Moves:
UK & Ireland
King & Spalding Hires Partner Pair in London
Both Matt Hardwick and Dan Giemajner joined from Akin, where they were partners. With a focus on project finance, Giemajner offers advice on how to plan, fund, and execute global energy infrastructure and natural resources projects. He has expertise in funding emerging markets and renewable energy projects worth billions of dollars. Similar to this, Hardwick specializes in planning, building, and managing intricate energy and infrastructure projects. The company has experience with commercial contracts in South America, Africa, and Europe.
Winston & Strawn’s London Office Makes Double Department Chair Hire
With the hiring of partner Aparna Sehgal, who will chair the firm’s structured finance and real estate finance teams in the U.K. and Europe, the U.S. firm is growing its structured finance practice in London. Additionally, Winston is expanding its practice area by hiring Adam Howard, a corporate partner from Skadden, where he served as counsel. Currently, Howard co-chairs the firm’s practice in public company transactions and U.K. capital markets.
Jones Day Advances Life Sciences Practice with Partner Hire from Brown Rudnick
Jones Day has added partner Sage Revell to strengthen its London practice. She is leaving Brown Rudnick, where she was a member of the firm’s global life sciences practice group and a partner in its international transactions practice group.
Gibson Dunn Private Equity Vet Walks to Dechert
In London, a seasoned private equity partner from Gibson Dunn & Crutcher has joined Dechert’s corporate and securities division. According to a Dechert release, Nick Tomlinson will be leaving Gibson Dunn after nearly 25 years with the New York-based company.
Brown Rudnick Plucks Fieldfisher Partner for Latest London Hire
After hiring a tax litigation partner from Fieldfisher, U.S. firm Brown Rudnick has further enhanced its London service. Fieldfisher stated on Wednesday that Matthew Sharp, who has worked there for more than six years, will be joining Brown Rudnick.
Former ICJ president Joan Donoghue joins Twenty Essex as an arbitrator
Former International Court of Justice (ICJ) president Joan Donoghue has joined the London-based chambers Twenty Essex as an arbitrator.
APAC
Kirkland and Latham Litigators Head to HSF in Hong Kong
While Latham associate Truman Mak rejoins Kirkland as a partner, experienced partner Paul Quinn has fled to HSF.
Charles Russell Speechlys Hires Investment Funds Head from PwC Legal Affiliate in Hong Kong
Gaven Cheong is the sixth lateral partner that Charles Russell Speechlys has hired in Asia in the past 12 months.
Hogan Lovells’ Singapore Office Secures Squire Partner as Regulatory Head
According to the firm, Charmian Aw will start working for Hogan Lovells on February 25. She joined Squire as a partner in 2023 from Reed Smith, where she was counsel, and leaves the firm after nearly two years. She began her career as an associate in 2007 at the Big Four Singaporean law firm Drew & Napier, where she worked for more than ten years before that.
HSF Hires Litigation Duo from Kirkland and Latham in Hong Kong
While Latham associate Truman Mak rejoins Kirkland as a partner, experienced partner Paul Quinn has fled to HSF.
Australia’s Gilbert + Tobin Takes Second Dentons Finance Partner this Year
Stanley Mok, a partner in banking and finance, joins the Australian business firm.
Hogan Lovells M&A Partner Leaves Ahead of Australian Shutdown
David Holland, who will start working at DLA’s Sydney office this week, provides advice to government agencies and large corporations about potential trade sales, acquisitions, and IPOs. M&A, corporate and securities law, capital raising, acquisitions by private and public companies, securities concerns, corporate governance, and compliance are the main areas of focus for his work.
Zaid Ibrahim partner joins DFDL-linked Robin Lynn
Caera Lee, a partner from local powerhouse Zaid Ibrahim & Co., has joined Malaysia’s Robin Lynn & Lee, which collaborates with regional law firm DFDL.
EMEA
Bird & Bird strengthens Finance Services Sector Group in France with new partner
Nicolas Mordaunt-Crook has joined Bird & Bird’s global Financial Services Sector Group in Paris as a new partner. Nicolas provides both transactional and regulatory advice. He is well-versed in the rules governing different banking and financial operations in France and abroad, as well as the processes involved in acquiring the necessary authorizations or licenses.
Pérez-Llorca incorporates Cristina Vidal as a partner
With the addition of Cristina Vidal, a former Ramón y Cajal partner, as a new partner in the financial services sector in Madrid, Pérez-Llorca is continuing its expansion strategy. She advises financial institutions, fund managers, insurance companies and companies in the fintech sector on regulatory, compliance and corporate governance matters.
Reed Smith expands Financial Industry Group with restructuring partner in Paris
Marie Crumière has been advising clients on domestic and international, pre-insolvency and insolvency processes, and M&A in a troubled setting for more than ten years. She offers assistance in a wide range of domestic and international restructuring and insolvency issues to debtors, lenders, creditors, buyers, investors, shareholders, management, or court-appointed authorities.
Hughes Hubbard Adds Alexander Marcopoulos as Arbitration Partner
Alexander Marcopoulos joined Hughes Hubbard as a partner in its international arbitration practice in Paris. Marcopoulos represents companies and states in high-stakes international projects and disputes, focusing on the construction and energy sectors.
The Americas
Paul Hastings Adds Two More from King & Spalding in D.C.
According to new partner Brian Ashin, the firm’s third addition from King & Spalding in eight months makes it “one of the largest real estate groups” in the Washington market as Brian Ashin and Alan Noskow join the firm’s Washington, DC office.
Skadden Adds 2 Lateral Partners in Areas of Growth, Demand
David Schwartz of Skadden pointed out that the company needs to expand its labour and employment department since “there aren’t as many practitioners as clients will demand over the next few years.”
McDermott Welcomes New Partners to Litigation, Private Equity Fund Practices
Allison Scher Bernbach joins McDermott Will & Emery from Schulte Roth & Zabel, while Jared Gerber joins from Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton. McDermott’s New York office will serve as the base of operations for both new partners.
Neal Katyal Leaves Hogan Lovells for Milbank
Milbank announced that Katyal, who has argued in more than 50 cases before the Supreme Court, will head the firm’s appellate practice.
Holland & Knight Loses ECVC Co-Head to Sidley Austin
With the hiring of seasoned dealmaker Enrique Conde to its Miami division, Sidley Austin is increasing the relative newcomer’s access to tech work in the South Florida market.
White & Case Environmental Partner Moves to Weil
As the laws governing environmental regulation and enforcement continue to change, Seth Kerschner stated that he anticipates being busy as he joins.
People in the News—Feb. 14, 2025—Robinson+Cole, Barley Snyder
Robert C. Seiger, a partner in Robinson+Cole’s immigration division, has joined the firm’s Philadelphia office.
Patterson + Sheridan Welcomes Patent Attorney as Counsel
The Woodall Law Firm rebrands; Austin becomes a partner for Spencer Fane; David J. Beck receives an award; and more.
Sidley Nabs Dentons Partner, Former Consumer Product Safety Chair in San Diego
After working for Dentons for more than eighteen years, Sarah Carlson joins Sidley.
Pérez-Llorca Sends Mexican M&A Partner to NY Office
José Ignacio Rivero will be joined by a team of Mexican lawyers who will practice Mexican law with the goal of forming a “bridge” for clients with economic and legal interests in both Mexico and the U.S.
In-House
Ex-Starbucks GC Exiting Latest Role, Will Get Severance
A year before the energy division of GE Vernova split off from the industrial conglomerate to become a separate public company, Rachel Gonzalez joined the company in April 2023.
White Castle Promotes Marine Corps Veteran to General Counsel
“I discovered in the Marine Corps that decisiveness, clear communication, and a strong emphasis on continuous improvement are essential components of effective leadership,” Melissa Palmisciano stated.
Walmart Global Compliance Chief Joining KPMG as General Counsel, Vice Chair
While working as a deputy assistant attorney general at the Department of Justice and as a partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius and White & Case, Matt Miner gained extensive knowledge of white-collar crime.
Munger, Tolles & Olson Lures Former Skadden Corporate Attorney Out of Retirement
Before retiring last year, Andrew Garelick spent more than 17 years as a partner in Skadden’s Los Angeles office.
Manatt Adds AI-Focused Tech Transactions Partner in New York
After working for Fenwick & West for more than six years, Vejay Lalla joins the business.
GC of World’s Largest Berry Company Retiring After Decades of Agricultural Advocacy
Prior to becoming general counsel in 2014, Tom O’Brien served as Driscoll’s outside counsel.
Pax8 Nabs Compliance Chief from Splunk Following Its $28B Sale
Marianne Wolf was referred to the Pax8 Chief Legal Officer Carrie Schiff as “a well-established leader in compliance among tech firms.”
KPMG hires Walmart chief ethics and compliance officer as GC in the US
In lieu of Tonya Robinson, who departed for US investment management Vanguard last year, KPMG, a major accounting and consulting firm, has appointed Matt Miner as general counsel of its US division.
Recently rebranded US financial data firm Octus hires GC from FactSet
Megan Jones is the first general counsel recruited by financial market data provider Octus since the company changed its name from Reorg last year.Jones previously served as corporate secretary and deputy general counsel at FactSet, another source of financial market data.
Team Moves
Morgan Lewis Adds 4 IP Partners in Orange County, 1 in Seattle
All five partners have joined from Knobbe Martens. IP litigators Ali Razai, Benjamin Anger, Benjamin Everton and Brandon Smith are joining the Orange County office of Morgan Lewis, while Jacob Peterson is joining the Seattle office.
Pinsent Masons to Cut 14 Equity Partners in Germany
All three of the German offices in Frankfurt, Munich, and Düsseldorf are anticipated to be impacted by the reduction. That represents a significant portion of Pinsent Masons team in Germany, where it has just over 100 lawyers including 41 partners and legal directors across three offices.
Clifford Chance Paris Takes Partner-Led IP Litigation Team From A&O Shearman
Partner David Stone, the former global head of IP at legacy Allen & Overy, has joined White & Case in London alongside Karla Hughes and Adrian Dykes.
Willkie Adds 3 FCPA, White-Collar Litigators from Mayer Brown in California, DC
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act practice at Willkie will be led by new partner Jason Linder. Additionally, Glenn Vanzura and Sonali D. Patel, have joined the Firm as partners.
Cadwalader Embarks on London Fund Finance Rebuild with Three Partner Hires
The business is expanding its London office by recruiting Ashurst partners Douglas Murning and Matthew Worth, as well as Reed Smith partner Bronwen Jones. Following the departure of the four-partner team led by Samantha Hutchinson to King & Spalding last year, Cadwalader took a hit.
India’s Cyril Amarchand Bolsters Real Estate Offering, Hires 7-Lawyer Team from Luthra and Luthra
The recruitment, which marks CAM’s first team addition of the year, demonstrates the company’s ongoing growth as part of its growth strategy that was introduced last year.
Cleary Gottlieb M&A Veteran Takes Team of 3 to Korea’s Legal Leader Kim & Chang
Sang Jin Han, a seasoned Korean M&A professional, has brought three colleagues to Kim & Chang.
Korea’s Kim & Chang adds four-lawyer M&A team
With the addition of seasoned partner Sang Jin Han and his team from U.S. firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, Kim & Chang, the biggest legal firm in South Korea, has strengthened its cross-border M&A expertise.
Malaysia’s ASL expands disputes offering with 6-attorney team
Adnan Sundra & Low, a prominent Malaysian law firm, has strengthened its disputes service by bringing on a team of six attorneys from Steven Thiru & Sudhar Partnership (STSP), a local boutique headed by senior partner Sudharsanan Thillainathan. Alongside Sudharsanan, who joins as an equity partner, are associates Bala Ravi Sankar and Lee Jing Long, senior associate Yee Lin Ng, and partners Dawn Wong and Tania Edward.
Haynes Boone picks up four-partner Memery Crystal capital markets team amid ongoing exits
As the London boutique continues to crumble against the backdrop of its parent firm, RBG Holdings, getting ready to go into administration, a seven-person capital markets team, including four partners, has left Memery Crystal to join Haynes Boone. Lead by partner Nick Davis, who was recently named co-head of Haynes Boone’s London office, the group joining the top 100 US firm consists of three associates and partners Edward Baker, Robert Bines-Black, and Nick Heap.
Financials:
Strong Revenue and Profitability Growth Propel Pennsylvania Firms Into 2025
A total of nine companies in the state increased their revenue by 9.1%, which was only less than the industry-wide average of 12.3%. But when it came to earnings per equity partner, they beat the national average, which increased by 17.4% as opposed to 16.5%.
Health Care, Litigation Fuel 21% Revenue Growth for Arnall Golden Gregory
Managing partner Sean Fogarty described the successful year as “actually a collection of broad-based successes across hundreds of clients.”
Associate Compensation Jumped $100K in NYC Over 5 Years, Report Finds
According to Major, Lindsey, and Africa’s analysis of seven important markets, lateral movement among senior associates is also increasing in New York and Chicago.
Southeast Firms Outpaced National Average for Demand in 2024, but Revenue Growth Lagged
Revenue, income, and PEP have increased by double digits, according to the Citi Global Wealth at Work Law Firm Group’s year-end study of 20 companies in the area. Nationally, however, the findings were much more impressive.
The Department of Justice entered the fray just weeks after the business completed its $14 billion acquisition of Juniper Networks, bringing a lawsuit to stop the deal on antitrust grounds.
Los Angeles’ Junior, Mid-Level Associates Gained a 5% Pay Bump Last Year
Data from recruitment firm Major, Lindsey & Africa indicates a possible reversal in stagnating salary trends.
‘Back to Normal’: Cadwalader Sees Revenue, PEP Surge as Equity Tier Shrinks
According to Pat Quinn, chair of the firm, the fluctuations in interest rates over the past few years have led to unanticipated outcomes. He claimed that the firm would return to normalcy in 2024.
Norton Rose Boosts NQ Pay to Match HSF and Hogan Lovells
Both Herbert Smith Freehills and Hogan Lovells presently pay their recently qualified attorneys the amount Norton Rose Fulbright announced.
Milbank’s Revenue and Profits Hit Record Highs
The record year saw a 23% increase in total revenue and a 33% increase in average earnings per equity partner. The firm reported a 40% increase in income from its London location.
Promotions & Appointments:
After $2B Sale, Tropical Smoothie Café Promotes Company Veteran to GC
Seven years ago, Karen Wickliffe started working at the sandwich and smoothie restaurant.
People in the News—Feb. 12, 2025—Mannion Prior, Galfand Berger
John F. Higgins has joined the firm as a partner, according to Mannion Prior.
Regulatory Partner Takes Over Managing Partner Role at Osler’s Calgary Office
Sander Duncanson, a longtime employee of the firm, takes over for Brian Thiessen, who intends to run for Calgary mayor.
Philip Lee partner Anna Hickey appointed to key climate finance role
Philip Lee partner Anna Hickey has been appointed to lead the M&A activities of the firm’s climate finance team.
Deirdre Cummins appointed chair of Pensions Council
Deirdre Cummins, a lawyer with Arthur Cox, has been named the Pensions Council’s chairperson. The minister of social protection receives advice on pension policy issues from the Pensions Council, which is chaired by a Pinsean.
Mark Garrett appointed to Community Law & Mediation board
Law Society of Ireland director general Mark Garrett has recently been appointed to the board of directors of Community Law & Mediation.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Black Judges Discuss Growing Up During Segregation, Efforts to Diversify the Profession
“Segregation was an impetus for me. It was my life. It’s my lived experience,” stated Ninth Circuit Judge Johnnie Rawlinson. “No one can take that away because I lived it, and it’s my story. And we can’t take it away by pretending it didn’t exist.”
Why Are Women Still Walking Out the Door: Gender Equity Study Seeks Answers from NJ Attorneys
As the years go by, the subsequent research confirms the findings. Just enough already. “We require believable suggestions that can be put into practice,” stated Christine Petruzzell, a retired shareholder of Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer.
Meta Costs Black Students Opportunities in Higher Education, New Discrimination Lawsuit Says
Law.com Radar, ALM’s source for real-time alerts on recently filed cases in state and federal courts, was the first to bring attention to this complaint. State courts around the country are now covered by Law.com Radar. Be the first to learn about new suits in your practice area, client sector, or region by registering today.
Powerful Shareholder-Advisory Firm Abandons Push to Diversify Corporate Boards
Institutional Shareholder Services’ retreat on DEI comes after Vanguard and BlackRock decided to downplay the problem.
Office Openings & Closing:
Fragomen Launches in Pittsburgh with Dentons Cohen & Grigsby Team
Under the leadership of partner Alexander Castrodale, the new office at PPG Place also has “a couple dozen” support personnel, attorneys John Brendel and Ana María Mieles, and partners Alexa Forte, Larry Lebowitz, and Matthew Phillips.
Pinsent Masons Launches Third Mainland China Office in Shenzhen, China
Kanyi Lui, the head of Pinsent Masons China, will move from Beijing to Shenzhen to oversee the company’s new organization.
Freshfields Doubles DC Office Space, Signaling US Growth Ambitions
According to reports, the company is more than doubling its space in the city.
ALN Expands into Ghana, Tapping into Booming Gold Market and West African Growth
ALN joins Dentons and DLA Piper, who are already present in the West African nation, which is a key gold hotspot in the world.
Appleby Set to Expand in China, Receives License to Operate in Shenzhen
The new full-service office will serve as Appleby’s second base in mainland China when it opens.
Kanyi Lui, the China head of Pinsent Masons, will move from Beijing to Shenzhen to oversee the company’s new venture.
Freshfields Signals US Growth Ambitions by Doubling Office Space in Washington DC
According to reports, the company is more than doubling its space in the city.
White & Case Ends Exclusive Alliance with Local Outfit in Indonesia
After completing a non-exclusive arrangement with Ali Budiardjo Nugroho Reksodiputro and an exclusive alliance with MD & Partners, this is the firm’s third split in Indonesia.
Mergers & Alliances:
LegalZoom Acquires Small Business Services Company Formation Nation
LegalZoom hopes to improve its customer service skills by acquiring Formation Nation.
Both the accounting and business consultancy firm Aprio and the law firm Radix already hold ABS licenses, which gives them an advantage against Big Four firm KPMG, which is requesting authorization to provide a comparable set of services on a larger scale.
Factor Acquires Legal Tech Design and Development Agency Theory and Principle
The goal of the action is to hasten the ALSP’s creation of AI-driven legal technology solutions for in-house clients.
As Kramer Levin Merger Vote Nears, HSF Partners Express Hopes and Fears
As management looks to meet the necessary 75% approval level in the upcoming weeks, partners around the world have diverse opinions on the upcoming partnership.
Freshfields and Slaughter and May Among Firms Teaming Up to Fund Climate Actionv
The new initiative coincides with climate activists drawing more attention to businesses for their involvement in environmentally damaging practices.
HSF Partners Express Hopes and Fears as Kramer Levin Merger Vote Nears
As management looks to meet the necessary 75% approval level in the upcoming weeks, partners around the world have diverse opinions on the upcoming partnership.
Technology & Innovation:
AI in Legal: Disruptive Potential and Practical Realities
The writer states, “We are living through a period of seismic but still unfolding business transformation relating to artificial intelligence (AI), with perspectives shifting regularly from irrational exuberance to scepticism to confusion to alarm, as this week’s reaction to DeepSeek attests.”
Elite Unveils AI Tool ‘Validate’ for Automated Outside Counsel Guideline Review
With Validate’s editing, notification, and simplification features, the law firm solutions provider hopes to assist its clients in expediting their OCG evaluation.
CLM Platform Spotdraft Announces $54 Million Series B Funding Round
This year, the contract lifecycle management platform wants to concentrate on developing its workforce and advancing artificial intelligence in its offerings.
Adobe Launches Contract Intelligence Capabilities in Its Acrobat AI Assistant
Legal experts and other users provided suggestions throughout the design of the contract intelligence tool.
UK Firm Hill Dickinson Clamps Down on ChatGPT Use
After one week of observing the company’s use of AI, the enforcement was made.
Legal Tech Startup Aracor AI Announces $4.5 Million Pre-Seed Funding Round
The business plans to utilize the money to hire more people, conduct more market research, and enhance the platform’s security and AI capabilities.
Agentic AI Startup Eudia Raises $105M, With Backing from Former Relativity CEOs
Chief legal officers and internal teams at Fortune 500 organizations can expedite a number of processes with the help of AI agents in the startup’s augmented intelligence platform.
Market Commentary:
As they close their trial practice, Hodges & Foty, Houston trial lawyer Don Foty has filed a lawsuit against his colleague David Hodges to gain access to bank accounts.
Some New Arrivals Prefer Buckhead, but Midtown Remains Tops for Atlanta Law Firms
The majority of Big Law firms choose Midtown because of its new Class A space and easy access to interstates.
Questions Grow Over Linklaters’ Future in Warsaw
Linklaters has kept its office in Poland, which now seems to be getting close to moving to Addleshaw Goddard, despite leaving four CEE locations in 2008.
Atlanta Calling: National Law Firms Flock to a ‘Hotbed for Talented Lawyers’
By attracting partners who require additional resources to support established practices, several Am Law 200 firms are establishing offices in the Georgia capital.
Lowenstein Sandler Rebounds From 2023, Invests in Future Growth
According to chairman and managing partner Gary Wingens, the firm’s strategic strategy places a strong emphasis on expansion over the next five years, with a particular goal of increasing the firm’s overall person count to between 550 and 700 lawyers.
Deputy GCs Like Their Jobs, but They Also Feel Trapped in Them
According to an Axiom analysis, overburdened legal departments prioritize completing tasks above giving deputy GCs opportunities to interact with board members and other possibilities that might prepare them for the top position.
CMS, Dentons, Addleshaw Goddard Set Sights on Oman’s New Trade Court
The Investment and Trade Court would improve the effectiveness of law firm dispute resolution procedures by lowering case backlogs and delays in Oman’s legal system.
Will Big Law’s Bet on the Middle East Pay Off?
According to The Global Lawyer, the Middle East seems to be the most competitive legal market, but geopolitical issues will be a major factor wherever businesses choose to locate their operations in 2025.
Not Every Firm Can Be Cravath, So Can’t We Have Some Variety?
According to The Global Lawyer, firms like White & Case, Herbert Smith Freehills, Linklaters, and A&O Shearman must choose between having a distinctive approach and competing for clients’ revenues.
Musk and Trump’s BEE Backlash Raise Legal Sector Challenges in South Africa
The legal industry is greatly impacted by South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) program, as businesses struggle with trade repercussions, compliance issues, and continuous discussions on its efficacy.
ALSP Market Surges, Growing 38% in Two Years
As businesses and law firms adopt new legal models, alternative legal services are growing rapidly.
Law Firm Growth in Demand and Worked Rates in Q4 Coincided with Countercyclical Dip
According to Thomson Reuters’ Q4 Law Firm Financial Index, transactional practices may face challenges in 2025 as countercyclical growth slows.
Hiring and interviewing – an impact sport. Some win, some lose, but the basics can be learnt!
At the core, executive search is a two-way street – especially on the lateral partner front. The candidate and the firm have to go into an interview with intention. Complacency and uncertainty fail every time; time itself is precious and a commodity that shouldn’t be wasted.
There is no perfect recruitment process, but the best firms and the best candidates approach interviews with strategy and intent. Success is based on three key things:
Candidates should be aware that an interview is not just about getting an offer; it’s about finding the right fit. Successful careers often include sustained spells of promotion and personal development, therefore you must present in a way that reflects this. To firms, recruitment is more than just analysing a candidate’s credentials, past performance, clients, billables, team size, and so on; all of this is important, but ultimately, you are striving to develop a case that answers the fundamental question: why should they join your firm?
It’s all about impact.
Irrespective of whether you are a candidate or a hiring partner, your aim should be to leave a lasting, positive impression. Candidates should emphasise the most powerful elements of their experience and how those align with what the firm needs. Be genuine; standardised dialogue doesn’t work. Select the details you want the person opposite to really retain. For firms, that means making sure that the messaging about culture, growth trajectory, and strategy comes through loud and clear. Every touch point helps to form the candidate’s impression of the firm, and impressions created in this process tend to stick long after the interview is over.
Engagement is key.
An interview is a conversation, not a monologue. Both parties should listen as much as they can and thoughtfully engage the interviewers with responses that indicate understanding. Equally, firms must understand that a candidate evaluates a firm to a great extent and vice-versa. Remove distractions that interfere with listening, such as an inbox ping or a phone call, as well as those things that are present in the back of your mind. Try to eliminate all distractions and engage. Make eye contact and answer questions honestly; it will all make a difference.
Align your ambitions.
Speak clearly about the mission. Several firms in the legal market have quite ambitious growth strategies, but not every candidate will align with the vision of each. Candidates need to be clear about what motivates and inspires them when it comes to the mission of a firm. Use targeted questions to assess alignment on culture and strategy. Firms likewise need to articulate their ambition and assess where that new hire fits within that. The best firms don’t just talk about strategy; they link it directly to the candidate’s potential role.
The devil is in the details. Firms should consider a candidate’s experience, starting from their arrival. A well-coordinated welcome, appropriate interview setting, and the base ingredients like refreshments indicate professionalism and respect towards them. For the candidates’ part, it should be a given: show up on time, bring your best, and don’t underestimate the power of a summary at the close, highlighting the most topical points and flagging any concerns that need further consideration.
Feedback is paramount. Among the top reasons firms lose good candidates, poor communication plays a major role. Candidates must understand where they are, not only for decision-making considerations but also for personal development. Candidates need to understand where they stand, not only for their decision-making purposes but also for their personal growth. Those firms that give definitive, honest feedback – even when the news isn’t positive – maintain goodwill and their strong reputation in the market.
Thoughtful questioning enhances the process. Interviews should evolve with each stage: candidates should avoid generic questions and instead build from what they’ve already learned, demonstrating genuine curiosity about the strategy and culture of the firm. Firms, in turn, should structure their process in a manner that is respectful to a candidate’s time and recognises previous discussions. Asking the same questions repeatedly raises potential red flags and may lead to things feeling disconnected, whereas targeted follow-up fosters a sense of progress and engagement.
The best recruitment experiences are always those when both parties walk away knowing that they have found the right fit. By focusing on impact, engagement, and alignment, firms will find the best talent, and candidates can make the right career choices. The interview process shouldn’t be a transaction; it should be the beginning of a meaningful professional relationship.
Moves:
In-House
Sylvia Favretto appointed General Counsel of Mysten Labs
According to Sylvia Favretto, chief counsel at Mysten Labs, “working in crypto involves operating in gray areas without legal precedent, and the most successful attorneys can make informed decisions quickly even without clarity.”
Trump taps McKinsey lawyer to be general counsel at Commerce Department
Gentin would manage legal matters for a company that employs 48,000 people across 86 countries and has a diverse range of operations, from the Patent Office to the National Weather Service.
Upstart Insurer That’s Wowing Industry Hires AIG Legal Exec to Help Guide Global Expansion
Incoming international general counsel Chris Newby was commended by Ryan Specialty Group General Counsel Mark Katz for “not only his acute legal acumen and talented executive leadership skills, but also his deep knowledge of the UK and EMEA landscapes.”
Ex-Dr Pepper Chief Legal Officer Joins Varsity Brands
Jim Baldwin, a native of Dallas, worked for Keurig Dr. Pepper for 25 years, most recently as secretary, general counsel, and chief legal officer.
Basketball Players Union Taps David Kelly as General Counsel
Incoming General Counsel David Kelly described the opportunities for NBA players as “virtually endless.”
Advance Auto Parts Appoints Jeff Vining as General Counsel – Company Announcement
According to Shane O’Kelly, CEO of Advance, Jeff Vining’s “experience in supporting successful business transformations and driving efficiencies is critical for the success of our strategic action plan.”
Former Deutsche Bank GC Takes on Senior Government Legal Role
Simon Man, a GC for the bank since 2020, is joining the Government Legal Department (GLD) as Director of Treasury Legal Advisers, replacing longtime head and industry veteran Peter King.
Sven Dumoulin Leaves De Brauw to Join COFRA Holding as Chief Legal Officer
Sven Dumoulin, a partner at De Brauw, has held internal positions at Akzo Nobel and Unilever.
AI platform Inflection hires Withers partner as first GC
Veteran IT lawyer Doug Mandell has been appointed general counsel of Inflection AI, a US artificial intelligence company, a newly established role.
UK & Ireland
Mute Off co-founder leaves BCLP for Ontier
Claire Morel de Westgaver has left Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner to join the London partnership at Ontier. She was a co-founder of the digital platform Mute Off Thursdays for women in arbitration.
Energy, mining and infrastructure partner joins Simmons
Sara Barin has joined the London-based energy, natural resources, and infrastructure (ENRI) division of international law firm Simmons & Simmons as a partner. Sara has more than 15 years of experience in a variety of industries, such as mining, energy, and infrastructure. She has a strong background in project finance and project development (including PPPs), joint ventures, and M&A.
Winston & Strawn’s London Office Makes Double Department Chair Hire
With the hiring of partner Aparna Sehgal, who will chair the firm’s structured finance and real estate finance teams in the U.K. and Europe, the U.S. firm is growing its structured finance practice in London. Sehgal comes from Dechert, where she oversaw the practice of real estate and structured finance for the company.
Former Osborne Clarke partner joins Portland to enhance litigation communications
Adrian Lifely, a mediator and arbitrator, has been appointed as a senior advisor to Portland, a communications firm based in London. Lifely joins Portland’s litigation communications and disputes practice with over 30 years of experience in international conflicts, having previously served as a partner and head of commercial disputes at Osborne Clarke’s London office.
New leader and partner at O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors
Based in Belfast Aine Tyrrell has joined O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors as a partner in the healthcare division, while Stuart Gilmore has been appointed as the firm’s new managing director.
Walkers hires Dermot Casserly as partner and head of employment law team
Dermot Casserly has been named partner and head of Walkers’ employment law team in Ireland. Mr. Casserly, who previously worked at Beauchamps and KPMG, arrives from DWF, where he oversaw the personnel unit.
APAC
Chinese Firms Seize the Day, Hire Partners from Kirkland and Paul Hastings in Hong Kong
Gary Li of Kirkland and James Ma of Paul Hastings have departed for Chinese law firms Zhong Lun Law Firm and Jingtian & Gongcheng, respectively.
Dentons welcomes two new partners
Dentons adds two new partners, welcoming Melbourne Infrastructure, Energy and Major Projects Partner, Matt Coleman, and Sydney Financial Institutions Partner, Louise McCoach.
Wotton Kearney sets sights on strategic expansion of its government practice with new partner
Wotton Kearney welcomed Clare McNamara as a partner in the firm’s Canberra office, further solidifying its expanding government practice. Clare, who joins from Clayton Utz, has over 25 years of experience advising Commonwealth departments, including Treasury, Infrastructure, Health and Ageing, and Defence.
Withers Hires Disputes Partner From Morgan Lewis to Lead Litigation Group in Singapore
The addition comes a year after the firm’s most recent co-managing partners in Singapore were finances expert Daniel Yongthe and white-collar crime specialist Shashi Nathan.
Charles Russell Speechlys Hires Investment Funds Head from PwC Legal Affiliate in Hong Kong
Gaven Cheong will be Charles Russell Speechlys’ sixth lateral partner hire in Asia in 12 months.
EMEA
BonelliErede Hires Veteran Cleary Gottlieb Partner in Rome
As co-head of the firm’s international arbitration practice, BonelliErede has brought on Ferdinando Emanuele, a veteran partner at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton. He will collaborate with Paolo Di Giovanni and Andrea Carlevaris.
Investment Funds Lawyer Nabil Abou-Charaf Joins Kirkland & Ellis
Among the many domestic and international business transactions and agreements that Mr. Abou-Charaf advises on are fund formation and investments, mergers and acquisitions, co-investments, joint ventures, and corporate governance issues.
Pinsent Masons reinforces Middle East financial services practice with new hire
After working with Lean Technologies for a number of years as General Counsel and Head of Compliance for operations in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Marie Chowdhry rejoins Pinsent Masons. Marie has developed a wealth of expertise advising a diverse range of clients in the financial services, payments, and technology industries through her private practice and internal positions.
Lucas Pitts is a well-known international arbitration and litigation attorney with more than 15 years of local expertise and a track record of assembling teams to handle business conflicts.
Alexander Israel has joined Morrison Foerster, a renowned international law firm, as a partner and chair of the European Competition Practice within the firm’s Global Antitrust Law Practice Group.
Proskauer Welcomes Partner Gwenaël Kropfinger in Paris
Proskauer, a renowned worldwide law firm, is happy to welcome Gwenaël Kropfinger as a partner in its Tax Department in Paris. In this role, he will enhance Proskauer’s assistance for clients in asset management and private capital who are investing in Europe.
McDermott Welcomes New M&A Partner in Milan
Alfonso de Marco joins the Milan-based international law firm McDermott Will & Emery as a partner in its transactions practice. Alfonso provides customers with advice on the purchase, growth, and disposal of Italian multi-asset portfolios, with a focus on the energy and pharmaceutical industries.
Matthias Kiesewetter, a lateral partner hire, has joined Eversheds Sutherland’s Hamburg office. Matthias formerly worked as a partner in the Global Mergers and Acquisitions Practice Group at the multinational law firm White & Case, where he joined in 2018.
Partner hire strengthens German and cross-border ENRI capabilities
Sergei, who joined Simmons from another multinational law firm, offers a wealth of experience in the ENRI sector to the company. He specializes in multi-jurisdictional transactions in the energy and energy transition sectors, as well as in project and export finance and infrastructure.
Simmons hires ENRI M&A specialist in Milan office
By adding partner Tommaso Tomaiuolo to its Milan corporate and commercial practice—which also includes Andrea Pototschnig, Giulio D’Argento, and Gianluca De Donno—international law firm Simmons & Simmons has strengthened its energy, natural resources, and infrastructure (ENRI) capabilities in Italy and abroad.
Herbert Smith Freehills expands South Africa team with Corporate M&A partner hire
With twenty years of experience and knowledge in all facets of M&A, including reorganizations, private equity, and general corporate transactions in South Africa and the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa, Ziyanda is a lawyer specializing in M&A and private equity. Mining, health, financial services, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, real estate, and private equity are just a few of the industries she has advised clients in.
The Americas
King & Spalding Snags Restructuring Duo from Alston & Bird
New York-based Eric Wise and Matt Kelsey have previously collaborated at Gibson Dunn, Kramer Levin, and Weil.
Daniel Gitner, Former Chief of SDNY’s Criminal Division, Joins Debevoise as Partner.
Partner Helen Cantwell stated, “No matter what or who sits in Washington, our clients need the best advice.” “That is why we bring on people like Dan [Gitner] and Nick Folly.”
Lisa M. Lind Brings High-Level Public Company Experience to McGuireWoods
Lisa M. Lind, a public company attorney who advised boards and executives at two publicly traded businesses on legal and strategic matters, has joined McGuireWoods as a Pittsburgh partner.
Gibson Dunn confirms Katie Townsend has rejoined the firm’s Litigation and Media, Entertainment, and Technology Practice Groups as a partner in the Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. offices. Katie’s practice will focus on representing clients on a wide range of First Amendment, media, and technology-focused litigation and advisory matters.
Vanessa Roberts Avery Rejoins McCarter & English
The former District of Connecticut U.S. Attorney brings a wealth of both public and private expertise to the role.
Holland & Knight Grows Corporate Practice in Texas with Addition of Ronnie Skloss in Austin
In order to strengthen the firm’s corporate division in Texas, a significant market since the 2021 merger with Dallas-based Thompson & Knight, Ronnie Skloss joins as a partner in Austin.
Big Law Firms Sheppard Mullin, Morgan Lewis and Baker Botts Add Partners in Houston
With recent hires in the fields of international arbitration, energy finance, and health care, Texas remains a hot spot for lateral partner hiring.
Latham’s Lateral Hiring Picks Up Steam, With Firm Adding Simpson Practice Head, Private Equity GC
The firm has now announced at least four lateral partners in the last three days.
Daniel LePera Named Partner at Unruh Turner Burke & Frees
Dan has been a key member of the Real Estate and Business Transactions Practice Groups at Unruh Turner Burke & Frees since entering the firm. Commercial and residential real estate, manufacturing and industrial, and municipal sectors are just a few of the industries he serves.
Meet the Former NFL Player Now Back at Vinson & Elkins
“Competitive lawyering and competitive athletics are very similar,” says Conrad Bolston, a former employee of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission who now rejoins Vinson & Elkins.
Saul Ewing Loses Two Partners to Fox Rothschild, Marking Four Fla. Partner Exits in Last 13 Months
After over seven years at Saul Ewing, Franklin Zemel and Alan Poppe are leaving for Fox Rothschild in South Florida, which promises more resources for the pair’s growing litigation practice.
Dentons US Names Capital Markets Leader Managing Partner
Alongside two current U.S. business heads, John Holahan will continue to run his own practice.
Kevin Spencer joins White & Case as a partner in Washington, DC
In complex tax disputes, Spencer represents corporations, ultra-high net worth individuals, and their affiliated businesses before the IRS Examination and Appeals divisions and federal courts, such as the US Tax Court, District Court, Court of Federal Claims, and US Circuit Courts of Appeals.
Team Moves
Blank Rome Adds Life Sciences Trio from Reed Smith
Litigation partner Shannon McClure arrived in Philadelphia, and regulatory partners Emily Hussey and Rachael Pontikes joined Blank Rome’s Chicago office.
Attracted by the firm’s worldwide presence and extensive bench, seven attorneys from the midsize firm Seward & Kissel, including the head of the company’s asset securitization and CLO (collateralized loan obligations) practice, have jumped to Haynes and Boone.
Willkie Adds Five-Lawyer Team from Quinn Emanuel in Germany
Willkie Farr is hiring Quinn Emanuel’s office managing partner-led team just months after the firm also hired a restructuring team from Latham & Watkins.
DWF takes team of 53 from Hall & Wilcox
After hiring nine partners from Hall & Wilcox in November, the insurance law company DWF has pounced on the Australian firm to take on a staff of 53 lawyers.
KWM Adds Three New Partners in Singapore and Australia
Three new members have joined King & Wood Mallesons’ partnership: construction litigator Ben Davidson from Melbourne, real estate expert Lizzie Knight from Canberra, and debt capital markets attorney Andy Ferris from Singapore.
Webber Wentzel Announces Strategic Appointments to Strengthen Key Practice Areas
The firm’s dedication to development and the extension of its expertise in important practice areas, including as banking, corporate, commercial, and dispute resolution, is demonstrated by these significant hires. Phased in between January and June 2025, the new partners will join the firm.
Financials:
In Record Year for Baker Botts, Revenue Up 11.8%, PEP Up 17.6%
As the Houston-based company benefited from investments made in 2023 and high demand from clients with complex cases, Baker Botts reported record revenue and profits in 2024.
Leaning Into ‘Core’ Strengths, Jenner’s Revenue Climbs 17%, Profits Soar 23%
According to Jenner, the company’s demand climbed by “4 or 5% last year,” and nine of its 17 “primary teams” each surpassed a target of 15% revenue growth.
HSF Accounts Show US Operating Losses Last Year but Revenue Increased Slightly
If approved this month, the firm’s 2023-24 LLP accounts will be its final ones before its transatlantic merger with Kramer Levin takes effect.
White & Case Crosses $4M in PEP, $3B in Revenue in ‘Breakthrough Year’
White & Case now has about equal numbers of equity and nonequity partners following a 12.2% expansion of the nonequity partnership tier.
Exceptional Growth Becoming the Rule? Demand Drove Strong Year for Big Law
According to a recent Citi poll, rate hikes mitigated rising costs, allowing increased demand across a range of activities to propel revenue growth into the double digits for the typical law firm.
Milbank’s Revenue and Profits Hit Record Highs
The record year saw a 23% increase in total revenue and a 33% increase in average earnings per equity partner. The firm reported a 40% increase in income from its London location.
Freshfields’ revenue surged to £2.1bn in 2024 buoyed by strong US growth
With the help of a 26% increase in US fee income, Freshfields’ revenue increased by 18% last year, pushing it over the £2 billion line to reach £2.1 billion.
Promotions & Appointments
Cooley Announces Ian Shapiro as Chair of Global Litigation Department
Ian Shapiro was formerly the department’s vice chair under Michael Attanasio’s leadership.
People in the News—Feb. 5, 2025—Eckert Seamans, Rawle & Henderson
For the remainder of 2025, Jennifer M. Caron, a member of the Harrisburg-based Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott firm, will serve as president of the Lower Allen Township Board of Commissioners, replacing her previous position as vice president.
Reed Smith Welcomes New Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer
The most recent employer of Gillian Ward, a 30-year veteran of the legal marketing industry, was Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner.
On the Move and After Hours: Einhorn Barbarito; Gibbons; Greenbaum Rowe; Pro Bono Partnership
Einhorn, Barbarito, Frost, Botwinick, Nunn & Musmanno elevates three attorneys to partner and one to counsel; Gibbons brings on a new chair of the financial restructuring and creditors’ rights group; and more moves.
People in the News—Feb. 7, 2025—Gawthrop Greenwood, Lamb McErlane
Stephen R. McDonnell, a shareholder and attorney, has been chosen by Gawthrop Greenwood to serve as the chair of the management committee.
On the Move and After Hours: Einhorn Barbarito; Gibbons; Greenbaum Rowe; Pro Bono Partnership
Gibbons appoints a new chair of the financial restructuring and creditors’ rights group; Einhorn, Barbarito, Frost, Botwinick, Nunn & Musmanno promotes three lawyers to partner and one to counsel; and other changes.
Resolute Mining Appoints London General Counsel—CEO Resigns Following Foreign Detention
The resignation comes after the CEO and two other staff members were detained in Mali after local authorities there contested the terms of the business’s activities there.
Slaughter and May Announces Next Managing Partner
Slaughter and May has elected David Johnson as its next managing partner, succeeding Deborah Finkler in the role. Having worked with companies including BHP, GSK, and SEGRO, Johnson has decades of experience in both public and private M&A. He became a partner nine years after joining the firm in 1991.
On Thursday, Jones Day revealed six new leadership roles for Jones Day partners, including three new office managing partners and three new practice co-leaders. The antitrust and competition law practice is now co-led by Craig Waldman of Washington, D.C., and Alexandre Verheyden, a partner located in Brussels.
Four new partners at Philip Lee
Niall Donnelly, Alison Murray, Patrick Kane, and Jennifer Darcy have all been upgraded to partner status by Philip Lee. As a member of the energy and natural resources team, Mr. Donnelly specializes in providing customers with advice on intricate projects and energy-related regulatory issues, particularly those involving renewable energy transactions.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Hogan Lovells, Jenner & Block Challenge Trump EOs Impacting Gender-Affirming Care
“These Executive Orders are unlawful and unconstitutional,” transgender people’s attorneys stated in a complaint aiming to overturn President Donald Trump’s twin decrees that denied financing for gender-affirming medical therapy to anybody younger than 19.
Lawyers Across Political Spectrum Launch Public Interest Team to Litigate Against Antisemitism
The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law said Thursday it will create a team of around 20 attorneys and other personnel to litigate antisemitic issues. Prominent national law firms will provide external counsel to support this project.
Office Openings & Closing:
Reed Smith Joins Saudi Legal Boom as Firms Race for Market Share
The most recent law firm to obtain a Saudi license is Reed Smith, which joins an increasing number of American and British firms vying for lucrative Vision 2030 contracts and private sector mandates.
BCLP Announces Launch in Saudi Arabia
The firm plans to open offices in both Riyadh and Al-Khobar. More than ten law companies are apparently awaiting clearance to open offices in Saudi, while at least 18 law firms with headquarters in the United States and the United Kingdom currently hold Saudi licenses.
Dozens of Swift Currie attorneys start new firm Marsh Atkinson and Brantley
“We feel very good about the group that we have and the fact that we’ve been able to assemble lawyers who we’ve worked together with for a very long time,” said Terry Brantley, now the managing partner at Marsh Atkinson & Brantley after holding the same title at his old firm.
Brooklyn Prosecutor Returns to Private Practice to Co-Found Wrongful Conviction Boutique
Ten former defendants were cleared during the three years that Charles Linehan oversaw the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office’s renowned conviction review section.
Trinity International Expands with Singapore Office, Eyes Growth in Infrastructure and Energy
Fiona Gulliford, a London partner of the firm, has moved to Singapore. Additionally, Trinity hired George Williams as its city counsel and named Maxime Damphousse as its managing director.
FisherBroyles Enters Mexico in First Step of Planned Latin American Expansion
Bravo Abogados, a corporate company based in Monterrey, a northern industrial center with offices in Saltillo and Mexico City, was acquired as part of the expansion into Mexico. According to Daniel Larkin, chair of FisherBroyles’ international practice division, his company chose to enter Mexico due to the close economic ties between the U.S. and Mexico.
Technology & Innovation:
Big Law Partner Co-Launches Startup Aiming to Transform Fund Formation Process
Computer scientist Kristen Gandhi and former Paul Hastings associate Esther Chiang are starting a company called SmartEsq with the goal of simplifying laborious fund formation procedures.
In an effort to do away with human metadata tagging, Ivo also introduced its contract search tool.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Commercial Real Estate Transactions
Commercial real estate is just one of the industries that artificial intelligence is transforming.
The UK-based Microsoft partner is the latest in a long series of M&A moves for Litera.
Lawyers have no choice but to embrace AI, Master of the Rolls says in LawtechUK speech
According to Master of the Rolls Sir Geoffrey Vos, judges and attorneys have “no real choice” but there are compelling arguments for them to adopt AI.
Market Commentary:
Growth of California Firms Exceeded Expectations, Survey of Managing Partners Says
35% of the enterprises surveyed reported “significant growth” of at least 10%, while over half of the firm’s reported growth between 2023 and 2024.
Data Breaches in UK Legal Sector Surge, According to ICO Data
According to recent study from NetDocuments, a company that offers a cloud-based document management platform for the legal industry, there has been a “significant surge” in databreaches according British legal professionals. According to a review of ICO data, insiders are responsible for half of data breaches, with human error being the cause of one in three occurrences.
Return to Work Mandates Among Current Mental Health Stressors for Legal Professionals
In this week’s Legal Speak episode, Stacey Dougan, an Atlanta-based lawyer-turned-therapist, expounds on the current state of mental health in the legal profession following a recent string of widely publicized national tragedies and divisive politics.
Legal Leaders Need to Create a High-Trust Culture
Law.com writes that Leaders must come to terms with the principle that trust building is a two-way process and requires prolonged efforts to establish. Setting the tone entails acting as an example of reliability and trust. Nothing is more detrimental to an organization than a breakdown in trust, which can manifest itself in a variety of ways every day.
Some Elite Law Firms Are Growing Equity Partner Ranks Faster Than Others
In order to expand their wallet share with their current, important clients, elite law firms are focusing on lateral partner groupings.
UK Lawyers Seeking Mental Health Support Hits All-Time High
Lawyers seeking mental health support increased by 24%, according to LawCare.
Moves:
In-House
Former CIA General Counsel Joining Hilton Worldwide as Legal Chief
After serving in important positions in the federal government for 25 years, Caroline Krass joins the massive lodging company. According to Hilton CEO Christopher Nassetta, Krass has “spent her career leading large global teams through complex legal matters in high-stakes, fast-paced environments.”
President Trump Hires Sullivan & Cromwell to Handle Manhattan Criminal Appeal
On Wednesday, the official notice of appeal was sent. Robert Giuffra, James McDonald, Morgan Ratner, Jeff Wall, and Matthew Schwartz are among Trump’s new legal team members.
Startup Bringing AI to Doctors’ Offices Hires First GC
Aden Fine, Suki’s general counsel, stated that the legal issues surrounding the application of AI in healthcare are both fascinating and very difficult.
US private equity firm AE Industrial hires McDermott partner as first GC
The newly created position of general counsel at US private equity firm AE Industrial Partners was filled by Matthew Friendly. He was a partner in the Miami office of McDermott Will & Emery before joining the company.
Spotify to seek new legal head after GC announces plan to step down
Eve Konstan, general counsel at Spotify, a Swedish music streaming service, has declared her intention to leave full-time legal practice. She joined Spotify as GC in May 2020 after serving as GC at WarnerMedia Entertainment for a short time.
UK & Ireland
Perkins Coie Builds in London with Ex-Norton Rose Fulbright Brussels Head
The former head of Norton Rose Fulbright’s Brussels office has joined Perkins Coie to support its recently opened London branch. Miranda Cole joins the company to head its antitrust activities in the UK and the EU. Prior to joining Norton Rose in 2022 to lead its Brussels office, she spent 13 years as a partner at Covington & Burling.
McDermott Continues UK Growth with Another Partner Hire in London
After serving as a partner at Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle, a London and Milan-based business since 2020, Milo Molfa has joined the U.S. firm in London. In the past year, McDermott has hired eleven lateral partners in London, including Molfa.
McDermott’s Onetime London Leader Headed to Pillsbury
Less than a year after resigning from his leadership position due to a management change, Hamid Yunis, who has been with McDermott since 2016, is set to depart the company.
Reed Smith Bolsters Corporate Team with Markets Partner Hire in London
With the hiring of equity capital markets partner Samantha Myers, Reed Smith has increased its corporate firepower in London. She was a partner in the capital markets and public businesses unit at Gowling WLG before joining.
Bird & Bird hires Susan Battye to head Irish employment practice
Susan Battye has been named head of Bird & Bird’s employment practice in Ireland. With more than 20 years of expertise, Ms. Battye can advise both domestic and foreign customers on all aspects of employment law. Ms. Battye founded and oversaw the employment practice at Walkers in Ireland before joining Bird & Bird.
Róisín Culligan joins London office of Orrick
Róisín Culligan, an Irish attorney, has become a managing associate in the technology transactions group of the international law firm Orrick’s London office.
CM Murray launches regulatory practice with London partner hire
Nick Leale, a former managing partner at Armstrong Teasdale London, has been appointed by London boutique CM Murray to head the company’s new regulatory division. Leale brings with him almost twenty years of experience in regulatory law and professional discipline.
APAC
Trinity International Expands with Singapore Office, Eyes Growth in Infrastructure and Energy
Fiona Gulliford, a London partner of the firm, has moved to Singapore. Additionally, Trinity hired George Williams as its city counsel and named Maxime Damphousse as its managing director.
Morgan Lewis Grows Tokyo Partner Bench with Senior Duo from Withers
Real estate attorneys Gerald Fujii and Naoki Ueyama, both of whom have over 20 years of expertise, have joined the U.S. company.
Singapore’s Providence Law Asia hires Duxton Hill advocate as international litigation head
Colin Liew from Duxton Hill Chambers, a Singapore Group Practice, has been appointed by Singapore-based Providence Law Asia to head the firm’s global litigation practice. Liew contributes a wealth of experience in situations pertaining to international arbitration, legal privilege, and commercial fraud.
Linklaters corporate counsel joins Withers as partner
Gary Beh, a former Linklaters lawyer, has joined Withers KhattarWong, the Singapore alliance of multinational legal firm Withers, as a partner in the city-state, broadening its corporate portfolio.
Indonesia’s Sarvasūkṣma hires M&A partner from White & Case affiliate
Witara Cakra Advocates (WCA), the local association firm of White & Case, has recruited Rika Rusman as a corporate and M&A partner for the Indonesian law firm Sarvasūkṣma. With 15 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, and infrastructure, Rusman’s hiring is expected to bolster Sarvasūkṣma’s transactional services skills in response to the expanding demand in the largest economy in Southeast Asia.
EMEA
Clifford Chance Loses Two More Key German Real Estate Partners as Focus Shifts to Cross-Border Deals
Only a few months after DLA Piper hired German real estate associate Gerold Jaeger, Clifford Chance’s longtime colleagues Christian Keilich and Thomas Reischauer are leaving at the end of April.
Eversheds Sutherland Outgoing Co-CEO to Move to Dubai to Spur Regional Growth
Lee Ranson will have a broader focus to bring in the firm’s Asia business, while Tawfiq Tabbaa, the current Middle East managing partner, will continue in his position.
The Americas
Treasury GC Returns to Davis Polk to Co-Chair White-Collar Defence and Investigations Practice
Neil MacBride was the head of Davis Polk’s D.C. office and co-leader of its white-collar defense and investigations practice prior to joining the government in 2022.
Doug Emhoff, Husband of Former VP Harris, Lands at Willkie
Before taking on his position in the White House, Emhoff worked as a litigator at DLA Piper.
Corporate Litigator Joins BakerHostetler from Fish & Richardson
In Wilmington, Jeremy Anderson has become a partner in the commercial litigation team and litigation practice group of BakerHostetler.
Cuneo Gilbert & LaDuca Establishes Tennessee Presence with Litigation Partner Charles Barrett
Cuneo Gilbert & LaDuca, a firm based in Washington, D.C., is opening an office in Nashville to increase its footprint in the Southeast.
Kirkland & Ellis Taps Former Co-Chair of Greenberg Traurig’s Digital Infrastructure Practice
Kemal Hawa has joined the Firm as a partner in the Corporate Practice Group with a focus on digital infrastructure. He counsels clients in complex transactions across the digital infrastructure and telecommunications space and has extensive experience providing advice on commercial agreements.
DLA Piper Hires Former FAA Chief Counsel as Transportation Practice Co-Chair
Marc Nichols held senior positions at Saab and Rolls-Royce before spending almost three years at the FAA.
Milbank Lures Skadden Restructuring Partner
Before relocating to Milbank, Lisa Laukitis had worked at Skadden for more than eight years.
ArentFox Schiff Adds Global Complex Litigation Partner in Los Angeles
After more than two years at Reed Smith, Andrew Wong joins the firm.
People in the News—Jan. 29, 2025—Galfand Berger, Blank Rome
Bradley Smith received a promotion to senior partner at Galfand Berger.
Orrick Hires Longtime Weil Partner as New Head of Antitrust Litigation
Eric Hochstadt also joins Orrick as a member of its management committee.
People in the News—Jan. 30, 2025—Rubin Glickman, Goldberg Segalla
Joseph P. Birmingham, a trial lawyer, just became a senior counsel with Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg, and Gifford.
Stevens & Lee Hires Ex-Middle District of Pennsylvania U.S. Attorney as White-Collar Co-Chair
Gerald Kram spent more than 35 years working at a Scranton boutique until becoming the managing partner of the business before becoming a U.S. attorney.
People in the News—Jan. 30, 2025—Rubin Glickman
Joseph P. Birmingham, a trial lawyer, just became a senior counsel with Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg, and Gifford.
O’Melveny Hires Former NBA Vice President
Benjamin Aronson, a former vice president and assistant general counsel for the National Basketball Association, has joined O’Melveny & Myers LLP as a partner in the company’s Entertainment, Sports & Media Industry Group and General Litigation Practice Group.
In the technology, healthcare, and life sciences industries, Nevarez has over 15 years of experience advising founders, startups, venture capitalists, underwriters, and publicly traded companies on a range of topics, such as formations, pre-seed, seed, venture, and growth equity financings, M&A, capital markets, and SEC compliance.
Fried Frank Partner Leaves for Paul Hastings to Start Tech Transactions Practice
At Fried Frank, Amir Ghavi co-led the IT transactions practice and was the company’s “foremost AI counsel.”
Weil Adds Acting Director of SEC Enforcement, Continuing Government Hiring Streak
At least six partners with extensive government experience have joined the New York business in the past year. Most recently Andrew Dean has joined the Firm as a partner in the nationwide Securities Litigation and White Collar Defense, Regulatory and Investigations practices, based in the New York office.
Osler Hires Cross-border Banking Partner from Torys
Osler’s Toronto and New York-based financial institution transaction group will have Ricco Bhasin as a co-chair.
Team Moves
New York-Based Skadden Team Joins White & Case Group in Mexico City for Citigroup Demerger
As the banking behemoth gets ready for an initial public offering (IPO) of its retail banking division in Mexico, Citi separated its extremely successful but scandal-plagued Mexican division.
Orrick Loses 10-Lawyer Team to Herbert Smith in Germany
Herbert Smith Freehills is strengthening cross-border practice, and the full Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe corporate staff of ten will be situated in Düsseldorf.
Fried Frank Trio Joining Sidley in NY
Sidley’s hiring efforts are extended well into the new year by the most recent lateral partners.
Robinson & Cole Adds to Immigration Team in Philly
Former Fox Rothschild partner Robert Seiger joins the company, bringing with him paralegal Alexis Rudisel and associate Ashley Rotchford.
Stevens & Lee Hires Ex-Middle District of Pennsylvania U.S. Attorney as White-Collar Co-Chair
Gerald Kram spent more than 35 years working at a Scranton boutique until becoming the managing partner of the business before becoming a U.S. attorney.
Hogan Lovells Hires White & Case Corporate and Finance Team in Italy
The new team enhances the company’s transactional capabilities in Italy and EMEA by concentrating on private equity, capital markets, leveraged financing, private credit, and mergers & acquisitions.
Linklaters Hires Four Partners from Patterson Belknap
The company, which has been bolstering its U.S. presence in recent years, is sending a message with these recruits.
A&O Shearman to Lose Another 5 Lawyers
As hundreds of A&O Shearman partners leave after last year’s transatlantic merger, a 25-year legal veteran is joining EY Abogados to manage its corporate development and labour department in Madrid.
Stradley Ronon Welcomes Insurance Team from Mintz
The team, which consists of one senior counsel, one managing counsel, and two new partners, strengthens the firm’s presence in Washington, D.C., and New York.
Clyde & Co Faces Significant Partner Departures Amid Financial Struggles
All six members of the once-thriving cybersecurity practice at London-based Clyde & Co. are leaving, along with one-third of the local partners. The departure occurs as the company struggles financially and keeps looking for a merger partner.
Financials:
Starbucks Hands New CLO Hefty Raise, Says He Fosters ‘Environment of Courage and Joy’
Brad Lerman has assisted the company in resolving a number of difficult issues, including as the CEO’s termination, a proxy conflict with activist investors, and conflicts with employees over their national unionization campaign.
Law Firms Are ‘Struggling’ With Partner Pay Segmentation, as Top Rainmakers Bring in More Revenuev
According to Blane Prescott, two partners “doubled their book of business, and not just from $20 to $40 million, but $60 to $120 million,” last year. “More businesses are having trouble deciding what should be at the top.”
Law Firms Report Wide Growth, Successful Billing Rate Increases and Less Merger Interest
The majority of respondents to ALM’s managing partner survey were midsize law firms. The study revealed that although many firms are increasing their revenue and headcount as a result of higher billing rates, many are choosing not to grow through mergers.
Steptoe Grows Revenue 7.5%, Hitting Record-High $530 Million
In 2024, the company’s earnings per equity partner increased by over 5% to $2.1 million, as per early financial reports.
Profits Surge Across Big Law Tiers; Am Law 50 Segmentation Accelerates
According to Wells Fargo, PEP increased by 16.9% due to strict control over the amount of equity partnerships, while revenue across law firm categories increased by 12.5%.
Canadian In-House Counsel Saw Salary Bumps Across the Board in 2024
According to a recent wage survey, the difference between men’s and women’s pay decreased from 12% to 8% in the previous year.
Promotions & Appointments
People in the News—Jan. 28, 2025—Buchanan Ingersoll, Kleinbard
Two of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney’s lawyers have been appointed to the board of directors of the South Asian Bar Association of Philadelphia (SABA-Philly).
Chamberlain Hrdlicka Taps a New Leader as Firm Follows Succession Planning Path
On January 1, 2026, Houston litigation shareholder Larry Carbo will take over as managing shareholder of Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Aughtry, replacing Larry Campagna.
Class Action Litigator Tapped to Lead Shook, Hardy & Bacon’s Houston Office
In order to supplement the office’s 30-year-old intellectual property and big products liability practices, Stephanie McGraw hopes to grow the corporate and commercial litigation teams.
Perkins Coie Hires Anthony Shannon as Chief People Officer
Shannon’s main goals for Perkins Coie will include lateral partner recruitment.
Littler Kicks Off New Year with the Elevation of 28 Attorneys to Shareholder
In its U.S., Mexico, and Singapore offices, Littler, the biggest employment and labour law firm in the world that represents management, promoted 28 lawyers to shareholder status at the start of the new year. More than 40% of this class of recently promoted shareholders belong to one or more of the company’s affinity groups, and more than 50% of them are women.
Al Tamimi & Co. Appoints New COO to Help Drive Sub-Saharan Africa Expansion
To bolster its regional leadership in the Middle East and expedite its expansion into sub-Saharan Africa, Al Tamimi & Co. appoints Rob Ashing, a graduate of Howard Kennedy, as COO.
Kobre & Kim Hires Regional Managing Director for Latin America
As litigation and other problems increase throughout the region, Renata Ramalhosa will concentrate on business development by strengthening her connections with local law firms and clients.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Big Law Aims to Make DEI Less Divisive in Trump’s Second Term
Law firms are thinking about how to make sure that inclusion-focused initiatives don’t come out as exclusionary to some after an executive order foreshadowed a crackdown on the DEI principle itself.
Diversity Lab Alters DEI-Centered Verbiage on Mansfield Certification Websitev
The creator and CEO of Diversity Lab stated that the criteria are still in effect despite other recent modifications to the website’s DEI language.
Office Openings & Closing:
IP Firm Fish & Richardson to Open Chicago Office
For the firm’s specialized intellectual property lawyers, the 4,300-square-foot office in Chicago’s West Loop district is anticipated to be a place of creativity and cooperation.
Holland & Knight Debuts Defence Industry Group Amid High Demand
Following an increase in opportunities related to the U.S. Défense industry, the Am Law 50 firm is establishing a new practice area specifically focused on working in that sector.
Margolis Edelstein Broadens Leadership with New Co-Managing Partner
Longtime managing partner Michael McKenna will be joined by labour and employment litigator Christopher Tinari, who is expected to eventually succeed him.
AXS Launches New DC Office to Go Global
After the battle is done, they will try to put Ukraine in a position for reconstruction. They will assist Ukrainians who have been defrauded in armament deals with American corporations, said Jeff Gutchess of AXS LAW. “We expect to file some lawsuits against U.S. companies that made promises and failed to deliver,” Gutchess stated.
Ex-Appellate Court Judges Launch Boutique Focused on Plaintiffs Appeals
Along with Dallas appellate attorney Morgan McPheeters, former Texas appellate judges Beth Watkins of San Antonio and Peter Kelly of Houston have established a civil appeals and trial strategy business.
Reed Smith Opening Atlanta Office with 37 Lawyers from Two Firms
In addition to a previously known group of attorneys from Morris, Manning & Martin, the international company is also hiring attorneys from Greenberg Traurig.
Greenberg Traurig Launches Munich Office with Eight Hires, Including McDermott Group
With eight new hires, including a former McDermott M&A and private equity partner, Greenberg Traurig is opening its second office in Germany.
Gunderson Dettmer Opens Atlanta Office with 3 Partners from Morris Manning
The second group to relocate from the Atlanta company to launch a law firm’s first Atlanta office this week are venture capital and IT attorneys.
Bass Berry & Sims Relocates to Nashville Office Designed to Encourage Collaboration, Inclusion
Chief administrative officer Craig Bingham stated, “This ability to connect and collaborate more effectively fits into our ongoing focus on growing a workplace where everyone feels included and empowered to deliver the best results possible for our clients.”
Rosenblatt Breaks Away From RBG, Becomes 40-Strong Standalone Firm
According to the company’s founder, Rosenblatt will carry on without the “distractions” of its prior listing. The move effectively secures the future of the Rosenblatt branded part of RBG’s business although it would appear the AIM-listed company’s other legal arm, Memery Crystal, is splintering.
New Legal Player Broadfield Hires Sidley Trio and Launches in Hong Kong with Local Alliance
To spearhead its aggressive expansion aspirations in Asia Pacific, Broadfield has engaged Effie Vasilopoulos, a seasoned partner and investment funds specialist from Sidley Austin, along with two additional individuals.
Mergers & Alliances:
Midsize Firm Bressler Amery Absorbs Austin Boutique, Gaining Four Lawyers
Four attorneys from Pearce Shambach relocated to the Austin office of Bressler, Amery & Ross, they will be contributing their corporate and transactional expertise to the firm.
Elevate Acquires Intellectual Property Research Provider Sagacious IP
The acquisition, Elevate’s third in nine months, gives the legal services provider access to additional intellectual property capabilities.
Morgan Lewis Says Global Clients Are Noticing ‘Expanded Capacity’ After Kramer Merger in Paris
Earlier this month, group managing partner Steven Wall and firm chair Jami McKeon visited the new office and discussed the future.
Latest Boutique Combination in Florida Continues Am Law 200 Merger Activity
As merger discussions in the market as a whole are anticipated to reach or surpass 2024 levels, Dinsmore & Shohl is merging with a Tampa boutique with ten attorneys.
Pearl Cohen Enters San Francisco Market Via Combination with IP Boutique
The Israeli law firm gains a foothold in Northern California as a result of the deal.
2 Middle East Regional Firms to Merge in the UAE
Matouk Bassiouny and Balfaqeeh Advocates, two regional Middle Eastern law firms, have declared their intention to combine their UAE offices. The partnership, which will function as Matouk Bassiouny & Balfaqeeh, will bring together the staff and resources of the companies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Technology & Innovation:
LexisNexis Announces Public Availability of Personalized AI Assistant Protégé
The assistant was created using technologies from Henchman, an acquired business, and has been in a commercial preview since August 2024.
E-Discovery Provider Casepoint Merges with Government Software Company OPEXUS
In addition to the corporate sector, the merger will expose Casepoint to over 80% of the federal agency market, which is a rising clientele for the e-discovery service.
Legal Departments, Firms Expect Gen AI to Boost ALSP Usage
The Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSP) market is expanding at a faster rate than the traditional legal services market, according to Thomson Reuters’ 2025 Report.
Onit Acquires Case and Matter Management Software Provider Legal Files Software
The acquisition comes soon after the private equity-backed company partnered with Swiftwater and Co.
Cornell Tech Expands Law, Technology and Entrepreneurship Master of Law Program to Part Time Format
The goal of Cornell Tech’s part-time program is to provide law students who work for a legal organization with the opportunity to further their education.
Legal Research Startup Paxton AI Announces $22 Million Series A Funding Round
After the most recent funding round, Paxton AI plans to expand its legal research products.
Canadian Private Equity Firms Are Eyeing the Tech Sector
Canadian legal firms predict a busy 2025 despite unclear trade headwinds, reduced interest rates, and plenty of available money.
Portuguese Law Firm Launches Tech Arm, Becoming Multidisciplinary Operation
After businesses were allowed to provide interdisciplinary services in the nation, Morais Leitão made the decision to introduce a technology-based offering.
Market Commentary:
Stuart Fuller explains why KPMG has pushed to join the competitive U.S. market, what it intends to achieve there, and why he thinks it will succeed while the firm’s legal department waits for a ruling on whether it can function as an alternative company structure in Arizona.
Smaller Firms in ‘Growth Mode’ as Competition, Rates Heat Up
At least three midsize law firms in the Philadelphia and South Jersey areas have announced plans to expand their clientele by bringing on smaller, one- to three-attorney businesses since the year began.
King & Spalding, Weil, Gotshal & Manges Launch Pro Bono Legal Initiative for Tennis Players
British tennis player Tara Moore, who was exonerated of an anti-doping infraction following protracted legal proceedings, started the effort.
Is It Time for Large UK Law Firms to Begin Taking Private Equity Investment?
The topic of private equity investment in law firms is making a comeback, leading to fresh conjecture that the trend may pick up steam in the years to come.
Companies’ Obsession with Soft Skills Has Made Prized GC Posts Even Harder to Land
John Gilmore, managing partner of the legal search firm BarkerGilmore said “If you come in showing any sign of ego, poor communication or weak relationship-building skills, you’re not getting the job.”
In-House AI Adoption Stalls Despite Rising Business Pressures
Tom Dunlop, CEO of Summize, a maker of AI contract-review software said, “There’s a real opportunity for legal to step into a leadership role here, advising the business on the safe and effective use of AI rather than just serving as the final checkpoint before approval.”
How Some Elite Law Firms Are Growing Equity Partner Ranks Faster Than Others
In order to expand their wallet, share with their current, important clients, elite law firms are focusing on lateral partner groupings.
Navigating Partner Exits During Law Firm Mergers
The challenges of keeping top talent while firing partners whose performance, approach, or outlook do not fit the new course of the combined business must be balanced by merging organizations.
Moves:
In-House
Netflix Music Guru Becomes First GC of Startup Helping Independent Artists Monetize Catalogs
General counsel Sachin Premnath said, “this role at Duetti is the perfect intersection of my previous experience advising on catalog acquisitions, acquiring content and growing a label and publishing business”.
Meet the SEC’s New Interim General Counsel
Along with a list of candidates to occupy senior roles at the SEC, Jeffrey Finnell was named the agency’s new interim general counsel on Friday.
Hooters CLO Jumps to Even Larger Chicken Chain
With over 1,500 stores across 22 countries, Church’s Texas Chicken is being legally taken over by Alisa Pittman Cleek.
Global Software Firm Trying to Jump-Start Growth Hands CLO Post to 3-Time Legal Chief
Susan Bennett worked for Culligan for 15 years early in her career, during which time the company underwent five ownership changes.
Goodwin’s Singapore Private Equity Partner Leaves to Join Key Client Hillhouse Investment
Abhishek Krishnan, a partner at Goodwin Procter, has departed the company to join the legal team of Asia-based private equity firm Hillhouse Investment.
Disney+ hires former Netflix lawyer as EMEA legal and business affairs VP
Deepti Burton served as the EMEA head of business and legal affairs for Netflix for six years.
Rosewood Hotels hires former Kempinski GC as vice president for legal
Hadrian Beltrametti Walker, a former general counsel of Kempinski Hotels, has been appointed vice president for legal at Rosewood Hotel Group, with responsibility for the Caribbean and EMEA areas.
MLB team Baltimore Orioles hires CLO from Washington Capitals-owner
Kamaal Jones has been appointed general counsel and chief legal officer for the Baltimore Orioles, a Major League Baseball franchise in the United States.
UK & Ireland
Proskauer Partner Leaves for Fried Frank in London
Aranpreet Randhawa has worked with a number of the best companies in the nation.
Fried Frank Adds Latest Goodwin Partner in London
The firm’s restructuring service in London has been strengthened with the addition of Geoff O’Dea, a partner at Goodwin. O’Dea, a former partner at Baker McKenzie and a member of the private equity group, is departing Goodwin after nearly four years.
SRA General Counsel to Move into Private Practice
Kingsley Napley has hired the general counsel and deputy chief executive of the Solicitors Regulation Authority. After ten years, Juliet Oliver is leaving the UK industry regulator in June to take a position as managing director of Stratify, the company’s strategic regulatory advising division.
White & Case adds Travers’ tech and commercial transactions head in London
With the addition of a partner from renowned City independent Travers Smith, White & Case has expanded its commercial presence in London. After more than 23 years at Travers, where he led the technology and commercial transactions division, Dan Reavill has joined the 2,500-lawyer US firm.
A&L Goodbody welcomes three new partners
Jeff Greene, Eimear Keane, and Steven Duggan have joined A&L Goodbody as partners. Ms. Keane joined the Dublin investment funds and asset management team in December, Mr. Greene joined the Dublin employment group earlier this month, and Mr. Duggan joined the firm’s Belfast corporate and M&A team in November.
Daniel McCracken joins MKB Law
Daniel McCracken is now a member of MKB Law’s private client team. Mr. McCracken has vast experience in all facets of private client practice, including handling difficult and divisive situations.
APAC
Australia’s Clayton Utz Takes Real Estate Partner from Ashurst
Vicki Aron, a real estate partner at Ashurst, has joined the Australian company Clayton Utz to help fulfil the high demand for property legal services. In addition to advising on corporate real estate issues, commercial and industrial leasing, and acquisitions and disposals, Aron specializes in large projects and development deals.
Two Partners Depart Hogan Lovells Ahead of Australian Closure
Ahead of Hogan Lovells’ impending closure of its Sydney office—its final one in Australia—Charles Bogle and James Wood are the most recent partners to get new employment.
Former AMT partner boosts Ashurst’s energy transition offering
Teruma Naito has joined the Tokyo-based projects and energy transition (PET) practice of international law firm Ashurst as a partner. Naito joins from Anderson Mori & Tomotsune, a renowned Japanese firm.
Indonesian boutique AVYA builds corporate practice with new partner hire
Noor M. Aziz, the third partner hired by Indonesian legal firm AVYA legal since July, has been named as the head of the firm’s corporate, commercial, and business transactions practice group.
EMEA
Amazon Corporate Counsel in Brussels Returns to US Firm in ‘Boomerang Hire’
In order to increase the company’s trade coverage in Brussels, Reed Smith has rehired Philip Heeren from Amazon. After two years as corporate counsel at Amazon, where he worked in its EU operations team, Heeren returns as a partner and will head the firm’s EU trade and customs practice.
Hogan Lovells Germany Partner Exits for Willkie After Just a Few Months
Despite only joining Hogan Lovells from Kirkland & Ellis in November, private equity specialist David Huthmacher is relocating to the Willkie Farr & Gallagher office in Munich.
Norton Rose Fulbright significantly expands Italian competition practice with two major hires
Based in Norton Rose Fulbright’s Milan office, Veronica and Martino, who both joined from White & Case, will collaborate closely with the firm’s Brussels office on EU matters.
ECIJA incorporates Jesús Estévez to strengthen its banking and financial law practice
The new partner at ECIJA has a wealth of global experience in banking, project finance, corporate and asset financing, restructuring, and refinancing legal matters.
Gómez-Acebo & Pombo strengthens its Patents practice with the incorporation of Rais Amils
With over two decades of experience, Rais Amils specializes in industrial and intellectual property litigation, mostly defending pharmaceutical corporations’ patents.
Africa-focused boutique hires two in Paris
Former Shearman and Sterling attorney Rayan Keyrouz has joined the partnership at Africa-focused boutique Trinity International, where Florian Quintard formerly served as co-head of the Paris arbitration practice at Pinsent Masons.
Hogan Lovells strengthens its Corporate & Finance practice in Paris with key hire Romain Marchand
Romain Marchand is now a partner in the Infrastructure, Energy, Resources, and Projects practice area of the international law firm Hogan Lovells in Paris. From Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, he joins.
Orrick Adds Cécile Mariotti as Transactions Tax Partner in Paris
In Paris, Cécile Mariotti became a tax partner at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. Mariotti provides tax advice for both domestic and foreign transactions, such as mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, private equity, restructurings, private credit, and other forms of financing.
DLA Piper Partner to Head Up Two New Dentons Practices in Brussels
A longtime partner from DLA Piper has been appointed by Dentons’ Brussels office to lead the company’s new restructuring practice as well as its litigation and dispute resolution department in Belgium.
August Debouzy Strengthens Its Full-Service Client Offering with Two New Partners
Drawing on the established experience of Jennifer Hinge and Hélène Billery, August Debouzy continues to offer its clients full-service support. With Jennifer’s experience in finance and Hélène’s knowledge of public law, environmental law, urban planning, and public health, these two new partners further expand the firm’s capabilities.
The Americas
Weil, Loading Up on More Regulatory Talent, Adds SEC Asset Management Co-Chief
Government hiring is driven by client demand and the firm’s desire to stay ahead of the curve, according to executive partner Barry Wolf.
Cleary Nabs Public Company Advisory Practice Head from Orrick in San Francisco
Orrick public company advisory practice lead Justin Ho will leave the firm after eight years.
Cravath Hires Paul Weiss Antitrust Co-Chair
Andrew Finch will be a rare lateral hire for Cravath from a rival firm.
Brownstein Adds Former Interior Secretary, Offering ‘Strategic Counsel’ During New Trump Term
The arrival comes as corporations and other clients are seeking expert advice on how to navigate another Trump term.
SDNY Criminal Division Deputy Chief Returns to Debevoise
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP announces that Nicholas Folly has returned to the firm as a counsel in the White Collar and Regulatory Defense Group, in the San Francisco office.
Paul Weiss Lands Exec Compensation Head from Sullivan & Cromwell
Matthew Friestedt has provided advice on a number of the biggest M&A transactions over the last fifteen years, such as Kraft’s $60 billion merger with Heinz and AT&T’s acquisitions of Time Warner ($109 billion) and DirectTV ($67 billion).
Former Pioneer Natural Resources Counsel Joins Bracewell’s Dallas Office
Bryan L. Clark has joined Bracewell LLP’s Dallas office as a partner in the company’s practice divisions for energy transition and oil and gas, the firm said today.
White and Williams Bankruptcy Co-Chair Joins Stradley Ronon
Amy Vulpio spent the entirety of her 25-year legal career at White and Williams before making the jump to Stradley Ronon
Former Georgia US Attorney Joins Troutman Pepper Locke in Atlanta
After serving as the Middle District of Georgia’s U.S. attorney for four years, Peter Leary joins the firm’s white-collar crime and investigations practice.
Paul Hastings, recruiting from Davis Polk, Adds Capital Markets Attorney
After more than two decades at Davis Polk, Jeffrey Ramsay stated that it was time to make a change.
Perkins Coie Lures Former Longtime Wilson Sonsini Tech Transactions Partner
Adam Shevell joins the San Francisco office of Perkins Coie.
Polsinelli Picks Up Corporate Health Care Partner from Greenberg Traurig in LA
Ron Grace spent three years as a partner with Greenberg Traurig.
Skadden Picks Up Corporate, M&A Co-Head from Vinson & Elkins
Stephen Gill, who co-led the corporate practice group and strategic M&A practice at Vinson & Elkins, is relocating to Houston to work at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.
Paul Hastings Hires Music Industry Practice Chair from Willkie in Los Angeles
After serving in the same capacity at Willkie for three years, Sidney Fohrman joins Paul Hastings.
Holland & Knight Hires Former Davis Wright Tremaine Managing Partner in Seattle
Scott MacCormack, who abruptly left his leadership position at his previous company in March, is joining Holland & Knight despite the business’s lack of a physical office in Seattle.
Eversheds Sutherland Taps EY Vet to Lead Firm’s Captive ALSP in US
The firm hired Taimur Ghaznavi from EY to lead Konexo US, the firm’s global alternative legal services provider, and Toccarra Brooks as chief strategic recruiting officer for the U.S.
Buchalter Hires Longtime Sheppard Mullin Real Estate Partner as Practice Chair
Aaron Sobaski became a stakeholder and the chair of Buchalter’s real estate practice group in Irvine.
Antitrust Partner Plans Move to Davis Polk from Fried Frank
Nathaniel Asker has been with Fried Frank for the last decade.
Freshfields Hires Ex-SEC Corporate Finance Director in Silicon Valley
Erik Gerding worked at the Securities and Exchange Commission for three years.
Team Moves
Three Akin Sports Lawyers Jump to Employment Firm Littler Mendelson
The three lawyers, who are shareholders in the Am Law 100 business, have a wealth of knowledge on labour and employment law as it relates to employers and organizations in professional and college sports.
New York-Based Skadden Team Joins White & Case Group in Mexico City for Citigroup Demerger
As the banking behemoth gets ready for an initial public offering (IPO) of its retail banking division in Mexico, Citi separated its extremely successful but scandal-plagued Mexican division.
McCarthy Tétrault Taps In-House Lawyers to Bolster Business Law Team
The Canadian firm has lost a renowned litigator in Toronto and added four new partners in Vancouver and Calgary.
Squire Patton Boggs Hires 7-Lawyer Team to Beef Up ESG Practice in Brussels
Partners Peter Sellar and Gerard McElwee will be joining from the U.K.-led firm along with director Manon Ombredane, senior associate Aodhan McGourty, and associates Elise Van Gerven, Maria-Magdalena Markova and Nayelly Landeros.
Kirkland recruits Skadden mass tort team for Philadelphia debut
In an effort to create a new office in Philadelphia, Kirkland & Ellis has brought on five new partners, led by well-known litigator and trial lawyer Allison Brown.
SG’s Sreenivasan Chambers doubles strength with 5-strong team led by K&L partner
Five more lawyers have joined the disputes bench of Sreenivasan Chambers, a Singapore disputes and consultancy firm founded in August by Sreenivasan Narayan SC, a former managing partner of K&L Gates Straits Law.
Courtney Caprio, one of the principal lawyers in the 2023 federal trial, leads the five-lawyer expansion of Miami-based Caldera Law.
Financials:
According to a new ALM managing partner survey, law firms in Florida, Georgia, and Texas reported higher revenue increases as a result of hiking billing rates, but they weren’t afraid to fire a few lawyers.
Several Big Law Firms Saw Year-Over-Year Lobbying Revenue Growth in 2024
Both Akin and Brownstein said in their Lobbying Disclosure Act reports on Tuesday that 2024 was their best year ever.
Montgomery McCracken Touts ‘Record’ Financial Performance Despite Shrinking Head Count
The Philadelphia-based firm saw a decline from 91 attorneys in 2023 to roughly 79 in 2024, despite achieving solid results. Ashley Lynam, the co-chair, most recently departed for Morgan, Lewis & Bockius.
Senior Associates’ Billing Rates See the Biggest Jump
Jennifer McIver of Wolters Kluwer ELM Solutions stated, “You’re getting some associate rates cresting to over $1,000 an hour, as much as some junior partners.”
Disney Legal Chief Sees Pay Surge 36%
Horacio Gutierrez was commended in the company’s recently filed proxy for a number of achievements, including resolving a legal dispute with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Promotions & Appointments
Potter Anderson Elects 2 Attorneys to Firm Partnership
Attorneys Callan R. Jackson and Daniel M. Rusk IV have been elected to the partnership of Potter Anderson & Corroon, with effect from January 1st.
Acting Attorney General James McHenry III Installs New U.S. Attorneys in Manhattan, Brooklyn
The offices confirmed that John J. Durham and Danielle Sassoon will take over as the SDNY and EDNY’s senior prosecutors with immediate effect.
William B. Helbling Named Shareholder of Knox Law
William B. Helbling has been added as a stakeholder in Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett. He concentrates his practice in the areas of business and tax law, securities law, banking and commercial lending, and intellectual property & technology.
Day Pitney Announces Partner Elevations
Patricia J. Durelli, Michael Hanna, Matthew J. Letten, Alan Ruiz, and Joanna M. Targonski are among the eight new partners the business has promoted, five of whom are located in Connecticut.
Morris Nichols Names New Chief Financial Officer
William P. Michelson was elevated to chief financial officer by Morris Nichols Arsht & Tunnell, with effect from January 1st.
Gregory Sellers Elevated to Of Counsel
Klehr Harrison Harvey Branzburg declared that Gregory R. Sellers, an attorney in the litigation department, and Elizabeth Webb Bucilla, an attorney in the corporate and securities department, were elected to the firm’s partnership with effect from January 1st.
Arthur Cox appoints eight new of counsel
Orla Clayton, Fiona Cotter, Edel Curry, Katrina Donnelly, Ciara Dooley, Audrey Hughes, Aoife Mac Ardle, and Ben Rayner have all been named as attorneys by Arthur Cox. In the company’s life sciences division, Ms. Clayton is in charge of the knowledge function. She has consulted on both general and sector-specific EU and national standards in connection to a wide range of products, and she has a wealth of knowledge in the life sciences, food, alcoholic beverage, agribusiness, healthcare, cosmetics, consumer goods, and retail sectors.
Galicia promotes seven in Mexico
Galicia Abogados, a Mexican elite firm, has expanded its practice areas by adding four new partners and three new attorneys.
Burges Salmon names successor to senior partner Seaton
Chris Seaton’s senior partner has been replaced by Burges Salmon, an independent law company in the UK. Seaton, who has been a senior partner since 2017, will hand off to Ross Fairley on May 1st.
King’s Counsel appointments rise to 105 in largest cohort for four years
The Bar Council has voiced concern over the lack of a successful Black applicant, but 105 advocates from England and Wales are celebrating being promoted to the rank of King’s Counsel (KC), the largest class in four years.
McDermott refreshes antitrust leadership with trio of appointments
Ray Jacobsen, the longtime head of competition at McDermott Will & Emery, has been replaced by three partners as the firm’s worldwide antitrust group leader. Jon Dubrow is in charge of the firm’s US antitrust group, Christian Krohs is in charge of the European practice group, and Ryan Tisch will assume overall worldwide antitrust leadership.
Diversity & Inclusion:
John Deere Annual Meeting Offers Peek into DEI Strife That Looms for Companies Nationwide
Paul Chesser of the National Legal and Policy Center, a group that opposes corporate diversity initiatives, stated, “There is no reason to believe companies are genuinely eliminating DEI—they are just going to hide it better.”
With DEI Rollbacks, Employment Lawyers See Potential For Targeting Corporate Commitment to Equality
In the event that a lawsuit alleges that a particular employee’s termination or other action was motivated by variables like race, gender, religion, or national origin, companies that have reduced their DEI activities should be ready for those actions to be closely examined.
Meta Workers Aren’t of One Mind on Company’s Retreat From DEI, Fact-Checking
45 percent of the 965 Meta workers polled by the messaging app that protects anonymity of those surveyed, 43% agreed with the company’s decision to shut down its DEI activities, while Blind opposed.
Office Openings & Closing:
Goodwin Procter Relocates to Renewable-Powered Office in San Francisco’s Financial District
Associates are set to welcome uniform office space after some initial resistance.
Pinsent Masons Relocates to Eco-Friendly Office in Glasgow
The new office has been declared as one of the most sustainable in Scotland.
Four More Partners Exit DLA Piper Affiliate in Brazil
The female partners have established their own firm and are experts in M&A and other business affairs.
Consulting Group Alvarez & Marsal Opens in Dublin
After announcing plans to establish a new mid-market law firm, the consultancy firm has been aiming to expand in Ireland.
Singapore Litigators Shift Competitive Landscape as Another Senior Duo Sets Up Own Shop
The partners of the Big Four Singaporean firm Drew & Napier, Siraj Omar and Allister Tan, have departed with a group of four attorneys to form their own practice.
‘Three good friends’ found new firm to partner with China’s Yingke
After receiving approval from the Law Society of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong-based business Hui Doe & Sum Law business plans to formally associate with Yingke Law Firm, which is the biggest law firm in China in terms of manpower.
Mergers & Alliances:
SurePoint Acquires Legal Practice Management Company ZenCase
Less than a year has passed since SurePoint purchased legal business intelligence and analytics firm Leopard Solutions, which ZenCase has since merged.
German Patent Law Firms to Merge
The Dusseldorf office of KSVR will be taken over by Hoffmann Eitle. Both firms have been among the top-ranked IP law firms in Germany and Europe for many years.
The newly established organization will combine the advantages of two reputable legal practices, both of which are well-known for their proficiency and outstanding abilities in the area of intellectual property. The new firm hopes to become one of the leading IP firms in France, with teams of lawyers specializing in patents, trademarks, designs and models, copyright, unfair competition, and parasitism.
King & Spalding completes merger with Saudi Arabia’s Al Fahad & Partners
The combined firm will operate as King & Spalding Al Fahad with 26 lawyers including seven partners in Riyadh.
Japan’s Miura & Partners expands presence to Malaysia with alliance
After declaring that it will form a strategic partnership with the Malaysian law firm Donovan & Ho, the Japanese legal firm Miura & Partners has furthered its growth in Southeast Asia. Beginning in March of this year, the partnership will create a “one-stop service” platform in Kuala Lumpur that will provide accounting, tax, and legal services to Japanese businesses looking to engage in M&A and other business operations in Malaysia.
Technology & Innovation:
Contract Technology Provider LegalOn Launches AI-powered Playbook Tool
Users can create, edit, and redline their playbook documents using My Playbooks.
Mark Brennan, a partner in digitalization, talks about how Hogan Lovells is giving its technology investments top priority and how he intends to encourage creativity among various business audiences.
Avantia Publicly Announces Agentic AI Platform Ava
The platform has been developed and used for a number of years by the firm, which creates proprietary software to manage work for private equity customers.
Davis Wright Tremaine Turns to Gen AI to Teach Its Associates Legal Writing
The writing recommendations provided by the firm’s proprietary software, DWT Prose, are based on the work produced by the firm’s seasoned attorneys.
In-House Legal Network the L Suite Acquires Legal E-Learning Platform Luminate+
On its platform, Luminate+ gives users access to webinars created by law firms for in-house counsel as well as other continuing legal education materials.
The New Rules of AI: Part 2—Designing and Implementing Governance Programs
We now move on to the five essential actions that businesses need to do in order to create and execute successful AI governance initiatives.
Womble Bond Becomes First Firm in UK to Roll Out AI Tool Firmwide
CoCounsel is used by other companies, but Womble Bond was the first to make the program accessible to all attorneys in the United Kingdom.
Top 10 Predictions for the Legal Technology Job Market in 2025
These are TRU’s top 10 predictions for the trends that will influence hiring, pay, and workforce dynamics in the upcoming year, based on decades of expertise placing professionals across Fortune 1000, Am Law 200, and international legal service providers.
Market Commentary:
Cohen Seglias Leader Discusses Growing from Construction Practice into Full-Service Law Firm
To grow beyond its foundation in construction law, the midsize company Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman has depended on deliberate and strategic growth.
Kirkland Lands in Phila., but Rate Pressure May Limit the High-Flying Firm’s Growth Prospects
A suitable analogy may be Goodwin Procter, which entered the city in early 2023 and concentrated on private equity and life sciences transactions. In 2024, the business only brought on five new local attorneys.
How This Dark Horse Firm Became a Major Player in China
Since opening an office in Beijing in 2008, Loeb & Loeb has been taking the long view and is currently outperforming firms like Skadden, Kirkland, and Davis Polk for work on Asian companies’ U.S. initial public offerings.
Law Firms Benefit from Rise of Family Conglomerate IPOs in Middle East countries
Businesses are struggling to handle the intricacies of family transition without legal counsel as third and fourth generations take over.
The New M&A Kings All Have Something in Common
The Global Lawyer claims that over the past 20 years, Kirkland, Latham, Paul Weiss, and others have supplanted firms like Sullivan & Cromwell, Clifford Chance, and Slaughter and May as the world’s leading M&A firms.
The Gloves Are Off in the Battle for Top Partner Talent
Armed with recently introduced or enlarged nonequity tiers, several law firms have also intensified their competition for up-and-coming talent. The competition for top talent and market share is fair.
Moves:
In-House
Private Equity-Backed Medical Imaging Chain Hires CLO, Continuing C-Suite Makeover
According to Chris Shea, chief legal officer of MedQuest Associates, “Health care organizations face an increasingly complicated business landscape at the same time that the demand for their services is dictating rapid expansion, innovation, and operational shifts.”
Kraken’s Chief Legal Officer Exits, Eyes Role in Trump Administration
Regarding his tenure at Kraken Digital Asset Exchange, Marco Santori, the departing chief legal officer, remarked, “Just consider all the tough stuff that warrants a division of seventy full-time, stone-cold Socratic assassins.”
MLB’s Texas Rangers Search for a New GC and a Broadcasting Deal
The Texas Rangers are looking for a new general counsel to head their legal department as they struggle to find a partner to broadcast their games, two years after winning a World Series.
American Public Transport Association hires GC from PBGC
Linda Ford, who departed the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) last year, has been replaced as general counsel by Taria Barron. Barron previously worked as an attorney-advisor in the general law and ethics branch of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a US pension insurer.
UK & Ireland
Clifford Chance Adds Skadden Rainmaker in London
Since Chris Sullivan left for Paul Weiss last year, the company has been under pressure to increase its private equity offering. Since then, they have hired well known M&A partner Bruce Embley. Embley advises on private capital transactions for private equity and corporate clients.
Weil Hires White & Case Partner in Rebuild of London Finance Ranks
After little over six years, infrastructure specialist Simon Caridia is departing White & Case. Caridia also worked at Linklaters and CMS before becoming a partner at Herbet Smith Freehills. His work focuses on providing advice on a variety of topics, such as acquisitions, refinances, and restructurings, to industry sponsors, infrastructure and private equity funds, commercial bank lenders, multilateral agencies, and institutional investors.
Skadden Boosts London Ranks with Baker McKenzie Hire
The announcement that Patrick O’Gara, who is rated as a ‘highly regarded practitioner’ by World Tax, will be joining Skadden as the head of Tax Controversy, was made a few days after it was revealed that Bruce Embley, a prominent figure in private equity, was leaving for Clifford Chance.
BCLP Enhances Financial Disputes and Investigations Practice with Baker McKenzie Partner
Partner Marc Thorley is a strategic addition to Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner’s financial services disputes and investigations practice in London. He leaves his position as EMEA lead for the company’s global financial institutions group at Baker McKenzie.
Simmons Hires Competition Head from DLA Piper
Sarah Smith, who led the UK competition unit at DLA Piper, joins. Smith worked at DLA for more than 21 years, during which time he gained knowledge in the fields of technology, media, communications, healthcare, and life sciences.
Mishcon de Reya boosts competition litigation offering with new hire
Wessen Jazrawi became a partner in the Competition Litigation group at Mishcon de Reya. Wessen specializes in complex cases involving competition. Wessen was a partner at Hausfeld prior to joining Mishcon de Reya, where she established a solid reputation in claimant-side litigation.
Partner Kirsti Massie joins Stephenson Harwood
With the appointment of partner Kirsti Massie, Stephenson Harwood LLP has expanded its practice in projects, energy, and infrastructure. She comes to the London-based business from Mayer Brown, where she co-led the infrastructure and projects division.
Lewis Silkin recruits Joanne Hyde as partner in Dublin
She joins Lewis Silkin from Eversheds Sutherland Ireland, where she led the employment team for many years. She advises clients on the employment law challenges that arise as a result of employment disputes and strategic HR issues.
Jones Day signs up former lord chancellor Alex Chalk as a partner in London
Alex Chalk KC, the former secretary of state for justice and lord chancellor, has joined Jones Day’s London disputes practice as a partner. Chalk, the first former Lord Chancellor to return to the criminal courts, joins the US firm.
APAC
Deacons Hires Reed Smith’s Banking Partner in Hong Kong
Hong Kong firm Deacons has poached Reed Smith’s banking and finance partner Michael Sinn in Hong Kong.
HFW Takes Herbert Smith Freehills Energy Partner in Perth
Global firm Holman Fenwick Willan has hired Graeme Gamble, an energy sector-focused mergers and acquisitions partner, from Herbert Smith Freehills to add to its Australian practice.
Former Dentons, Baker McKenzie Partners Join Hong Kong Boutique Linked to China’s Yingke
Ronald Sum, a seasoned conflicts attorney, recently joined the local boutique Hui Doe & Sum Law Firm after leaving his position as a partner in Baker McKenzie’s Hong Kong office.
Indonesian boutique AVYA builds corporate practice with new partner hire
Noor M. Aziz, the third partner hired by Indonesian legal firm AVYA legal since July, has been named as the head of the firm’s corporate, commercial, and business transactions practice group. With a focus on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), foreign direct investments, joint ventures, restructuring, and corporate compliance, Aziz has more than eight years of experience in corporate and commercial law.
Hong Kong’s PC Woo welcomes back litigator in leadership role
Two new managing partners have been added to the Hong Kong law firm PC Woo & Co.: Gary Wong, a longtime corporate partner at the firm, and litigator Calvin Chow, who rejoined the business after a year at offshore firm Harneys.
EMEA
Goodwin Hires Quinn Emanuel Partner to Launch Office in Brussels
Antitrust partner Stephen Mavroghenis, who is leaving Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, will head Goodwin Procter’s new office in Brussels.
Top A&O Shearman Labor Lawyer Leaves to Found Boutique Firm
The firm’s former managing partner in Germany, Thomas Ubber, will also be sending a staff to the new headquarters.
Former Miral GC Brings Commercial Insight to BCLP’s Middle East Real Estate Practice
Former DLA Piper attorney Philip Hecht returns to his beginnings as a partner at BCLP after serving as general counsel for almost ten years at the Miral Group, based in Abu Dhabi.
Graf von Westphalen Hires Watson Farley German Public Law Group
The head of Watson Farley & Williams’ German public law and competition group, Felix Siebler, a partner at Watson Farley since 2018 who headed the Munich office as well as the Regulation, Public Law & Competition practice group in Germany for several years, has joined rival Graf von Westphalen (GvW), expanding GVW’s expertise in infrastructure and digitalization projects in the public sector.
Pierre-Olivier Mahieu joins Jones Day’s corporate practice in Brussels
Pierre-Olivier Mahieu has been advising clients on capital markets transactions, private equity, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) for thirty years. In the banking, fintech, insurance, retail, aerospace, and energy industries, he has been a part of numerous noteworthy deals.
Davide D’Affronto and Nicholas Lasagna new Partners Chiomenti
Together with their team of experts, Davide D’Affronto and Nicholas Lasagna will become new partners at Chiomenti, strengthening the firm’s position as a leader in the finance sector. Davide D’Affronto will head the Lending and Leverage Finance division, while the new partners will join the Debt Finance Practice Area.
Clifford Chance Boosts Private Credit Offering with Second Partner Hire This Week
Clifford Chance has bolstered its private credit offering with the addition of Italian partner Gianluca Fanti, his practice focuses on advising Italian and global investment banks, funds and financial sponsors on bespoke structured debt solutions.
Hogan Lovells Johannesburg MP Joins ALN; Firm Relocates Partner to D.C. After Closure
Chris Green, a former managing partner of Hogan Lovells in South Africa, has joined A&K, the Tanzanian branch of African network ALN, after the global firm left South Africa in December. After leaving Pinsent Masons in 2021 to work as a corporate and finance partner at Hogan Lovells, Green was named managing partner in 2023 and remained there until the firm’s demise.
Simmons Partner Joins French IP Boutique to Lead New Amsterdam Outpost
Johan Renes, a partner at Simmons & Simmons, has been appointed by the French intellectual property boutique Plasseraud IP to head its new Amsterdam office as it looks to expand globally. Renes has over 30 years of expertise working with top pharmaceutical and life science firms, offering advice on patent litigation, licensing, and strategy. She brings three patent attorneys and a senior paralegal to the table.
The Americas
Former US State Dept. Official Joins King & Spalding Investigations Group
Nema Milaninia helped shape policy related to cybersecurity and emerging technology for the U.S. State Department.
People in the News—Jan. 14, 2025—Barley Snyder, Holland & Knight
Robin L. Felty, the company’s chief operating officer (COO), just joined Barley Snyder.
Matthew Donelson Joins Rawle & Henderson in Wilmington
Matthew P. Donelson just joined Rawle & Henderson as an attorney in the Wilmington office.
Veteran Federal Trade Law Enforcer Joins King & Spalding in Washington
Ryan Majerus, a former acting assistant secretary for enforcement and compliance at the U.S. Department of Commerce, stated that the company’s “established and highly respected international trade practice” was “a big reason I came here.”
Big Law Begins 2025 With Boston Laterals and Deals
Leaders of law firms and industry insiders have recently cited Boston as a promising location for investment.
Vinson & Elkins Expands Environmental Team with Chair of Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
At Vinson & Elkins, Jon Niermann anticipates helping project developers get permits and defending clients in enforcement proceedings.
People in the News—Jan. 16, 2025—McGuireWoods, High Swartz
With fourteen years of experience advising businesses on complex personnel and commercial conflicts as well as compliance issues, litigator Gretchen E. Woodruff has joined McGuireWoods as a partner in Pittsburgh.
Veteran Litigators Move from Sidley Austin to Alston & Bird’s New Chicago Office
Reuniting with former coworkers, toxic tort litigators Kara McCall and Beth Chiarello founded the firm in July 2024.
ITC Commissioner Rhonda Schmidtlein Resigns, Joins Wilmer as Partner
In July 2013, President Barack Obama initially nominated Schmidtlein, a Democrat from Missouri to the ITC.
Hogan Lovells Hires Quinn Emanuel IP Litigator in San Francisco
After over 25 years at Quinn Emanuel, David Perlson joins Hogan Lovells.
Blank Rome Snags Two Labor and Employment Partners from Stevens & Lee
Blank Rome have announced that Daniel J. Sobol and Brandon S. Shemtob have joined the firm’s nationally recognized Labor & Employment group in Philadelphia. Daniel and Brandon represent national and regional employers across industries in a range of traditional labour, union, and employment matters. They join Blank Rome from Stevens & Lee.
Freeman Mathis & Gary Adds Florida Partners, Employment Pro Joins Jackson Lewis
Additionally, Constangy adds IT experts in two cities, while FisherBroyles adds an IP partner in Silicon Valley.
In addition to other changes, Einhorn Barbarito recruited a partner to the firm’s practice groups in accidents and personal injury, real estate, commercial litigation, estate, trust and probate litigation, and family/matrimonial.
Greenberg Traurig Litigation Co-Chair Returning After Three Years as US Attorney
Philip Sellinger will be rejoining the firm as of Feb 1st. He founded the firm’s New Jersey office in 2002.
Sidley recruits M&A partners in New York from Jones Day, Simpson Thacher
In addition to hiring an M&A partner from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett in the city, Sidley Austin has appointed a senior partner from Jones Day in New York as a worldwide co-leader of its M&A practice. After working at Jones Day for almost 13 years, most recently as the M&A chair for the Americas, David Grubman has joined Sidley.
Team Moves
Alston & Bird Adds M&A, Private Equity Team from McDermott in New York
The “continued strategic expansion” of the company’s transactional services in New York will be aided by David Grimes and Patrick Rowe.
Weil Saw 20 People Leave in Partners’ Lateral Move to Paul Weiss
Elizabeth Weiswasser books has generated at least $80 million in revenue. She was a 30-year veteran of Weil.
12-Partner Team ‘Surprises’ Atlanta Firm’s Leaders with Exit to Launch New Reed Smith Office
Morris Manning & Martin managing partner Simon Malko stated that the firm has been working “closely” with a consultant on the firm’s new strategic plan since July “to map out the future of our corporate practice.”
Texas-Based Ferguson Braswell Expands in California with 6-Lawyer Team from Orange County Law Firm
With the addition of the team from Vogt, Resnick & Sherak, the Texas-based firm’s Irvine office now includes 19 attorneys, one year after it first opened in California.
Mintz Adds 3 New Partners in Toronto, Bringing Its Canadian Office Lawyer Head Count To 35
Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo continues to expand its Toronto office with the addition of three new partners, Emily Y. Fan, Geoffrey Cher, and Adam Banack from some of the city’s top business and litigation firms.
Hogan Lovells’ 19-Lawyer Polish Team Moves En Masse to Rödl
By incorporating a 25-person team from Hogan Lovells, comprising two partners and 19 attorneys, Rödl & Partner has increased its footprint in Poland.
Further Expansion of Employment Law: Six-Person Team Moves to GvW
Dr. Adrian Löser (Local Partner) and Dr. Elisa Kottlors (Counsel) are from Berlin and Munich, respectively, and Dr. Nina Springer (Equity Partner) and Léon Wolters (Equity Partner) have joined the Hamburg office, along with Dr. Franziska von Kummer (Local Partner) and Inge Ditscherlein (Assistant). With an emphasis on the automotive, mechanical engineering, and healthcare sectors, the team’s areas of competence include offering employment law assistance on restructurings and reorganizations.
CMS Sheds 15 Real Estate Lawyers Following Second Redundancy Round in 18 Months
CMS has eliminated 15 positions from its real estate unit in the United Kingdom due to concerns about additional layoffs in the sector sparked by economic instability. The firm conducted comparable job cuts less than 18 months ago, dumping colleagues in its corporate division, which led to the layoffs that are affecting associates and counsel.
Financials:
Sonos’ Legal Chief Sees Pay More Than Quadruple Amid Executive Upheaval
As a general counsel, Eddie Lazarus has proven to be adaptable. Between 2022 until the beginning of last year, Lazarus alternated between being the chief strategic officer and the chief financial officer.
Pam Bondi’s Lobbying and Law Firm Revenue Disclosed
Pam Bondi, the attorney general nominee of President-elect Donald Trump, has a net worth of over $12 million.
Law Firms Grapple With ‘Friction’ Over Nonequity Partner Pay
According to firm executives and experts, the compensation of nonequity partners may be comparable to or overlap with that of senior associates, counsel, and certain equity partners.
Quinn Emanuel Grows UK Revenue By 12%
In just five years, the London office’s revenue has more than doubled, and in 2024, it will reach £200 million for the first time, according to Quinn’s.
Promotions & Appointments
Newly Elected Albany County DA Restructures Office Leadership
DA for Albany County Jennifer Aguila has been appointed chief of staff by Lee Kindlon, while Joseph Meany has been appointed chief assistant district attorney.
Orrick Promotes 17 Lawyers to Partner
Ten offices around the world house the new partners. They will strengthen the firm’s teams serving the tech, energy, finance and life sciences sectors.
Robinson & Cole Elects New Partners and Counsel
There are nine firmwide promotions, including four Connecticut attorneys. The new partners and counsel represent a range of practice areas, including business litigation, intellectual property, real estate, environmental, insurance, and managed care and ERISA litigation.
Balch & Bingham Elects New Partners, Adds Litigator from Jones Walker
Five individuals have been chosen to become partners in three states by the Birmingham-based firm. Stephen Broadus from the Gulfport, Mississippi office of the company, Kye C. Handy and Anne Harlan Latino from the Jackson, Mississippi office, Christy Boardman Kuklinski from the Birmingham, Alabama office, and Christopher Walker from the Jacksonville, Florida office are among the new partners.
Hicks Johnson Promotes Lori Arakaki and Daniel Scime to Firm Partnership
Rising talents are promoted to firm partnerships by a premier boutique with offices in Houston and Chicago. Lori Arakaki litigates complex commercial disputes before federal and state courts at both the trial and appellate levels, as well as in arbitration proceedings. Conversely, Dan Scime focuses his practice on complex civil litigation, including trials and appeals.
Former Thomas Clerk Sarah Harris to Serve as Acting Solicitor General
The U.S. Solicitor General’s Office will be temporarily led by the Williams & Connolly partner until John Sauer, Trump’s nominee, is anticipated to be confirmed by the Senate.
Vedder Price Shareholder Javier Lopez Appointed to Miami Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board
Vedder Price stockholder Javier Lopez has been added to the Planning, Zoning, & Appeals Board’s board. Francis Suarez, the mayor of Miami, nominated each of the board’s eleven members.
Milbank Makes Up Three London Partners in Promotions Round
Milbank, a U.S. business, has promoted 17 attorneys, including three in London, to its worldwide partnership. Compared to the 12 promotions the company made in 2024; this year’s cohort represents an increase of 5. With ten promotions, New York accounts for the majority of the new partners. Similarly, In Munich, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, two attorneys received promotions.
DLA Piper Appoints New Co-Managing Partners for Peru Office
In Lima, managing partner Ricardo Escobar will return to supervise the project finance and energy and natural resources practices, while M&A partner Luis Vargas and finance partner Sergio Barboza will co-manage the office.
SFO Appoints Top Lawyer to Advise Director
As the SFO’s most senior attorney, Matthew Wagstaff will succeed current general counsel Sara Lawson KC and assume the new position of “director of legal services.” Since joining the SFO in 2012, Wagstaff has served as both the head of fraud and corruption and the joint head of bribery and corruption.
RPC Asia Head Antony Sassi Appointed as Global Managing Partner
Longtime managing partner James Miller’s successor has been chosen by the city-based legal company RPC. On May 1st, 2025, litigator Antony Sassi will start a four-year tenure, replacing Miller, who has held the position since 2017.
Carey Abogados’ Senior Partner Becomes New Head of IBA, First Chilean to Assume Role of President
Spanish attorney Almudena Arpón de Mendívil y Aldama has been replaced as the International Bar Association’s president by Jaime Carey, senior partner of Carey Abogados, the biggest law company in Chile. With 80,000 attorneys in 170 countries, the organization has been around for 80 years, and Carey is the first Chilean and fourth Latin American to serve as its president.
Turley Legal promotes Ciara Christie to director
Ciara Christie has been elevated to director at Turley Legal, a practice based in Northern Ireland. Since becoming a licensed solicitor in 2016, Ms. Christie has worked in the real estate industry and has substantial experience with both residential and commercial properties.
RDJ appoints Lisa Mansfield as dispute resolution partner
Lisa Mansfield has joined RDJ’s dispute resolution practice as a partner. In addition to her primary practice of commercial litigation, which includes advising insurers in professional indemnity litigation and inter-company conflicts, Ms. Mansfield specializes in dispute settlement.
Four new of counsel at McCann FitzGerald
Senior associates Alison Carroll, James Fitzgerald, Daniel Lucey, and Seán Mulvey have been elevated to the position of counsel at McCann FitzGerald.
Diversity & Inclusion:
After Meta Ditches DEI, Civil Rights Chief Announces Exit
On LinkedIn Roy Austin wrote, “I must acknowledge the complexity and challenges of our work. Building for everyone, listening to everyone, and meeting the needs and expectations of our global community is pretty much impossible”.
People in the News—Jan. 15, 2025—Ballard Spahr, Brahin Law
The Philadelphia Bar Association, which has 8,500 members and places a high priority on social responsibility, community service, and equal justice, has appointed Virginia G. Essandoh, chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer at Ballard Spahr, as its diversity chair.
Farella Elevates First Female Firmwide Managing Partners
In the 63-year history of Farella Braun + Martel, Holly Sutton and Karen Kimmey are the first female co-managers.
South African Legal Council to Oppose Norton Rose Over Ethnicity Score System
Both domestic and foreign firms are keeping a close eye on the case because it has the potential to either support or contradict the B-BBEE regulation, which would affect South African legal firms that have local corporations.
Office Openings & Closing:
Houston Trial Lawyer Mary-Olga Lovett Leaves King & Spalding to Open Boutique
Trial attorney Mary-Olga “Mo” Lovett, who formerly worked at King & Spalding and Greenberg Traurig, started her own business so she could have more control over her docket and avoid conflicts and Big Law charging rates.
Buchalter Opens in Chicago with 25 Lawyers
This office is Buchalter’s third new location since 2023.
Morgan Lewis Closes Shenzhen Office After Less Than Two Years
The firm’s former Shenzhen head departed for DLA Piper in November.
Danish Firm Lundgrens to Close Its Doors After Losing Many Partners
Last week, Lundgrens lost an employment partner to the Danish company Mazanti-Andersen and a group of 13 partners to DLA Piper.
Malaysia’s Shearn Delamore Set to Expand Local Footprint with New Office Launch
In addition to its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, the company is opening a new office in Johor Bahru.
US-Based Smith, Gambrell & Russell Expands to Italy with Cross-Border Transactional Attorneys
According to firm officials, the goal of the new Milan office is to assist Italian businesses looking to launch in the United States.
Corporate, trade and tax boutique Anagata Law Firm launches in Indonesia
As tax and trade lawyer Riza Buditomo departs the partnership at Armand Yapsunto Muharamsyah & Partners (AYMP) to start Anagata Law Firm, which will concentrate on corporate, commercial, trade, and tax work, a new player has entered Indonesia’s quickly expanding legal market.
Mergers & Alliances:
Womble Bond Dickinson’s Wilmington Office Sees New Leadership as Merger Is Completed
After formally merging with Phoenix-based Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie, the Am Law 100 firm now has four new office managing partners, as well as Merrick Benn as its new chair and CEO.
Ethiopian Lawyers Turn to International Alliances as New Securities Exchange Launched
Some industries, such as banking and telecommunications, had been liberalized and made accessible to international investors prior to the establishment of the Ethiopia Securities Exchange (ESX).
The legal division of the Warsaw-based Crido Group, which merged with Reon Legal, a spinoff from Noerr last year, is gaining new clients, including banks and businesses from German-speaking nations.
Technology & Innovation:
AI-Powered Mass Tort Company Parambil Announces $2 Million in Pre-Seed Funding
The startup employs AI to find possible mass tort claims, create evidence, and establish causal relationships.
Agiloft Acquires AI-Powered Contract Playbook Provider Screens, Aiming to Foster Industry Standardsv
The standards-based contract review capabilities of Screens will be integrated into the private equity-backed CLM.
Practical In-House Insights to Activate AI
To see how corporate counsel is using AI, including generative AI, to handle complicated tasks, evaluate big datasets, and improve strategic decision-making, join the webcast.
Following the company’s acquisition of legal tech firm Laer AI, which had received funding and support from Sullivan & Cromwell, the new Assistant and the opening of Epiq AI Labs follow.
A recent study has discovered that the majority of legal and compliance professionals believe that artificial intelligence has the potential to help them significantly reduce their ever-escalating workloads, but they remain diffident toward the rapidly developing innovation.
Greenberg Traurig, Holland & Knight Leaders Expect AI Investments to Jump in 2025
As businesses and clients become more accustomed to the new technology, leaders from Florida’s top ranked Am Law 100 companies anticipate further adoption of AI this year.
Exploring Generative AI’s Impact on Intellectual Property
Highlights of some of the difficulties posed by GenAI, as well as new advancements in trademark and copyright law in this rapidly changing field.
Gen AI Legal Tech Startup Eve Raises $47 Million Series A Investment
The startup will be able to concentrate on hiring and implementing features specifically designed to assist personal injury firms thanks to the fundraising round, which is headed by Andreessen Horowitz.
Market Commentary:
Arizona Board Gives Thumbs Up to KPMG’s Bid to Deliver Legal Services
The Big Four firm’s application for an ABS license was unanimously approved by the Arizona Supreme Court’s Committee on Alternative Business Structures.
Latham Claims Top Spot as US Firms Dominate UK M&A Rankings
According to this year’s top 20, American companies are still gaining ground in the UK M&A sector, with rival Kirkland & Ellis not far behind.
How a Paul Weiss Associate’s Career Took Off with Help from a Social Mobility Alliance
Private equity associate Arun Sohan-Pall, who launched his career with help from The PRIME alliance, “I still remember arriving in London wearing my 20 quid suit.”
Are Counsel Ranks Getting ‘Squeezed’ as Nonequity and Associate Pay Grows?
According to Jeff Lowe of CenterPeak, increases in salary for attorneys may wind up in “no man’s or no woman’s land.”
‘Headaches,’ Opportunities Ahead for Lawyers Advising Foreign Businesses, Attorneys Say
According to Howard Fischer, a former senior trial counsel at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, this “is an incredible opportunity for both U.S. and non-U.S. lawyers who want to help companies” navigate the new climate. At the annual conference of the New York State Bar Association, the panellists gave speeches.
Building an Ownership Mindset as a Gen Z Junior Associate
Many young attorneys struggle to meet the increasingly flexible standards of the legal profession. Even while the majority sincerely want to achieve, they appear to be passing up chances to take charge of their work and growth in favour of waiting for clear instructions or viewing projects as discrete jobs rather than possibilities for personal growth.
Trump’s Second Term Spurs Unusual Alliances Between US and European Law Firms
With a number of surprising partnerships, Donald Trump’s re-election has ushered in a new age of transatlantic cooperation in the legal sector.
Five Key Predictions on How AI Will Reshape Law Firms in 2025
Over the coming lawyers are likely to face an overwhelming array of fresh challenges as AI becomes more widely used by clients and firms alike.
Moves:
In-House
White Castle GC Becomes Chain’s First President from Outside Family
Anthony Joseph stated on LinkedIn, “Contributing to the stewardship of an over 100-year-old iconic brand is a privilege and a responsibility I hold with great care.”
Carlos Ortiz Retiring After 35-Year Run as GC of Goya Foods
According to Goya, it employs 4,000 people and is the biggest Hispanic-owned food firm in the country.
DLA Piper Adds Former Verizon GC Amid In-House Hiring Spree
At least five senior in-house attorneys have been to Big Law this week, including former Verizon Business Group GC and SVP John Frantz.
Former Google Legal Exec Joins Ad Tech Unicorn as GC
Iris Chen, who has served as deputy general counsel at Aribnb for more than four years, is joining the Bay Area machine learning startup Moloco.
Former Capital One Deputy GC Takes Legal Reins of AIG Spinoff
With a stellar CV that includes senior positions at Capital One and Fannie Mae, Polly Klane most recently served as general counsel of Citizens Financial, the 20th-largest bank in the country.
Ex-Marathon General Counsel Takes Legal Reins of Another Energy Company
After a dismal 2024, Kimberly Warnica is joining APA Corp. as it tightens its belt.
The Met Hires GC of Elite University as Next Legal Chief
The cultural organization in New York City claimed it carried out a thorough nationwide search for a replacement for retiring artist Sharon Cott.
From CLO to President: Kevin Boon Takes the Helm at Mysten Labs
Kevin Boon, a seasoned corporate counsel lawyer and current president of Mysten Labs, stated, “The more you immerse yourself in the company’s business matters, the more you become a trusted confidant to everybody on the team.”
The appointment coincides with an impending antitrust trial that may cause the tech titan to disband.
American Airlines Legal Chief Departs for Warner Bros. Discovery
In 2019, soon before COVID-19 devastated the airline industry as a whole, Priya Aiyar joined American.
Direct Line hires GC from Close Brothers amid Aviva merger plans
In the midst of a possible £3.7 billion merger with Aviva, UK insurance business Direct Line has appointed Angela Yotov as group general counsel, one of three executive appointments.
UK’s Independent Football Regulator appoints first legal head
As the shadow regulator ramps up its operations while the Football Governance Bill passes parliament, the UK’s Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has appointed David Riley as head of legal, a newly established position.
UK & Ireland
Clifford Chance Strengthens Private Credit Offering with Mayer Brown Partners
Aimee Sharman and Matt Lilley will become partners in the company’s global financial markets practice. Sharman has been with Mayer Brown for more than five years. Before that, she worked at Hogan Lovells and the historic firm SJ Berwin. Lilley, who only joined Mayer Brown as Clifford Chance’s counsel in 2021, is making a comeback with the transfer.
Simmons hires specialist real estate transactions partner
By adding partner Danielle Hirsch to its London office, international law firm Simmons & Simmons has strengthened its real estate finance and private equity real estate offerings. Danielle offers a strong track record of working on upscale, multi-jurisdictional real estate transactions for some of the most prominent clients in the UK and European market.
Highly Regarded Leveraged Finance Partner to Join Latham in London
Hugh O’Sullivan has joined the firm’s London office as a partner in the Banking Practice. O’Sullivan advises private equity sponsors, companies, funds, and financial institutions on a variety of complex, multi-jurisdictional financing transactions, with a particular focus on leveraged finance, bridge finance, and restructurings.
Akin Strengthens Disputes Practice with Hire of Leading Energy and Arbitration Lawyer Mark Clarke
Mark Clarke has returned to private practice by joining the firm’s London branch. Clarke comes from Proman AG, a multinational energy company, where he served as Group General Counsel and Executive Director. He was previously Co-Head of the Global Energy Practice and Head of Commercial Disputes at White & Case. Clarke will join as Akin’s head of international arbitration. His appointment greatly strengthens the firm’s offering in international energy conflicts and broadens its global litigation and arbitration practice.
Norton Rose Fulbright makes double hire from Locke Lord and Dechert in London
Data center partner Kirsty Harrower, who comes from Locke Lord to join the real estate team, and private equity attorney Jamal Tuhin, who comes from Dechert and also becomes a partner, are the new hires.
Addleshaw Goddard have added a competition lawyer in Dublin.
Dr.Kasturi Moodaliyar has moved to AG from Eversheds Sutherland. Kasturi adds a level of expertise and a broad spectrum of knowledge, particularly on competition matters such as dawn raids, distribution agreements and #mergercontrol as well as Irish FDI screening and EU FSR.
APAC
A&O Shearman Lost 15 Asia Partners in a Year
Legacy Shearman & Sterling partners made up three of the fifteen partners who departed the practice in Asia. Before the merger went live in May of last year, some departees also departed the heritage practices after the merger was approved by a vote.
Skadden Corporate Partner Departs for Cooley in Beijing
Yilin Xu has joined Cooley as a capital markets partner based in the firm’s Beijing office. The action was taken months after Skadden announced that their China service would be restructured.
MoFo Replenishes Singapore Corporate Partner Loss as Lawyer Returns from Gibson Dunn
After eight years as a partner at Gibson Dunn, where he co-chaired the firm’s worldwide private equity practice group and was a founding partner of its Asia private equity practice, Scott Jalowayski is returning to the company.
MoFo Singapore corporate partner to head CMS’ Asia M&A practice
CMS has hired Steven Tran, a Singaporean corporate partner of Morrison Foerster, who will return to Hong Kong with his new business.
China’s Han Kun Scoops Up Another Senior Partner from Foreign Firm
Melody He, a corporate and capital markets lawyer who has been a partner at Ashurst for nearly five years, is joining the Chinese firm in Hong Kong. She worked as a partner at DLA Piper, Morrison Foerster, and legacy company Herbert Smith for a total of 15 years until joining Ashurst in 2020.
DLA Piper bolsters Finance team in Australia
Leading finance partner David Kirkland has joined the Sydney office of international law firm DLA Piper as a partner. In the fields of acquisition finance and leveraged finance, David has a solid reputation and a plethora of expertise.
Rachelle Downie trades Corrs for K&L Gates
Rachelle Downie, a patent litigator, is the newest intellectual property partner of K&L Gates Melbourne. She joins from Corrs Chambers Westgarth and brings a wealth of expertise in intricate, valuable intellectual property issues. She has addressed multijurisdictional pharmaceutical patent lawsuits in particular.
MoFo Doubles Down on Private Equity with Second Asia Partner Hire in a Week
Morrison Foerster has hired its second Asia partner in under a week. By hiring Linklaters corporate partner Xiaoxi Lin in Hong Kong, the company is increasing the size of its private equity offering. Lin, who is licensed to practice in New York, offers merger and acquisition and private equity advice.
EMEA
Another Latham Partner Exits for Sidley
The sixth Latham partner to join Sidley in Europe since August is Elisabetta Righini, a competition partner located in Brussels, who was hired by Sidley Austin.
Ashurst Germany Hires Linklaters & Goodwin Private Equity and Infrastructure M&A Partners
Sebastian Daub, who was Linklaters’ global co-head of infrastructure and focused on infrastructure M&A, will be joining the five-partner infrastructure focus group in the Frankfurt office. Additionally, Sascha Arnold is joined as a newly appointed partner from Freshfields. Furthermore, Florian Hirschmann, who moves from Goodwin, will be head of private equity Germany based in Ashurst’s Munich office.
Clyde & Co hires in London and Hamburg from Wikborg Rein and WFW
In addition to adding a three-lawyer team to its maritime practice in Hamburg from Watson Farley & Williams (WFW), Clyde & Co. has expanded its energy, marine, and natural resources expertise in London by hiring a lawyer from Wikborg Rein.
Skadden debuts in Middle East with senior Freshfields hire
After almost 24 years at Freshfields, where he most recently served as regional managing partner for the Middle East and North Africa, Michael Hilton has joined the company. He will serve as the head of Skadden’s Middle East practice in addition to overseeing the new office.
Welcoming two new counsels to Stek: Tanja Schasfoort and Dawid Sztandera
Tanja is a skilled attorney specializing in commercial dispute resolution. With an emphasis on contractual and tort-law responsibility, M&A-related issues, court order enforcement, and antitrust litigation, she counsels on and litigates a broad variety of domestic and international business conflicts. Dawid also brings a wealth of experience, having worked for 12 years at A&O Shearman, where he built a solid reputation as a highly qualified and practical attorney with a focus on financial financing and restructuring.
Leading EU competition law practitioner joins Geradin Partners’ Brussels office
At the end of January, renowned European competition law expert Trevor Soames will start working in its Brussels office. He has been Quinn Emanuel’s managing partner in Brussels since 2016. Trevor has worked in the competitive industry for about 40 years.
The Americas
Bracewell Adds Former Pioneer Natural Resources Lawyer to O&G, Energy Transition Practices
At Pioneer Natural Resources in Dallas, Bryan Clark served as managing associate general counsel.
Winston & Strawn Snags Sidley Austin Cross-Border Transactions Partner in Miami
Juan Delgado, a transactional partner who joined Sidley Austin when it first entered the Miami market, is joining Winston & Strawn, which also opened in Miami at that time and has been vying for local knowledge ever since.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe Stepped Down
Markenzy Lapointe, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, announced his resignation yesterday.
On Inauguration Eve, U.S. Attorney for Texas Exits Job
One day before Donald Trump takes the oath of office as the 47th president of the United States, Alamdar Hamdani, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, will step down.
Fenwick Adds Senior FBI Leader and Former U.S. Attorney Jonathan Lenzner in Washington, DC
As an interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland and former Chief of Staff to the Director of the FBI, Jonathan Lenzner has joined the firm as a partner in its White-Collar Défense & Investigations department. Lenzner, who is based in Washington, DC, will strengthen Fenwick’s capacity to assist clients in the technology and life sciences sectors in navigating major crises, such as intricate government investigations, new regulatory requests, and enterprise-wide reputational issues.
Blank Rome Formalizes Luxury Brand Practice with New Hire
Since 2021, Clara Feldman has had her own solo store. She joined Blank Rome at the beginning of 2025, bringing with her more than 30 clientele, which include the glassware and cigar firm Baccarat, the perfume and candle company Diptyque, and specialty ice cream Van Leeuwen.
People in the News—Jan. 9, 2025—Rawle & Henderson, Armstrong Teasdale
William P. Copetas was welcomed to the Pittsburgh office of Rawle & Henderson. He will represent insurance carriers, employers, third party administrators and self-insured entities in workers’ compensation cases throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Eversheds Sutherland Adds Hunton Andrews Energy Lawyer with Cross-Border Experience
Alexander Choinski was formerly employed by the legal department of Exxon Mobil Corp. and law firms before joining Eversheds Sutherland on Tuesday as a partner in Houston.
Stevens & Lee Names Two New Shareholders
Melissa N. Donimirski of the Wilmington office of Stevens & Lee was named a shareholder with effect from January 1st, the business stated. She concentrates her practice on corporate and commercial litigation in the Delaware Court of Chancery and the Delaware Superior Court. Meanwhile, in complicated commercial disputes, Jason P. Rudloff represents both public and private companies, as well as their owners, officers, and directors, in both domestic and international arbitration tribunals and state and federal courts nationwide.
People in the News—Jan. 10, 2025—Lamb McErlane, Saxton & Stump
Cara Coyne Sawyer has joined Lamb McErlane’s family law group as an attorney.
Morrison Cohen Expands White Collar Practice
Genny Ngai joins as a partner and will focus on white-collar criminal defense, government and internal investigations and regulatory enforcement matters. After Tracy Burnett joined the company recently, Ngai strengthens its expanding white-collar presence in New York.
O’Melveny Brings Back Corporate Finance Partner
David Ni, a partner in the Capital Markets Practice Group, has returned to the firm’s New York office. His addition broadens the team’s national network of elite transactional advisors and strengthens its East Coast expertise. Ni has over 15 years of experience representing underwriters and issuers in initial public offerings and subsequent equity transactions.
On the Move and After Hours: Meyner and Landis; Cooper Levenson; Ogletree Deakins; Saiber
In addition to other changes, Meyner and Landis brought on banking and finance lawyer Angela Nascondiglio Stein.
Goodwin, leaning into IP Work, Hires 2 Lateral Partners in NY
Two of Goodwin’s main sources of income, the biological sciences and technology departments, will be supported by the laterals from Fenwick and Desmarais.
Team Moves
Withers Hires Lawyers, Staff From LA Trusts and Estates Boutique
The Withers West Coast team now includes eight attorneys and three paralegals.
Clark Hill Adds Franchise Law Group to Growing Atlanta Office
The three-lawyer group is the most recent to relocate from Taylor English Duma to the 6-month-old outpost of the Second Hundred business.
Holland & Knight Picks Up 8 Private Wealth Lawyers in Los Angeles
Holland & Knight acquired a three-partner group from Karlin & Peebles. On Jan. 1. Michael Karlin, Maria-Soledad Otero and Cynthia Brittain joined Holland & Knight’s distinguished Private Wealth Services Group.
Butler Snow Expands in Austin with 14 Enoch Kever Lawyers
The Enoch Kever attorneys may now provide a wider range of services to customers throughout a vast network of locations thanks to their relocation to Butler Snow.
Hogan Lovells Lures 4-Lawyer Privacy and Cybersecurity Team from Jones Day in Mexico
The hirings coincide with an increase in Latin America’s need for legal services related to technology, cyber, privacy, and data protection.
Osborne Clarke strengthens IP and disputes team with trio of new partners
To strengthen its non-contentious IP and disputes divisions, international law firm Osborne Clark has added three new employees in London and Bristol this year. Alongside Helen Waddell, a construction and engineering disputes lawyer who formerly worked at Pinsent Masons, competition litigation partner Aqeel Kadri has joined from London’s Hausfeld, a specialized litigation firm. Mathilda Davidson, a transactional intellectual property lawyer from Gowling WLG, where she was most recently a legal director, has joined as a partner in Bristol.
Financials:
Holland & Knight Matches Milbank Bonuses for Some Associates
Holland & Knight matched the Milbank base bonus scale and also matched on special bonuses for certain associates in the midst of concerns over the percentage of the Am Law 100 that will be paid out in special bonuses for 2024. However, associates in large marketplaces are the only ones eligible for the largest bonuses.
Legal Departments Dinged for Acquiescing to Rate Hikes That ‘Defy Gravity’
In its recent State of the Legal Market report, Thomson Reuters claims that 2024 was “an incredibly successful year for firms from a rate-setting perspective.”
As Bonus Pools Expand, Challenges Grow in Partner Compensation
According to some observers, partner incentives are still a powerful and adaptable instrument for rewarding attorneys, but the more often firms utilize them, the more likely it is that they may produce misunderstandings or disappointment.
Promotions & Appointments
Hogan Lovells Focuses on Corporate and Finance for 2025 Partner Promotions
Almost half of the global firm’s 28 new partners work in the firm’s deal-making practices.
Ogletree Deakins Names 5 New Office Managing Shareholders
In Montreal and four U.S. cities, women make up the majority of new office leaders.
Baker & Hostetler Appoints New Office Leaders in Philadelphia, Chicago
Patent lawyer Joseph Lucci will be replaced as managing partner in Philadelphia by Daniel Goettle, who established the firm’s Wilmington, Delaware, office in 2019 and currently serves as managing partner for that office.
Akin Promotes Record Number of Lawyers to Partner
As several Am Law 200 firms elect record classes of new partners, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld promoted 22 attorneys in nine offices to partner status, starting January 1st.
Connecticut Movers: Major Firms in CT Announce Partner Promotions
Pullman & Comley and Wiggin & Dana are promoting new partners to begin in 2025.
US Tower General Counsel Elevated to President
After beginning at the bottom of the legal department in 2001 and becoming general counsel in 2018, Richard Rossi is now moving up even further.
Arnold & Porter, Under New Leadership, Makes More C-Suite Changes
In recent months, the company has made a number of top leadership changes, including electing two new global co-chairs and adding two C-suite positions.
New Partners at Cummings & Lockwood, Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey
The year starts off with promotions for Lindsay Reed, Brianna Marquis, and Scott Witthuhn.
People in the News—Jan. 8, 2025—Stevens & Lee, Ogletree Deakins
With effect from January 1, Jason P. Rudloff of Stevens & Lee’s Philadelphia office has been named a shareholder, the company stated.
After Nearly 2 Decades in the Role, Longtime Haynes and Boone General Counsel Passes the Baton
Stacy Brainin, the firm’s general counsel since 2007, is replaced by Dallas partner Ben Mesches.
Bradley Arant, Moore & Van Allen Join Partner Promotions Parade
Bradley announced 17 of the firm’s attorneys have been elevated to partner, effective January 1, 2025. Morris, Manning & Martin, on the other hand, appointed five new counsel roles as part of the firm’s partnership track, but did not elevate any associates to partner.
Reed Smith and Gibson Dunn Name New London Headsv
Gibson Dunn appointed Robert Carr and Osma Hudda as co-partners in charge, while Reed Smith appointed Brigid North as managing partner for London.
Littleton Chambers names successor to chambers director Dux
Liz Dux will retire in March, and Littleton Chambers has announced that Clare Bello, the former CEO of Cornerstone Barristers, will succeed her as chambers director. Bello was perfectly positioned to help build its notable success over the past few years, according to Littleton, who has over 20 years of senior leadership experience at two prominent sets of Chambers.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Tyson & Mendes Appoints Cayce Lynch First Female Nationwide Managing Partner
Half of Tyson & Mendes’ regional managing partners are women.
Meta Pulls Plug on DEI Programsv
“The term ‘DEI’ has also become charged, in part because it is understood by some as a practice that suggests preferential treatment of some groups over others,” Meta said in a memo to staff members.
Five-partner promotions round for Hausfeld celebrates female legal talent
In its 2025 round, international conflicts firm Hausfeld has elevated five attorneys—four of them are women—to partnership status. While only one woman was promoted in the three-partner class of 2023, the firm-maintained gender parity in 2022 and 2021. This cohort represents a two-fold increase over the all-male partnership promotions round of 2024.
Office Openings & Closing:
Another US Firm Shutters London Office
The closure of Shook Hardy and Bacon’s London office follows the decision by peer firm Armstrong Teasdale to shutter its own London base in 2024.
Spin-Off Firm Leaves Reed Smith Without Richmond Lobbying Practice
“A lot of our work… is alternative fee arrangement, or fixed fee work,” remarked one of the founders of Seven Hills. “It’s not necessarily rate pressure, but it’s a different model and a different setup than a lot of Big Law practices.”
Brownstein Hyatt Opens 13th Office in Tampa with Lobbying Focus
Because of the Sunshine State’s growing political prominence, the firm’s officials emphasized the value of having a strong presence there.
The Dutch office intends to enter the litigation space, according to Global Chair Eric McCrath, with a specialized strategy and an emphasis on prospects related to its data security practice.
Fenwick Shutters Shanghai Office
In 2014, Fenwick opened its Shanghai office with five Covington & Burling attorneys.
K&L Gates Sheds Space, but Will Stay in Flagship Pittsburgh Office After Lease Renewal
The choice to stay at its office building in downtown Pittsburgh “firmly plants the K&L Gates flag in the Pittsburgh skyline for the foreseeable future.”
Mergers & Alliances:
Braverman Greenspun Acquires NY Real Estate Boutique
Zingman & Associates places a lot of emphasis on landlord-tenant problems, and the acquisition is anticipated to strengthen the firm’s expertise in this area.
DC’s Birchstone Moore Combines with Chicago-Founded Wealth Planning Firm
Birchstone Moore attorneys now have access to national markets and a wider range of practice resources thanks to the merger with Harrison LLP.
Womble Bond Dickinson Adds New Leaders as Merger Is Completed
After formally merging with Phoenix-based Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie, the Am Law 100 firm now has four new office managing partners, as well as Merrick Benn as its new chair and CEO.
Technology & Innovation:
FOMO Run Amok? Resolve of Firms Chasing AI Dreams Tested by Sky-High Costs
In a client letter this week, Goodwin Procter stated, “The question now is which investments will deliver lasting value, and which ones may fade as AI hype moderates.”
Josef Partners With NYU, Housing Court Answers to Launch AI Assistant Built for Tenants
The AI assistant, named Roxanne, looks to aid tenants looking to answer housing questions.
Husch Blackwell Hires Former Adobe Counsel to Oversee AI Advisory Offering
After 11 years with Adobe, Michael Yang will be the company’s first senior director of artificial intelligence advisory services.
After the acquisition, ZwillGen is also starting an artificial intelligence division.
The firm’s Fort Lauderdale office’s new managing partner, Sidney Calloway, talks about his future goals and how he intends to adjust to the constantly shifting legal industry.
Turning Over Legal Tedium to AI Requires Lots of Unglamorous Work on Front End
“Include people in the process. Avoid letting the machines make all of the decisions. Recognize the rationale behind their suggestions,” stated Mark Pike, Deputy General Counsel for Anthropology.
Regulatory Intelligence Platform Abstract Announces $4.8 Million in Seed Funding
The round, which is being led by Bonfires Venture and Communitas Capital, aims to improve Abstract’s capacity to combine data from various sources.
Elon Musk Taps UK Top 50 Firm for London Launch of AI Business
According to documents on Companies House, Elon Musk has engaged Lewis Silkin to provide advice on the incorporation of an AI firm that is listed in the United Kingdom. Musk is listed as the only “person with significant control” of the corporation, which was incorporated on December 12, 2024 and is called “X.AI LONDON LTD.”
Market Commentary:
KPMG Law Seeks Alternative Business License, Shaking Up Legal Status Quo
Under Arizona law, which permits attorneys and non-attorneys to co-own legal companies, the Big Four firm is applying for a license.
Spellbook Expands Deeper into the In-house Market
With its new Playbooks tool, the startup expands beyond serving law firms and guarantees that contracts adhere to preferred language and business norms.
Cozen O’Connor Accused of Overbilling, Duplicate Work
According to the complaint, the client paid Cozen O’Connor just over $210,000 for legal services but stopped paying additional bills due to the alleged breach of contract.
Amid Race for Top Talent, Latham Focuses on Lateral Integration
The company’s integration program serves as an example of how much effort and money some businesses invest on integrating lateral partners.
Signalling Growth Goals, Some Law Firms Promote Record Partner Classes
According to Kent Zimmermann, principal of legal strategy consultancy Zeughauser Group, “it’s fair to say that most law firms feel a strategic imperative to grow their size and profitability” in 2025.
Law Firms Close Southern California Offices Amid Devastating Wildfires
Due to the Palisades Fire, a number of Big Law firms operate in Santa Monica neighbourhoods that are under an evacuation warning.
Am Law 50’s Head Count ‘Holding Pattern’ Could Trickle Down
The top 50 firms’ head count increase has not kept pace with other Big Law categories. But in the near future, that might change.
Norton Rose Sues South Africa Government Over Ethnicity Score System
Large South African law firms may lose business to consulting firms and other professional service providers that are exempt from the legal sector code as a result of the new rule.
Energy and Tax Reforms to Drive Africa’s Major Disputes in 2025
With South Africa’s Eskom reorganization and tax reforms in Nigeria and Kenya among the major contributors, African conflicts lawyers forecast a 2025 spike in litigation fueled by energy and tax sector reforms, environmental claims, and developing technologies.
Moves:
In-House
CLO Twilio Courted with Millions Exiting After 3 Years
Dana Wagner joined the cloud-based communication platform shortly before the stock price plummeted and management came under fire from activist investors due to a sharp slowdown in growth.
Newly Public Biotech Startup Hires Life Sciences Veteran as GC
Upstream Bio has a drug in clinical trials that aims to reduce inflammation caused by severe asthma, they have hired Allison Ambrose as their new GC.
Sirius XM GC Signing Off After 27 Years in Role
Although Patrick Donnelly’s contract with the company ended on Friday, he will remain until the end of this year in order to assist with the appointment of a new legal head.
Broadcom Hires from Nuclear Giant to Appoint French Legal Head
Stephanie Smatt was recently Orano’s chief of vigilance and dispute resolution. This appointment underscores Broadcom’s commitment to strengthening its legal capabilities in France.
UK & Ireland
Sidley Adds CMS Partner in Latest London Hire
Clive Gringras, the former head of technology, media, and telecoms at CMS, has been hired by Sidley Austin.
Shoosmiths Hires Two Locke Lord London Partners as Part of a Six-Strong IP Team
With a six-person team headed by London partners Dominic Farnsworth and Leigh Smith, Shoosmiths has bolstered its London intellectual property practice.
Akin Adds Orrick Partner in London
The company is strengthening its recently established global capital solutions team with its most recent addition Daniel Wayte who will be a corporate partner in London.
London’s New Law Media hires veteran litigation partner from Stephenson Harwood
Michael Bywell, a litigation partner at Stephenson Harwood, has joined West End-based boutique company New Law Media to strengthen its dispute resolution expertise. Bywell has over thirty years of experience in commercial litigation, with a focus on media law, technology, cybersecurity, and data breach claims.
James Colville to join DWF as head of Dublin office and insurance team
Mr. Colville, who will start both positions in January, has a wealth of expertise because he was trained, qualified, and worked for companies like DAC Beachcroft, Eversheds, and Greenwoods in both England and Ireland. He oversaw the expansion of DAC Beachcroft’s personal injury practice in Dublin from 2010 to 2024, growing it to a multi-million-euro team with more than 30 employees. He has acted on behalf of clients in injury, construction, professional indemnity, and medical negligence cases.
APAC
Ashurst Beijing Chief Representative Leaves for New York Boutique Sterlington
Transactional lawyer Yan Yuan, the former head of Ashurst’s Beijing office, is traveling to Sterlington with his associate Jing Zhang. Yuan provides merger and acquisition, venture and growth capital, joint venture, and buyout advice to both public and private enterprises as well as private equity funds. He offers advice on corporate governance issues as well.
Rajah & Tann Strengthens Shenzhen Offering, Renames International Arbitration Head
According to a statement from the firm, Michelle Li, a construction and infrastructure disputes lawyer who joined from Herbert Smith, will take up the position from disputes partner Hew Kian Heong. Heong will continue to lead the company’s Shenzhen office.
Big Six Korean Firm Bae, Kim & Lee Boosts Disputes Offering with Former A&O Lifer
Prior to last year, Chris Mainwaring-Taylor was a partner at A&O Shearman, where he had spent more than 23 years, most recently in Singapore.
Milbank’s Capital Markets Partner Leaves for China’s Han Kun in Hong Kong
With more than 20 years of expertise, Alex Tao’s practice encompasses a wide range of global capital markets transactions, including as initial public offerings in the US and Hong Kong and high-yield, investment-grade, and convertible bond offerings.
Jakarta: Bakers firm HHP enters 2025 with corporate partner hire
The arrival of real estate and M&A attorney Bima Sarumpaet, who rejoins the company after a two-year partnership term at MacalloHarlin Mendrofa Advocates (MHMS), marks the start of 2025 for HHP Law company (HHP), a Baker McKenzie member firm in Indonesia.
SG: Shook Lin partner joins Providence Law as R&I head
Daniel Tan, a former partner at Shook Lin & Bok, has been appointed director and head of the restructuring and insolvency practice at Singapore-based Providence Law Asia.
SAM adds corporate partner from Khaitan in Delhi
With the addition of partner Srikant CV from Khaitan & Co., Indian law firm Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. has strengthened its corporate offering in the National Capital Region (NCR). With an emphasis on venture capital and private equity, Srikant has over 11 year’s experience providing advice on business and corporate transactions.
EMEA
A&O Shearman Corporate Partner Heads to Jones Day
Michiel Huizinga, a seasoned M&A professional, joins Jones Day as it grows its international business practice.
DLA Piper strengthens corporate practice with new partner in Dusseldorf
Joining from Linklaters, Sebastian Goslar provides advice to investors, listed businesses, and their board members on all facets of corporate law, corporate governance, restructurings, and M&A, with a particular emphasis on public M&A.
HEUKING’s Munich office welcomes two new Salaried Partners at the start of 2025
Since 2013, Steffen Burrer, a Certified Specialist Lawyer in International Business Law, has practiced litigation at Noerr. His work primarily focuses on international business law, civil procedural law, and product liability law. Since 2014, Björn Grotebrune has advised and represented clients, accumulating a wealth of knowledge in the areas of restructuring and insolvency law. Creditors, especially banks, insolvency administrators, shareholders, businesses, and their executive bodies are among his clientele.
Sebastian Benz joins Seitz with tax law team from Linklaters
Sebastian Benz, Linklater’s former tax partner in Düsseldorf, and two colleagues will be relocating to Seitze, Cologne, in the coming year. Benz, a specialist in tax-related business transactions, standalone tax concerns, and complex company reorganizations, provided advice to the Funke media group about its corporate development and acquisition of the local newspapers and women’s magazines owned by media behemoth Axel Springer. After nearly 30 years at Linklaters, more than 20 of those years were spent as a partner, he departs.
Morgan Lewis and its IP partner, Baker McKenzie, will expand their Munich office.
The most recent IP partner to be appointed in Munich and London is Alex Ritter, a patent dispute litigation specialist.
The Americas
Lisa Zornberg, Former Adams Chief Counsel, Moves to Morvillo Abramowitz
Given her background in both civil and criminal cases, the former Debevoise partner claimed that Morvillo Abramowitz provided her with freedom in her work.
Ex-Red Robin CLO Joins Norton Rose Fulbright After Helping Sell Latest Employer for $4.9 Billion
According to Jeff Cody, Managing Partner at Norton Rose Fulbright Global, Michael Kaplan “possesses robust general counsel experience and deep knowledge of the consumer markets industry.”
Sidley Austin Adds Cooley Capital Markets Partner in Century City, San Francisco
After six years at Cooley in the Bay Area, Natalie Karam joins the company.
People in the News—Dec. 27, 2024—Stevens & Lee, Chartwell Law
Louis N. Teti and Andrew S. Rusniak have joined Stevens & Lee’s wealth planning, trusts, and estates division, the firm said.
Chair of Montgomery McCracken Decamps for Morgan Lewis
In 2023, Ashley Lynam was appointed co-chair of Montgomery McCracken, the first woman to serve in that capacity.
Texas Firms Bring on New Partners
Several firms have welcomed new partners, including Bracewell, O’Melveny, and Yetter Coleman.
Longtime Reed Smith Health Care Partner opts for Solo Practice Over Retirement
The 66-year-old Karl Thallner oversaw the Philadelphia branch of the firm’s health care practice. In response to requests from clients, he established Thallner Law.
Dechert, Garrigues disputes partners exit to become independent arbitrators
Both seasoned Garrigues arbitrator Joe Tirado and former Dechert head of international arbitration Arif Hyder Ali have left their firms to start their own independent arbitrator practices. After directing the international arbitration practices at Crowell & Moring, Weil Gotshal & Manges, and Dechert for the last 20 years, Ali is starting his own business, AHALI Dispute Resolution, after a 30-year career in “Big Law.”
White & Case bolsters tax expertise in Washington, DC
Partner Michael Sykes has joined the multinational law firm’s Washington, DC, worldwide practice and industry division. Sykes was a partner at A&O Shearman before joining the firm.
Veteran First-Chair Litigator Doug Baldridge Returns to Venable
It is with great pleasure that Venable LLP announces the return of seasoned first-chair litigator Doug Baldridge as a partner in the Commercial Litigation Practice located in Washington, DC. Since 2013, Baldridge has served as Taylor Swift’s and 13 Management’s outside legal counsel. Most recently, she handled and provided in-house legal advice to Swift and her crew.
Winston & Strawn Adds Joshua Hafenbrack as a Partner in Washington, D.C.
Josh handles complicated civil cases and antitrust cases for both plaintiffs and defendants. Josh, a recent senior litigation counsel at the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, has extensive expertise litigating antitrust matters and defending clients in a range of industries, including media, telecommunications, and technology.
Team Moves
Most New Eversheds Sutherland US Partners Are in Atlanta
Ten new U.S. partners in three cities and six practice areas are chosen by a global firm.
Akin and Simpson Create New Practice Groups with Integrated Teams
As clients look for financial solutions that meet their objectives, both law firms are looking to expand their current expertise into new groups.
Holland & Knight Launches Export Control Disputes and Advocacy Team
Holland & Knight has established an export control disputes and advocacy division and added Christopher Stagg as a partner.
Larson Welcomes Seven New Attorneys
Larson is happy to announce the addition of seven additional lawyers to the company.
Akin Taps Orrick Partner in Growing New Capital Solutions Team
Daniel Wayte, who has been a partner at Orrick since 2018, has also worked at Slaughter and May and Milbank.
ADVANT Beiten wins four-person team with partner Dr. Philipp Pröbsting from PWC Legal
A four-person team from PwC Legal Germany has been hired by Advant Beiten. On January 1, PwC local partner Philipp Pröbsting joined Advant Beitten’s equity partnership in Dusseldorf, bringing two former PwC salary partners and an associate with him.
Financials:
Elite Boutiques Competing More with Big Law Bonuses, With Several Going Above Market
The few boutiques that provide eye-popping and above-market bonuses seem to be expanding.
Increased Costs Proved a Drag on Profits for PA’s AmLaw 200 in 2024
In 2024, PA’s AmLaw 200’s profits were negatively impacted by rising costs.
‘So Many Firms’ Have Yet to Announce Associate Bonuses, Underlining Big Law’s Uneven Approach
It appears that fewer businesses are following the industry elite’s bonus decisions, and some large businesses are deferring their bonus decisions in comparison to others.
Morrison & Foerster Doles Out Year-End and Special Bonuses, Raises Base Compensation for Associates
Only a few West Coast Am Law 200 companies, including MoFo, have declared bonuses or plans to distribute them at the conclusion of the fiscal year.
Arnold & Porter Matches Market Year-End Bonus, Requires Billable Threshold for Special Bonuses
In addition to offering special bonuses to colleagues who complete at least 2,200 hours during the calendar year—2,000 of which must be billable—Arnold & Porter said Monday that it will offer its associates market year-end bonuses.
Alston & Bird Matches Market Rate for Associate Bonuses
The most recent legal firm to match the market rate for associate bonuses is Alston & Bird.
Why Hogan Lovells and Perkins Coie Reversed, Will Now Pay Out Special Bonuses to Associates
Regarding the decision to forgo matching incentives, a consultant stated, “It becomes a very difficult situation when you consider the amount of money saved versus the amount of bad press you get and the general low morale of the workforce that you depend on.”
Clifford Chance Hikes Partner Pay as UK Firms Fight to Stay Competitive on Compensation
As expenses increase, Clifford Chance has had a great year thanks to a string of favourable outcomes in the Americas.
Top Earner Pay Nearly Halved at Pinsent Masons
The company’s earnings and turnover have increased, but labour costs have also gone up, which is a common occurrence in London.
Fieldfisher Top of Equity Halves to £3.1M
Fieldfisher’s top-earning partner received half as much as it did the year before, dropping the amount from a market-leading £6.3 million to £3.1 million. Despite a declining financial position and growing staff expenditures, the LLP’s revenue is still increasing, according to the company’s most recent LLP statements.
Clifford Chance Top Partner Pay Up to £6M
As expenses increase, Clifford Chance has had a great year thanks to a string of favorable outcomes in the Americas.
McKees reports 20 per cent growth in 2024
This year, the company relocated to a new 7,500-square-foot office in Belfast’s Linenhall Building and added eight new team members. With a 50% rise in convenience store licenses and assistance for customers in several high-profile acquisitions, it claimed to have witnessed especially robust growth in the leisure and hospitality industry.
Riding High, Texas Roadhouse Gives Legal Chief 3-year Contract Extension,15% Salary Boost
In 2023, Christopher Colson, a 19-year veteran of the organization, was paid $1.83 million in total.
Promotions & Appointments
Quinn Emanuel Promotes 11 to Partner
Compared to the 14 lawyers the firm promoted last year; the class is a little smaller.
Newsom Appoints 11 Superior Court Judges
Santa Clara County Prosecutor Johnene Stebbins, who was elected in November, was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to an interim position for a full term beginning in January.
Foley Promotes from Within for New COO, Chief Talent Officer
Rebecca Bradley, the former director of professional development, is promoted to the position of chief talent officer, replacing Jen Patton as chief operating officer at Foley & Lardner.
People in the News—Dec. 18, 2024—Faegre Drinker, Antheil Maslow
Three lawyers, including Philadelphia’s Eric Au and Chad Lange, were promoted to counsel, while 26 lawyers were promoted to the firm’s partnership, according to Faegre Drinker.
Fisher & Phillips Elects 25 New Partners In 15 Cities
Compared to the previous year, more partners were voted to Southeast offices and fewer were promoted in California.
Nelson Mullins Doubles Partner Promotions for 2025
The firm’s main office in Atlanta had the most partner additions, but it also greatly expanded the number of partners it promoted in Florida.
People in the News—Dec. 19, 2024—Pollock Begg, Burns White
Megan A. DelVecchio and Alexandra L. Kovalchick, two lawyers of Pollock Begg, were promoted to partners by the firm.
Sterlington Brings on Former Office Leader from Ashurst
Sterlington was established in 2016 and currently employs 64 attorneys, including 25 partners.
People in the News—Dec. 26, 2024—Laffey Bucci, Eckert Seamans
Attorney Alexandria MacMaster has been promoted to partner at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, a personal injury litigation practice.
Meat Institute Promotes Former Senior Tyson Lawyer to GC
Mark Dopp is handing the legal reins to his top deputy, Bryan Burns, after serving as GC for a quarter-century.
Baker McKenzie, Jones Day, Reed Smith Make 2025 Partner Promotions
The three Am Law 50 firms were not alone in keeping their new partner numbers stable or down from a year ago.
On the Move: Freeman Mathis & Gary Promotes 16 to Partner, Expands to Denver
A lawyer from Nelson Mullins joins a board that suggests new judges, while Jones Day elevates two attorneys from Atlanta to partner status.
Holland & Knight Promotes 42 Lawyers to Partner, Prioritizing Corporate Practices
Eight new partners have joined the firm’s Florida operations, while six Boston lawyers were elevated, bringing the total number of Northeastern attorneys to 17.
Baker & Hostetler Names 24 New Partners
Compared to the previous year, the Am Law 100 firm almost doubled the number of new partners.
Ogletree Deakins Elects Most New Shareholders in Decades
In 2024, the firm promoted 22 lawyers to shareholder status, then promoted 30. Liz Washko, the managing shareholder, mentioned “the number of highly qualified candidates” that are up for promotion.
People in the News—Jan. 3, 2025—Eckert Seamans, Kessler Topaz
Matthew T. Goffe has been named the firmwide chief marketing officer at Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott.
Clark Hill Promotes a Record 29 Lawyers to Member
With 29 lawyers promoted to member, Clark Hill has more than doubled the number of attorneys promoted in 2024, making this its largest class to date.
Burr & Forman, Smith Gambrell & Russell Promote More to Partner This Year
Adams and Reese also elected a larger partner class, as Southeast firms follow their Big Law counterparts across the nation.
Brazilian Firms Demarest, BMA, TozziniFreire Elevate Lawyers to Partner
In the biggest economy in Latin America, promotions typically occur around December as the region gets ready for the new fiscal year.
Emma Ritchie appointed KPMG Law’s EMA co-head of data, digital and technology law
Ms. Ritchie was the principal privacy counsel at one of the biggest consumer electronics businesses in the world prior to joining KPMG Law Ireland in 2023. In this role, she oversaw intricate data protection compliance projects, cookies, personal data usage, and data security issues globally.
Diversity & Inclusion:
T14 Sees Black, Hispanic Law Student Representation Decline Following End of Affirmative Action
The top-ranked law schools in the US saw more significant changes in racial, ethnic, and gender diversity than did the 196 ABA-approved law schools on average.
Appellate Division Greenlights State Bar’s Leadership Diversity Initiatives
Lawrence Lustberg of Gibbons stated, “This case not only supports affirmative action in New Jersey but also the idea that freedom of association is a foundation for doing positive things, like affirmative action, and not just the kind of troubling and invidious discrimination, as was allowed in [Boy Scouts of America v.] Dale.”
Benny Agosto Jr. Receives Hispanic National Bar Association Award
The annual Ohtli Award has been given to Managing Partner Benny Agosto Jr. by Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner. Through his persistent dedication to justice, diversity, and generosity, Agosto has demonstrated his commitment to the Mexican and Latino communities in the United States, which is celebrated by this distinction.
Dentons Germany Elects First Gender-Balanced Leaders & Promotions at Noerr, Gleiss Lutz
By promoting only female partners this year, Gleiss Lutz has made a rare move in Germany’s male-dominated legal industry. Christine Mattes, a regulatory compliance specialist based in Stuttgart, and Andrea Preuße, an international antitrust defence specialist in the firm’s Hamburg office, have joined the equity partnership.
Clifford Chance Names New London Managing Partner
The partner becomes the first black woman to head up the London office. Michael Bates, who relinquishes control after seven years in charge, will be succeeded by Hinwe Odimba-Chapman.
Office Openings & Closing:
Hinckley Allen Opens St. Louis Office After Poaching a Team of Six Lawyers
Hinckley Allen has hired a group of six lawyers from Sandberg Phoenix who specialize in product liability cases, and the firm is building its second new office in the St. Louis region this year.
Davis Polk Moves to New, Expanded Redwood City Office
The firm’s new office in Northern California is 31% larger than its old one.
Husch Blackwell, Foley Among Law Firms Opening Southeast Offices This Year
Southeast-founded firms also expanded into Texas, Chicago and New York.
Zuckerman Spaeder Gets Ready to Move Offices in DC, Deploy AI Tools in 2025
In a recent interview, incoming sole chair Caroline Judge Mehta stated that Zuckerman Spaeder’s priorities for the upcoming year will include moving into a new office space in D.C. after 20 years and implementing AI capabilities.
Harris Beach Murtha Formally Launches as New, Combined Firm
More than 250 lawyers are currently providing clients with enhanced services and a broader geographic reach.
Buchanan Ingersoll Launches in Chicago with 17-Lawyer Team from Locke Lord
Conflicts resulting from Locke Lord’s merger with Troutman Pepper prompted the IP lawyers to look for a new location.
Big Four Japanese Firm Mori Hamada Launches Foreign Joint Law Enterprise, Joins Rebrand Drive
Japanese firms are revamping their practices in a bid to grow their market share overseas.
EY Law Launches in Portugal, Targets 40 Lawyers by End of 2025
With more than 20 attorneys, EY Law has opened as a stand-alone legal practice in Portugal, joining the worldwide legal network that operates in more than 90 nations. The debut comes after Portugal’s new regulatory framework, which permits businesses to offer multidisciplinary services and include non-professional partners in their governing bodies and shareholder structures, went into effect.
Ogletree Deakins Launches Office in Calgary, Canada with Two Partners from McCarthy Tétrault
The company’s third office in Canada is located in Calgary. Additionally, it maintains offices in Montreal and Toronto.
Mergers & Alliances:
Pillsbury Launches Riyadh Office Via Firm Merger
With local government consent, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman will open an office in Saudi Arabia.
‘Wake Up Call’: Pressure for Law Firm Mergers Grows in 2024
Even while the number of completed unions this year is probably going to be on pace with or just marginally higher than where it was in 2023, some analysts are forecasting even more moves in 2025.
Morgan Lewis To Acquire Kramer Levin’s Paris Office
Kramer Levin is anticipated to finalize its merger with HSF next year, which coincides with the decision to quadruple Morgan Lewis’ Paris workforce.
New York-Based Harris Beach Combines with Connecticut-Based Murtha Cullina, Forming NE Powerhouse
Midsize firms Harris Beach and Murtha Cullina are combining to create a 250-lawyer firm spanning from D.C. to Massachusetts after both client bases grew and demanded more scale.
Miles & Stockbridge Adds 31 Lawyers from Merger
Miles & Stockbridge, an Am Law 200 firm, and Krooth & Altman, a real estate finance business based in D.C., concluded their merger and went into effect on December 31, 2024.
Clyde & Co Announces Combination with Dallas Insurance Boutique
The global law firm has expanded its footprint in the Lone Star State.
Cox & Palmer to Merge with Benson Buffett in St. John’s, Canada’s Easternmost City
The partnership will expand Cox & Palmer’s presence in the Atlantic region and is scheduled to become official in February.
Technology & Innovation:
Polsinelli Associate Launches Transaction Management Platform Project Fortress
M&A Coworker Collen Steffen’s first client is his own business, and he has developed a Salesforce-based platform for legal deal teams.
Embracing Gen AI, Many Legal Departments Don’t See Their Firms as Innovative
According to the 17th annual Law Department Operation Survey by the Blickstein Group and FTI Consulting, more legal departments are pushing their companies to use advanced AI in order to generate cost savings and efficiencies.
Last month, Alan Fisch and Bill Sigler declared that Fisch Sigler would cease operations on December 31st. They are starting a new business with the goal of using AI in agriculture.
Recent studies show patterns in gauging the effectiveness of legal operations, resolving generative AI deployment issues, encouraging innovation, and setting automation and contract management goals.
Holtzman Vogel Launches AI Startup Incubator Program
Two AI businesses in its first batch will receive up to 30 hours of pro bono work each from the Washington, D.C.-based firm.
As Profits Rise, Law Firms Likely to Make More AI Investments in 2025
According to a recent survey, law firms have so far allocated “very little” of their revenue on staffing, consulting, and technology linked to using AI, but this is anticipated to change.
Baker McKenzie, Norton Rose & Other Top Litigators Foresee Rise in AI, Data & ESG Disputes
Litigators predict a busy 2025 that is fueled by environmental concerns, growing cross-border disputes, and rising technology. “Global climate accords such as the Paris Climate Accord will encourage greater responsibility,” stated David Ktshozyan, a senior attorney with Clyde & Co. in Los Angeles. “If countries or multinational corporations fail to meet emissions reduction targets, major lawsuits may emerge.”
Market Commentary:
Global Lawyer: Big Law Walks a Tightrope, but Herbert Smith Freehills Refuses to Lose Its Footing
Even when politics are involved, law firms need to find a balance in order to make wise choices. According to The Global Lawyer, HSF proved last week that it will not fall off the high wire.
How to Turn More Lawyers into Rainmakers
One of your primary duties as a leader is to assist your attorneys in increasing their income. However, what methods and resources can you use to do that? Insights from a five-week mastermind workshop involving 20 Professional Development specialists from Am Law 200 businesses are presented in this article.
The Silver Linings Amid Big Law’s China Chaos
Asia Legal Briefing: As the year of law firm closures draws to a close, here are some advantageous outcomes.
Working Across the ‘Entire Ecosystem’ Propels Ropes & Gray’s Life Sciences Practice
“Our life sciences and health care practices have long been a significant component of Ropes & Gray’s portfolio. Tim McCrystal of Ropes & Gray, the 2024 winner of The American Lawyer’s Specialty Corporate Department of the Year, Pharma and Health Care, stated, “We are a seasoned practice that keeps expanding and diversifying in the market.”
Burford Sets Sights on UAE’s Surge in Construction & Disputes
As the industry sees tremendous growth, Burford Capital is broadening its emphasis to finance construction arbitration in the United Arab Emirates, concentrating on high-value claims.
Lawyers Scramble to Secure Jobs Ahead of A&O Shearman’s South Africa Closure
A&O Shearman’s Johannesburg office is closing by year-end, with lawyers still in last-minute talks for new roles.
Grabbing Market Share from Rivals, Law Firms Ramped Up Group Lateral Hires
Recruiting lawyers to open an office or practice in a new market was a top priority for a number of businesses.
Vinson & Elkins: Traditional Energy Practice Meets Energy Transition
The Houston-based Am Law 100 firm, which was recognized as an Energy Specialty Corporate Practice of the Year, has broadened its area of expertise to include additional energy transition. The three Am Law 50 firms were not alone in keeping their new partner numbers stable or down from a year ago. Overall, just 44% of businesses reported higher net earnings this year. Compared to the 75% who said they saw additional profit growth in 2023, that represents a considerable decline.
Freshfields Name Change Becomes Official
The redesign was launched the following month after the change was announced in September.
The Trends Quinn Emanuel Partners Are Expecting in 2025
According to one partner, the market seems to be anticipating less regulation in the banking, cryptocurrency, and technology sectors, all of which could lead to an increase in transaction activity in these areas.
Jones Day Plans to Expand M&A and Disputes Practices in Australia
According to Christopher Lovrien, partner-in-charge of Jones Day in Australia, the international law firm plans to grow its Australian business in order to handle more cross-border transactions and serve customers that are under more regulatory pressure. According to Lovrien, the firm currently has 30 partners spread over four offices, with the possibility of adding another 10 or 15 in Australia over the course of the next three to five years.
Weekly, End of Year Update, 2024
Moves:
The legal market has been rife with moves all year round, with experts reporting increasingly high numbers of hires this year, both in terms of private practice and in house. Within the in-house market, we saw big brands and leading companies appointing new talent and legal leaders. Examples include government groups, F1, Porsche, Disney, and Sky. These hires highlight the growth of cross industry mobility. Thought leadership has shown that many are viewing the role of the lawyer as an expanding one, and these in house moves corroborate this idea, with lawyers transitioning between different sectors such as technology, finance, automotive, and entertainment.
Furthermore, the UK was deemed to be a competitive growth hub for law firms in critical areas. For example, US firms such as Perkins Coie quickly built up their practices after launching in London this year and A&O Shearman wasted no time investing in their London offering. Additionally, Cooley hired top tier talent to reinforce some of their market leading practices, and White & Case bolstered their real estate, private equity, and antitrust sectors. Overall, UK firms grew through the acquisition of each other’s notable leading lawyers and by taking on new practice heads in established fields such as corporate and private equity.
Furthermore, law firms in the Asia-Pacific area have bolstered their energy, finance, and dispute resolution offerings. Strategic moves such as that of Skadden’s Asia disputes head and a K&L Gates’ energy partner in Singapore have shown that even as UK based firms abandon their offices in China, other parts of Asia have benefited from lateral partner hiring. Firms like Kirkland and Jones Day have also expanded their specialised offerings in parts of Asia through key areas like structured finance and corporate tax.
Within the Middle East and Europe, the story is not dissimilar. There has been an increased level of hiring activity within TMT and corporate practices. This has been corroborated by high-profile moves, such as Bird & Bird’s tech hire and CMS’ Saudi corporate head. Additionally, firms such as Al Tamimi have strategically invested in that market by onboarding experienced partners, emphasizing their commitment to dominating the market.
In Europe, we have witnessed various duo and team moves in locations such as Paris, Frankfurt, Dublin and Amsterdam over the last few months at firms such as Eversheds and HSF in their technology and banking & finance teams. Speaking of teams, we have borne witness to some fantastic team moves, both in terms of quality and the sheer number of lawyers involved, with reports showing moves with up to 47 and 51 key lawyers involved. These occurred throughout the world in locations such as Singapore, India, Paris, and parts of the USA. Such moves signal firms’ desire to scale quickly in competitive markets by acquiring established teams with specialized expertise.
Overall, it is clear that there has been a dynamic legal market with corporations and firms taking strategic measures to attain top quality talent, expand geographically strengthen capabilities, and capitalise on emerging sectors. We look forward to seeing what the new year brings by way of moves.
The Americas
White & Case Lures DLA Piper’s Vice Chair for FDA Regulation
Peter Carney, chairman of White & Case’s life sciences and health care sector group, stated that Bethany Hills’ FDA regulatory skills “are a crucial component to maintaining a top global life sciences offering.”
Clifford Chance Steps Up US Expansion with O’Melveny Duo
The UK-founded firm added private equity partner David Schultz and restructuring partner Matthew Hinker. They arrive as the U.K.-founded firm continue in their efforts to break the U.S. market.
Paul Weiss M&A Co-Chair Heads to White & Case
Taurie Zeitzer has joined White & Case’s Private Equity group in New York from Paul Weiss where she was co-head of the M&A group.
Greenberg Traurig Hires 2 GCs to Boost Corporate, PE and Compliance Practices
To bolster the company’s competencies in these domains, Patrick Kassen, formerly of Link Logistics, and Matthew Bromberg, formerly of Exchange Traded Managers Group, were added as additional shareholders.
Freshfields Hires Skadden’s New York Head of Tax
Freshfields Bruckhaus & Deringer added Steven Matays, the head of the New York tax practice at Skadden, Arps, Meagher, Slate & Flom.
Paul Hastings Hires White & Case Partner as Co-Chair of International Arbitration Practice
Jonathan Hamilton oversaw White & Case’s arbitration practice in Latin America before he joined Paul Hastings.
UK & Ireland
Pinsent Masons Hits K&L Gates for Double Partner Hire
To expand its London real estate portfolio, Pinsent Mason brought on two new partners. Partners Tim Webb and Emma Maher left K&L Gates to join the firm’s real estate practice. The two are experts in providing corporate real estate advice, especially in the residential build-to-rent market.
White & Case Builds London Funds Practice with Ropes & Gray Partner
According to a firm release, secondaries partner Alexandra Chauvin, who worked at Rope for three years, joined as a partner in White & Case’s global private equity industry group and investment funds practice.
US law firm Perkins Coie hires Ian Bagshaw for London launch
Perkins Coie, a US law firm, were establishing its presence in London with the hiring of heavyweight private equity lawyer Ian Bagshaw.
Cooley Taps Norton Rose’s London Antitrust Head
Mark Simpson, the head of antitrust and competition at Norton Rose, joined the Palo Alto-based company after more than 15 years there, ten of those as a partner.
EMEA
Bird & Bird swoops on Al Tamimi for tech partner
As a partner at Al Tamimi & Company, Nick O’Connell oversaw the company’s technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) practice in Saudi Arabia. He joined Bird & Bird in Dubai, where he will assist the company’s technology clients with their Middle Eastern business requirements.
Herbert Smith Freehills Hires Pair of Paris TMT Leaders from Eversheds
Emmanuel Ronco and Vincent Denoyelle, partners at HSF, have moved in efforts to guide clients through an increasingly digital environment.
CMS taps Clyde & Co for Saudi corporate head
Rizwan Osman joined the firm’s Riyadh office from Clyde & Co, where he spent over 17 years.
Al Tamimi adds two UAE partners, including ex-Eversheds Dubai MP
Henry Storrar has joined the firm’s Abu Dhabi office as a corporate partner, and Paul Taylor has joined the Dubai office as a partner and regional head of arbitration.
APAC
K&L Gates Hires Energy Partner from Gibson Dunn in Singapore
Brad Roach, a partner at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, joined K&L Gates in Singapore as an energy, infrastructure, and resources partner. Alexandra Jones, an associate who has been with Gibson Dunn for seven years, went with him.
Skadden adds Asia disputes head from Sidley
Prior to joining, Friven Yeoh co-led Sidley’s worldwide advocacy, trade, and arbitration group. He is leading Skadden’s Asian international litigation and arbitration group. Yeoh has been dividing his time between the Hong Kong & Singapore offices.
Long-time HFW partner joins Addleshaw Goddard as SG head
Energy specialist Chanaka Kumarasinghe, who has spent his whole 22-year career with HFW, has been appointed as the head of Addleshaw Goddard’s Singapore office.
Team Moves
Eversheds Adds Three Finance Lawyers in Amsterdam
With the addition of three attorneys from independent firm Rutgers Posch, Eversheds Sutherland has strengthened its finance practice. The UK firm’s Amsterdam branch is now home to senior associate Maarten Ahsmann, partner Vasco Hoving, and senior partner Kees Westermann.
14 A&O Shearman Lawyers in South Africa to Join Bowmans
According to Ezra Davids, senior partner and chair of Bowmans, the partner changes were in line with the firm’s strategic goal of becoming the “go to” African law practice for clients seeking advice on complicated legal matters.
Hogan Lovells Hires 23 M&A Lawyers from Orrick in Italy
According to Orrick, the departures, which also included another exit to BonelliErede, were a strategy of the firm’s ambition to offer sector-specific counsel.
Orrick Faces Second Major Blow as 15-Strong Team Joins BonelliErede in Italy
With a 15-person Milan team leaving the company for Italian giant BonelliErede, Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe’s Italian division experienced two raids in two weeks.
In-House
Porsche’s Venture Capital Arm Adds General Counsel from Clifford Chance
Early-career attorney Lynn Nussbaum took the legal reins of Porsche Ventures as it presses forward on its next phase of growth.
Former HSBC Litigation lawyer is taking the legal reigns of Post Office Ltd
Daniel Chumbley left HSBC where he was Managing Associate General Counsel, to take on the position of Head of Legal at Post Office Ltd, prior to this he has also held positions at DLA Piper and DAC Beachcroft.
Sony Pictures Entertainment Hires Disney Lawyer as General Counsel
CEO Tony Vinciquerra asserted that Jill Ratner will “help us meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry landscape and to capitalize on opportunities for growth.”
Tesla Rival Taps Mercedes-Benz GC for Top Lawyer Job
Matt Everitt the new legal chief was reported as saying “Lucid’s products set an incredibly high bar for automotive companies, and I’m energized to join at a time when the company is poised to expand further”.
Promotions and Appointments
Through our analysis of promotions and appointments week on week, we have observed various trends across the legal market. For example, we saw firms focussing on continuity, maintaining experienced individuals in leadership roles, such as Michael Heller at Cozen O’Connor, who was re-elected as CEO for a 5th term, whereas Kennedys is transitioning leadership after Nick Thomas’s long tenure.
Many of these leadership shifts also involve regional or geographic emphasis, such as DLA Piper’s growing presence in Oman, or Herbert Smith Freehills’ strengthening of its Africa operations. Dentons is similarly focusing on regional leadership by appointing a new head for its Ottawa office, while Baker McKenzie appointed a new practice head in India. Global law firms are heavily investing in expanding into regions of high economic growth, such as Asia and Africa, which is evident from leadership appointments like Denise Jong succeeding a 30-year veteran at Reed Smith in Asia.
A noticeable trend is the integration of technology and innovation into leadership roles, as shown by McDermott Will & Emery’s hiring of its first Director of AI Innovation. As law firms continue to adapt to the evolutions in technology, there is a growing trend of appointing individuals focused on AI, data analytics, and other tech-focussed practices. Litera’s return of Avaneesh Marwaha as CEO, right before a major launch of AI products, exemplifies how leadership is closely tied to strategic growth in the legal tech space.
Several firms are prioritising diversity in their leadership structures. For example, Kilpatrick appointed ten new partners for 2025, with a strong emphasis on female representation in fields like commercial litigation and intellectual property. The trend towards diversifying leadership is consistent with the growing recognition of gender and ethnic diversity’s role in firm success.
Firms like Reed Smith, Kirkland, and Latham & Watkins are all seeing reduced partner promotion classes, suggesting a more conservative approach to growth amid economic uncertainty or business strategy shifts. This trend is notable as it contrasts with the prior years’ emphasis on rapid expansion and shows a more cautious, deliberate approach to growth.
DLA Piper unveils 63-strong partner promotion round
CMS makes up 54 in latest partner promotions round
Linklaters promotes 27 to partner as gender diversity target on track for fourth year
Freshfields Promotes 23 to Global Partnership
Sidley Austin Elects Biggest Class of Partners in Firm History
A&O Shearman Names UK and US Managing Partners
Fifty-six partners appointed in Norton Rose Fulbright’s class of 2025
Financials
The legal sector faces a dynamic financial landscape, enabled by inflationary pressures, rising operational costs, and ongoing competition for talent. Clifford Chance’s investment in an increase in personnel at all levels has resulted in lower partner payouts, a reflection of how difficult it is to maintain profitability with increased resources. On the other hand, Eversheds Sutherland’s £3 million partner payout has shown strategic sense in ensuring competitive rewards. These contrasting approaches highlight the industry’s need to strike a balance between cost savings and talent retention in an increasingly competitive market.
Growth in revenues among the largest firms continues to be very strong, with the top 50 firms posting a 14% gain in 2024. This growth, driven by a 3.6% demand surge and productivity gains of 2.9%, has enabled firms to implement the most significant increases in hourly rates in the last decade. This has tipped the balance in pricing power back to firms, and corporate law departments are seeking creative cost-control strategies. These include alternative fee arrangements, partnerships with alternative legal service providers, and the strategic use of staffing ratios to reduce reliance on higher-cost senior lawyers.
Meanwhile, the dynamics of talent are rebalancing compensation trends: Magic Circle firms like Clifford Chance and Linklaters have increased their NQ solicitor salaries to £150,000, while Goodwin Procter has gone even higher with £175,000. Such pay rises reflect the ferocity of the competition for legal talent, but raises concerns about the sustainability of such an investment in lawyers over the longer term. The more the costs rise, the more businesses look to technology, operational efficiencies, and flexible workforce models to balance profitability with customer satisfaction.
This is a continuously changing environment that requires ongoing innovation and strategic foresight. Firms need to handle not only the immediate pressures of finances but also position themselves for long-term growth through retaining trust with clients and adapting to the changing market demands. The future of the legal profession will be shaped by how well it navigates these challenges with resilience and forward-looking perspectives.
Clifford Chance Top Earner Pockets Less as Staff Numbers, Costs Swell
Eversheds Top Earner Pay Surpasses £3 Million, LLPs Show
As Billing Rates Soar, Law Firm Clients Move to Spread Work Around
Should US Law Firms Offer 20% Less Pay for 20% Less Work?
GC Pay Is Improving, But It’s Still Mission Impossible
A Steady Litigation Year Helped Drive Big Law Revenue Gains
The Future of Partner Compensation: How Profit-Sharing Systems Shape the Firm’s Culture and Success
An Early Look: The 2024 Am Law 200 Financials
‘Slightly alarming’ – Clifford Chance, Linklaters, A&O Shearman match Freshfields’ NQ £150k pay hike
Goodwin Latest Firm to Raise NQ Salaries to £170k as Pay War Looms
Paul Weiss Matches Market Leading London NQ Pay, Launches Training Contract
‘Strength of the Market’: Big Law Revenue, Demand Continue to Climb
Office Openings and Closings
The London legal market in 2023 was the result of two strategies. Firms headquartered in the United States demonstrated aggressive growth, with investments in high-end, modern office space reflecting a long-term commitment to the city as a strategic hub. Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman’s move to 100 Bishopsgate, as well as Debevoise & Plimpton’s new 70,000-square-foot premises, point to increased capacity and technological sophistication for top-tier talent. In contrast, UK-based firms have been more restrained, reducing office space to contain rising operation costs. This pullback reflects caution as local firms become more focused on cost efficiency due to economic pressures. The divergence emphasises London’s role in the legal market as not just a battleground for legal dominance but also as a site of recalibration for firms looking to assess their 2025 strategies.
Globally, U.S. law firms have continued to expand in 2024, leveraging strong financial performance to expand both geographically and operationally. Firms in the Am Law 200 took advantage of rising demand and productivity gains, investing heavily in talent acquisition and office infrastructure. The trend of US firms expanding their London footprint reflects their strategic vision of London as a gateway to Europe and a critical platform for cross-border business. Domestically, the closure of midsize and boutique firms reflected the growing dominance of larger firms with more diverse service offerings and financial stability. These dynamics demonstrate the growing concentration of legal power in the hands of a few large players, raising the stakes for smaller businesses attempting to compete in a changing market.
Looking to EMEA, exits from Asia by several international firms have changed the landscape of that market. Asia, while rich with opportunities, presents unique regulatory and competitive challenges that have proven difficult for many global firms to navigate effectively in a slower legal market. Firms like Vinson & Elkins and Baker Botts have already exited the Greater China region completely. Last year, Herbert Smith Freehills closed in Seoul, while Mayer Brown and Kennedys closed in Thailand.
Nonetheless, the market remains an interesting site of activity, as amid closures, Watson Farley & Williams launched an office in Seoul and Clyde & Co opened an office in Thailand. On the client side, companies such as Bain Capital have announced plans to double investment in Japan. Though, at the moment, it seems the legal market here is in a state of exodus, this signals that for firms committed to the region, the exits of competitors may present opportunities to capture market share, provided they are willing to navigate its complexities. There is also a prediction that, as the market eventually begins to pick up again, we may see firms replenishing their headcounts and re-entering the market, as many still remain in the region though with a smaller footprint.
Speaking of closures, the shuttering of several midsize and boutique firms in 2023 marked a significant shift in the legal landscape. Firms such as Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis and Ward Greenberg failed due to a combination of financial pressures, leadership vacancies, and an inability to compete with larger players. Leadership transitions proved particularly difficult, with firms such as Dolchin Slotkin & Todd and Ganfer Shore Leeds & Zauderer failing after senior leaders retired without successors in place. Meanwhile, others suffered financial difficulties, including Phoenix-based Jennings, Strouss & Salmon, which defaulted on large credit lines. These closures highlight the vulnerability of midsized and boutique businesses to economic pressures, talent poaching, and operational inefficiencies. They also emphasise the importance of strong leadership pipelines and financial discipline in navigating an increasingly competitive landscape.
Overall, ahead of 2025, we have seen global activity that will be instrumental in shaping firm strategies and revenues for the year ahead.
Looking Back at the Law Firms That Didn’t Survive 2023
From Stroock to Schnader, firms that failed struggled with common issues of recruitment, retention and financial obligations.
More Law Firms in New York Opt for Larger Spaces
Paul Weiss and King & Spalding are among the latest firms to secure new, larger spaces in New York.
Weil, Pillsbury Eye London Office Moves Amid US Firm Upsizing Trend
A contrast in opinions toward hybrid working have seen several U.K-led firms downsizing while their U.S.-founded counterparts take up larger spaces.
International law firms have been launching offices in the U.S. and paying top dollar for talent in the world’s largest and most lucrative legal market. But growth potential exists elsewhere, and firms shouldn’t give the rest of the world short shrift, writes The Global Lawyer.
Clyde & Co Moves Middle East Regional HQ to Saudi Arabia
International law firms have long regarded Dubai as their de facto Middle East headquarters, however two of the region’s four largest law firms are now headquartered in Riyadh.
Chinese Law Firms Announced 40 New Offices in 12 Months. Will the Investment Pay Off?
Chinese law firms are expanding rapidly within China, however top-tier Chinese firms have focused outward, to international markets. With the Chinese cross-border deal market growing increasingly quiet, questions arise as to whether these firms pivot toward mainland expansion?
Clyde & Co Expands Saudi Presence With Jeddah Launch
The new office will be led by corporate and advisory partner Mohammed Almarzouki, who is a certified lawyer in Saudi Arabia, a trained solicitor in England and Wales, and an attorney in New York. He joined Clyde & Co in 2023 and has over a decade of experience assisting Saudi and multinational firms, as well as family businesses in Jeddah.
Bird & Bird’s former London arbitration head launches own practice
Nick Peacock, the former head of Bird & Bird’s international arbitration business in London, has established Peacock Arbitration, a solo firm.
Kirkland Opens New Office with Latham M&A Partner Hire
Kirkland & Ellis has expanded its transactional business in Germany by hiring M&A partner Tobias Larisch from Latham & Watkins and opening a new office in Frankfurt.
Wave of Office Closures Highlights the Weighty Stakes Surrounding Law Firm Growth
Major Lindsey & Africa consultant Jennifer Moss said, “Just because a certain legal market is hot does not mean that you should be there.”
Mergers and Alliances
Mergers and alliances have hit the global legal market like a wave in 2024, with scale, geographic reach, and integrated service offerings becoming increasingly important. The highly publicized merger of Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling, which went live on May 1, marked an important turning point in the industry. The merger created A&O Shearman, a $3.5 billion law firm with close to 4,000 lawyers and 47 offices worldwide, second in size only to rivals Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins.
The secrecy surrounding the A&O Shearman merger surprised many, especially in light of Shearman’s earlier, highly publicized but ultimately unsuccessful talks with Hogan Lovells. Yet, the inevitability of the combination reflected the firms’ complementary strengths and a shared vision of providing seamless transatlantic services in critical practice areas. The successful execution of this merger not only positions A&O Shearman as a global powerhouse but also sets a benchmark for future alliances in the legal sector.
This landmark deal is part of a larger increase in law firm mergers in 2024. In the first half of the year, 29 mergers were completed, a slight increase over previous years and testament to firms’ determination to strengthen their market positions. While no other merger had the scale of A&O Shearman, regional consolidations demonstrated a similar drive for growth and resilience. Examples are of Midwest firms Ulmer & Berne and Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale combined to create UB Greensfelder, a 275-lawyer firm aimed at bolstering their presence in the region
Troutman Pepper and Locke Lord will merge in January 2025, forming Troutman Pepper Locke, a 1,600-attorney firm with a strong presence in the ten largest legal markets in the United States. The transatlantic allure remains strong, with Herbert Smith Freehills and Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel announcing plans to merge, resulting in a $2 billion revenue firm with over 2,700 lawyers in 25 offices, reinforcing the need for global scale and integrated services in an increasingly interconnected legal market.
While the pace of mergers has remained steady, the nature of these deals highlights the strategic priorities of the industry. Firms are not only seeking growth but are also aligning their mergers with broader goals, including geographic expansion, talent acquisition, and client-focused innovations. The industry-wide trend is toward larger, integrated, entities that reflect increasing complexity both in client needs and from competitive pressures driving firms towards creativity.
The mergers in 2024 demonstrate an unmistakable trajectory for the profession: those that embrace collaboration, scale, and strategic vision will be best prepared to navigate the challenges of an ever-changing market.
Law Firm Mergers Began With a Boutique Bash. Will the Party Continue in 2024?
Consolidation and Competition: The Law Firm Merger Market and What It Means for Midsize Law Firms
With High Interest in Law Firm Acquisitions, ‘A Likely Uptick’ in Mergers Underway
After Law Firm Merger Activity Rose Again, Combinations Expected to Increase Into 2025
Smaller firms falling out of love with merger, research finds – Legal Futures
Partner Cuts: The Grim Reality of Post-Merger Integration
When It Comes to Law Firm Mergers, Are Firm Leaders Getting FOMO?
Herbert Smith Freehills to Merge with Kramer Levin
Tech and Innovation
This year, discussions surrounding technology, in particular AI, have remained pervasive. With firms and external companies investing time and resources to develop AI tools for legal drafting and due diligence. Many of these companies have invested millions of dollars into the production of tools and startups which provide advanced services.
Additionally, throughout the year there have been discussions regarding the efficacy of investment into AI. Some argue that there is an unknown element regarding the long-term effects of AI technology of AI in law firms as well as a lack of enforcement of legislation. This combined with AI’s widespread use within the global market has deemed as risky by many experts if AI’s implementation remains unchecked. They also point out the risk of becoming reliant on these forms of innovations for companies.
On the other hand, others are excited about how AI can make the lives of lawyers easier. The light has been shone on the wider impact it can have within firms with younger, incoming lawyers being trained at firms such as Latham and Watkins and Travers Smith to use AI effectively in order to ensure they can keep up with the rapidly changing technology. Moreover, reports have surfaced about smaller regional firms in the USA and firms within Asia slightly lagging behind causing many to wonder how they plan to close the gap in this regard.
Additionally, over the last year we have borne witness to the effects technology can have on social dynamics within law firms as discussions have shown that the recent technological revolution has created an environment where lawyers towards the more senior end of their career feeling slightly alienated.
Overall, it is clear that this year, within the legal industry, the use of AI has been established, has been heavily invested in by firms and external companies, and that it is not likely to decline within the coming year.
How Latham & Watkins Is Using Online Training to Expand the Legal Pipeline
Linklaters launches AI sandbox to drive innovation
New Research Study Predicts Continued Growth for Generative AI in Legal
UK Startup Wexler AI Announces $1.4M Preseed Funding
As Gen AI Acceptance Grows, Lawyers Race to Mitigate Risks
Agency Leaders Accept They Must Use Existing Law to Regulate Artificial Intelligence
Global Firms’ Asia Offices Lag Behind US and Europe in AI Uptake
Market Commentary
Firstly, the ‘magic circle’ law firms have faced pressure to adapt to a changing legal landscape, and although these firms continue to lead UK revenues the increasing mergers of firms such as A&O and heightened competition from US firms. Also, there have been reports surrounding growth markets with specific locations and practice areas being targeted as areas to invest in by global law firms and other locations showing signs of decline as firms exit them. Examples of this include London, which was deemed to be a competitive growth hub for wall street firms, Greece, which passed legislation that reopened pathways for UK lawyers to practice law following Brexit, and Spain, which experienced growth in their litigation finance market due to favourable legislation and quick trial durations. Conversely, South Africa and China experienced shifts as US firms scaled back operations due to increasing risks.
Additionally, over the last year we have seen much discussion in growth strategy amongst firms with firms like DLA, Kirkland & Ellis and Willkie publishing fantastic deal volume results, impressive revenue figures and staggering growth metrics causing experts to debate how other firms can achieve similar results with law firms increasingly relying on KPI’s to track performance and profitability and other firms such as Clifford Chance restructuring their partner compensation models to balance seniority and productivity through creating a merit based system to retain their top billers and boost profitability in that regard and Dentons.
Furthermore, ESG related scrutiny has intensified as firms like A&O Shearman and Akin have faced backlash from climate activists over fossil fuel related work leading to investors and policymakers prioritising sustainability and governance.
Finally, throughout this year a particularly important topic throughout the legal sector has been mental health as a new generation of lawyers enter the workforce with heightened mental health awareness, which has forced firms to address evolving workplace expectations.
Overall, it has been an eventful year with the legal market continuing to evolve as priorities shift in terms of talent retention, strategic growth and individual wellbeing.
New Battleground: Wall Street Law Firms Eye London Growth
Greece Opens the Door to U.K. Lawyers Under New Law
Leveraging Law Firm KPIs for Business Success
Is the ‘Magic Circle’ Dead, Or Just Different?
Letter From Asia: The Americans Are Leaving China in Droves, but Will It Level the Playing Field?
How to Grow Fast Like Kirkland
Are You ESG-Prepared? Statistically Speaking, Probably Not!
Law Firms Seek Flexibility in Revised Partner Comp Systems, Balancing Seniority with Productivity
DE&I
From our D&I news that we share as part of the Fides legal weekly update, we have observed that there appears to be growing gender parity in the legal field, with women now comprising the majority of associates in some cities and continuing to gain ground in senior roles, signalling positive progress towards gender equity.
We have also noted increasing diversity in leadership roles, particularly with Black individuals taking on prominent positions in academia, reflects a broader effort to ensure diverse voices shape decisions within legal institutions and firms.
Another significant development is that more women are enrolling in top law schools, suggesting that future legal professionals will reflect more gender diversity. This demographic shift is expected to have a long-term impact on the composition of the legal profession.
Women Make Up the Majority of Associates for the First Time
Gibson Dunn Partner Named First Black Dean of Drake Law
17 of the Top 20 Law Schools Have More Women Enrolled
Simpson Thacher Appoints First Female London Head
Freshfields Beats Gender Target for Fourth Year in a Row in Latest Partner Promotion Round
Moves:
In-House
Ex-Cancer Society CLO Takes Legal Reins of Habitat for Humanity International
Tim Phillips is the general lawyer for the Navy SEAL Foundation outside of his day work.
HubSpot Chief Legal Officer Departs ‘Upon Mutual Agreement’ After Just 2 Years
HubSpot’s market worth increased to $38 billion with three acquisitions under the legal direction of Alyssa Harvey Dawson.
Home Improvement App Thumbtack Hires Ex-SmileDirectClub Legal Chief
Susan Greenspon Rammelt is joining Thumbtack as it competes with competitors like Houzz and Angi for market share in the sizable but dispersed home services industry.
SoundCloud GC Takes Legal Reins of Condé Nast at Tumultuous Time
Antonious Porch, who helped bring the music-sharing website SoundCloud viable and led the music-recognition software Shazam to a $400 million sale, joins the magazine behemoth.
UK & Ireland
Another Latham Partner Heads to Sidley in London
Despite just joining Latham in 2022, partner Tania Bedi, co-chair of the London finance department, has chosen to join seven of her former Sidley partners, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.
Philipp Girardet will become a partner in Clifford Chance’s London-based Global Antitrust Group, the international law firm said today. Philipp joins from Willkie Farr & Gallagher.
APAC
Hong Kong Boutique Practice Lures K&L Gates Capital Markets Partner
Four months ago, a former partner of O’Melveny & Myers founded the Hong Kong boutique Edwin Kwok & Co., where Iris Leung now works.
London’s Blackstone Chambers Bolsters Asia Presence, Hires Disputes Specialist in Singapore
According to a release, Sapna Jhangiani KC, the first Singaporean woman barrister to be appointed a silk in England in 2020, will remain based in Singapore while taking on her duties in the chambers. Last month, she was appointed to the Court of Appeal of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts as a part-time judge. She had previously worked for three years as an international legal counsel in the Attorney-General’s Chambers in Singapore.
Another Partner Leaves Australia’s Corrs for King & Wood Mallesons
When Lizzie Knight, an 11-year Corrs partner from Sydney, joins the KWM firm, she will relocate to Canberra, the capital of Australia.
Baker McKenzie’s Seoul JV Adds International Arbitration Veteran from Big Six Firm
This year, Baker McKenzie & KL Partners has added five new partners, including Sung Woo Lim.
Korean’s Yulchon welcomes back IP attorney as partner from LIN
Keejeong Kim, an intellectual property lawyer, returned to the Korean Big Six firm Yulchon as a partner from the local law firm LIN in 2024, continuing the firm’s ambitious development.
Hogan Lovells turns to Dechert again for Asia laterals
With the addition of three partners from Dechert, international legal firm Hogan Lovells has increased its footprint in Asia. In January, Siew Kam Boon, Timothy Goh, and Thomas Kim will join the company’s private equity and funds practice in Singapore.
EMEA
Clyde & Co rapidly expands offering in Saudi Arabia with new partners
Talal Al-Othman, a well-known attorney, has joined the firm’s Riyadh office. Talal provides the Saudi Commercial Court and Board of Grievances with experience in both commercial arbitration and commercial litigation.
DWF expands Dubai team with Dispute Resolution partner hire
Michael Hartley, a conflicts resolution partner, has joined DWF’s Dubai bench, contributing his wealth of experience in infrastructure, building, and energy. In London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, and the International Chamber of Commerce, among other courts and arbitration centers, he has managed intricate, significant international conflicts.
The Americas
Orrick Hires Real Estate Partner to Focus on Data Centers
After more than three years at Chicago’s Loeb & Loeb, Peter Bergan joins the company.
Groen Strokoff O’Neill, LLC adds accomplished Trial Lawyer, William “Bill” Coppol.
Bill Coppol, an accomplished trial lawyer, is another addition to Groen Strokoff O’Neill’s expanding roster.
Gibson Dunn Adds Senior SEC Enforcement Official
Osman Nawaz joined Gibson Dunn as a partner after more than 14 years at the SEC.
Boies Schiller Flexner Adds Antitrust, Intellectual Property Partners
Prominent litigators Enoch Liang and James Keyte join the disputes powerhouse.
Veteran DOJ Antitrust Litigator Kenneth Dintzer Heads to Crowell
Kenneth Dintzer led the DOJ’s case in United States v. Google. He has joined Crowell & Moring as a partner in the firm’s Antitrust and Competition, Government Contracts, and Litigation groups.
People in the News—Dec. 10, 2024—Margolis Edelstein, Duane Morris
It was reported by Margolis Edelstein that litigator David Singh has become a partner in the Philadelphia office.
Lowenstein Sandler Boosts White-Collar, Business Litigation Group with Deputy AG Hire
Michael T.G. Long, former Director of the Division of Law (DOL) within the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, has returned to the firm as partner in the firm’s White-Collar Défense and Business Litigation practice groups.
People in the News—Dec. 12, 2024—Pietragallo Gordon, Fox Rothschild
Gregory A. Mason has joined the Philadelphia office of Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti.
Simpson Restructuring Leader Moves Back to Weil
Following Ray Schrock’s resignation, Sunny Singh rejoins Weil as co-chair of the restructuring department.
Team Moves
Jones Day Adds 10 US Supreme Court Clerks to Associate Ranks
All five of the individuals who were hired as associates at Jones Day were clerks for the high court’s conservative faction.
MoFo Poaches More Tech Talent from Goodwin with 3-Partner ECVC Group
Along with two Goodwin associates who were promoted to partner, Peter Fusco, a partner at Goodwin, now serves as co-chair of MoFo’s ECVC group.
11-Strong Team Quits EY Law as Struggles Continue
In London, energy, and infrastructure experts Hunton Andrews Kurth has added four partners, five associates, a consultant, and a lawyer. Under the leadership of partners Charles Morrison, Dimitri Papaefstratiou, Simon Collier, and Harry Brunt, the team focuses on transactions in a range of energy sectors, including oil and gas, thermal and renewable power, and emerging technologies like energy storage, carbon capture, and hydrogen.
Financials:
Steptoe Offers Associates New Flexible Billable Hour Tracks in Revamped Comp System
Three full-time billable hour budget alternatives with corresponding compensation scales will be available to associates under Steptoe’s redesigned associate compensation model, which goes into effect in January.
Boies Schiller Increases Federal Clerkship Bonus to $150K Amid Hiring Uptick
According to chairman-elect Matthew Schwartz, the business wants to dominate the federal district and appellate clerk market.
Topping Big Law, Litigation Firm the Latest to Dole Out Above-Market Bonuses
According to Selendy Gay, in addition to special awards, it will offer above-market bonuses for every associate class year, with the highest possible payout of $132,250 for the class of 2017 and later.
Salaries for Marketing, Business Development Professionals in Texas, Nationally Are Growing
According to a recent Wisnik Career Enterprises poll, chief marketing and business development professionals in Texas are making, on average, $305,000 this year.
Corrs and Effect: Why Pay for Top Partners is Rising in Australia
In Australia, compensation for top-performing partners has increased dramatically in recent years; some companies are now spending A$6 million ($3.9 million) or more to recruit and retain attorneys with substantial practices.
Macfarlanes Highest Paid Partner Pay Breaks £4M Barrier
The firm’s highest-paid partner earned £ 4.05 million during the fiscal year 2023–2024, according to the accounts for the 11 months ending March 31, 2024. This exceeded the previous high of £3.8 million set in 2022.
UK Legal Exports Grow 40% in 2 Years
Using data from the Office for National Statistics, The City UK research also revealed that since 2015, the overall gross value of legal exports from the United Kingdom has increased by 87%. The sum for 2023 is £9.47 billion, the highest amount ever recorded, over £1 billion more than 2022, and nearly 40% higher than the £6.8 billion total for 2021.
Promotions & Appointments
Norton Rose Fulbright Taps New Office Leaders in Houston
In Houston, tax controversy partner Robert Morris has been promoted to administrative partner, while litigation partner Carter Dugan has been appointed partner-in-charge.
King & Spalding Names Largest New Partner Class in Its History
The firm has equal representation in 14 cities across three continents for both its litigation and transactional activities. They promoted 37 lawyers to partner and five to counsel.
Trump Names FTC Chair Who’s Been Thorn ‘in side’ of Lina Khan
Andrew Ferguson, according to President Donald Trump, “has a proven record of standing up to Big Tech censorship. and protecting Freedom of Speech in our Great Country.”
Bucking Industry Trend, Sidley Austin Elects Biggest Class of Partners in Firm History
In its most recent promotion round, the company chose to promote 38 partners and 27 attorneys.
Moore & Van Allen Adds to C-Suite, Cadwalader Promotes Three in Charlotte
The company’s first chief marketing and business development officer is a seasoned leader from Goulston & Storrs.
Paul Weiss Promotes Partners into Both Equity and Non-Equity Tiers Amid ‘Existential War for Talent’
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison is advancing attorneys into both the equity and its new nonequity tiers with the appointment of 34 new partners this month. Regarding the proportion of new partners who were equity vs income, the firm chose not to comment. However, the partner promotion cycle, which will take effect in 2025, is nearly three times as large as the firm announced the previous year. Twelve new partners joined the firm in 2023, eleven in 2022, nine in 2021, and seven in 2020.
Dentons Gets New Africa CEO in First Regional Election
Mohamed Zaanouni, who will begin his new position at Dentons in January 2025, intends to concentrate on regional expansion and cooperation among 17 nations.
Fifty-six partners appointed in Norton Rose Fulbright’s class of 2025
The 2025 partner promotions class released by Norton Rose Fulbright (NRF) had 56 members, up from 49 the previous year and a significant increase above the 36 partners in the 2023 class.
Spain’s Uría Menéndez & Garrigues Promote 25 New Partners with Corporate Leading Growth
With effect from January 1, 2025, Spanish legal firms Uría Menéndez and Garrigues have advanced seven and eighteen attorneys to partner, respectively. The appointments cover Spain, Portugal, Chile, and Peru. Many are inside the firms’ corporate practices, as law firm leaders witnessed business steadily expanding throughout the year, with stabilizing interest rates and a strong economic forecast projected to further stimulate activity in the M&A market.
Philip Lee appoints Eoghan Doyle as head of corporate and M&A
Eoghan Doyle, a partner, has been named head of corporate and M&A at Philip Lee. Mr. Doyle takes over for departing department head Andreas McConnell, who has been a senior partner with the firm for 15 years and is still heavily involved in the operations.
Diversity & Inclusion:
HSF Investigating “Deeply Offensive” Partner Tweet Directed at Jewish Lawyer
An Australian partner’s “deeply offensive” tweet against a Jewish attorney at another firm has prompted Herbert Smith Freehills to open an investigation. In a statement, HSF chair and senior partner Rebecca Maslen-Stannage said, “We were shocked to learn on Friday evening of a deeply offensive post, and very sorry that it was written.”
Campaigning woman barrister wins tribunal case over ‘boys’ club’ tweets criticising family judge
‘Turning point’ for women’s rights and a barrister’s freedom of speech, says Charlotte Proudman
Fresh Off Expansion in New York, Honolulu, Dallas-founded Thompson Coe Plans Denver Launch
On January 1st, 2025, 14 attorneys from Denver’s Wells, Anderson & Race, a trial practice that is predominately run by women, will join Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons’ new Denver office.
Office Openings & Closing:
The Boom Continues: These Firms All Opened New Florida Offices in 2024
This year proved to be significant for midsize firms hoping to meet the Sunshine State’s expanding demand for attorneys in a variety of professions, as at least 14 new law firm locations went online.
Goldberg Segalla Launches in Wilmington
According to hiring partner Joseph Hanna, the Second Hundred firm is experiencing a record year in 2024, accumulating its greatest headcount to date with little lateral attrition.
Baker & Hostetler to Open Austin Office with 10-Lawyer Locke Lord Affordable Housing Team
Due to disagreements with clients regarding Locke Lord’s planned merger with Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders on January 1, 2025, the affordable housing team at Locke Lord is departing the company.
After 40 Years, Riker Danzig Leaves Morristown
Riker Danzig, which has been based in Morristown, New Jersey, since 1983, is moving its headquarters to Madison, New Jersey’s 7 Giralda Farms.
Ice Miller Debuts New Miami Office After Landing Two Greenspoon Marder Attorneys
With the opening of its second Miami office only months after its Naples debut, the Second Hundred firm is fast growing in Florida.
Eversheds Sutherland Moving After 36 Years to Smaller Atlanta Office
The firm’s COO claims that the vast law library, extra file drawers, and storage space in the current location “are no longer relevant.”
Brazilian Firm Simões Pires Opens Chicago Office with Focus on Agribusiness
Simões Pires wants to help Brazilian enterprises in the commodities hub of the United States as they expand their global reach.
HKIAC opens 2nd mainland rep office in Beijing
The first offshore arbitration organization to open a presence in the Chinese capital is the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC), which has formally inaugurated its Beijing Representative Office.
Mergers & Alliances:
Kramer Levin’s Paris Office Eyes U.S. Merger
In anticipation of its parent company’s 2025 partnership with Herbert Smith Freehills, Kramer Levin’s Paris office is seeking a new U.S. firm to join as it gets ready to spin out.
As Global Law Firm Mergers Keep Coming, Will There Ever Be a New Swiss Verein?
Kramer Levin and Herbert Smith Freehills rejected the model for their next collaboration. Earlier this year, A&O Shearman did the same. However, a number of executives whose companies adopted the structure report that it has been beneficial to them.
With more than 200 attorneys, William Fry bills itself as one of Ireland’s biggest businesses.
2 Albany Players Announce Merger to Create 113-Attorney Firm
At the beginning of 2025, litigation boutique Nolan Heller Kauffman will merge with NLJ 500 firm Whiteman Osterman & Hanna.
Whitelaw Twining Growing to Four Offices with New Montreal Location
On January 1st, the Canadian division of the DWF Group will team up with the 16-lawyer firm Bélanger Sauvé.
DAC Beachcroft Expands in Chile with Litigation Boutique Acquisition
By acquiring a litigation boutique in Chile, DAC Beachcroft has expanded its clientele in a crucial Latin American market. According to the company, Ríos Abogados has a highly qualified and esteemed staff with a wealth of expertise assisting the Chilean insurance market with difficult claims and arbitration, as well as with corporate and regulatory issues.
Technology & Innovation:
Three Reasons CLOs Are Critical to the Successful Adoption of Generative AI
CLOs are now important players that influence GenAI choices. When it comes to carrying out crucial choices regarding the acquisition, creation, and deployment of GenAI-powered solutions, their capacity to advise the company on how to proceed with GenAI initiatives while adhering to legal and regulatory requirements complements that of other executive-level leaders.
Is AI Worth the Risks in Criminal Justice System?
Although some experts have concerns about the technology’s decision-making capabilities, developers are coming up with innovative ways to integrate technology into the criminal justice system.
Legal Drafting Startup DocDraft AI Launches Drafting, Attorney Service Platform
The platform’s primary goal is to meet the legal needs of users who might be looking for tools for self-representation as well as professional legal assistance.
Luminance Launches New Contract Negotiation Tool Lumi Go
The new offering allows counterparties of customers to access certain Luminance features.
Linklaters Sets Up Sandbox to Test AI Ideas
In order to facilitate the rapid development of AI solutions, Linklaters has introduced an AI Sandbox. To avoid disruptions, security lapses, and unexpected outcomes, AI systems can be evaluated and isolated from the primary systems in a controlled setting known as the sandbox.
Independent law firms can stay competitive in race to adopt AI
According to a LexisNexis survey, nearly half (49%) of in-house counsel anticipate that legal companies would deploy generative AI in the upcoming year.
Market Commentary:
Many Southeast-Born Firms Hired More First-Year Associates in 2024
According to recruiters, more hiring shows that businesses are confident about rising demand in 2025.
Law Firms’ ‘Failed Hires’ Expected to Climb as Lateral Hiring Ramps Up
According to industry analysts, there is a “high likelihood” that the number of newly employed lateral equity partners will expand.
Is London’s Litigation Market in Trouble?
The Mastercard settlement this month, which came against the backdrop of PACCAR, rocked a litigation industry that has been threatened by near-existential dangers, according to some.
Visa CLO-Turned-Vice Chair Seeing Payoff from Expanded Role
Kelly Mahon Tullier is one of many American executives who have risen to more senior positions in recent years by using their positions as legal chiefs.
As Atlanta Partners Moved to Am Law 200 Firms at a Higher Rate in 2024, 2 New Arrivals Benefited
More than one out of three attorneys who were on the move ended up at either Barnes & Thornburg or Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, which are well-known firms, or newcomers Clark Hill and Buchalter.
Chinese Firms Push for Growth Overseas
Chinese legal practices are still working to expand internationally.
Pay Is No. 1 Reason Associates Stay at Their Firm, Says New Study of Canadian Lawyers
According to Trevelyan Hornblower, the main risk indicators for law firms are whether or not their associates believe they are not provided with an opportunity to gain experience and advance in their careers.
Is there something we can help you with?
If not right now, we can include you on next weeks' newsletter update?
CLICK HERE