won spots on the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s (NDA) latest legal panel, which went live this month and will run until 2027. The NDA’s most significant refresh of external legal support since its last disclosed its roster in 2018, Addleshaw Goddard, Burges Salmon, Dentons, DLA Piper, DWF, Mills & Reeve and TLT have all secured places, joining returning advisers Pinsent Masons and Gowling WLG.
Weil makes up 17 in latest partner promotions round
Weil Gotshal & Manges has promoted 17 to partner in its latest round, with the cohort weighted toward its corporate practice. Four Counsels were promoted to Partner in London, including Ellie Fialho (Corporate), Jack Gray (Corporate), Kai Zhang (Corporate) and Kevin Donegan (Tax).
White & Case names five new local partners in Middle East
White & Case has promoted five lawyers to local partner in the Middle East. The local partners are based in the firm’s Dubai and Riyadh offices, and specialise in a mix of transactional areas including capital markets, debt finance, financial services regulation, and mergers & acquisitions. They include Salvia Matonyte, Hamzeh Alrasheed, Prema Govind-Hitti, Arnold Krutilins and Reem Albakr.
UK insurance lawyers group FOIL elects Browne Jacobson partner as next president
Bridget Tatham, a partner at Browne Jacobson, has been chosen as the next president of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL). In 2026, Tatham will succeed Keoghs partner Howard Dean as head of FOIL, which serves over 8,000 attorneys and paralegals in the UK and Ireland.
Solomon takes the helm at Littleton
Adam Solomon KC has been named Littleton Chambers’ new head of chambers. Solomon succeeds Gavin Mansfield KC, now Mr Justice Mansfield, who was nominated to the High Court Bench earlier this month having served as head of chambers since 2018.
Weil makes up 17 in latest partner promotions round
In its most recent round, Weil Gotshal & Manges has elevated 17 people to partner, with a cohort that is skewed toward its business practice. Seven women, or 40% of the group, make up the most recent cohort.
Akerman Favors Florida Offices for 2025 New Partner Class
The firm promoted 15 new partners, down from 2024’s class of 20. Eight of the new partners work in the Sunshine State.
Office Openings & Closing
Munck Wilson Launches Technology Transactions, Privacy, Cybersecurity Practice Group
Munck Wilson Mandala, a technology-focused company based in Dallas, appointed two Dickinson Wright partners to co-lead the new practice.
Mergers & Alliances
Korea’s Big Six Yoon & Yang Signs Collaboration Agreement with Vietnam’s VILAF
Big Six South Korean firm Yoon & Yang and VILAF, one of Vietnam’s largest law firms, have signed a collaboration agreement to enhance cross boarder legal services for Korean businesses operating in Vietnam.
Fieldfisher and Regan Wall merge to build leading Irish corporate law team
Fieldfisher announced a significant expansion of its Irish operations through a merger with Regan Wall LLP, one of Ireland’s most active boutique corporate law firms, renowned for advising on high-value transactions across various sectors including healthcare, technology and financial services.
Merrick Benn, CEO of Womble U.S., added that company executives in the U.S. and the U.K. tried to steer clear of barriers like the currency rate that reduced the likelihood of other pairings.
Financials
Raft of Big Law firms line up to match Cravath’s associate bonuses
A raft of Big Law firms have unveiled their bonuses for associates, matching the scale set last week by Cravath Swaine & Moore that tops out at $140,000. Paul Weiss, McDermott Will & Schulte, Dechert, Vinson & Elkins, Debevoise & Plimpton and Baker Botts are among the firms that will match the scale, as are Cadwalader, White & Case, Skadden, Davis Polk, Fried Frank, Clifford Chance and Linklaters according to sources with knowledge of the matter. The firms’ associates will get year-end bonuses ranging from $20,000 for the class of 2024 to $115,000 for the class of 2018 and earlier, as well as special bonuses ranging from $6,000 to $25,000.
Baker Botts Is First Big Texas Law Firm to Announce Bonuses at Cravath Scale
The bonus tiers established by Cravath, Swaine & Moore on Tuesday have been mirrored by several Big Law firms.
NY Law Firm Cohen & Gresser Exploring Private Equity Infusion
Confirming the conversations with investors, one of the firm’s founding partners stated that the company has been ready for the “entry of modern finance into the legal sector for over a decade.”
Technology & Innovation
McDermott invests $10m in specialist legaltech fund
The LegalTech Fund (TLTF), a venture capital firm specialising in early-stage legal technology start-ups, has closed a second fund for $110m. The joint lead investors in the fund were McDermott Will & Schulte, which invested $10m, and electronic discovery specialist Consilio.
Staying Indispensable: How Young Lawyers Can Remain Valuable in the AI Era
You are still the lawyer, but AI is the tool. Young lawyers are still valuable if they make an investment in their judgment, persuasion, strategy, relationships, and nuance.
AI and the Future of Governance: Why Smarter Still Means Human
Artificial intelligence permeates company operations in ways that are both transformational and imperceptible, making it just as significant as the internet itself. Yet, as our panel acknowledged, even the brightest systems in the world cannot replace the one thing corporate governance depends on most: human judgment.
Market Commentary
Senior associates at UK firms have lower job satisfaction than other cohorts study finds
Senior associates are the unhappiest cohort of lawyers at UK firms due to gripes about job satisfaction and pay, according to a report by Chambers and Partners. Just 61% of senior associates said they had high levels of job satisfaction, compared to 76% of trainees and 75% of partners.
College of Legal Practice cuts solicitor qualification to four years with new apprenticeship
The College of Legal Practice (CoLP) has launched a four-year-long apprenticeship that leads to qualification as a solicitor, a reduction from the six years that has previously been the standard, by removing parts of the undergraduate degree from the programme.
Clyde & Co Builds Business Services Centre in Manila
Clyde & Co are building a business services center in Manila to manage much of its Asia Pacific back-office work, following similar initiatives in the U.S. and the Middle East, where business services centres in Kansas City and Glasgow now undertake much of the back office functions, including finance, information technology, legal tech and legal support.
Inside the 88% Surge in Tax Partner Moves Across Big Law in London
Over the last year, tax partners moves across the U.K.’s Big Law firms have occurred at a “remarkable” rate, with U.S. firms in particular stocking up on talent in view of an anticipated influx of private capital work, new data shows.
Sidley Foresees M&A Growth in Southeast Asia, Positions Firm to Seize Market Share
The firm is also busy on U.S. investigations and regulatory work and chasing Indian IPOs.
Senior associates at UK firms have lower job satisfaction than other cohorts – study
According to Chambers’ The Leading Teams report, only 61% of senior associates reported excellent levels of job satisfaction, compared to 76% of trainees and 75% of partners. With 85% of respondents saying they were content, department heads had the highest job satisfaction score.
Moves
UK & Ireland
Ashurst loses corporate duo to Bakers
Two partners from Ashurst are moving to Baker McKenzie, marking the first departures from the firm since its merger announcement last Monday. Duo Simon Bullock, former Head of Equity Capital Markets, and Stuart Rubin, former Head of US Securities, have left to join the London office of Baker Mckenzie.
DLA Piper hires former Clifford Chance fintech boss
DLA Piper has hired Paul Landless, former partner and co-head of Fintech at Clifford Chance. He will join the firm’s finance group, specialising in global fintech and derivatives.
Latham strikes back at Gibson Dunn with real estate hire
Latham & Watkins has hired a real estate partner Jeremy Kenley from Gibson Dunn & Crutcher just weeks after Gibson Dunn picked up an infrastructure M&A partner Simon Tysoe from Latham.
Pogust Goodhead hires MoFo partner to lead Mariana Dam case
Jonathan Edward Wheeler is set to join the team at Pogust Goodhead in London. He is widely recognised as a specialist in complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes with experience in high-value commercial litigation, civil fraud and asset tracing, international trust disputes, contentious insolvency and investigations.
Paul Weiss hires its latest lateral from Kirkland
Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison has hired Francesca Storey-Harris as a Partner from Kirkland & Ellis, its 18th lateral from Kirkland this year. Corporate/M&A Partner Storey-Harris has worked on multiple transactions for Thoma Bravo, as well as Blackstone and EQT.
Paul Hastings makes fourth London lateral in November with funds finance partner
Paul Hastings has hired its fourth lateral partner in London this month, bringing over funds finance partner Jennifer Passagne from Haynes Boone.
EMEA
Eversheds makes twin banking and finance hire in Dubai from King & Spalding
Mike Rainey and Asal Saghari both join as partners to grow Eversheds Middle East footprint. Rainey brings two decades of experience in banking and restructuring matters in the Middle East, while Saghari is a financing lawyer spanning both conventional and Shari’ah compliant structures.
STAT founding partner joins Baker Botts in Riyadh as global Islamic finance head
Baker Botts has announced the appointment of Faris Al Amoudi as a corporate partner and global Islamic finance head in Riyadh, marking the firm’s third hire in Saudi Arabia in one month.
APAC
Baker McKenzie Hires Australian Head of Project Finance from HSF Kramer
Miles Wadley joins Baker McKenzie from HSF Kramer in Melbourne.
Orrick Hires First Disputes Partner in Singapore
Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe has hired its first contentious practice partner in Singapore.
The firm has appointed Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer partner Elaine Wong in its city-state office, which has zeroed in on energy, infrastructure and natural resources work since its launch in 2021.
Ashurst hires 16-Year Japanese Adviser from Clifford Chance
In Japan, Ashurst announced a partner hire in Japan on the same day as the news release of its merger plans with Seattle-based Perkins Coie. The firm has hired Chihiro Ashizawa from Clifford Chance, where she was a lawyer and has worked for 16 years. She was most recently its Japanese capital markets practice head.
In House
Snapchat-owner Snap taps Munger Tolles again for latest GC
Snapchat-owner Snap Inc. has appointed Zachary Briers as general counsel, replacing Michael O’Sullivan, who is leaving the company later this year. He joins from Munger Tolles & Olson, where he was a partner.
Biopharma research business Fortrea hires veteran in-house pharma counsel as GC
US biopharma research business Fortrea has appointed Agnieszka Gallagher as general counsel, replacing Stillman Hanson in the role. Gallagher was most recently chief legal officer at US life sciences business Standard BioTools.
UAE’s MusicNation hires USPTO lawyer as first GC
UAE music rights business Music Nation Copyrights Management has hired IP lawyer Aisha Salem-Howey as general counsel, a newly created position. Salem-Howey joins from the US Patents and Trademark Office, where she was an IP attache for the Middle East and North Africa, working with governments and businesses to strengthen IP protection and enforcement across the region.
Promotions & Appointments
Five more firms win places as Government finalises panel refresh
The Government Legal Department (GLD), in conjunction with the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has announced the final three lots of its refreshed panel, with five new firms making the list – Addleshaw Goddard, Pinsent Masons, Slaughter and May, Linklaters and Osborne Clarke.
Osborne Clarke’s Bristol head crowned as senior partner
Lara Burch has been appointed as senior partner at Osbourne Clarke, succeeding Peter Clough.
Capsticks names employment head as new managing partner
Capsticks has elected the head of employment and pensions Victoria Watson as its new managing partner, who will succeed Martin Hamilton on 1 May 2026.
Willkie promotes 30 to partner in London-heavy round
Willkie Farr & Gallagher has promoted 30 lawyers to partner in its latest promotions round, which boosts the firm’s London partner bench by 25%. The firm has made up seven lawyers in London, the most of any city included in the round and its largest intake in the City for a number of years. In London, Magdi Adab, Eilidh Brown and Rebecca Hughes got the nod in the corporate team; Mélina Combeau and Charles Hadley joined the asset management partner bench; with Alaric Green (antitrust and competition) and Timothy Sawyer (finance) completing the contingent.
Mayer Brown elevates 36 to partner in latest promotions round
Top 15 US firm Mayer Brown has promoted 36 lawyers to partner, a slight drop on 2024’s cohort when 39 made the grade. However, the firm also elevated 21 to counsel – nine more than last year – meaning overall the 57-strong promotions round was roughly 12% higher than a year ago. The London team saw four promotions, including Jonathan Cohen, Jake Lindsay, Mariana Padinha Ribeiro and Ben Ward.
Office Openings & Closing
US Law Firms Enter Italy to Help Businesses Expand in the US Amid Tariff Pressures
Beyond Ropes & Gray’s recent launch in Italy, a small number of U.S. law firms, including Smith, Gambrell & Russell and Becker & Poliakoff, have opened offices this year to advise Italian companies seeking to expand or relocate operations to the United States. Their arrival coincides with uncertainty created by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policy toward the European Union, which has triggered a surge in Italian companies seeking guidance on how to face the changing U.S. trade landscape.
Technology & Innovation
Clifford Chance set to cut business services roles in the City
Clifford Chance is set to cut roles from its business services division, with increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) expected to remove – and create new – positions across the City.
Use of AI is suggested as being a key driver to the reductions, as well as shifting work to lower-cost hubs in India, Poland and Newcastle. Around 550 employees in business services across finance, HR and IT were told last month that roughly 50 roles are set to be made redundant and up to 35 others will be reshaped, according to a report by the Financial Times.
Blackstone injects $50m as tech company launches AI-native law firm
US tech company Norm Ai has launched an AI-native law firm, which will receive $50m capital from asset manager Blackstone. Norm Ai will work with the tech start-up to develop its new legal venture, Norm Law which will offer AI-native legal services and will initially focus on financial services clients.
Macfarlanes ditches essays for immersive AI to secure trainee talent
Macfarlanes has overhauled its trainee recruitment process with the launch of an immersive, AI-integrated simulation that mirrors a typical day in the life of a junior lawyer. Candidates will now complete a live, interactive exercise featuring mock emails, Teams messages, voicemail updates, clause extracts, and social media posts. The format is designed to mirror real internal and client demands, replacing Macfarlanes’previous written application and precedes the in-person assessment centre stages.
Linklaters Launches 20-Strong AI Lawyer Team
Linklaters has unveiled a new global cohort of 20 specialist AI lawyers, marking an expansion of the firm’s technology-driven legal capabilities. The newly assembled team will work across the firm’s international network to provide direct, specialised support on artificial intelligence matters, according to a firm statement. According to the firm, the initiative is designed to accelerate the development and deployment of innovative AI-enabled legal solutions for clients.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Women GCs network The Eagle Club calls on employers to improve support for IVF treatment
Employers need to start making changes to provide more support for employees whose families are going through IVF treatment, according to a new report from The Eagle Club, a network of women GCs.
Welcome to this week’s legal industry update, where we spotlight the latest partner moves, strategic hires, and market shifts across the UK, Americas, EMEA, and APAC. From headline-grabbing lateral hires to new office launches and major promotions, here is what is shaping the global legal landscape.
Moves
UK & Ireland
Pillsbury expands tech sector strength in London with arrival of IP partner Steven James
Pillsbury has appointed Steven James as a London IP partner, boosting its tech-focused practice and advising startups on IP protection, commercialisation, and disputes.
DLA Piper to boost PE bench with Ashurst partner
DLA Piper is set to hire Markjan van Schaardenburgh, a corporate partner from Ashurst London, to strengthen its private equity practice. Van Schaardenburgh has over five years as a partner at Ashurst and experience in cross-border M&A, restructuring, and governance across Europe and Africa.
Michelle Seddon joins Clarke Willmott as private client partner
Clarke Willmott has appointed Michelle Seddon as a partner in its Taunton office, strengthening its private client team with her expertise in wills, trusts, probate, and trustee advice.
Whitney Moore welcomes new partner Sean Ryan
Whitney Moore has appointed Sean Ryan as a partner and head of its EU and competition group, strengthening its corporate M&A and regulatory practice. He joins from Eversheds Sutherland and brings extensive experience in complex transactions and regulatory matters.
Leicester City’s legal chief moves back to private practice
Reed Smith has hired Matthew Phillips, the general counsel of Leicester City Football Club, who is joining the firm’s entertainment and media industry group. Prior to his move to Leicester City, Phillips was at BT as a chief counsel and then legal director for media and IP.
Americas
Private Equity GC Returning to Ropes as Co-Head of Private Capital Transactions Practice
Amanda Morrison is returning to Ropes & Gray on Dec. 1 as a Boston partner and co-leader of its global private capital transactions practice, after three years as general counsel at Advent International. She will also serve temporarily as interim external general counsel.
People in the News—Nov. 13, 2025—Marshall Dennehey, Buchanan Ingersoll
Marshall Dennehey has bolstered its Pennsylvania workers’ compensation practice with Perry D. Merlo joining as shareholder and Andrew W. Maffett as special counsel in the Harrisburg office.
EMEA
K&L Gates Bolsters International Arbitration Practice With Partner in Paris
K&L Gates has hired Maria Kostytska as a Paris partner in Litigation and Dispute Resolution, boosting its International Arbitration practice. Kostytska, formerly Head of Arbitration at Winston & Strawn Paris, has 18+ years of experience across energy, infrastructure, and finance sectors and is admitted in the US, France, and England & Wales.
APAC
Sparke Helmore takes insurance partner, team from GSG Legal
Sparke Helmore hired Patrick Tuohey (with Hilary Stokes) from Colin Biggers & Paisley to expand its professional indemnity practice, and Mark Gray-Spencer from GSG Legal, with his team, to boost its aviation and aerospace insurance capabilities.
Australia’s MinterEllison Takes PE Partner from KWM
MinterEllison has hired Lee Horan, a partner from King & Wood Mallesons, to its Sydney office, strengthening its expertise in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and public market transactions.
Abhishek Tilak joins DSK as associate partner
Abhishek Tilak has joined DSK Legal’s Mumbai office as an associate partner in dispute resolution. He brings over 12 years of experience across commercial disputes, arbitration, taxation, insolvency, real estate, criminal law, and securities law.
Jones Day powers up APAC finance with Australia partner hire
Jones Day has hired Benjamin Downie as a partner in its Sydney office to strengthen its financial markets practice in Australia and APAC. Downie, formerly at Allens, has 24 years of experience in credit and private capital, securitisation, structured finance, and debt capital markets, including advising CEFC on green financing for Metro’s auto loans.
In House
EY Law hires new partner and strengthens core areas
EY Law Portugal has hired Miguel Cordeiro as a partner in its banking and insurance practice, strengthening the firm’s expertise in financial regulation, fintech, and compliance.
Team Moves
HFW expands into Brisbane with team from boutique
HFW has launched in Brisbane, hiring partner Christopher Rowden, special counsel Jason Pungsornruk and Thomas Law, senior associate Samantha Fry, and associate William Lowes from CDI Lawyers to advise on construction and infrastructure projects, expanding the firm’s Australian presence and supporting growth across the Asia-Pacific.
Promotions & Appointments
JWS adds leading dispute resolution, arbitration partners
Johnson Winter Slattery hired Andrew Gill and Lee Carroll as partners to boost its dispute resolution and arbitration teams, with Gill focusing on complex disputes and Carroll on domestic and international arbitration.
Tughans announces 16 promotions and appointments
Tughans has announced 16 promotions and appointments in its Northern Ireland offices.
BCLP promotes 17 to partner – 3 in London
BCLP is promoting 17 lawyers to partner across its US, London, and Frankfurt offices, effective January 2026. The smaller promotion round, down from 24 last year, reflects a more selective focus on its US-UK core following the closure of its Singapore and Hong Kong offices and London redundancies. London adds three partners: Edward Gardner (real estate litigation), Georgia Henderson-Cleland (commercial litigation), and Alexandra Hildyard (competition). The moves come after modest global revenue growth of 2.3% in 2024, with UK revenue up 12%.
McKee Campbell Morrison appoints Linards Lūks as associate director
McKee Campbell Morrison has appointed Linards Lūks as associate director in its corporate team, bringing expertise in M&A, investments, and corporate structuring. The move supports the firm’s growth and high client demand for corporate advice.
Trilegal recruits Raya Hazarika as corporate partner
Raya Hazarika has been promoted to partner in Trilegal’s corporate practice, bringing the firm’s equity partner count to 150. She adds expertise in M&A, infrastructure, and real estate, strengthening the firm’s corporate, PE, and cross-border deal-making capabilities
Office Openings & Closing
Seitz launches in Hamburg with 11-strong team from WFW
German law firm Seitz is expanding into Hamburg by hiring an 11-strong team from Watson Farley & Williams, led by partner Nikolaus Krienke. The team specialises in employment, restructuring, compliance, and M&A-related employment matters. The new office, opening in January, strengthens Seitz’s presence in northern Germany and supports its Frankfurt and Munich offices, marking the firm’s sixth office since 2023. Seitz now has around 150 lawyers across employment, corporate, tax and digital practices.
Squire Patton Boggs to Open in Azerbaijan, drawn by Emerging Business in Renewables, IT, Logistics
Squire Patton Boggs is opening its first office in Baku, Azerbaijan, led by Richard Gibbon, to support clients in the country’s growing economy. The office will launch in early 2026 in Port Baku Tower 2.
Akin to Close Singapore Office, Leaving Hong Kong as Only Asia Outpost
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld is closing its Singapore office, leaving Hong Kong as its sole Asian location, where 12 lawyers—including two dispute partners—now operate from a new business district office.
Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa update
Norton Rose Fulbright’s South African business will become an independent law firm on March 31, 2026, led by current CEO Brent Botha. The firm will continue serving clients in South Africa, across Africa, and internationally. The transition reflects a strategic evolution to meet changing market and client needs, while the global Norton Rose Fulbright network will remain unaffected.
Ellisons moves into new Chelmsford office
Ellisons has moved to larger Chelmsford offices to support growth, unite its practice teams, and strengthen its commitment to the local business community.
BAC/BIAC opens Hong Kong centre to expand global footprint
The Beijing Arbitration Commission (BAC/BIAC) opened its first overseas branch in Hong Kong on 12 November, aiming to make the city a hub for international arbitration. The centre aligns with the UNCITRAL Model Law and Hong Kong Arbitration Ordinance, supporting cross-border cases. BAC/BIAC handled 14,060 cases in 2024, including 277 international disputes, and the new office strengthens cooperation with local and global arbitration bodies.
Mergers & Alliances
Ashurst secures long-awaited US merger deal
Ashurst is to merge with US firm Perkins Coie, ending the former’s lengthy search for a transatlantic tie-up. Washington-headquartered Perkins Coie recorded revenue of $1.26bn in 2024 and has over 1000 lawyers spread across offices primarily in the US. The firm is led by chair and managing partner William Malley. Ashurst’s global revenue surpassed £1bn for the first time last year. The firm is run by CEO Paul Jenkins. The firm has nearly 516 partners globally. The combined firm is expected to be called Ashurst Perkins Coie and is expected to have an annual revenue of over $2.7bn.
HCR steps in to acquire Wright Hassall in pre-pack administration
HCR Law has acquired Wright Hassall in a pre-pack administration, renaming it HCR Wright Hassall. Wright Hassall, based in Leamington Spa, faced declining revenues and shrinking staff, falling from 115th to 183rd in the UK200 over six years. HCR described the move as strengthening client and staff opportunities, with operations continuing as usual. The SRA confirmed it is monitoring client protection amid the transition.
Technology & Innovation
Harvey and Legora compete in legal tech, but OpenAI’s new ChatGPT tools pose the bigger threat. Firms like Juro are integrating OpenAI to stay competitive, as the rapidly evolving AI market could disrupt products and drive consolidation. Law firms are urged to adopt AI now, or risk falling behind.
Legal AI implementation: Are you prepared?
A business readiness assessment is essential for law firms to adopt AI effectively, helping evaluate infrastructure, processes, and team skills to maximise investment. Implementation should be tailored to firm size, from cost-effective solutions for solo practitioners to customised platforms for global firms. As AI becomes central to legal services, firms must also communicate its use to clients to build trust and demonstrate value.
Investment in tech sees City surge ahead of regional firms
City law firms are outpacing regional firms through technology investment, with partner profits up 12% compared to an 11% drop in regional firms, despite overall revenue growth in the UK legal sector. City firms benefit from operational efficiencies and faster billing, while regional firms excel in payment collection but struggle with inflation. Cybersecurity is a growing focus, with most firms increasing spending, though AI adoption remains cautious due to client confidentiality concerns.
Market Commentary
McDermott Will & Schulte Considers Outside Investment in Firm
McDermott Will & Schulte said it is in preliminary discussions about selling a stake in the law firm to outside investors, a novel move that could advance acceptance of non-lawyer backing of Big Law operations. The approach under consideration would split the firm into a business owned by lawyers that advise clients and a separate operation that would sell administrative services to the lawyer-owned firm, according to the Financial Times.
EXCLUSIVE ‘We’ll quit if WFH is reduced,’ say law firm staff
Staff responding to RollOnFriday’s Best Law Firms to Work At 2026 survey said flexible working remains crucial, with some warning they would leave if firms reduced WFH options. While several firms were praised for supportive hybrid policies, others were criticised for pushing towards more office days, which respondents said could drive talent away. For many, flexibility offsets other drawbacks, boosts productivity and improves work–life balance, making it a key factor in staying with their firm.
Stewarts listed in The Times Best Law Firms 2026
Stewarts has been named in The Times Best Law Firms for the eighth-year running, earning recognition in inheritance and succession, family, commercial dispute resolution and personal injury and clinical negligence. Based on peer feedback, the rankings highlight the firm’s consistently strong performance across family law, serious injury, commercial disputes and trust and probate litigation.
Irwin Mitchell kickstarts consultation as firm removes litigation assistant role
Irwin Mitchell has taken the decision to remove its litigation assistant role, with affected team members required to apply for positions on the PA or paralegal team. Amid ongoing consultations, Irwin Mitchell said: “Following a review of legal support we’re proposing to evolve our litigation assistant role into a team PA role, moving some of the billable tasks to paralegals and planning to increase our paralegal headcount.”
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
A&L Goodbody achieves top diversity accreditation
A&L Goodbody has received the Investors in Diversity Gold Mark, recognising its strong commitment to embedding diversity and inclusion across the firm. The accreditation follows recent national and European D&I awards and reflects the work of its leadership and five employee groups focused on equality, cultural diversity, social mobility and accessibility. Managing partner David Widger said the award shows the firm’s dedication to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
Moves
UK & Ireland
Ropes & Gray PE partner duo exit in London
Senior private equity partners Dan Oates and Angela Becker have exited Ropes & Gray’s London office and are set to join Akin.
Freshfields makes Paul Weiss AI hire as Latham and Simpson Thacher boost corporate and finance
Anna Gressel will co-chair the firm’s AI practice out of New York along with Giles Pratt, based in London.
McDermott recruits financial disputes partner in London from Arnold & Porter
McDermott Will & Schulte has hired senior litigation lawyer Hilton Mervis, who has joined the firm’s London office as a partner from Arnold & Porter.
Lord Goldsmith departs Debevoise for Fountain Court Chambers
Lord Goldsmith will return to his home chambers in 2026, following the return of Sir Nicolas Underhill. Fountain Court Chambers has announced the return of two former members today (6 November). The London set confirmed the arrival of Sir Nicholas Underhill, with Lord Goldsmith set to return to his old chambers on 1 January 2026, after 18 years at Debevoise & Plimpton.
McDermott disputes heavyweight joins Quinn, takes aim at ‘inhibiting’ conflicts
Quinn Emanuel has hired senior disputes partner Andrew Savage from US rival McDermott in London, in a move he linked to growing frustration with big firm conflicts.
Cooley Nabs Taylor Wessing Fintech Lawyer Witherington in London
Charlotte Witherington joined Cooley as a partner in its London financial services enforcement and regulatory group, the firm announced Tuesday.
Harper Macleod appoints Liana Di Ciacca as partner
Harper Macleod has grown its banking and finance team and appointed a new partner. New partner Liana Di Ciacca joins with more than 15 years’ experience on a wide range of complex and high-value debt finance transactions. She advises both funders and borrowers on high profile Scots law matters as well as cross-border and international transactions. She joins from DWF.
Americas
White & Case adds Joshua Teahen as a partner in Houston
Global law firm White & Case LLP has expanded its Global Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Practice, Global Energy Industry Group and Global Private Capital Industry Group with the addition of Joshua Teahen as a partner in Houston. He joins from Kirkland and Ellis.
Husch Blackwell Continues Expansion in Southeast with Addition of Partner Ryan Burke
Husch Blackwell is pleased to announce the addition of litigation partner Ryan Burke, continuing the firm’s growth in the Southeast. Burke is based in Atlanta and joins the firm’s virtual office.
Vinson & Elkins Adds Kirkland and Weil Partners in Houston
Weil, Gotshal & Manges energy and infrastructure partner Chris Bennett returned to Vinson & Elkins, and investment funds partner Samara Shepherd joined from Kirkland & Ellis.
Baker Botts Continues California Expansion with Return of VC and Growth Capital Partner Brian Lee
Baker Botts L.L.P., a leading international energy, technology, and life sciences law firm, has added veteran corporate partner Brian Lee to its Palo Alto office. He joins from BRV.
Weil Bolsters West Coast Transactional Team with Addition of Tax Partner Josh McLane
International law firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP today announced the arrival of transactional tax attorney Josh McLane, who joins the Firm as a partner in Los Angeles. He joins from Sheppard Mullin.
The national law firm of Baker Donelson has expanded its Government Enforcement and Investigations Group with the addition of former United States Attorney Robert J. “Bobby” Higdon Jr. and former Assistant United States Attorney John David “J.D.” Koesters. Both join as shareholders in the Firm’s Raleigh office, adding to Baker Donelson’s growing presence in the Carolinas.
Former Prosecutor Thomas S. Kearney Joins HDRB&B’s Criminal Defense and Litigation Departments
HDRB&B is excited to announce that Thomas (“Tom”) S. Kearney has joined the firm as a Partner in the firm’s Criminal Defense and Litigation Departments.
Latham & Watkins Expands M&A and Private Equity Practice in Houston
Max Klupchak has joined the firm’s Houston office as a partner in the Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity Practice. He joins from the Sterling Group.
Boies Schiller Flexner Adds Pair of Lateral Partners
Boies Schiller Flexner announced the addition of two lateral partners to our New York office this week: Robert Gordon and Frederick Lee. Robert. They join from Herrick and The Walt Disney Company, respectively.
EMEA
Baker Botts Grows Saudi Footprint with Energy Deals Partner Duo
The energy-focused law firm Baker Botts is the latest to expand its operations in Saudi Arabia after the country changed its rules to allow firms to operate more independently in the Kingdom. Baker Botts hired two new partners in its Riyadh office, Joza Al Rasheed and Alexander Currie, the firm said Thursday. The pair come to Baker Botts from HSF Kramer, which completed its transatlantic merger in June.
APAC
Jingtian & Gongcheng Bolsters Ranks with Key Partner Hires from Han Kun and AllBright
To strengthen its dispute resolution, private equity, and M&A practices, Jingtian & Gongcheng recently hired partners Pengcheng Sun and Huan Wang. This addition of experienced personnel comes following the departure of the firm’s Hong Kong-based corporate partner Justin Ma who joined Stephenson Harwood.
Broadfield is pleased to announce the addition of Grace Zhu as a partner in the Dispute Resolution and Investigations practice of Liu, Patrick Ling & Co. LLP in Hong Kong. She joins from Akin.
Trilegal adds ELP partner to strengthen tax, disputes practices
Trilegal has expanded its tax and disputes practices with the addition of Jitendra Motwani as a partner in Mumbai from Economic Laws Practice (ELP).
CAM strengthens disputes team with former SEBI lawyer
Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas has expanded its dispute resolution practice with the addition of Vanya Singh as partner in Mumbai, bolstering its securities and regulatory disputes capability. Singh joins the firm after 18 years at the Securities and Exchange Board of India.
Paul Hastings replenishes HK cap markets practice with hire from Freshies
U.S. law firm Paul Hastings has hired capital markets expert Zhou Quan as a partner in its Hong Kong office from Freshfields, where he was a counsel.
Rajah & Tann hires former prosecutor as partner
Rajah & Tann Singapore has appointed David Menon, a former deputy director at the city-state’s Attorney-General’s Chambers, as a partner in its dispute resolution practice.
Stephenson Harwood boosts HK shipping practice with Reed Smith lifer
UK law firm Stephenson Harwood has hired Peter Lee as a partner in its Hong Kong office, bolstering its Greater China maritime practice with a shipping specialist who spent the entirety of his 22-year legal career at Reed Smith.
Edmund Burke to head Moray & Agnew’s Queensland workplace practice
Moray & Agnew has announced the appointment of Edmund Burke – who has garnered experience in all areas of employment law and workplace health and safety – as a Brisbane-based partner and leader of its Queensland workplace practice. He joins from Dentons.
Baker Botts Strengthens Global Digital Infrastructure Practice with Partner Josh Cole
Baker Botts has strengthened the firm’s global digital infrastructure practice with the addition of Corporate Partner Josh Cole. Cole arrives from Ashurst and will be based in Singapore.
In House
Akin’s veteran London chief exits for GC role
Sebastian Rice leaves Akin after 24 years for top legal role at Dubai-based telecoms multinational Veon.
Team Moves
The team, led by its former Head of its Paris practice, Benjamine Fiedler, along with partner Chris Ivey, and including principal associate Caroline Mouriquand, senior associate Eugenie Choay, and associates Sofia Merlet, Adrien Paquet and Henri Mayeur, will bring extensive experience in the full lifecycle of employment relations management including within the context of reorganisations, litigation, outsourcing and business transformation. They join from Bird & Bird.
Susan Natland, Jessica Sganga and Katherine McMorrow join BakerHostetler as partners in the Intellectual Property Practice Group and as members of the Global Trademark and Brand Protection team in the Orange County Office.
Hillary Booth and Joshua Levine join as partners, Paul Rasmussen and Benjamin Caplan join as of counsel, and Ludmilla Hovsepian and Cheyenne Yousefia join as associates.
Barry Nilsson’s principal numbers swell with six from DLA Piper
Barry Nilsson has added six new principals to its ranks after six insurance litigation partners made the jump from DLA Piper. The new principals are Cameron Maclean, Jock Campbell, Carmen Elder, James Berg, James Morse and Sophie Devitt. They will bring their team members with them to Barry Nilsson once the transition has been finalised.
Promotions & Appointments
International law firm BCLP announced today the appointment of new leadership in its Paris, San Francisco, and United Arab Emirates (UAE) offices. The firm has named Jean-Patrice Labautière and Merrit Jones as Office Managing Partners (OMP) in Paris and San Francisco, respectively, and Charles Lilley as Country Managing Partner in UAE, leading the firm’s Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices.
Linklaters appoints new Middle East managing partner
Linklaters has announced the appointment of Kieron Zaman as managing partner for the Middle East. The appointment is effective from December 1.
Office Openings & Closing
Mishcon de Reya opens two UAE offices, obtains licence for Hong Kong
Mishcon de Reya has opened two new offices in the Middle East and been granted a licence to practise as a firm of solicitors by the Law Society of Hong Kong, in a major expansion of its international operations. The firm said the new offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai were launched in response to growing client demand as well as the increasing capital, business and family interests and opportunities in the region.
Mergers & Alliances
Conn. law firm takes on 17 attorneys from Boston firm to establish first local office
Shipman & Goodwin LLP has taken on 17 of the 20 attorneys at Tarlow Breed — all of whom will continue working from their current office at 101 Huntington Ave. at the Prudential Centre. The office will be rebranded as Shipman & Goodwin over the next several weeks and includes 15 professional staff members in addition to the attorneys.
Cadwalader Talks Merger with Alston & Bird
Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft is discussing a merger with Alston & Bird and has hired Davis Polk & Wardwell to advise on a deal. Alston & Bird is among firms Cadwalader has approached to discuss a merger, according to three people familiar with the matter who requested anonymity because the talks are private. Cadwalader engaged Davis Polk to work on the legal aspects of a tie-up, according to two of the people.
Fieldfisher and Regan Wall merge to build leading Irish corporate law team
Fieldfisher, a leading European law firm, today announced a significant expansion of its Irish operations through a merger with Regan Wall LLP, one of Ireland’s most active boutique corporate law firms.
Powderly Solicitors merges with Dublin firm Taylor & Buchalter
Kildare-based Powderly Solicitors has expanded into Dublin through a merger with long-standing practice Taylor & Buchalter.
Cozen O’Connor grows in Midwest through merger with 50-lawyer Minneapolis firm
Philadelphia-headquartered law firm Cozen O’Connor is set to gain more than 50 lawyers in the US Midwest through a merger with Minneapolis-based Moss & Barnett.
Technology & Innovation
English ruling ‘most impactful legal decision yet’ on AI and IP
The English court ruling in a dispute between Getty Images and Stability AI is “the most impactful legal decision yet on the nature of artificial intelligence and copyright law.”
Chinese Lawyers Rapidly Embrace AI, But Firm-Level Adoption Lags, Survey Finds
Institutional adoption of artificial intelligence at Chinese law firms remains uneven, even as individual lawyers move swiftly to integrate the technology into their daily work, according to a new survey by Thornhill Academy, a non-profit initiative dedicated to promoting the internationalization of Chinese legal practitioners, launched earlier this year by U.K. boutique firm Thornhill Legal. The survey, conducted in August and September, gathered responses from 100 legal professionals across China. It posed 34 questions exploring the state of AI adoption, common use cases, preferred generative AI platforms, and the impact on firm operations.
Market Commentary
4-Day Attendance Requirements Gain Momentum, but Partner Objections Persist
Three Am Law 50 firms recently announced four-day attendance mandates for 2026.
One-third of the Am Law 50 now requires four or more days of attendance, although such mandates are concentrated in the top half. Law firms want more attendance, but do not want to push out valuable partners who object.
Latham, Cleary, Linklaters Among Big Law Firms Giving Back to Africa Through Pro Bono
Beyond billion-dollar corporate deals and mandates, global law firms are investing in pro bono initiatives in Africa through public interest litigation, humanitarian projects, and legal training.
CMS to hold business partnering events for in-house lawyers
CMS will stage events across their Scottish offices throughout November designed to support in-house legal teams enhance their role as strategic business partners.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Mason Hayes & Curran: Modest diversity gains in Irish aviation sector
Ireland’s aviation sector has made modest gains in leadership diversity, though inclusion and career progression challenges persist, according to Mason Hayes & Curran.
Law Society unveils equality and diversity blueprint
A new equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) strategy launched by the Law Society yesterday aims to build a more diverse, open, and inclusive profession. Announcing the strategy, Society president Mark Evans said despite progress, ‘inequality and bias continue to shape career paths. Women, minority ethnic, LGBTQ+ and disabled solicitors still face barriers to senior roles, he said, while disabled solicitors remain underrepresented. ‘And too often, workplace cultures leave people feeling like they can’t bring their best selves to work.’ The Society’s three-year member-facing EDI strategy aims to: Strengthen diversity in senior leadership; Support disabled solicitors; and Build more inclusive workplace cultures.
Welcome to this week’s legal industry update, where we spotlight the latest partner moves, strategic hires, and market shifts across the UK, Americas, EMEA, and APAC. From headline-grabbing lateral hires to new office launches and major promotions, here’s what’s shaping the global legal landscape.
Moves
UK & Ireland
Former A&O Shearman FinReg Head Resurfaces at Reed Smith
A&O Shearman’s former head of financial regulation services Damian Carolan has joined Reed Smith. Carolan resigned from Allen & Overy prior to the firm’s merger with New York headquartered Sherman & Sterling in April 2024.
BCLP hires three-lawyer finance team from Taylor Wessing
Partner Fiona Coady joins the team, alongside associates, Anna Dugoni and Amy Edwards-Knight in London.
Paul Hastings boosts structured finance bench with Ashurst partner
Paul Hastings has hired structured finance partner Thomas Picton from Ashurst, furthering a build-out in asset-backed financing and securitisation that the firm has prioritised in London and the US.
Simpson Thacher hires Kirkland private equity partner in London
Simpson Thacher has hired private equity partner Nick Appleton from Kirkland & Ellis in London. His move strengthens Simpson Thacher’s European M&A practice, while continuing a trend of partner departures from Kirkland’s London office.
Willkie Partner joins Duane Morris in London for International Disputes Leadership Role
Duncan Speller, who spent nearly 20 years at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale & Dorr, joins Duane Morris to become co-chair of international disputes.
Dentons welcomes David Kirton as Dublin TMT partner
Dentons has appointed David Kirton as a partner in its Dublin TMT practice. Dual-qualified in Ireland and England & Wales, he brings expertise in tech transactions, IP, and regulation, bolstering Dentons’ capabilities for multinational clients in Ireland, the UK, and the Middle East.
Cleary hire White & Case disputes partner in London
The addition of Raif Hassan, specialist in commercial litigation and international arbitration, from White & Case strengthens Cleary’s disputes and competition practices in London.
Americas
Wachtell M&A Partner Heads to DLA Piper
Viktor Sapezhnikov, a Wachtell partner since 2019, is the fourth partner to leave the firm this year. He will join DLA Piper in New York on November 1.
Canadian Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Joins Cassels
Marco Mendocino, former Chief of Staff to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, joins Casselshttps://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-cassels-marco-mendicino-law-firms-legal-moves-carney-chief-staff/ Brock & Blackwell as a senior counsel and strategic adviser.
Ryan Bennett joins Willkie Farr & Gallagher as Chair of Restructuring Group
Former Kirkland partner Ryan Bennett will join Willkie as Chair of the Restructuring Group in Chicago. As Chair, Bennett will lead Willkie’s growing restructuring platform, which advises debtors, creditors, investors, and sponsors on complex restructurings, hybrid capital solutions, and distressed acquisitions.
EMEA
CMS names Adrian Bell as next managing partner
CMS has named Adrian Bell, head of APAC and the Middle East and co-head of its global infrastructure, construction, and energy disputes group, as its next UK managing partner. Bell, who joined CMS in 2002, will start his four-year term in April 2026, succeeding Stephen Millar. He has overseen CMS’s expansion in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Brisbane and will lead the UK LLP, which includes nine UK offices and international operations. Firm leaders praised his experience in driving growth, innovation, and team performance.
Trowers hires arbitration specialist from Stephenson Harwood in Dubai
Trowers & Hamlins has hired Magda Kofluk and senior associate Samantha Martin from Stephenson Harwood, boosting its Middle East construction disputes team and raising female representation to 75%. The firm is also opening a new Riyadh office as part of its 2030 growth plan.
APAC
Gibson Dunn Expands in Singapore with Freshfields M&A Duo
Corporate partners Nigel Gleeson and Jon Bowden make the move to the US firm in Singapore.
Ashurst takes projects and energy partner from G+T
Lixian Liang, an experienced projects and energy lawyer, has rejoined Ashurst after a period at Gilbert + Tobin.
A&O Shearman adds partner, starts Australia real estate practice
A&O Shearman has hired Dannelle Howley as a partner to launch its dedicated real estate practice in Australia. Howley, formerly a partner at Squire Patton Boggs and previously counsel at A&O Shearman, brings extensive experience in large-scale real estate transactions, advising property funds, private capital, and government clients. Her appointment coincides with the firm’s 15-year anniversary in Australia.
Team Moves
DLA Piper adds 3 tax partners, team of 5 from Clayton Utz
DLA Piper has hired partners Angela Wood, Brendon Lamers, and Andy Bubb from Clayton Utz, along with tax director Alex Lebsanft, two senior associates, a solicitor, and a senior legal assistant. Lamers and Lebsanft will be based in Brisbane, while Wood, Bubb, and the rest of the team will join the Melbourne office. The appointments strengthen DLA Piper’s tax practice across controversy, infrastructure, and international tax, complementing recent senior hires and promotions. Firm leaders highlighted their expertise, client relationships, and collaborative approach.
Stephenson Harwood debuts in Saudi Arabia with three-partner team
Stephenson Harwood has opened offices in Riyadh and Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, marking its latest Middle East expansion. The Saudi team will be led by partners Marcus Latta, Khurram Ali, and Tammy Samuel, focusing on transport, logistics, energy, infrastructure, finance, and dispute resolution. The move builds on strong regional growth and aligns with the firm’s sectoral focus, following similar expansions by Reed Smith, Bird & Bird, and Pinsent Masons.
In House
Legaltech specialist Consilio hires BlueLinx GC as next legal head
Consilio has named Tricia Kinney as CLO, replacing long-time GC Mike Flanagan, who will stay on as an advisor. Kinney, formerly at BlueLinx, will lead the company’s global legal, compliance, and governance teams from Atlanta.
Promotions & Appointments
CMS appoints joint APAC head as managing partner
CMS has elected Adrian Bell, co-head of its infrastructure, construction and energy disputes practice, as its new UK LLP managing partner. Bell has been with the firm since 2002 and has also acted as joint managing director for APAC and the Middle East since 2017.
Latham names seven new London partners in latest promotions round
Latham & Watkins has promoted 40 associates to partner globally for January 2026, including seven in London, alongside 56 counsel promotions. The London promotions span banking, M&A, private equity, capital markets, and tech, reflecting the firm’s strong year despite partner departures to Sidley Austin. Key European mandates include the Anglo American-Teck merger, DoorDash’s Deliveroo acquisition, and Verisure’s Nasdaq Stockholm IPO.
Who made partner in London:
Cleary promotes two to partner in London
Cleary has promoted 20 lawyers to partner globally, its largest senior lawyer round, including two in London: litigator Paul Kleist and private equity lawyer Joanna Roberts. The promotions, effective 1 January 2026, bring Cleary’s global partner count to 239.
Office Openings & Closing
Taylor Wessing to ‘decouple’ from Hong Kong office
Taylor Wessing will separate from its Hong Kong arm on 17 November, with the office relaunching as independent firm H.M. Chan & Co. The firms described the move as an amicable “decoupling” and will continue collaborating. The split aligns with Taylor Wessing’s strategy to focus on core European markets and mirrors similar restructurings by international firms in China, such as Mayer Brown’s 2023 separation from its local branch.
Gowling, Stephenson Harwood and Morgan Lewis become latest UK firms to expand into Saudi
Gowling WLG, Stephenson Harwood and Morgan Lewis are expanding into Saudi Arabia, joining a wave of firms entering the Kingdom’s growing legal market. Gowling has launched a Riyadh office through a joint venture with Talal Al Ghazzawi, focusing on IP, tech, and energy. Stephenson Harwood will open in Riyadh and Al Khobar in November 2025, led by Marcus Latta. Morgan Lewis launches with a team of six lawyers across M&A and capital markets, finance and dispute resolution, and will be led by office managing partner Sultan Almasoud.
Mergers & Alliances
Law firms call off mega merger
Meitar and Arnon, Tadmor-Levy have abandoned their planned merger, which would have created Israel’s largest law firm with around 900 lawyers. The decision was driven by potential conflicts of interest, staff retention and profitability concerns, cultural differences, and possible regulatory hurdles.
Elevate acquires Dutch alternative legal services provider Legadex
Elevate has acquired Netherlands-based legal tech firm Legadex, its fourth acquisition since May 2024, to expand in Europe. Legadex, founded in 2008, specializes in legal software and managed services and will join Elevate’s management team. The move follows Elevate’s earlier acquisitions of Sagacious IP, Redgrave Data, and CJK Group as it grows its global legal tech presence.
Technology & Innovation
AI and digital transformation leader Ilona Logvinova to join HSF Kramer as Chief AI Officer
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has appointed Ilona Logvinova as its global Chief AI Officer in New York. Ilona has previously been global Head of Innovation for McKinsey Legal and managing counsel for McKinsey Digital, and joins from Cleary Gottlieb, where she led its legal innovation and transformation.
Using Generative AI: Key Legal Issues
Generative AI (GenAI) tools like ChatGPT and Claude offer efficiency and innovation but bring legal and security risks. Inputting trade secrets can compromise confidentiality, and vendor use may raise IP and compliance issues. GenAI can also introduce bias, spread misinformation, and produce inaccurate results. To manage these risks, organizations should set clear policies, train employees, use secure testing environments, and ensure vendor accountability through indemnification.
Workplace Relations Commission publishes AI guidance for litigants
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has released guidance for litigants using generative AI tools like ChatGPT to prepare submissions or evidence, warning that while AI can be helpful, it may produce inaccurate or misleading information, particularly on Irish employment and equality law. The guidance cites a case where a complainant’s AI-assisted submissions contained irrelevant, misquoted, or non-existent citations, and it recommends best practices, including disclosing AI use. The WRC emphasized its commitment to ethical and responsible AI adoption, noting that parts of the guidance were themselves drafted using AI to demonstrate transparent and practical use.
Market Commentary
The smarter way law firms are winning new clients
Most clients check online reviews before selecting a lawyer, yet few firms consistently collect and showcase feedback. Maintaining clear, professional, and up-to-date online profiles, combined with verified client reviews and tools like Finchly, helps build trust, attract the right clients, and turn enquiries into loyal, long-term clients more effectively.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
UK firms ‘influenced’ by Trump attack on DEI, claims study
A Corporate Conscience Index survey of 250 senior UK corporate lawyers found that while ethics are valued, only a third of companies actively address ethical challenges. Freeths noted that US backlash against equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is influencing UK corporate ethics, with profit often taking priority over doing the right thing. Senior partner Philippa Dempster highlighted a gap between principle and practice, though UK laws like the Equality Act 2010 limit full rollbacks of DEI initiatives. Research from Culture Amp and GQ Littler suggests firms still value DEI but may take a quieter approach to avoid political or reputational risks.
Black History Month: ‘It’s going to take strong law firms to ensure we don’t go backwards’
The piece highlights the importance of ensuring junior lawyers receive fair opportunities, urging reflection on unconscious biases that favor working with familiar individuals. In the context of Black History Month, Will Lewallen spoke with senior Black lawyers, Jessica Kerslake, Bridget Tatham, and Karl Brown, about their career experiences, the ongoing need for increased representation in the legal profession, especially at partner level, and the role of data in driving meaningful change.
Moves
UK & Ireland
Travers’ tax head moves to King & Spalding
The former head of tax at Travers Smith, Russell Warren, has joined King & Spalding’s corporate practice in London
Debevoise snaps up Eversheds insurance duo
Debevoise & Plimpton has hired two corporate partners from Eversheds Sutherland to expand its insurance bench. Hugo Laing and Rosamund Wood make the move to the US firm in London.
Americas
Former A&O Shearman sanctions partner joins Sidley
Maura Rezendes, who also served as enforcement chief at the Office of Foreign Assets Control, has joined Sidley Austin in Washington, DC.
Wilson Sonsini Hires Longtime Cooley Partner in San Francisco Corporate Practice
Jonie Ing Kondracki joined Wilson Sonsini after more than 12 years with Cooley.
Paul Hastings Expands Energy M&A Team in Houston With Baker Botts Partner
Erin Hopkins is the 21st partner the Paul Hastings has added to its Texas offices in the last two years as it focuses on growth in Texas.
Latham & Watkins Hires Gibson Dunn Partner in San Francisco
Todd Trattner joins the firm after more than 11 years with Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.
Gibson Dunn’s Lateral Addition the Latest in Big Law Real Estate Moves
Gibson Dunn adds Jennifer Yashar from Fried Frank to further expand its Real Estate practice in New York.
EMEA
Second Goodwin Funds Partner Departs in Germany, This Time for A&O Shearman
A&O Shearman has hired funds partner Sebastian Bruchwitz from Goodwin Proctor in a move that signals a shift in demand for asset management, meanwhile private investment funds partner Codrina Constantinescu joins the Luxembourg office of Eversheds Sutherland.
APAC
Orrick expands SE Asia energy focus with hire in Tokyo from in-house
U.S. law firm Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe has hired international energy projects and project finance transactions specialist Akira Takahashi as a partner in Tokyo from RWE Renewables, where he served as senior legal counsel.
O’Melveny Singapore hires corporate finance partner from Kirkland HK
U.S. law firm O’Melveny & Myers has added debt finance expert John Curran as a partner in Singapore from the Hong Kong office of Kirkland & Ellis.
Team Moves
Cleary adds Paul Hastings partner in London for European real estate launch
Stephen Nicolas joins Cleary Gottleib Steen & Hamilton with his team to establish the practice, becoming the fifth partner to exit Paul Hastings’ London real estate team in the past few months.
Debevoise Boosts New York PE Offering with Goodwin Partner Duo
Debevoise & Plimpton has significantly built out its private equity offering with the addition of Krishna Skandakumar and Natalia Kubik from Goodwin Proctor in New York. Skandakumar will also act as Co-Chair of the Private Funds Transactions Group.
Latham builds US restructuring bench with Ropes & Gray partner trio
Ryan Dahl, chair of Ropes & Gray’s business restructuring practice, joins Latham & Watkins in Chicago and New York alongside Partner’s Benjamin Rhode and Natasha Hwangpo.
Promotions & Appointments
UK Supreme Court appoints new deputy president
The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom has appointed the Right Hon Lord Sales as its next deputy president.
Gym chain Planet Fitness hires GoTo Foods GC as next legal head
Global gym chain Planet Fitness has hired Sarah Powell as general counsel, replacing Justin Vartanian who left the company earlier this year. She joins from GoTo Foods, where she was also GC.
NuScale Power makes second CLO appointment in less than four months
US nuclear energy innovator NuScale Power Corporation has hired James Canafax as its chief legal officer, just over three months after appointing Shahram Ghasemian to the role.
McDermott Ushers in Record Promotion Class After Merger
McDermott Will & Schulte on Friday announced its first new partner class since its 2025 merger was completed, promoting 74 attorneys to the partner ranks and 13 to counsel, a 32% increase in prior promotion rounds. Those made up in London include James Dobias (Litigation) and Pilar Arzuaga (Regulatory).
Office Openings & Closing
PDLegal launches Sydney office in Australian market expansion
Singapore-based law firm PDLegal has opened its first Australian office in Sydney, expanding its regional footprint as part of a push to offer integrated legal services across Asia-Pacific markets. Aaran Johnson, a commercial litigation specialist with 18 years of experience at Sydney firm Marsdens Law Group, has been appointed managing partner of the Australian operation, while Pam Johnson will serve as chief operating officer.
A&O Shearman Establishes Real Estate Practice in Australia
A&O Shearman has made a strategic play in Australia’s property market, hiring Dannelle Howley from Squire Patton Boggs to launch a dedicated real estate practice in Sydney.
Mergers & Alliances
Cadwalader Merger Talks Pick Up Pace
“We regularly evaluate our strategy to further capitalize on our market-leading strengths for our clients,” the firm said in a statement Thursday.
Financials
Goodwin turnover rises 12 per cent to hit $2.7bn
Goodwin Procter has reported a 12 per cent rise in its turnover, generating $2.7bn since September 2024. Profit per equity partner also grew 20 per cent, according to the firm, and revenue per lawyer rose 14 per cent.
Technology & Innovation
Juro becomes first legal tech to integrate ChatGPT
Contract automation platform Juro has launched a feature that lets lawyers query and analyse contracts through ChatGPT. The update positions the company as the first legal tech provider to link its platform with OpenAI’s infrastructure.
Market Commentary
Lawyers braced for tax bombshell ahead of expected NIC shake-up
A new tax on limited liability partnerships (LLPs) is expected to be announced in the upcoming Autumn Budget. According to a report on Tuesday evening from The Times, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is understood to be putting in place a new charge that would replicate employers’ national insurance in LLPs.
Johnson & Johnson calls on Jones Day’s newest disputes hires in talc group action
Jones Day duo Samantha Silver and Nathalie Smyth, who joined the firm this year, have been instructed by Johnson & Johnson to defend claims that the multinational sold baby powder containing carcinogenic fibres knowingly for decades.
London litigation market defies volatility as partner moves surge
London’s litigation market is proving resilient in the face of economic uncertainty, with disputes partner hires outpacing last year’s total by August 2025, according to research by legal recruiter Macrae.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Law Firms move Forward on Ethnic Diversity, Though Transparency Becomes Cloudier
A growing reluctance among law firms to disclose information made this year’s data analysis significantly more challenging.
Moves
UK & Ireland
Prominent London M&A partner swaps Latham for Gibson Dunn
Energy specialist Simon Tysoe joins after a decade at Latham
White & Case makes double partner hire from Paul Hastings to boost London tax practice
Arun Birla, who was Paul Hastings’ second managing partner and previously led its London office, and Jiten Tank bring decades of Tax experience to White & Case.
Milbank adds Paul Hastings partner duo for European real estate finance launch
Milbank has hired Paul Hastings partners Miles Flynn and Rehan Hanif in London to launch a European real estate practice. The duo’s hire comes amid a wider infrastructure push by the firm in London that also saw it pick up a three-partner infrastructure team from White & Case earlier this year.
Americas
Winston & Strawn Banking Regulatory Partner Hops to King & Spalding
Kim Prior joined King & Spalding from Winston & Strawn in New York.
Gordon Rees Hires Former DOJ Counsel as Partner in Sacramento
Nancy Canter spent nearly five years with the Department of Justice before returning to private practice.
Ogletree Lands New COO From BCLP, Seeking to Continue Streak of Revenue Increases
Polly Snyder joined Ogletree as its firmwide COO Monday after three years working with BCLP.
Orrick Hires Wilson Sonsini Partner as Fund Formation Practice Lead
Jim Jensen joins the firm alongside counsel Margaret He in Orrick’s Silicon Valley office.
Skadden Veteran Finance and Private Equity Partner moves to Paul Hastings
Tracey Chenoweth, a finance partner and 17-year veteran of Skadden, is moving to Paul Hastings.
EMEA
Veronica Aroutiunian Joins Debevoise’s Luxembourg Office as Funds Partner
Recognized as one of Luxembourg’s leading investment fund advisors, with particular expertise in retail and evergreen vehicles, she joins from Loyens & Loeff.
Real Estate specialist Matthias Rüdt von Collenberg rejoins Ashurst in Frankfurt
Matthias moves from Goodwin where he was a Counsel
APAC
Bakers principal joins Greenberg Traurig as latest Singapore hire
U.S. law firm Greenberg Traurig has added one more partner to its growing Singapore office, welcoming M&A specialist Azlan Mohamed Noh as a shareholder from Baker McKenzie, where he was a local principal.
PRC’s Zhong Lun grows HK office with partners from Clifford Chance and Sidley
Zhong Lun Law Firm has further bolstered its Hong Kong office with the hire of Wu Hao and Renee Xiong as partners from Clifford Chance and Sidley Austin, respectively.
Tian Yuan bolsters lit practice in Hong Kong with hire from OLN
The PRC’s Tian Yuan Law Firm has hired litigation expert Dantes Leung as a partner in its Hong Kong office from local outfit Oldham Li & Nie (OLN).
PDLegal grows Bangkok office with two new partners
Singapore-headquartered law firm PDLegal has bolstered its dispute resolution and tax advisory capabilities at its Bangkok office with the addition of Ravipat Mullijarupongs and Supagorn “Pop” Jittimaporn as partners.
Team Moves
Clifford Chance hires 15-strong class actions team from White & Case in Frankfurt
The team led by Alexandra Diehl will strengthen the magic circle firm’s class actions group. She is joined by White & Case local partners Priscilla Tatschner and Lisa Becker.
Simmons hires five strong pensions team from DLA Piper
Amrit Mclean joins Simmons as its head of pensions de-risking in London
Orrick’s ‘game-changing’ Cadwalader raid hits 37 lawyers across London and the US
Orrick’s CLO and structured finance raid on Cadwalader comes to 37 lawyers, including ten partners, from Cadwalader across London, New York, Charlotte and Washington DC. The group significantly expands Orrick’s structured finance capabilities on both sides of the Atlantic and marks the US firm’s launch in Charlotte, North Carolina. As first reported last month, the London contingent includes David Quirolo, Claire Puddicombe, Alex Collins and Daniel Tobias, that helped build Cadwalader’s London structured finance business into one of the market’s leading offerings.
Baker & Hostetler Brings Aboard 4-Partner M&A Team in New York
All four partners come to Baker & Hostetler from Loeb & Loeb, where they worked for less than two years after arriving from Morrison Cohen. Andrew Arsiotis, Joshua Saidlower and Henry Zangara join BakerHostetler’s New York office as partners in the M&A team, where Steve Rockoff joins the Debt Finance Team.
Promotions & Appointments
Gowling WLG has appointed Chris Towle as its new chief executive officer for its UK LLP, succeeding David Fennell who will step down after 12 years in the role.
Starbucks ends hunt for new legal chief with TelevisaUnivision hire
Global coffee shop chain Starbucks has hired Pilar Ramos as its next chief legal officer, replacing Brad Lerman whose retirement was announced earlier this year. Ramos joins from Spanish-language media company TelevisaUnivision, where she was general counsel.
Littler hires Brookdale Senior Living legal VP as firm’s first GC and CLO
Employment law specialist Littler has hired Maralee (Marti) Downey as its inaugural chief legal officer and general counsel in Nashville. She joins from retirement home operator Brookdale Senior Living, where she was legal VP for labour and employment.
Lisa Maxwell appointed as Chief Legal Counsel at FE fundinfo, a leading financial data company
She steps up from her role as General Counsel which she has held since 2021.
White & Case promotes 45 to partner as intake rises
Top 10 US firm White & Case has elevated 45 lawyers to partner in its latest promotions round, its largest since 2022. The firm’s London office saw the most promotions with nine promoted in this round, including: Nick Crawford, Joshua Crawley, Victoria Delacey, Irina Fogarty, James Hart, Anna Lilley, Benjamin Morrison, David Murray, Paul Oumade-Singh
Trio of firms win spots on new nuclear waste panel
Burges Salmon, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer and Pinsents have all secured roles under a framework agreement to advise Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) on planning, consenting and regulatory matters tied to the Geological Disposal Facility programme and the Low Level Waste Repository in Cumbria.
Addleshaws, Eversheds and HSF among 18 firms picked for TfL roster
Transport for London (TFL) has revealed which firms have won places on its legal panel to carry out complex and high-volume legal work over the next four years.
Office Openings & Closing
Reed Smith expands to Saudi Arabia with Riyadh office launch
The office will be led initially by Gregor Pryor, the firm’s Europe and Middle East managing partner, who has been seconded from London to oversee the new office in Riyadh. The opening gives the firm its third Middle Eastern outpost, adding to its existing offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Trowers to relaunch in Riyadh with new office next month
The international law firm has received a licence to open its fifth office in the Middle East.
Marcus Rashford’s lawyer sets up new sports firm
Simon Leaf, who has been a partner at Mishcon since 2017, has launched Three Points Law alongside Mishcon legal director Tom Murray. The firm, which will practice across the sport, technology and commercial sectors, aims to embrace AI and avoid traditional billing models to adapt to changing client demands.
King & Spalding launches in Sydney with five-partner team
US firm cites ‘extensive’ Australian relationships as it opens office in Sydney focused on commercial litigation, energy and tech transactions and global workforce matters. It will be led by Darren Gardner, who heads K&S’s global human capital and compliance practice.
Jones Walker Expands to Chicago in Second Move in Three Months Into Midwest
The firm opened its third new office this year after its expansion to Minneapolis in July and Lexington, Kentucky, in April.
Mergers & Alliances
Singapore’s CNP merges with local boutique Union Law
Singapore law firm CNPLaw has merged with dispute resolution boutique Union Law, with the latter’s managing partner Raymond Lye joining CNP as a partner.
Financials
Cost of buying Shoosmiths’ injury practice revealed as Fletchers posts record revenue
Overall, Fletchers posted a 32 per cent increase in turnover, from £58.1m to £76.9m in 2024/25, while profit decreased from £9.1m to £8.1m, after purchasing the team from Shoosmiths in August this year, gaining three new offices and 80 new lawyers, including eight partners, in the process.
Technology & Innovation
Gen AI adoption more than doubles among US in-house counsel, ACC study shows
Generative AI adoption among in-house legal professionals in the US has more than doubled over the past year, from 23% to 52%, according to a survey by The Association of Corporate Counsel.
AI tools are beating lawyers on legal research, study finds
The research – conducted by independent benchmarking firm Vals AI – revealed that machine learning tools produced higher quality results than lawyers in most cases, with the AI systems recorded scores between 74 and 78 points out of 100, while the lawyer group averaged 69.
Legora hits 50-client milestone in UK as firms ramp up AI investment
Legaltech company Legora has signed up a total of 50 UK clients, The Lawyer can reveal, amid a wave of AI investment sweeping the legal sector. Legora’s AI tool aims to speed up repetitive legal tasks, such as reviewing legal documents and drafting contracts.
Market Commentary
Carmakers defend dieselgate litigation as High Court case begins
A decade after the ‘dieselgate’ scandal emerged, a lawsuit against five leading carmakers potentially worth up to £6bn has opened in London’s High Court.
Fieldfisher’s Birmingham build-out is secretly a European play
The long-standing debate regarding the largest legal sector outside London frequently centres on Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds and Manchester. However, looking beyond simple headcounts and office numbers, airport connectivity offers a more revealing measure: connectivity to the rest of the world. On this front, Manchester and Birmingham clearly lead the way.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Life in the law 2025: A wake-up call
Law firm leaders have a critical role to play in supporting lawyer wellbeing and ensuring a career in the law remains a sustainable option, according to LawCare’s Life in the Law 2025 Report. Nearly 60% of respondents said their mental wellbeing was poor, more than half are thinking about leaving their current workplace within five years and almost a third might leave the sector entirely.
Is there something we can help you with?
If not right now, we can include you on next weeks' newsletter update?
CLICK HERE