In the ever competitive ‘Big Law’, lateral recruitment serves as a strategic avenue for growth. However, ensuring the right fit goes beyond resumes and interviews. Enter Third-Party Due Diligence (DD), a tool aimed at supplying law firm leadership with a comprehensive appraisal of a partner candidate or lateral team. Too often law firms have recruited talent that, on paper and during the interview process, seem right but simply do not end up being right. This, we feel comes down to a number of manageable factors. The level of investment from clients in hiring laterally goes far beyond the purely financial with cultural and reputational risks being attached to any lateral hiring process.
Simply put we aim to de-risk the hiring process and in turn help our clients make informed decisions around their lateral talent, saving their time, money and, most importantly, their reputation.
The Process Simplified:
What’s Tested and Asked?
Conclusion:
Third-party Due Diligence is essential in ensuring the right fit in lateral recruitment within law firms. By providing a comprehensive assessment beyond traditional methods, it enables firms to make informed decisions and mitigate risks.
Law firms are frequently hiring applicants who have a limited scope for growth within the firm, are not properly vetted, or who make promises that are not inline with reality. The lack of a robust hiring procedure raises concern amongst stakeholders, exposes leadership to selection issues, and may impact the wider perception of a firm in the market, discouraging future prospects. While the exact cost of failed lateral hires is difficult to determine, it is estimated that firms sustain considerable financial losses each year as a result of underperforming partners, ranging from seven to eight figures, with many being lateral hires.
Conversely, strategically chosen lateral personnel can make a significant contribution to a company’s future success. Thus, the risk can be worth it, but reducing risk requires the development of appropriate systems and procedures.
To read more: Due Diligence – Fides (fidessearch.com) or contact Edward Parker at: +44 (0) 7803 788 086 or eparker@fidessearch.com
We’re proud to announce that our dedication to excellence in recruitment has earned us recognition for prestigious industry awards, listed below:
The Women, Influence & Power in Law UK
2nd in “Legal Recruitment Firm of the Year, 2024”
Investing in Talent: Recruiter Awards
Recognised for Best Recruitment Company to Work For (1-19 Employees) and
Recognised for Best Workplace Environment
Corporate Vision Magazine’s 2024 HR and Employment Awards
Best Legal & Compliance Search Firm of the Year 2024 – London
Since our inception, we’ve tirelessly worked to redefine recruitment solutions and exceed the expectations of both clients and candidates; this nomination fuels our determination to continue delivering exceptional service and making a positive impact in the industry. We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our clients, candidates, and partners for their support.
We look forward to hopefully sharing more updates with you as we continue to #BringtheRightPeopleTogether.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Ashurst adds litigation partner from Corrs
Ashurst stated in a statement that Felicity Healy’s hiring is a “significant step” for the expansion of the company’s disputes and investigations practice.
Private equity real estate specialist joins Simmons as partner
Oliver S. Jacob, a renowned private equity real estate partner, has joined Simmons & Simmons, bolstering the firm’s UK Corporate, Real Estate, and Private Equity areas.
John Goldfinch joins Allen & Overy to enhance structured finance and private capital offering
Allen & Overy today announces it is bolstering the global structured finance practice as partner John Goldfinch joins ahead of merger with Shearman & Sterling, to become A&O Shearman.
Kane Tuohy welcomes senior associate Triona Cody
Triona Cody has joined the employment and litigation department of Kane Tuohy LLP as a senior associate.
DLA Piper appoints Kathi Ó Riain as real estate partner
Kathi Ó Riain has been named as a partner in DLA Piper’s real estate division, a global legal company.
EMEA
Latham Makes Riyadh its Regional HQ as Saudi Arabia Lures Businesses with Perks
The company was one of the first to sign up for the scheme, which offers a range of incentives and discounts to encourage foreign companies to designate the Kingdom as their regional headquarters.
Freshfields Hires Hogan Lovells’ Global Energy Transition Head
Stefan Schröder is situated in Dusseldorf, Germany, and provides investors and large energy infrastructure operators in Europe with advice on the nation’s regulations regarding renewable and low-carbon fuels.
APAC
Simmons & Simmons Hires in Private Funds Head in Hong Kong
In the US, Jeffrey Friedenberg has held positions at Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, Blackstone, and Pathway Capital Management.
Simmons & Simmons Boosts Disputes Team in Singapore, DLA Piper Adds to Seoul
While Terence Seah from Stephenson Harwood is joining Simmons & Simmons in Singapore, DLA Piper has appointed Milbank counsel Brian Youn as a partner in South Korea.
KWM Bolsters Employment Team with Partner from Australian Firm
Cilla Robinson arrives to KWM from Clayton Utz.
Pinsent Masons Hires Veteran Energy Lawyer David Clinch from Shearmans
David Clinch, who had worked for nearly thirty years at Herbert Smith Freehills, became a partner at Shearman & Sterling.
Hunton Andrews Kurth Takes Two Senior Partners from Korea’s Big Six Lee & Ko
Edward Kim and Nelson Ahn have relocated to the US from Seoul.
Haiwen Takes Another Partner From Linklaters’ China Affiliate
Eric Liu, Zhao Sheng’s previous managing partner, was also recently employed by Haiwen.
The Americas
Orrick, Cooley Boost DC Offices With Litigation Partner Hires
Orrick has brought in ITC trial lawyer Josh Pond from Crowell, meanwhile Cooley has hired Susanne Grooms as a litigation partner from Kaplan Hecker & Fink to start a congressional investigation practice board in D.C.
Freshfields Continues Private Funds Growth with Top New York Partner Hire
Ivet Bell is joining the firm from Sidley Austin and will bring a wealth of experience across fund formation, secondaries transactions and GP stakes deals.
Hiring Paul Weiss Bankruptcy Partner, Selendy Gay Targets Bankruptcy-Related Litigation
Kelley Cornish, a member of Paul Weiss’ management committee, will arrive at the firm next week.
Seeking Less Rate Pressure, Baker Botts Labor and Employment Head Moves to Bradley
Jennifer Trulock, a Baker Botts partner in Dallas who was chair of Baker Botts’ labor and employment practice, said Bradley Arant Boult Cummings gives her opportunity to lower her rates.
Weber Gallagher Snags Vaughan Baio Leader in Bid to Broaden Litigation Portfolio
Madeline Baio’s current work in commercial litigation on behalf of transportation companies sits outside of the firm’s primary focus on general liability.
Thompson Hine Names Former Ohio State Basketball Captain as Next Managing Partner
Anthony White will become one of a short list of African Americans who are currently leading an Am Law 200 firm.
White & Case Lands SEC Crypto Leader and Paul Hastings Real Estate Finance Partner
The new additions include John Cahill, who was previously the head of Paul Hastings’ real estate finance practice department, and Ladan Stewart, who oversaw the SEC’s crypto and cyber litigation team.
Holland & Knight Hires Away Real Estate Capital Markets Partner From Jones Walker in Miami
Christopher Ezell has been appointed as the second partner in the real estate capital markets group this year alone.
On the Move: Seyfarth Adds BCLP Real Estate Partner To Growing Practice in Atlanta
Am Law 100 firm Seyfarth Shaw has welcomed Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner’s Angela Hsu as a partner in its Atlanta office as it continues to expand and broaden its real estate practice.
Skadden Nabs Latham Cap Markets Partner
Brian Paulson works with investment banks and others on IPOs, private offerings and debt and equity securities. Like his former firm, Skadden has strong relationships with those entities.
DLA Piper Adds Project Finance Partner in Brazil
After working at Allen & Overy for almost ten years, Bruno Soares will divide his time between São Paulo and New York.
Greenberg Traurig Lands Two Real Estate Shareholders With Niche Focuses, Growing Depth
West Palm Beach-based Adam Seligman showed up from Ward Damon a local boutique. Morgan Lewis is the source of Paul Williams, who divides his time between Austin and Los Angeles.
In-House
GC of FTD Takes Legal Reins of Newly Independent Weather Co.
David Strauss has been appointed head of legal at The Weather Co., which is the company that runs The Weather Channel app and website, by its new owner. He has served as general counsel for three different privately held companies.
Ibotta Hires Longtime In-House Leader to Plot $2B IPO
David Shapiro will serve as the first chief legal officer of the company, which helps major brands provide rewards and rebates to consumers.
HP Enterprise Swiftly Fills General Counsel Opening
Longstanding in house counsel David Antczak has been promoted to General Counsel by Hewlett Packard Enterprise.
Former JCPenney General Counsel Joins Banged-Up Powersports Retailer
Brandy Treadway, spent a decade at JCPenney but is now taking on a new opportunity as part of a new leadership team aiming to win over investors frustrated by losses and other setbacks.
FBI names fourth GC in six years as deputy GC handed top job
Jason Jones will hand over the legal reins to Bradley Brooker at the US law enforcement agency.
Lloyd’s of London Appoints First New GC in 27 Years
With Peter Spires resigning in August 2023 after 27 years in the position, Claire Schrader has been chosen the insurance giant’s acting general counsel.
Team Moves
Simpson Thacher Hires 5-Lawyer Bank M&A, Regulatory Team From Skadden
Sven Mickisch, Brian Christiansen, Bao Nguyen, Matt Nemeroff and Tim Gaffney will join Simpson as partners in its New York and Washington, D.C., offices from Skadden, Simpson said Tuesday. They are focused on transactional and regulatory matters in the financial services space.
Kirkland Strikes Back in Paul Weiss Talent Battle, Also Adding Weil and Sidley Partners
On Wednesday, Kirkland announced the arrival of Paul Sandler, a partner in debt finance from Paul Weiss, together with two real estate tax lawyers from Weil Gotshal and an insurance M&A partner.
Former Eckert Seamans Trio Returns to Firm, Citing New Leadership
Litigators Amy Roy, Ray Middlemanand Shane Valenzi left for Baltimore-based Whiteford, Taylor & Preston in 2022, but Eckert CEO Scott Cessar, who started in the role last May, successfully recruited them back.
Allen & Overy Hires 5-Lawyer Milbank London Team Ahead of Merger
The team is led by partner John Goldfinch. He is joined by senior associates Peter West, Adrian Kwok, Eleanor Cripps and Alexandra Wells.
Promotions & Appointments:
People in the News—Feb. 20, 2024—Faye Riva, Knox McLaughlin
Attorney James W. Cushing was appointed as vice president of the Christian Legal Clinics of Philadelphia on Feb. 5.
People in the News—Feb. 21, 2024—Barley Snyder, Rawle & Henderson
Partner Luke Weber was elected vice president of the Lancaster Bar Association’s board of directors, Barley Snyder announced.
DLA Piper Elects Managing Partner—Incumbent to Step Down After 10 Years
In January 2025, corporate partner Charles Severs will take over as international managing partner, replacing outgoing Simon Levine.
International law firm Addleshaw Goddard has appointed Tess Kelly, former Bank of England Deputy General Counsel to expand its financial services regulation team.
Senior Boeing Attorney Steps In to HR Chief Role as Contentious Labor Talks Loom
legal recruiter Deborah Ben-Canaan described Amuluru’s move to human resources as being “great training to someday sit in the GC seat,”.
People in the News—Feb. 23, 2024—Unruh Turner, Swartz Campbell
Attorney Ryan M. Jennings has been named chair of the Chester County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers’ Division (YLD) for 2024, according to a release from Unruh Turner Burke & Frees.
Latham & Watkins makes up 19 counsel to partner in latest promotions round
Compared to the 23-person group from the previous year, Latham & Watkins has promoted 19 counsel to its partnership.
London insurance giant Lloyd’s appoints interim GC on permanent basis
Claire Schrader is taking over the position from Peter Spires, who stepped down from the role last August
Nuala Egan SC appointed chair of Legal Aid Board
CEO of the Legal Aid Board, Joan Crawford stated that: “We are delighted to welcome Nuala as our new chairperson.
Eversheds Sutherland appoints Seán Scally as head of energy
Seán Scally has been named head of energy and commercial partner at the Dublin office of international law firm Eversheds Sutherland.
Mergers & Alliances:
Sacramento Play Gives Am Law 200 Firms Its Third Merger This Year
The firm previously acquired all lawyers from Sullivan Hill Rez & Engel effective Feb. 1, the same day as its combination with Seattle-based Savitt Bruce & Willey.
JMK Solicitors names NI Hospice as 2024 charity partner
JMK Solicitors, a personal injury law company in Northern Ireland, has selected NI Hospice & Children’s Hospice as its 2024 charity partner.
Office Openings & Closing:
‘Literally Nothing Walkable’: Why Gibson Dunn Moved to Downtown Palo Alto
The firm departed from an office park on Page Mill Road to look for a location near the homes of some attorneys and within several blocks of a train for others.
Tucker Ellis Opens in North Jersey With Laterals From Riker Danzig
The Cleveland-based Am Law 200 firm plans to open an office in Morristown in the coming days as well establishing a new one in Atlanta in the spring.
Shook Launches New Practice to Advise Clients on DEI Issues
The managing partner of the Houston office and litigation partner John Lewis Jr. oversees Shook, Hardy & Bacon’s new multidisciplinary DEI counseling, compliance, and disputes practice.
Plaintiff Firm Pogust Goodhead Sets Up in Australia
Launches a Sydney office in an effort to pursue mining giant BHP.
Japan’s Big Four Firm Mori Hamada Launches Fifth New Outfit in 12 Months
Mori Hamada & Matsumoto a Big Four Japanese firm has launched an office in Yokohama, its fifth new outfit in less than 12 months.
Patterson + Sheridan Launches Office in Aerospace-Heavy Huntsville, Alabama
The Marshall Space Flight Center is located in Huntsville, where Patterson + Sheridan just launched its eighth office. This is an area where the technology and intellectual property firm sees potential.
Pa. Firms Seek Efficiency, Amenities in New Office Spaces
Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are currently witnessing similar-sized office buildings, a dedication to office sharing, and wellness-focused amenity areas.
Financials:
Faegre Drinker Rebounds From 2022 With Double-Digit PEP Growth
Gina Kastel, who is close to completing her first year in the role of chair stated that “We saw these huge gains in litigation, including product liability, intellectual property, class actions, appellate work,”.
Bradley Arant Sees Revenues Rise and PEP Fall Amid 12% Equity Partner Expansion
The company’s PEP decreased by 5% to $820,000 as its equity tier increased and its nonequity tier contracted by 9%, defying the industry norm of the nonequity tiers increasing.
Quinn Emanuel’s 38% PEP Growth Came From Heightened Leverage, High-Profile Cases
Michael Carlinsky, one of the three co-managing partners at the firm, estimates that contingency fees accounted for about 8% of the company’s $2.07 billion in sales.
McDermott Sees 13% PEP Rise as Revenue Continues Steady Growth
Ira Coleman, the chair of McDermott, noted that although the company’s revenue growth was not as strong as it has been in previous years, the concept of “institutional health” was the main focus.
Garrigues Hits €454M Revenue as Firm Charts 10 Years of Growth
Despite this development, the firm’s growth trajectory has slowed, with leaders arguing that the cause is down to a ‘global geopolitical crisis and political and institutional instability’.
Amid Partnership Expansion, Paul Hastings Sees Double-Digit Boost in Profits and RPL
Paul Hastings’ equity tier grew by 2% meanwhile its nonequity tier surged by 14%.
Revenue Up 11.2%, PEP Up 22.1% at Akin, as Aggressive Hiring Pays Off
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld’s record year, according to chairperson Kim Koopersmith, is the result of deliberate recruiting in crucial procedures.
Norton Rose Fulbright ups London NQ salary to £120k
The raise will comes into fruition on the 1st of April and will be a 14% increase on the previous £105k.
Technology & Innovation:
Ethics v. Efficiency: Balancing Public Policy in AI-Powered Arbitration
Questions have arisen as to whether AI-driven international arbitration is appropriate under international law, and if it is not, how can it achieve legitimacy? Experts argue that as we embrace these new technologies, we must tread carefully, considering their broader ethical and societal implications, but not so carefully as to reject the opportunities they offer.
Thomson Reuters Expands CoCounsel Core to Canada and Australia
Following its US commencement in the Autumn of 2023, Thomson Reuters has decided to deliver the CoCounsel Core generative AI legal assistant to its first two English-speaking international markets.
E-Discovery Technology and Innovation Winner, Law Firm: Morgan, Lewis & Bockius
Scott Milner, Global Leader, eData Practice at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius stated that “As technology changes, so do ways in which clients do business and we need to follow suit. But you have be wise enough not to change for change’s sake or apply a new technology simply because it is new”.
Could Africa Leapfrog Other Regions on Legal Technology, Like it Did With Mobile Phones?
Some think the continent has a chance to grow faster, similar to how mobile phone adoption occurred, although there may be problems due to a lack of data and the size of law firms.
South Korea’s LG Chem Adopts Luminance AI to Enhance Contracting Work
The first company in Korea to use Luminance’s corporate product is LG Chem.
5 Interesting AI Use Cases in the Legal Industry
Panellist’s at the UnitedLex webinar “Exploring AI: An In-Depth Discussion of Real-Life Legal Use Cases,” discuss the most practical applications of AI across the legal landscape.
Spanish Law Firm Pérez-Llorca on Why a Swedish Gen AI Assistant Was the Right Fit
Earlier this month, Perez-Llorca became the first law office in Spain to use Leya, a Swedish generative AI assistant. For the company, the solution provided the ideal mix between GDPR compliance and the ability to conduct business in Spanish.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Meet the Female Founders of Legal Tech
Legaltech News has created an evolving list of female and gender fluid founders who have created products and launched companies in the legal technology space.
Championing Diversity in Tech (Individual) Winner, Provider: Catherine Krow, BigHand
Catherine Krow of BigHand said that “‘Business as usual’ is not working for law firms today, and it certainly isn’t able to support a more equitable work culture,”.
Legal Forges Ahead With DE&I Efforts, Despite Backlash
The language around DE&I may not be as prevalent as it was in 2020, but initiatives to combat racial and gender inequality in the legal sector are not only continuing, but also developing.
No Longer Just an HR Matter, DEI Expands to Law Firm Operations
The issue involving artwork in a Duane Morris office and the law firm’s response highlights how the role of DEI professionals in Big Law is expanding to encompass operations and office space in addition to talent concerns.
Market Commentary:
The Risks and Rewards of Becoming a Shareholder
Stuart Pachman of Brach Eichler has written that “Whether one represents the employer or the employee, counsel is wise to consider the legal, tax, and any other consequences that follow when an employee of a corporation or an LLC is to become a co-owner of the entity”.
Law Firm Partners Income Tax Arrangements Come Under Scrutiny in Australia
The employment of a tax system that reduces the amount of tax owed to the government by law firms and their partners is being questioned by senators from Australia.
2024 Layoffs: How to Navigate the Downsizing Trend
An examination of the advantages of contract labor when facing layoffs.
US Firms Benefit as Latin America Capital Markets Activity Roars Back
The companies that are actively helping state and corporate issuers in the region are Cleary Gottlieb, Davis Polk, Shearman, and Simpson Thacher. The current market circumstances are favorable for debt and even some equity offers.
‘One Firm’ or Separate Entities? Vereins’ Growth Bumps Into Conflicts, Liability Concerns
A U.S. appellate court’s decision has cast doubt on Baker McKenzie’s organizational design, coming two years after Dentons was hit with a $32 million malpractice award that also involved the firm’s verein status.
US Law Firm Leasing on Upswing in 2023, Hitting Highest Mark Since 2019
According to the Savills Legal Tenant U.S. Law Firm Activity Report Q4 2023, the top leasing market was New York, and over half of all new leases signed in 2023 were by businesses that were already occupying their property.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Paul Weiss Hires Clifford Chance Partner Duo Amid Breakneck London Expansion
The firm has set in motion one of the fastest and highest-profile expansions in the City in recent years hiring a top PE duo, Chris Sullivan an M&A partner and Taner Hassan a Leveraged Finance Partner.
Linklaters London Capital Markets Partner Walks to Reed Smith
Linklaters lifer Mark Drury has left for Reed Smith he joins the financial industry group as a Capital Markets Partner. The move comes just days after the firm parted ways with a partner duo bound for Paul Weiss and Skadden.
Simpson Thacher Hits Travers Again for Latest London Partner Hire
Katie McMenamin a Travers lifer has joined as a Partner in Simpson Thacher’s fund finance practice. The firm is rebuilding in London following the shock exit of two long-standing partners to Kirkland & Ellis two months ago.
White & Case secures Macfarlanes partner to head London white collar team
Neill Blundell joins from Macfarlanes’ where he led the corporate crime and investigations practice.
Paul Weiss unveils latest top-level London lateral: Linklaters’ ex-antitrust head
Paul Weiss has hired Nicole Kar in London; Kar was Linklaters global head of antitrust.
EMEA
Garrigues Loses Partner to Deloitte Legal, Promotes 16 and First Female Senior Partner
Luis Collado Moreno had been at the firm for almost two decades.
King & Spalding Swipes Duo from Ashurst to Abu Dhabi
King & Spalding has hired Ashurst’s former Head of Corporate, Middle East, Simon Fraser and Senior Associate Matt Hartsuyker who is joining as a partner.
Signature signs up former Dechert arbitration partner in Paris
Philip Dunham has joined Signature Litigation as an International Arbitration Partner from Dechert, he was a member of the 13-strong arbitration team which quit Dechert last month.
APAC
HSF’s China Joint Operation Firm Disputes Head Joins Singapore Big 4 Firm
Rajah & Tann Singapore has hired Hew Kian Heong as an International Arbitration Partner in China as they celebrate 20 years of their Shanghai office.
Dorothy Siron, a long-time partner at Beijing-based Zhong Lun Law Firm, and Danny Kan, an in-house counsel from Chinese financial services group Ping An, are joining the U.K.-headquartered firm as partners in Hong Kong.
Malaysian Boutique Becomes First Local Firm to Add KC to Bench
Malaysia’s LCWP becomes country’s first firm to boast KC in ranks. Arbitration expert Ng Jern-Fei has joined Malaysian boutique Lim Chee Wee Partnership (LCWP), making the latter the country’s first law firm in Malaysia to have a King’s Counsel.
Australia’s Corrs Takes Capital Markets Partner from KWM
Jo Dodd will join the firm’s Sydney office in February. Jo is a leading Debt Capital Markets lawyer and will be joining the firm as a Partner.
Kennedys adds 12-strong insurance team in Sydney from Clyde & Co
Kennedys have bolstered their insurance offering with the hire of a team of 12 from Clyde and Co in Sydney, the move follows Lucinda Lyons ex-Clyde’s Managing Partner who moved to Kennedys in early December. The team is comprised of special counsel Con Kakakios, two senior associates, four associates, a trainee and four support staff.
The Americas
Shearman’s Co-Managing Partner Leads Team Move to Linklaters in New York
The six-person team is departing ahead of the firm’s merger with Allen & Overy, which will see A&O leaders take charge of the combined firm.
Greenberg Traurig Scoops Up Transactional Trio From Seward & Kissel
Banking, finance, and restructuring lawyer Kalyan Das has joined Greenberg Traurig LLP along with Sharon Calay and Andrew Silverstein. They join from Seward & Kissel, where Das spent over three decades and was head of the global bank and institutional finance & restructuring practice.
Epstein Becker Adds M&A Specialist to Health Care Practice in Nashville
Wes Scott joins as a Member of the Firm from Nelson Millins where he led their M&A practice. The firm’s comparatively large national healthcare practice gives him “a catalogue of resources I have never had before,” Wes Scott said.
Davis Polk, Quinn Emanuel Add Top In-House Talent to White Collar, Corporate Governance Practices
William Hochul, husband of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, heads to Davis Polk’s White-Collar Defence & Investigations practice as a Counsel, while Quinn Emanuel hired Indigo GC Paul Dacier as Boston Partner.
Willkie adds private equity partner in Houston from Shearman & Sterling
Energy specialist Sarah McLean joins ahead of Shearman’s merger with Allen & Overy as a Partner in the Corporate and Financial Services department and Private Equity practice in Houston, Texas.
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.
In-House
Walgreens Legal Chief Departs After CEO Change
Danielle Gray is moving on one year after she helped the drugstore giant resolve opioid litigation by agreeing to pay $5.8 billion over 15 years. She will be succeeded by Chief Compliance and Ethics Officer Matthew D’Ambrosio.
Lynsey Murning Gregory is joining K3 Capital
After serving ten years with HSBC, litigation lawyer Lynsey Murning Gregory is joining K3 Capital Group & Quantuma as their General Counsel of all the entities.
Startup Veteran Joins Fintech Star Chime as Compliance Chief
Shara Chang joins Chime from proptech firm Divvy Homes, where she served as chief legal officer for more than a year, overseeing legal, compliance and HR functions. Prior to that, she was general counsel and chief compliance officer at Peach Finance, associate general counsel for privacy and product at Meta, and first product counsel at fintech Affirm.
Olympus Replaces GC Who Rebuilt Legal Function After Historic Scandal
Veteran Cigna lawyer Neil Boyden Tanner is taking the legal reins of the optics and medical company from Donna Miller. “Filling Donna’s shoes is an honour I don’t take lightly,” he said.
Longtime GC of Biotech That Discovered Leading Hep-C Cure Announces Retirement
Nathaniel Gardiner will retire at the end of March 2024, after 28 years with Entata Pharmaceuticals.
Legal Chief Who Helped Bumble Champion Reproductive Rights Exiting for New Post
During Laura Franco’s three years as chief legal and compliance officer, the Texas-based company often was in the headlines speaking out against new restrictions on abortion.
Neiman Marcus CLO to Head Legal for Newly Formed Research Behemoth
After holding key roles in banking, the home-improvement industry and retailing, Hannah Kim is taking the legal reins of Circana, an $8 billion consumer research firm formed through the merger of Information Resources Inc. and NPD Group.
Former ASOS Legal Head Moves to Thailand for Next GC Role
Anna Suchopar left her role at the clothing retailer early last year and will now head the legal team at online travel agency Agoda.
Promotions & Appointments:
Barley Snyder Elects First Female Managing Partner
Jennifer Craighead Carey took over from Jeffrey Lobach, who’d served a decade in the role, on Jan. 1.
Duane Morris Appoints West Coast Litigator as Co-Leader of Largest Practice
A Duane Morris litigator in California is now overseeing the firm’s trial practice lawyers after the Philadelphia-founded firm appointed bicoastal leadership in its largest department. Stephen Sutro, who has served as managing partner of the firm’s San Francisco office for almost a decade, succeeds Philadelphia-based Wayne Mack, who led the more than 400-lawyer trial practice group since 2018 alongside Philadelphia-based Sharon Caffrey. Caffrey will remain as co-chair while Mack takes a chair emeritus position, leaders at the firm said. The changes were effective Jan. 1.
Holland & Knight Promotes 46 to Partner, Boosting Corporate, Litigation Practices
Holland & Knight announced its latest round of partner promotions, reflecting a slight decrease in partner promotions compared to last year and a sharper focus on northeast markets.
Troutman Pepper Appoints Six New Office Managing Partners
Pennsylvania-based construction attorneys Joseph Imperiale and Robert Gallagher are now leading the firm’s Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offices, respectively, while white-collar attorney Charles Peeler will head up Atlanta. Adrienne Thompson will head up Portland, Tate Tischner Rochester and Christopher Jones Washington D.C. These appointments coincide with Amie Colby officially stepping into the role as firmwide managing partner and Tom Cole assuming the role of chair.
Half of Newly-Elected US Partners at Eversheds Sutherland in Atlanta Office
Eversheds elected eight U.S. lawyers to partner for 2024, following just one election last year.
Jones Day’s New Partner-In-Charge of Australia to Lead from Los Angeles
Trial lawyer Christopher Lovrien has been named Partner-In-Charge of the firms Australia region he will lead from the firms LA office.
Sidley, Quinn, Cadwalader Announce Latest Global Partner Promotions
Cadwalader, Quinn and Sidley have announced which partners have made the cut.
Linklaters’ China Joint Operation Firm Elects New Managing Partner
Richard Gu replaces Eric Liu who recently defected to Beijing-based Haiwen & Partners.
Baker Botts Reshuffles Non-US Leadership, Appoints London Head
The appointments include new heads in Dubai and Riyadh.
Al Tamimi Appoints New Managing Partner
Jody Waugh replaces Samer Qudah, who served in the position for four years. Jody Waugh has been with the firm for over 16 years and prior to his appointment was Head of Banking and Finance.
BonelliErede Names New Management Board and Promotes 7 to Partnership
The moves are part of a previously announced leadership transition to shepherd the Global 200 firm through the implementation of a new multi-year strategic plan starting in January.
Latham & Watkins’ Mark Austin Awarded CBE in New Year Honours List
A small number of legal professionals, including the GC of Standard Chartered bank, a Doughty Street chambers barrister and a senior lawyer at the SFO, were also recognised in the 2024 list.
Mergers & Alliances:
Personal Injury Firm McLaughlin & Lauricella Set to Join Feldman Shepherd
Almost two years after firm co-founder Slade McLaughlin’s death by suicide, managing partner Paul Lauricella is moving his firm’s practice over to the Philadelphia personal injury mainstay.
Law Firm Mergers Began With a Boutique Bash. Will the Party Continue in 2024?
A&O’s tie-up with Shearman could be a harbinger of more U.K.-headquartered firms expanding into the U.S.
Office Openings & Closing:
China’s Han Kun Breaks into U.S Market with New York Office Launch
Earlier this year, the firm made its international debut via a launch in Singapore.
Japan’s TMI Associates Launches New Indonesian Office With Local Alliance
TMI Associates, one of Japan’s largest law firms, opened an office in Paris earlier this year.
Akin Winds Down Beijing Office
Akin will continue to practice in Hong Kong and Singapore, its two other offices in Asia.
Paul Weiss Signs 765K-SF Lease in Midtown Manhattan
This is the largest office lease in the US for the year, according to the owners.
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.
China’s Han Kun Breaks into U.S Market with New York Office Launch
Earlier this year, the firm made its international debut via a launch in Singapore.
Japan’s TMI Associates Launches New Indonesian Office With Local Alliance
TMI Associates, one of Japan’s largest law firms, opened an office in Paris earlier this year.
Peruvian Tax Law Boutique Opens Office in Spain
Zuzunaga & Assereto Abogados has launched an outpost in Barcelona—its first outside Peru.
Former FisherBroyles practice leaders take 130 lawyers for new spin-off firm
Pierson Ferdinand among largest law firm debuts in US history. Two former practice leaders at FisherBroyles have left to set up a new firm, taking more than 130 lawyers with them in a move they say marks one of the largest law firm debuts in US history.
Quinn Emanuel Plots Wilmington Office Opening, Hiring Local Counsel to Lead
Michael Barlow’s history of working with Quinn Emanuel’s litigators as Delaware counsel includes representing clients Mirae Asset Global Investments and Snow Phipps Group in the first two COVID-19 “busted deal” cases to go to trial.
Financials:
Georgia GC Compensation Remains Strong Following COVID-19 Decrease
“As in 2021, I think 2022 was also a great year financially for a lot of companies,” said Bob Graff, an Atlanta-based in-house recruiter and a partner with Major, Lindsey & Africa. “The stock market did pretty well last year. It’s not surprising that people met or exceeded their bonus targets and met or exceeded their equity targets.”
A&O and Shearman Offer Partners Financial Incentive to Stay with Combined Firm
The merger of the two firms is due to formally take effect in May 2024, with 99% of partners at both firms approving the plans in October.
Clifford Chance Top Earner Pockets Less as Staff Numbers, Costs Swell
The firm’s total number of partners and staff costs rose, as it continued to grapple with its pension liability, the latest LLP accounts show.
Eversheds Top Earner Pay Surpasses £3 Million, LLPs Show
The US arm of the firm has also made eight promotions across its American offices.
Technology & Innovation:
CMS’ Spanish Arm Becomes Latest Victim of LockBit Cyber Attack
The same attackers were behind a data breach at Allen & Overy last month, with experts at the time suggesting the firm may have to pay out several million to avoid confidential information being published.
Hackers Increasingly Infiltrate Software While It’s Still in Development—Before Guard Is Up
“Not only is this terrifying because it can happen to any organization that’s building software, but it’s actually also incredibly difficult to detect,” said Dan Draper, founder of CipherStash.
Morgan Lewis to Shape Thomson Reuters AI Products Through New Partnership
“We’re going to be working with [Thomson Reuters] on a whole suite of AI-powered tools,” said chief knowledge and management and practice services officer Colleen Nihill. “Because of Morgan Lewis’ depth and breadth across multiple geographies, I think they saw us as being well suited to all different use cases.”
As AI Hype Train Rolls On, Regulators on High Alert for ‘AI Washing’
“One thing we know about hot marketing terms is that some advertisers won’t be able to stop themselves from overusing and abusing them,” FTC attorney Michael Atleson wrote in a blog post.
Embracing Innovation: 7 Major Law Firm Tech Developments in 2023
From a host of law firm-created generative AI chatbots to new innovative client offerings and the launch of another law firm legal tech subsidiary, this year showed that law firms are confidently embracing their place in the legal technology market.
Allen & Overy Partners with Harvey, Microsoft to Create ContractMatrix Tool
Over 1,000 of the firm’s lawyers are already using the tool internally, and five clients have already agreed terms for a January launch, the firm said.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Why Jews Belong Under The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Umbrella
“Including Jews under the DEI umbrella would accomplish three things. First is education. Providing more knowledge could bring more understanding. Second is bridging differences. Fostering communication will help build relationships and facilitate productive dialogue. Third is community. Jews need a safe space to connect and explore the range of experiences we are facing.”
Market Commentary:
Turnover in Big Law Leadership Manifests as ‘Great Growth Race’ Kicks Into High Gear
At least 30 large law firms have announced some kind of leadership transition within the last year or so. “It’s been an exciting but challenging and exhausting few years,” noted one Am Law 100 leader.
Going Beyond Fear: The Next Phase in Addressing Attorney Mental Health
In 2012, I tried to take my own life and then learned that I had been for, well, a long time, been dealing with undiagnosed and untreated bipolar disorder. Along the road to my attempt, I did some unethical things, and consequently had some time away from the law.
Corporate Transparency Act: Effect on Middle Market Mergers and Acquisitions
Given the CTA’s sweeping scope and the extensive information required for compliance, the new legislation will undoubtedly have significant impacts on middle market M&As moving forward.
Are You ESG-Prepared? Statistically Speaking, Probably Not!
“This growing focus on ESG is likely linked to the pandemic and climate crisis, so that investors and policymakers have realized the importance of at least tracking ESG-related data and metrics as they struggle to adapt to a rapidly changing world,” Pacesetter Research analyst Ruth Sierra said.
Canadian Deal Lawyers Confident They’ll Be Busier in 2024
While 2023 had fewer transactions than the past few years, they were more complex and required more lawyer hours to complete.
The Best Advice We Heard From GCs in 2023
With top in-house lawyers increasingly being part of the C-suite, they bring more to the table than just their legal expertise. Efficient knowledge sharing is essential in that process.
8 Stories That Changed the Legal Industry in 2023
From A&O Shearman to Israel-Gaza—here are our picks for the biggest stories of the year.
Law Firms Seek Flexibility in Revised Partner Comp Systems, Balancing Seniority With Productivity
Though firms have different approaches, the momentum in partner compensation is heading toward merit-based rewards to compete for rainmakers and grow profitability.
In 2023, Group Lateral Moves Proved Economy-Proof as Firms Advanced Strategic Growth
“The big group moves are driven by the stars that are part of those groups,” said Macrae recruiter Justine Donahue. “The high rainmakers can command a group to move with them based on their clients and their brand name.”
New Year, New GCs: These Companies Have Fresh Top Lawyers
Big names such as Walmart and Smithsonian, generative artificial intelligence innovators and more will ring in the new year with new legal department leadership.
Find out who topped the rankings and scooped all the accolades in 2023—hardly the most straightforward year on record.
Sachdev to Shawyer: The UK’s Most Influential Hires of 2023
The year was awash with team hires, star exits and English law debuts, as certain big-name moves even prompted the industry to question one particular firm’s very survival.
Senior Partners—Retention, Not Cyber Crime, Is Your Biggest Issue in 2024
Cyber threats are real and dangerous—but good old fashioned retention is number one, and goes to the very heart of your firm’s success and survival, writes The Global Lawyer.
‘Without It, Some May Have Left’: Slaughters Associate Illuminates Firm’s Reduced Hours Policy
The scheme, which goes firmwide this week, offers associates “a real chance to reset their career”, said Michael Craig, a disputes and investigations associate
Is there something we can help you with?
If not right now, we can include you on next weeks' newsletter update?
CLICK HERE