Moves
UK & Ireland
Ropes & Gray PE partner duo exit in London
Senior private equity partners Dan Oates and Angela Becker have exited Ropes & Gray’s London office and are set to join Akin.
Freshfields makes Paul Weiss AI hire as Latham and Simpson Thacher boost corporate and finance
Anna Gressel will co-chair the firm’s AI practice out of New York along with Giles Pratt, based in London.
McDermott recruits financial disputes partner in London from Arnold & Porter
McDermott Will & Schulte has hired senior litigation lawyer Hilton Mervis, who has joined the firm’s London office as a partner from Arnold & Porter.
Lord Goldsmith departs Debevoise for Fountain Court Chambers
Lord Goldsmith will return to his home chambers in 2026, following the return of Sir Nicolas Underhill. Fountain Court Chambers has announced the return of two former members today (6 November). The London set confirmed the arrival of Sir Nicholas Underhill, with Lord Goldsmith set to return to his old chambers on 1 January 2026, after 18 years at Debevoise & Plimpton.
McDermott disputes heavyweight joins Quinn, takes aim at ‘inhibiting’ conflicts
Quinn Emanuel has hired senior disputes partner Andrew Savage from US rival McDermott in London, in a move he linked to growing frustration with big firm conflicts.
Cooley Nabs Taylor Wessing Fintech Lawyer Witherington in London
Charlotte Witherington joined Cooley as a partner in its London financial services enforcement and regulatory group, the firm announced Tuesday.
Harper Macleod appoints Liana Di Ciacca as partner
Harper Macleod has grown its banking and finance team and appointed a new partner. New partner Liana Di Ciacca joins with more than 15 years’ experience on a wide range of complex and high-value debt finance transactions. She advises both funders and borrowers on high profile Scots law matters as well as cross-border and international transactions. She joins from DWF.
Americas
White & Case adds Joshua Teahen as a partner in Houston
Global law firm White & Case LLP has expanded its Global Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Practice, Global Energy Industry Group and Global Private Capital Industry Group with the addition of Joshua Teahen as a partner in Houston. He joins from Kirkland and Ellis.
Husch Blackwell Continues Expansion in Southeast with Addition of Partner Ryan Burke
Husch Blackwell is pleased to announce the addition of litigation partner Ryan Burke, continuing the firm’s growth in the Southeast. Burke is based in Atlanta and joins the firm’s virtual office.
Vinson & Elkins Adds Kirkland and Weil Partners in Houston
Weil, Gotshal & Manges energy and infrastructure partner Chris Bennett returned to Vinson & Elkins, and investment funds partner Samara Shepherd joined from Kirkland & Ellis.
Baker Botts Continues California Expansion with Return of VC and Growth Capital Partner Brian Lee
Baker Botts L.L.P., a leading international energy, technology, and life sciences law firm, has added veteran corporate partner Brian Lee to its Palo Alto office. He joins from BRV.
Weil Bolsters West Coast Transactional Team with Addition of Tax Partner Josh McLane
International law firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP today announced the arrival of transactional tax attorney Josh McLane, who joins the Firm as a partner in Los Angeles. He joins from Sheppard Mullin.
The national law firm of Baker Donelson has expanded its Government Enforcement and Investigations Group with the addition of former United States Attorney Robert J. “Bobby” Higdon Jr. and former Assistant United States Attorney John David “J.D.” Koesters. Both join as shareholders in the Firm’s Raleigh office, adding to Baker Donelson’s growing presence in the Carolinas.
Former Prosecutor Thomas S. Kearney Joins HDRB&B’s Criminal Defense and Litigation Departments
HDRB&B is excited to announce that Thomas (“Tom”) S. Kearney has joined the firm as a Partner in the firm’s Criminal Defense and Litigation Departments.
Latham & Watkins Expands M&A and Private Equity Practice in Houston
Max Klupchak has joined the firm’s Houston office as a partner in the Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity Practice. He joins from the Sterling Group.
Boies Schiller Flexner Adds Pair of Lateral Partners
Boies Schiller Flexner announced the addition of two lateral partners to our New York office this week: Robert Gordon and Frederick Lee. Robert. They join from Herrick and The Walt Disney Company, respectively.
EMEA
Baker Botts Grows Saudi Footprint with Energy Deals Partner Duo
The energy-focused law firm Baker Botts is the latest to expand its operations in Saudi Arabia after the country changed its rules to allow firms to operate more independently in the Kingdom. Baker Botts hired two new partners in its Riyadh office, Joza Al Rasheed and Alexander Currie, the firm said Thursday. The pair come to Baker Botts from HSF Kramer, which completed its transatlantic merger in June.
APAC
Jingtian & Gongcheng Bolsters Ranks with Key Partner Hires from Han Kun and AllBright
To strengthen its dispute resolution, private equity, and M&A practices, Jingtian & Gongcheng recently hired partners Pengcheng Sun and Huan Wang. This addition of experienced personnel comes following the departure of the firm’s Hong Kong-based corporate partner Justin Ma who joined Stephenson Harwood.
Broadfield is pleased to announce the addition of Grace Zhu as a partner in the Dispute Resolution and Investigations practice of Liu, Patrick Ling & Co. LLP in Hong Kong. She joins from Akin.
Trilegal adds ELP partner to strengthen tax, disputes practices
Trilegal has expanded its tax and disputes practices with the addition of Jitendra Motwani as a partner in Mumbai from Economic Laws Practice (ELP).
CAM strengthens disputes team with former SEBI lawyer
Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas has expanded its dispute resolution practice with the addition of Vanya Singh as partner in Mumbai, bolstering its securities and regulatory disputes capability. Singh joins the firm after 18 years at the Securities and Exchange Board of India.
Paul Hastings replenishes HK cap markets practice with hire from Freshies
U.S. law firm Paul Hastings has hired capital markets expert Zhou Quan as a partner in its Hong Kong office from Freshfields, where he was a counsel.
Rajah & Tann hires former prosecutor as partner
Rajah & Tann Singapore has appointed David Menon, a former deputy director at the city-state’s Attorney-General’s Chambers, as a partner in its dispute resolution practice.
Stephenson Harwood boosts HK shipping practice with Reed Smith lifer
UK law firm Stephenson Harwood has hired Peter Lee as a partner in its Hong Kong office, bolstering its Greater China maritime practice with a shipping specialist who spent the entirety of his 22-year legal career at Reed Smith.
Edmund Burke to head Moray & Agnew’s Queensland workplace practice
Moray & Agnew has announced the appointment of Edmund Burke – who has garnered experience in all areas of employment law and workplace health and safety – as a Brisbane-based partner and leader of its Queensland workplace practice. He joins from Dentons.
Baker Botts Strengthens Global Digital Infrastructure Practice with Partner Josh Cole
Baker Botts has strengthened the firm’s global digital infrastructure practice with the addition of Corporate Partner Josh Cole. Cole arrives from Ashurst and will be based in Singapore.
In House
Akin’s veteran London chief exits for GC role
Sebastian Rice leaves Akin after 24 years for top legal role at Dubai-based telecoms multinational Veon.
Team Moves
The team, led by its former Head of its Paris practice, Benjamine Fiedler, along with partner Chris Ivey, and including principal associate Caroline Mouriquand, senior associate Eugenie Choay, and associates Sofia Merlet, Adrien Paquet and Henri Mayeur, will bring extensive experience in the full lifecycle of employment relations management including within the context of reorganisations, litigation, outsourcing and business transformation. They join from Bird & Bird.
Susan Natland, Jessica Sganga and Katherine McMorrow join BakerHostetler as partners in the Intellectual Property Practice Group and as members of the Global Trademark and Brand Protection team in the Orange County Office.
Hillary Booth and Joshua Levine join as partners, Paul Rasmussen and Benjamin Caplan join as of counsel, and Ludmilla Hovsepian and Cheyenne Yousefia join as associates.
Barry Nilsson’s principal numbers swell with six from DLA Piper
Barry Nilsson has added six new principals to its ranks after six insurance litigation partners made the jump from DLA Piper. The new principals are Cameron Maclean, Jock Campbell, Carmen Elder, James Berg, James Morse and Sophie Devitt. They will bring their team members with them to Barry Nilsson once the transition has been finalised.
Promotions & Appointments
International law firm BCLP announced today the appointment of new leadership in its Paris, San Francisco, and United Arab Emirates (UAE) offices. The firm has named Jean-Patrice Labautière and Merrit Jones as Office Managing Partners (OMP) in Paris and San Francisco, respectively, and Charles Lilley as Country Managing Partner in UAE, leading the firm’s Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices.
Linklaters appoints new Middle East managing partner
Linklaters has announced the appointment of Kieron Zaman as managing partner for the Middle East. The appointment is effective from December 1.
Office Openings & Closing
Mishcon de Reya opens two UAE offices, obtains licence for Hong Kong
Mishcon de Reya has opened two new offices in the Middle East and been granted a licence to practise as a firm of solicitors by the Law Society of Hong Kong, in a major expansion of its international operations. The firm said the new offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai were launched in response to growing client demand as well as the increasing capital, business and family interests and opportunities in the region.
Mergers & Alliances
Conn. law firm takes on 17 attorneys from Boston firm to establish first local office
Shipman & Goodwin LLP has taken on 17 of the 20 attorneys at Tarlow Breed — all of whom will continue working from their current office at 101 Huntington Ave. at the Prudential Centre. The office will be rebranded as Shipman & Goodwin over the next several weeks and includes 15 professional staff members in addition to the attorneys.
Cadwalader Talks Merger with Alston & Bird
Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft is discussing a merger with Alston & Bird and has hired Davis Polk & Wardwell to advise on a deal. Alston & Bird is among firms Cadwalader has approached to discuss a merger, according to three people familiar with the matter who requested anonymity because the talks are private. Cadwalader engaged Davis Polk to work on the legal aspects of a tie-up, according to two of the people.
Fieldfisher and Regan Wall merge to build leading Irish corporate law team
Fieldfisher, a leading European law firm, today announced a significant expansion of its Irish operations through a merger with Regan Wall LLP, one of Ireland’s most active boutique corporate law firms.
Powderly Solicitors merges with Dublin firm Taylor & Buchalter
Kildare-based Powderly Solicitors has expanded into Dublin through a merger with long-standing practice Taylor & Buchalter.
Cozen O’Connor grows in Midwest through merger with 50-lawyer Minneapolis firm
Philadelphia-headquartered law firm Cozen O’Connor is set to gain more than 50 lawyers in the US Midwest through a merger with Minneapolis-based Moss & Barnett.
Technology & Innovation
English ruling ‘most impactful legal decision yet’ on AI and IP
The English court ruling in a dispute between Getty Images and Stability AI is “the most impactful legal decision yet on the nature of artificial intelligence and copyright law.”
Chinese Lawyers Rapidly Embrace AI, But Firm-Level Adoption Lags, Survey Finds
Institutional adoption of artificial intelligence at Chinese law firms remains uneven, even as individual lawyers move swiftly to integrate the technology into their daily work, according to a new survey by Thornhill Academy, a non-profit initiative dedicated to promoting the internationalization of Chinese legal practitioners, launched earlier this year by U.K. boutique firm Thornhill Legal. The survey, conducted in August and September, gathered responses from 100 legal professionals across China. It posed 34 questions exploring the state of AI adoption, common use cases, preferred generative AI platforms, and the impact on firm operations.
Market Commentary
4-Day Attendance Requirements Gain Momentum, but Partner Objections Persist
Three Am Law 50 firms recently announced four-day attendance mandates for 2026.
One-third of the Am Law 50 now requires four or more days of attendance, although such mandates are concentrated in the top half. Law firms want more attendance, but do not want to push out valuable partners who object.
Latham, Cleary, Linklaters Among Big Law Firms Giving Back to Africa Through Pro Bono
Beyond billion-dollar corporate deals and mandates, global law firms are investing in pro bono initiatives in Africa through public interest litigation, humanitarian projects, and legal training.
CMS to hold business partnering events for in-house lawyers
CMS will stage events across their Scottish offices throughout November designed to support in-house legal teams enhance their role as strategic business partners.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Mason Hayes & Curran: Modest diversity gains in Irish aviation sector
Ireland’s aviation sector has made modest gains in leadership diversity, though inclusion and career progression challenges persist, according to Mason Hayes & Curran.
Law Society unveils equality and diversity blueprint
A new equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) strategy launched by the Law Society yesterday aims to build a more diverse, open, and inclusive profession. Announcing the strategy, Society president Mark Evans said despite progress, ‘inequality and bias continue to shape career paths. Women, minority ethnic, LGBTQ+ and disabled solicitors still face barriers to senior roles, he said, while disabled solicitors remain underrepresented. ‘And too often, workplace cultures leave people feeling like they can’t bring their best selves to work.’ The Society’s three-year member-facing EDI strategy aims to: Strengthen diversity in senior leadership; Support disabled solicitors; and Build more inclusive workplace cultures.
Welcome to this week’s legal industry update, where we spotlight the latest partner moves, strategic hires, and market shifts across the UK, Americas, EMEA, and APAC. From headline-grabbing lateral hires to new office launches and major promotions, here’s what’s shaping the global legal landscape.
Moves
UK & Ireland
Former A&O Shearman FinReg Head Resurfaces at Reed Smith
A&O Shearman’s former head of financial regulation services Damian Carolan has joined Reed Smith. Carolan resigned from Allen & Overy prior to the firm’s merger with New York headquartered Sherman & Sterling in April 2024.
BCLP hires three-lawyer finance team from Taylor Wessing
Partner Fiona Coady joins the team, alongside associates, Anna Dugoni and Amy Edwards-Knight in London.
Paul Hastings boosts structured finance bench with Ashurst partner
Paul Hastings has hired structured finance partner Thomas Picton from Ashurst, furthering a build-out in asset-backed financing and securitisation that the firm has prioritised in London and the US.
Simpson Thacher hires Kirkland private equity partner in London
Simpson Thacher has hired private equity partner Nick Appleton from Kirkland & Ellis in London. His move strengthens Simpson Thacher’s European M&A practice, while continuing a trend of partner departures from Kirkland’s London office.
Willkie Partner joins Duane Morris in London for International Disputes Leadership Role
Duncan Speller, who spent nearly 20 years at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale & Dorr, joins Duane Morris to become co-chair of international disputes.
Dentons welcomes David Kirton as Dublin TMT partner
Dentons has appointed David Kirton as a partner in its Dublin TMT practice. Dual-qualified in Ireland and England & Wales, he brings expertise in tech transactions, IP, and regulation, bolstering Dentons’ capabilities for multinational clients in Ireland, the UK, and the Middle East.
Cleary hire White & Case disputes partner in London
The addition of Raif Hassan, specialist in commercial litigation and international arbitration, from White & Case strengthens Cleary’s disputes and competition practices in London.
Americas
Wachtell M&A Partner Heads to DLA Piper
Viktor Sapezhnikov, a Wachtell partner since 2019, is the fourth partner to leave the firm this year. He will join DLA Piper in New York on November 1.
Canadian Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Joins Cassels
Marco Mendocino, former Chief of Staff to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, joins Casselshttps://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-cassels-marco-mendicino-law-firms-legal-moves-carney-chief-staff/ Brock & Blackwell as a senior counsel and strategic adviser.
Ryan Bennett joins Willkie Farr & Gallagher as Chair of Restructuring Group
Former Kirkland partner Ryan Bennett will join Willkie as Chair of the Restructuring Group in Chicago. As Chair, Bennett will lead Willkie’s growing restructuring platform, which advises debtors, creditors, investors, and sponsors on complex restructurings, hybrid capital solutions, and distressed acquisitions.
EMEA
CMS names Adrian Bell as next managing partner
CMS has named Adrian Bell, head of APAC and the Middle East and co-head of its global infrastructure, construction, and energy disputes group, as its next UK managing partner. Bell, who joined CMS in 2002, will start his four-year term in April 2026, succeeding Stephen Millar. He has overseen CMS’s expansion in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Brisbane and will lead the UK LLP, which includes nine UK offices and international operations. Firm leaders praised his experience in driving growth, innovation, and team performance.
Trowers hires arbitration specialist from Stephenson Harwood in Dubai
Trowers & Hamlins has hired Magda Kofluk and senior associate Samantha Martin from Stephenson Harwood, boosting its Middle East construction disputes team and raising female representation to 75%. The firm is also opening a new Riyadh office as part of its 2030 growth plan.
APAC
Gibson Dunn Expands in Singapore with Freshfields M&A Duo
Corporate partners Nigel Gleeson and Jon Bowden make the move to the US firm in Singapore.
Ashurst takes projects and energy partner from G+T
Lixian Liang, an experienced projects and energy lawyer, has rejoined Ashurst after a period at Gilbert + Tobin.
A&O Shearman adds partner, starts Australia real estate practice
A&O Shearman has hired Dannelle Howley as a partner to launch its dedicated real estate practice in Australia. Howley, formerly a partner at Squire Patton Boggs and previously counsel at A&O Shearman, brings extensive experience in large-scale real estate transactions, advising property funds, private capital, and government clients. Her appointment coincides with the firm’s 15-year anniversary in Australia.
Team Moves
DLA Piper adds 3 tax partners, team of 5 from Clayton Utz
DLA Piper has hired partners Angela Wood, Brendon Lamers, and Andy Bubb from Clayton Utz, along with tax director Alex Lebsanft, two senior associates, a solicitor, and a senior legal assistant. Lamers and Lebsanft will be based in Brisbane, while Wood, Bubb, and the rest of the team will join the Melbourne office. The appointments strengthen DLA Piper’s tax practice across controversy, infrastructure, and international tax, complementing recent senior hires and promotions. Firm leaders highlighted their expertise, client relationships, and collaborative approach.
Stephenson Harwood debuts in Saudi Arabia with three-partner team
Stephenson Harwood has opened offices in Riyadh and Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, marking its latest Middle East expansion. The Saudi team will be led by partners Marcus Latta, Khurram Ali, and Tammy Samuel, focusing on transport, logistics, energy, infrastructure, finance, and dispute resolution. The move builds on strong regional growth and aligns with the firm’s sectoral focus, following similar expansions by Reed Smith, Bird & Bird, and Pinsent Masons.
In House
Legaltech specialist Consilio hires BlueLinx GC as next legal head
Consilio has named Tricia Kinney as CLO, replacing long-time GC Mike Flanagan, who will stay on as an advisor. Kinney, formerly at BlueLinx, will lead the company’s global legal, compliance, and governance teams from Atlanta.
Promotions & Appointments
CMS appoints joint APAC head as managing partner
CMS has elected Adrian Bell, co-head of its infrastructure, construction and energy disputes practice, as its new UK LLP managing partner. Bell has been with the firm since 2002 and has also acted as joint managing director for APAC and the Middle East since 2017.
Latham names seven new London partners in latest promotions round
Latham & Watkins has promoted 40 associates to partner globally for January 2026, including seven in London, alongside 56 counsel promotions. The London promotions span banking, M&A, private equity, capital markets, and tech, reflecting the firm’s strong year despite partner departures to Sidley Austin. Key European mandates include the Anglo American-Teck merger, DoorDash’s Deliveroo acquisition, and Verisure’s Nasdaq Stockholm IPO.
Who made partner in London:
Cleary promotes two to partner in London
Cleary has promoted 20 lawyers to partner globally, its largest senior lawyer round, including two in London: litigator Paul Kleist and private equity lawyer Joanna Roberts. The promotions, effective 1 January 2026, bring Cleary’s global partner count to 239.
Office Openings & Closing
Taylor Wessing to ‘decouple’ from Hong Kong office
Taylor Wessing will separate from its Hong Kong arm on 17 November, with the office relaunching as independent firm H.M. Chan & Co. The firms described the move as an amicable “decoupling” and will continue collaborating. The split aligns with Taylor Wessing’s strategy to focus on core European markets and mirrors similar restructurings by international firms in China, such as Mayer Brown’s 2023 separation from its local branch.
Gowling, Stephenson Harwood and Morgan Lewis become latest UK firms to expand into Saudi
Gowling WLG, Stephenson Harwood and Morgan Lewis are expanding into Saudi Arabia, joining a wave of firms entering the Kingdom’s growing legal market. Gowling has launched a Riyadh office through a joint venture with Talal Al Ghazzawi, focusing on IP, tech, and energy. Stephenson Harwood will open in Riyadh and Al Khobar in November 2025, led by Marcus Latta. Morgan Lewis launches with a team of six lawyers across M&A and capital markets, finance and dispute resolution, and will be led by office managing partner Sultan Almasoud.
Mergers & Alliances
Law firms call off mega merger
Meitar and Arnon, Tadmor-Levy have abandoned their planned merger, which would have created Israel’s largest law firm with around 900 lawyers. The decision was driven by potential conflicts of interest, staff retention and profitability concerns, cultural differences, and possible regulatory hurdles.
Elevate acquires Dutch alternative legal services provider Legadex
Elevate has acquired Netherlands-based legal tech firm Legadex, its fourth acquisition since May 2024, to expand in Europe. Legadex, founded in 2008, specializes in legal software and managed services and will join Elevate’s management team. The move follows Elevate’s earlier acquisitions of Sagacious IP, Redgrave Data, and CJK Group as it grows its global legal tech presence.
Technology & Innovation
AI and digital transformation leader Ilona Logvinova to join HSF Kramer as Chief AI Officer
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has appointed Ilona Logvinova as its global Chief AI Officer in New York. Ilona has previously been global Head of Innovation for McKinsey Legal and managing counsel for McKinsey Digital, and joins from Cleary Gottlieb, where she led its legal innovation and transformation.
Using Generative AI: Key Legal Issues
Generative AI (GenAI) tools like ChatGPT and Claude offer efficiency and innovation but bring legal and security risks. Inputting trade secrets can compromise confidentiality, and vendor use may raise IP and compliance issues. GenAI can also introduce bias, spread misinformation, and produce inaccurate results. To manage these risks, organizations should set clear policies, train employees, use secure testing environments, and ensure vendor accountability through indemnification.
Workplace Relations Commission publishes AI guidance for litigants
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has released guidance for litigants using generative AI tools like ChatGPT to prepare submissions or evidence, warning that while AI can be helpful, it may produce inaccurate or misleading information, particularly on Irish employment and equality law. The guidance cites a case where a complainant’s AI-assisted submissions contained irrelevant, misquoted, or non-existent citations, and it recommends best practices, including disclosing AI use. The WRC emphasized its commitment to ethical and responsible AI adoption, noting that parts of the guidance were themselves drafted using AI to demonstrate transparent and practical use.
Market Commentary
The smarter way law firms are winning new clients
Most clients check online reviews before selecting a lawyer, yet few firms consistently collect and showcase feedback. Maintaining clear, professional, and up-to-date online profiles, combined with verified client reviews and tools like Finchly, helps build trust, attract the right clients, and turn enquiries into loyal, long-term clients more effectively.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
UK firms ‘influenced’ by Trump attack on DEI, claims study
A Corporate Conscience Index survey of 250 senior UK corporate lawyers found that while ethics are valued, only a third of companies actively address ethical challenges. Freeths noted that US backlash against equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is influencing UK corporate ethics, with profit often taking priority over doing the right thing. Senior partner Philippa Dempster highlighted a gap between principle and practice, though UK laws like the Equality Act 2010 limit full rollbacks of DEI initiatives. Research from Culture Amp and GQ Littler suggests firms still value DEI but may take a quieter approach to avoid political or reputational risks.
Black History Month: ‘It’s going to take strong law firms to ensure we don’t go backwards’
The piece highlights the importance of ensuring junior lawyers receive fair opportunities, urging reflection on unconscious biases that favor working with familiar individuals. In the context of Black History Month, Will Lewallen spoke with senior Black lawyers, Jessica Kerslake, Bridget Tatham, and Karl Brown, about their career experiences, the ongoing need for increased representation in the legal profession, especially at partner level, and the role of data in driving meaningful change.
Moves
UK & Ireland
Travers’ tax head moves to King & Spalding
The former head of tax at Travers Smith, Russell Warren, has joined King & Spalding’s corporate practice in London
Debevoise snaps up Eversheds insurance duo
Debevoise & Plimpton has hired two corporate partners from Eversheds Sutherland to expand its insurance bench. Hugo Laing and Rosamund Wood make the move to the US firm in London.
Americas
Former A&O Shearman sanctions partner joins Sidley
Maura Rezendes, who also served as enforcement chief at the Office of Foreign Assets Control, has joined Sidley Austin in Washington, DC.
Wilson Sonsini Hires Longtime Cooley Partner in San Francisco Corporate Practice
Jonie Ing Kondracki joined Wilson Sonsini after more than 12 years with Cooley.
Paul Hastings Expands Energy M&A Team in Houston With Baker Botts Partner
Erin Hopkins is the 21st partner the Paul Hastings has added to its Texas offices in the last two years as it focuses on growth in Texas.
Latham & Watkins Hires Gibson Dunn Partner in San Francisco
Todd Trattner joins the firm after more than 11 years with Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.
Gibson Dunn’s Lateral Addition the Latest in Big Law Real Estate Moves
Gibson Dunn adds Jennifer Yashar from Fried Frank to further expand its Real Estate practice in New York.
EMEA
Second Goodwin Funds Partner Departs in Germany, This Time for A&O Shearman
A&O Shearman has hired funds partner Sebastian Bruchwitz from Goodwin Proctor in a move that signals a shift in demand for asset management, meanwhile private investment funds partner Codrina Constantinescu joins the Luxembourg office of Eversheds Sutherland.
APAC
Orrick expands SE Asia energy focus with hire in Tokyo from in-house
U.S. law firm Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe has hired international energy projects and project finance transactions specialist Akira Takahashi as a partner in Tokyo from RWE Renewables, where he served as senior legal counsel.
O’Melveny Singapore hires corporate finance partner from Kirkland HK
U.S. law firm O’Melveny & Myers has added debt finance expert John Curran as a partner in Singapore from the Hong Kong office of Kirkland & Ellis.
Team Moves
Cleary adds Paul Hastings partner in London for European real estate launch
Stephen Nicolas joins Cleary Gottleib Steen & Hamilton with his team to establish the practice, becoming the fifth partner to exit Paul Hastings’ London real estate team in the past few months.
Debevoise Boosts New York PE Offering with Goodwin Partner Duo
Debevoise & Plimpton has significantly built out its private equity offering with the addition of Krishna Skandakumar and Natalia Kubik from Goodwin Proctor in New York. Skandakumar will also act as Co-Chair of the Private Funds Transactions Group.
Latham builds US restructuring bench with Ropes & Gray partner trio
Ryan Dahl, chair of Ropes & Gray’s business restructuring practice, joins Latham & Watkins in Chicago and New York alongside Partner’s Benjamin Rhode and Natasha Hwangpo.
Promotions & Appointments
UK Supreme Court appoints new deputy president
The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom has appointed the Right Hon Lord Sales as its next deputy president.
Gym chain Planet Fitness hires GoTo Foods GC as next legal head
Global gym chain Planet Fitness has hired Sarah Powell as general counsel, replacing Justin Vartanian who left the company earlier this year. She joins from GoTo Foods, where she was also GC.
NuScale Power makes second CLO appointment in less than four months
US nuclear energy innovator NuScale Power Corporation has hired James Canafax as its chief legal officer, just over three months after appointing Shahram Ghasemian to the role.
McDermott Ushers in Record Promotion Class After Merger
McDermott Will & Schulte on Friday announced its first new partner class since its 2025 merger was completed, promoting 74 attorneys to the partner ranks and 13 to counsel, a 32% increase in prior promotion rounds. Those made up in London include James Dobias (Litigation) and Pilar Arzuaga (Regulatory).
Office Openings & Closing
PDLegal launches Sydney office in Australian market expansion
Singapore-based law firm PDLegal has opened its first Australian office in Sydney, expanding its regional footprint as part of a push to offer integrated legal services across Asia-Pacific markets. Aaran Johnson, a commercial litigation specialist with 18 years of experience at Sydney firm Marsdens Law Group, has been appointed managing partner of the Australian operation, while Pam Johnson will serve as chief operating officer.
A&O Shearman Establishes Real Estate Practice in Australia
A&O Shearman has made a strategic play in Australia’s property market, hiring Dannelle Howley from Squire Patton Boggs to launch a dedicated real estate practice in Sydney.
Mergers & Alliances
Cadwalader Merger Talks Pick Up Pace
“We regularly evaluate our strategy to further capitalize on our market-leading strengths for our clients,” the firm said in a statement Thursday.
Financials
Goodwin turnover rises 12 per cent to hit $2.7bn
Goodwin Procter has reported a 12 per cent rise in its turnover, generating $2.7bn since September 2024. Profit per equity partner also grew 20 per cent, according to the firm, and revenue per lawyer rose 14 per cent.
Technology & Innovation
Juro becomes first legal tech to integrate ChatGPT
Contract automation platform Juro has launched a feature that lets lawyers query and analyse contracts through ChatGPT. The update positions the company as the first legal tech provider to link its platform with OpenAI’s infrastructure.
Market Commentary
Lawyers braced for tax bombshell ahead of expected NIC shake-up
A new tax on limited liability partnerships (LLPs) is expected to be announced in the upcoming Autumn Budget. According to a report on Tuesday evening from The Times, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is understood to be putting in place a new charge that would replicate employers’ national insurance in LLPs.
Johnson & Johnson calls on Jones Day’s newest disputes hires in talc group action
Jones Day duo Samantha Silver and Nathalie Smyth, who joined the firm this year, have been instructed by Johnson & Johnson to defend claims that the multinational sold baby powder containing carcinogenic fibres knowingly for decades.
London litigation market defies volatility as partner moves surge
London’s litigation market is proving resilient in the face of economic uncertainty, with disputes partner hires outpacing last year’s total by August 2025, according to research by legal recruiter Macrae.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Law Firms move Forward on Ethnic Diversity, Though Transparency Becomes Cloudier
A growing reluctance among law firms to disclose information made this year’s data analysis significantly more challenging.
Moves
UK & Ireland
Prominent London M&A partner swaps Latham for Gibson Dunn
Energy specialist Simon Tysoe joins after a decade at Latham
White & Case makes double partner hire from Paul Hastings to boost London tax practice
Arun Birla, who was Paul Hastings’ second managing partner and previously led its London office, and Jiten Tank bring decades of Tax experience to White & Case.
Milbank adds Paul Hastings partner duo for European real estate finance launch
Milbank has hired Paul Hastings partners Miles Flynn and Rehan Hanif in London to launch a European real estate practice. The duo’s hire comes amid a wider infrastructure push by the firm in London that also saw it pick up a three-partner infrastructure team from White & Case earlier this year.
Americas
Winston & Strawn Banking Regulatory Partner Hops to King & Spalding
Kim Prior joined King & Spalding from Winston & Strawn in New York.
Gordon Rees Hires Former DOJ Counsel as Partner in Sacramento
Nancy Canter spent nearly five years with the Department of Justice before returning to private practice.
Ogletree Lands New COO From BCLP, Seeking to Continue Streak of Revenue Increases
Polly Snyder joined Ogletree as its firmwide COO Monday after three years working with BCLP.
Orrick Hires Wilson Sonsini Partner as Fund Formation Practice Lead
Jim Jensen joins the firm alongside counsel Margaret He in Orrick’s Silicon Valley office.
Skadden Veteran Finance and Private Equity Partner moves to Paul Hastings
Tracey Chenoweth, a finance partner and 17-year veteran of Skadden, is moving to Paul Hastings.
EMEA
Veronica Aroutiunian Joins Debevoise’s Luxembourg Office as Funds Partner
Recognized as one of Luxembourg’s leading investment fund advisors, with particular expertise in retail and evergreen vehicles, she joins from Loyens & Loeff.
Real Estate specialist Matthias Rüdt von Collenberg rejoins Ashurst in Frankfurt
Matthias moves from Goodwin where he was a Counsel
APAC
Bakers principal joins Greenberg Traurig as latest Singapore hire
U.S. law firm Greenberg Traurig has added one more partner to its growing Singapore office, welcoming M&A specialist Azlan Mohamed Noh as a shareholder from Baker McKenzie, where he was a local principal.
PRC’s Zhong Lun grows HK office with partners from Clifford Chance and Sidley
Zhong Lun Law Firm has further bolstered its Hong Kong office with the hire of Wu Hao and Renee Xiong as partners from Clifford Chance and Sidley Austin, respectively.
Tian Yuan bolsters lit practice in Hong Kong with hire from OLN
The PRC’s Tian Yuan Law Firm has hired litigation expert Dantes Leung as a partner in its Hong Kong office from local outfit Oldham Li & Nie (OLN).
PDLegal grows Bangkok office with two new partners
Singapore-headquartered law firm PDLegal has bolstered its dispute resolution and tax advisory capabilities at its Bangkok office with the addition of Ravipat Mullijarupongs and Supagorn “Pop” Jittimaporn as partners.
Team Moves
Clifford Chance hires 15-strong class actions team from White & Case in Frankfurt
The team led by Alexandra Diehl will strengthen the magic circle firm’s class actions group. She is joined by White & Case local partners Priscilla Tatschner and Lisa Becker.
Simmons hires five strong pensions team from DLA Piper
Amrit Mclean joins Simmons as its head of pensions de-risking in London
Orrick’s ‘game-changing’ Cadwalader raid hits 37 lawyers across London and the US
Orrick’s CLO and structured finance raid on Cadwalader comes to 37 lawyers, including ten partners, from Cadwalader across London, New York, Charlotte and Washington DC. The group significantly expands Orrick’s structured finance capabilities on both sides of the Atlantic and marks the US firm’s launch in Charlotte, North Carolina. As first reported last month, the London contingent includes David Quirolo, Claire Puddicombe, Alex Collins and Daniel Tobias, that helped build Cadwalader’s London structured finance business into one of the market’s leading offerings.
Baker & Hostetler Brings Aboard 4-Partner M&A Team in New York
All four partners come to Baker & Hostetler from Loeb & Loeb, where they worked for less than two years after arriving from Morrison Cohen. Andrew Arsiotis, Joshua Saidlower and Henry Zangara join BakerHostetler’s New York office as partners in the M&A team, where Steve Rockoff joins the Debt Finance Team.
Promotions & Appointments
Gowling WLG has appointed Chris Towle as its new chief executive officer for its UK LLP, succeeding David Fennell who will step down after 12 years in the role.
Starbucks ends hunt for new legal chief with TelevisaUnivision hire
Global coffee shop chain Starbucks has hired Pilar Ramos as its next chief legal officer, replacing Brad Lerman whose retirement was announced earlier this year. Ramos joins from Spanish-language media company TelevisaUnivision, where she was general counsel.
Littler hires Brookdale Senior Living legal VP as firm’s first GC and CLO
Employment law specialist Littler has hired Maralee (Marti) Downey as its inaugural chief legal officer and general counsel in Nashville. She joins from retirement home operator Brookdale Senior Living, where she was legal VP for labour and employment.
Lisa Maxwell appointed as Chief Legal Counsel at FE fundinfo, a leading financial data company
She steps up from her role as General Counsel which she has held since 2021.
White & Case promotes 45 to partner as intake rises
Top 10 US firm White & Case has elevated 45 lawyers to partner in its latest promotions round, its largest since 2022. The firm’s London office saw the most promotions with nine promoted in this round, including: Nick Crawford, Joshua Crawley, Victoria Delacey, Irina Fogarty, James Hart, Anna Lilley, Benjamin Morrison, David Murray, Paul Oumade-Singh
Trio of firms win spots on new nuclear waste panel
Burges Salmon, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer and Pinsents have all secured roles under a framework agreement to advise Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) on planning, consenting and regulatory matters tied to the Geological Disposal Facility programme and the Low Level Waste Repository in Cumbria.
Addleshaws, Eversheds and HSF among 18 firms picked for TfL roster
Transport for London (TFL) has revealed which firms have won places on its legal panel to carry out complex and high-volume legal work over the next four years.
Office Openings & Closing
Reed Smith expands to Saudi Arabia with Riyadh office launch
The office will be led initially by Gregor Pryor, the firm’s Europe and Middle East managing partner, who has been seconded from London to oversee the new office in Riyadh. The opening gives the firm its third Middle Eastern outpost, adding to its existing offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Trowers to relaunch in Riyadh with new office next month
The international law firm has received a licence to open its fifth office in the Middle East.
Marcus Rashford’s lawyer sets up new sports firm
Simon Leaf, who has been a partner at Mishcon since 2017, has launched Three Points Law alongside Mishcon legal director Tom Murray. The firm, which will practice across the sport, technology and commercial sectors, aims to embrace AI and avoid traditional billing models to adapt to changing client demands.
King & Spalding launches in Sydney with five-partner team
US firm cites ‘extensive’ Australian relationships as it opens office in Sydney focused on commercial litigation, energy and tech transactions and global workforce matters. It will be led by Darren Gardner, who heads K&S’s global human capital and compliance practice.
Jones Walker Expands to Chicago in Second Move in Three Months Into Midwest
The firm opened its third new office this year after its expansion to Minneapolis in July and Lexington, Kentucky, in April.
Mergers & Alliances
Singapore’s CNP merges with local boutique Union Law
Singapore law firm CNPLaw has merged with dispute resolution boutique Union Law, with the latter’s managing partner Raymond Lye joining CNP as a partner.
Financials
Cost of buying Shoosmiths’ injury practice revealed as Fletchers posts record revenue
Overall, Fletchers posted a 32 per cent increase in turnover, from £58.1m to £76.9m in 2024/25, while profit decreased from £9.1m to £8.1m, after purchasing the team from Shoosmiths in August this year, gaining three new offices and 80 new lawyers, including eight partners, in the process.
Technology & Innovation
Gen AI adoption more than doubles among US in-house counsel, ACC study shows
Generative AI adoption among in-house legal professionals in the US has more than doubled over the past year, from 23% to 52%, according to a survey by The Association of Corporate Counsel.
AI tools are beating lawyers on legal research, study finds
The research – conducted by independent benchmarking firm Vals AI – revealed that machine learning tools produced higher quality results than lawyers in most cases, with the AI systems recorded scores between 74 and 78 points out of 100, while the lawyer group averaged 69.
Legora hits 50-client milestone in UK as firms ramp up AI investment
Legaltech company Legora has signed up a total of 50 UK clients, The Lawyer can reveal, amid a wave of AI investment sweeping the legal sector. Legora’s AI tool aims to speed up repetitive legal tasks, such as reviewing legal documents and drafting contracts.
Market Commentary
Carmakers defend dieselgate litigation as High Court case begins
A decade after the ‘dieselgate’ scandal emerged, a lawsuit against five leading carmakers potentially worth up to £6bn has opened in London’s High Court.
Fieldfisher’s Birmingham build-out is secretly a European play
The long-standing debate regarding the largest legal sector outside London frequently centres on Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds and Manchester. However, looking beyond simple headcounts and office numbers, airport connectivity offers a more revealing measure: connectivity to the rest of the world. On this front, Manchester and Birmingham clearly lead the way.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Life in the law 2025: A wake-up call
Law firm leaders have a critical role to play in supporting lawyer wellbeing and ensuring a career in the law remains a sustainable option, according to LawCare’s Life in the Law 2025 Report. Nearly 60% of respondents said their mental wellbeing was poor, more than half are thinking about leaving their current workplace within five years and almost a third might leave the sector entirely.
Moves
UK & Ireland
Milbank hires Paul Hastings duo for real estate finance launch
Milbank hires Paul Hastings duo Miles Flynn and Rehan Hanif to kickstart a real estate finance offering in the City.
Skadden hires Goodwin tax partner
Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom has appointed a Goodwin partner Katie Leah to its tax practice in London.
Ashurst invests in disputes with London partner hire from Norton Rose Fulbright
Ashurst has hired employed barrister Harriet Jones-Fenleigh as a partner in its litigation and investigations team from Norton Rose Fulbright in London.
Pinsents boosts City corporate bench with Partners from Ashurst and HSF Kramer
Pinsent Masons has strengthened its London corporate team by hiring two new partners: Nicholas Holmes, formerly head of the equity capital markets team at Ashurst, and Dinesh Banani, of HSF Kramer. At Pinsent’s, Holmes will head up the ECM practice and Banani will lead the firm’s US securities practice.
Mayer Brown turns to Goodwin for PE partner
Mayer Brown has hired private equity partner Tessa Agar from Goodwin Procter in London.
A&L Goodbody welcomes tax partner Trevor Glavey
A&L Goodbody LLP has appointed Trevor Glavey as a partner in the firm’s tax practice, joining from local competitor Matherson in Dublin.
Americas
Weil continues US litigation build-out with Cooley partner hire in Boston
Weil Gotshal & Manges has hired first-chair trial lawyer Adam Gershenson from Cooley to bolster its litigation department in Boston. He becomes Weil’s 14th litigation partner hire since the start of 2025.
Former California Solicitor General Michael Mongan Joins WilmerHale
One of the nation’s top appellate litigators Michael Mongan, will join WilmerHale’s Appellate and Supreme Court Litigation Group as a Partner later this year.
White & Case Expands Global Energy M&A Team, Adds Akin Partner in Houston
White & Case hired Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld project development and finance partner Ian Goldberg in Houston.
Cooley Adds 3 Life Sciences Lawyers in Boston, San Francisco
Partners Sarah Hogan and Jenna Ventorino join the firm from Wilmer Hale, while partner Stephen Abreu was recruited from Sidley Austin.
EMEA
Wolfgang A. Maschek Joins Covington as Head of the European Public Policy Practice
Wolfgang A. Maschek has joined Covington in Brussels from Squire Patton Boggs to spearhead the firm’s Public Policy Practice in Europe.
Hoffmann Eitle welcomes new Partner Dr Thomas Gniadek from Simmons & Simmons
Dr Thomas Gniadek joins HOFFMANN EITLE as a partner and co-chair of the firm’s patent litigation group in Munich.
APAC
Australia’s Gilbert + Tobin takes Second Disputes Partner from Jones Day
Australian law firm Gilbert + Tobin has hired another partner from Jones Day as it seeks to expand its disputes practice. Sydney-based Holly Sara is soon to join the firm.
Bird & Bird strengthens hospitality offering with new co-head
Bird & Bird has hired Andrew MacGeoch as partner and Asia-Pacific co-head of hotels, hospitality and leisure to boost its real estate and hospitality offering in Singapore. MacGeoch joins after eight years as a partner at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) in Hong Kong.
In house
Tesco hires BT lawyer as GC of its UK and Ireland business
UK supermarket giant Tesco has hired Jeff Langlands as general counsel of its UK and Republic of Ireland business, working alongside group GC Kay Majid. Langlands joins from BT Group, where most recently he was GC for its corporate, digital and networks division.
Gibson Dunn Partner Exits for Disney Deputy GC Role
Gibson Dunn & Crutcher partner Rosemarie Ring—who has represented top technology companies, including Meta—is joining The Walt Disney Co. as a deputy General Counsel.
Team Moves
Weil adds six PE lawyers in Germany from Latham & Watkins
Weil has hired six private equity lawyers from Latham & Watkins in Germany over the past week, as it moves to build a leading pan-European private equity team. Following the appointment of Sebastian Pauls and Susanne Decker last week, Andreas Holzgreve and Julia Schöfer have also joined the firm as a partner and counsel, with two further associates also making the move.
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer hires Partner-Led Banking Team at BonelliErede
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has snapped up BonelliErede’s Rome-based banking and finance partner Emanuela Da Rin along with her team of four lawyers. Meanwhile, BonelliErede strikes back with three-partner hire from Gatti Pavesi with Maria Cristina (Corporate/M&A), Andrea Novarese and Francesco Pirisi (Restructuring & Insolvency) making the move.
Greenberg Traurig adds five shareholders in Singapore from trio of firms
Greenberg Traurig (GT) has added five shareholders in Singapore, including Simmons & Simmons’ former Asia head of funds Jek Aun Long. He is joined by fellow funds lawyers Benedict Tan and Joshua Heng, with Greenburg also securing White & Case M&A specialist Kyle Oh and Ashurst energy and natural resources lawyer Stella Bae, both of whom are relocating from Seoul.
Seyfarth Adds Structured Finance Co-Chair With Group Hire From Arnold & Porter
Seyfarth Shaw hires Henry Morriello from Arnold & Portner who will become co-chair of Seyfarth’s structured finance group. He will be joined by Karsten Giesecke and Michael Karol will work as Counsels in the group.
Sports Law Boutique Northridge hires team from Bird & Bird
Bird & Bird partner Claire Barker has joined Northridge, along with managing associate Toby Cooper in London.
Promotions & Appointments
Seward & Kissel Names First New Chair in 11 Years
New York law firm Seward & Kissel has elected a new firm chair, investment management partner Daniel Bresler, who will succeed James Cofer in February 2026
SDNY Alum Mónica Folch Joins Free and Fair Litigation Group
New York’s Southern District Attorney Monica Folch served as a prosecutor for more than a decade, during which she worked on some of the biggest civil enforcement cases in the country. She moves to Free and Fair, a a not-for-profit founded in 2023 with the goal of combating authoritarianism in the United States.
Wasserman appoints Christa D’Alimonte as chief legal officer from Paramount
Mike Pickles, Wasserman’s current chief legal officer, will be retiring from the company and will assist with D’Alimonte’s transition into the role through the end of the year.
Ashurst’s Financial Regulation Partner Timothy Cant appointed to FCA’s Markets Practitioner Panel
The Panel is an independent statutory body, set up to provide advice and challenge from the point of view of financial market participants.
Kirkland elevates 23 lawyers in the City
Kirkland & Ellis has made up 23 lawyers to partner in the City, with the firm deciding not to publicly announce its promotion round this year. Those promoted this year include:
Adrian Kilercioglu, William Taylor, Philipp Engel, Arran Kandola, Sebastien Clisson, Richard Hughes, Shaun Chung, George Rawlinson, Carmella Crinnion, Bonian Wu, Toshi Mahaptra, Jelani Okoruwa, James Whybrow, Mai Huynh, Ken Au, Lynette Janssen, Krista Sirola, Christian Elliott, Cosmos Fung, Beatriz Capeloa Gil, Frankie Beetham, Jenni Polson, Corina Demeter-Olive.
Covington promotes 14 lawyers to Partner
Covington has promoted 14 lawyers to partnership, based in Brussels, Los Angeles, London, New York, and Washington. Antonio Michaelides was the sole partner promoted in London.
Office Openings, Closings and Expansions
Freshfields strengthens regional presence with partner relocation to Riyadh
Freshfields has strengthened its regional presence with the relocation of a partner Olivier Rogivue from Paris to Riyadh.
Mayer Brown relocates leading Finance Partner to Dubai Office
Finance partner Ashley McDermott has relocated to Mayer Brown’s Dubai office, bringing almost 20 years of syndicated loan financing experience to the region.
Mergers & Alliances
Inside A&O Shearman’s partner exits: the practices and offices most impacted
Since the Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merger was announced in May 2023, over 170 partners have departed, with more than a third of these exits occurring in the US. Legal Business research shows that 130 partners have left since the merger officially went live in May 2024, equating to about one in six partners leaving the firm.
Financials
Another UK200 firm secures private equity investment
South East firm Greenwoods has secured equity investment from Gresham House Ventures.
Technology & Innovation
Hengeler Launches Harvey Legal AI Firm-Wide
Hengeler Mueller is rolling out AI legal tool Harvey firm wide, marking a shift from experimentation to adoption at the European M&A powerhouse. Harvey has raised €50 million from Swedish investment firm EQT, marking major backing from a European investor.
Cooley invests in AI law firm Crosby
US firm Cooley has invested in hybrid AI legal outfit Crosby as part of its latest funding round. Crosby specialises in reviewing contracts, “combining the speed and intelligence of AI with the safety of lawyers-in-the-loop to review contracts in under an hour.”
Opus 2 doubles down on AI with Dutch start-up acquisition
Opus 2 has acquired legaltech company Uncover in a bid to expand artificial intelligence within its litigation and arbitration platform. Applying generative AI to litigation workflows, Uncover’s software uses large language models to organise and summarise case documents, and to support search and analysis across case files.
Market Commentary
DLA has made partnership meaningless
Recent analysis highlights a significant shift in partnership structures at major law firms including DLA Piper, Norton Rose Fulbright, and Hogan Lovells. These firms are increasingly expanding their ranks of salary partners while reducing the number of equity partners, reflecting a broader view within the legal industry to adjust partnership models, potentially impacting firm culture, profit distribution, and career progression for lawyers.
Decision time for Ashurst and Taylor Wessing
Analysis from The Lawyer investigating the expansion of UK heritage firms across the Atlantic.
Magic circle trio among 25 firms appointed to Government roster
The Government Legal Department (GLD) has named the 25 firms that have won places on its refreshed panel, previously valued at £820m. The roster will bring together three existing Government panels under one consolidated group.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Law Society president outlines lawyer welfare and inclusion priorities in inauguration speech
Property lawyer and university lecturer Mark Evans commits to supporting the next generation of solicitors, emphasizing inclusivity and opportunity for all backgrounds in his commencement speech as the 181st president of the Law Society of England and Wales.
LawCare’s Life in the Law 2025 report found that nearly 60% of respondents reported poor mental wellbeing, while almost 79% regularly worked beyond their contracted hours. Some 56% said they could see themselves leaving their current workplace within the next five years, with 32% reporting they could leave the sector entirely.
UK law firms lead responsible business index as US firms slide – study
UK law firms are outperforming their transatlantic peers on responsible business activity according to a report published by Lamp House and Chambers and Partners. Clyde & Co, DWF, Pinsent Masons, Simmons & Simmons and Taylor Wessing topped the index, with UK top 100 firm scores rising 12% on 2024 levels, compared to a 30% drop for top 50 US firms. UK-headquartered firms’ average score was double that of their US counterparts, with firms ranked on their responsible business activity related to people, planet and governance.
Moves
UK & Ireland
Pinsents ramps up City push with corporate partner duo
Pinsent Masons has continued its hiring spree with the addition of two corporate partners in London. Nicholas Holmes joins from Ashurst to lead the firm’s equity capital markets (ECM) practice, while Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer partner Dinesh Banani arrives to head up US securities.
Commercial Litigation Partner Christian Tuddenham is making the move after spending over a decade at Jenner & Block.
Kirkland & Ellis hires new international GC
Justine Cowling, formerly general counsel at Bryan Cave Leighton & Paisner, joins the firm.
Stephenson Harwood Hires Partner Duo from Bird & Bird and Reed Smith
Real Estate Partner John Danahy joins Stephenson Harwood, alongside Marine and Trade Disputes Partner Nick Austin. The latest hires bring the firm’s total number of London lateral additions up to 16 so far in 2025.
Latham & Watkins Hires Simmons London IP Partner
Latham & Watkins has expanded its healthcare and life sciences practice in London with the appointment of Lydia Thorne from Simmons & Simmons.
TLT welcomes three new partners in Belfast
TLT has welcomed three new partners to its Belfast office, with Orla Hanna joining from DWF and Nuala Maguire moving from Eversheds Sutherland. They join recently-appointed partner Jonathan O’Hagan.
EMEA
Weil sets out leadership succession in Germany with Latham hires
Weil Gotshal & Manges has added to its European private equity platform with the hire of two partners from Latham & Watkins, as long-serving Frankfurt veteran Gerhard Schmidt prepares to retire. Private equity specialist Sebastian Pauls will join Weil as co-managing partner of Weil’s German offices in Munich and Frankfurt and is joined by fellow private equity partner Susanne Decker.
Reed Smith, A&O Shearman see trio of German partners exit Big Law for independent practice
Friedrich Graf von Westphalen gains real estate partners Martin Meissner and Cihangir Agdemir, from Reed Smith in Frankfurt, while A&O loses arbitration partner Anna Masser to newly minted disputes boutique in Hamburg.
Americas
Simpson hires Barclays M&A Pro
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett has hired Christopher Ludwig from Barclays to lead its shareholder engagement and activism defense group as a partner in the mergers and acquisitions practice in New York. Ludwig has two years of experience at Barclays as a managing director and head of shareholder advisory services.
Private Client Partner Returns to Morgan Lewis After 11 Years as Family Office GC
Partner John Boxer returns to Morgan Lewis after serving as general counsel and chief operating officer of Metropolitan Wealth Management LLC, a private, multifamily office, for 11 years.
Buchalter Expands Corporate Practice in Atlanta
Buchalter grows the Corporate Practice Group in Atlanta with the hire of Jonathan Wilson and Mitzi Hill from Taylor Duma.
APAC
Korea’s Yoon & Yang continues expansion with partner duo from LAB
Korean Big Six law firm Yoon & Yang has kept up its hiring streak after welcoming PE/VC-focused partners Young Ju Kim and Min Joo Kim from smaller rival LAB Partners.
Ashurst grows Tokyo energy offering with hire from Anderson Mori
Global law firm Ashurst has hired James Hearne as a partner in its projects and energy transition practice in Tokyo from Anderson Mori & Tomotsune, where he was a special counsel.
Team Moves
CANDEY team spins off to launch new disputes boutique
Partners James Collins and Yuri Botiuk launch Collins Botiuk, with William Stewart-Parker, Yuliya Luy and Saujanya Vinayy also joining the team.
Norton Rose Fulbright welcomes Saudi Banking and Finance Team from Addleshaw
Norton Rose Fulbright is boosting its Middle East banking and finance practice with the hiring of an Addleshaw Goddard banking team led by partner Amar Meher.
Philip Lee recruits former Eversheds Sutherland head Alan Connell
Philip Lee LLP has recruited Alan Connell, formerly managing partner and head of tax at Eversheds Sutherland Ireland, as a senior partner in the firm’s tax practice.
In house
Deloitte expands Legal Team in Germany with a hire from Grant Thornton
Regulatory and investment lawyer Dario Jüttner makes the move to accounting competitor in Frankfurt
Promotions & Appointments
Goodwin, Covington Scale Back in London in Latest Partner Promotions
Goodwin Procter and Covington & Burling have announced their partner promotions for 2025, with both firms adding two new partners in London.
US packaging business Greif appoints only second GC in 148-year history
US industrial packaging business Greif has promoted deputy general counsel Dennis Hoffman to the GC role, replacing Gary Martz who is retiring at the end of next month.
Alcohol Giant Constellation Brands Signals Continuity by Promoting Rising Star to CLO
Constellation Brands is undergoing a leadership change, with Jim Bourdeau retiring as Chief Legal Officer (CLO) on February 28, 2026. He will be succeeded by Jeff LaBarge, who will take over the CLO role effective March 1, 2026.
Hogan Lovells Appoints New APAC Head
Hong Kong banking and finance partner Owen Chan has been appointed regional managing partner for the firm’s Asia Pacific practice, succeeding firm CEO Miguel Zaldivar.
Withers names first new CEO in a quarter of a century
Withers has appointed Ceri Voke, a private client and tax partner as its next chief executive officer (CEO), effective 1 July 2026.
Office Openings & Closing
Greenberg Traurig adds Latham partner duo for Abu Dhabi debut
Firm opens 50th global office with financing and restructuring partner Christian Adams and M&A partner Chris Lester.
Mori Hamada set to become latest Japanese firm to launch in London
Japanese law firm Mori Hamada & Matsumoto announced plans to establish a London office in 2026, marking the latest expansion by a major Japanese legal practice into the UK capital as cross-border dealmaking activity intensifies.
Schoenherr relocates partner to head new City operation
Austrian firm Schoenherr has expanded its network by opening a liaison office in London headed by Arbitration partner Sebastian Lukic.
Kaur Sutherland opens new Glasgow office
Law firm Kaur Sutherland has opened a new branch on Queen Margaret Drive in Glasgow’s west end.
Mergers & Alliances
Sheppard Mullin plots new brand amid UK merger speculation
Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton has filed an application to change its name and logo amid market speculation around its merger discussions with UK firms. The United States Patent and Trademark Office features an application for the California-headquartered firm to change its registered name to ‘Sheppard’.
Japan’s Miura doubles down on SE Asia with Thai, Philippine alliances
Japanese law firm Miura & Partners has continued on its ambitious global expansion strategy after inking alliances with two Southeast Asian outfits: Kudun and Partners in Thailand and Feria Tantoco Daos in the Philippines.
Technology & Innovation
Legaltech Eve hits $1bn valuation in latest funding round
Eve, an AI platform for claimant firms, has raised $103m in its latest funding round at a $1bn valuation. There are now over 450 firms using its platform, which has processed over 200,000 cases and helped in the recovery of over $3.5bn for clients in settlements or judgments.
Private Equity Management Startup PortOptix Launches Gen AI Platform
A team of M&A and legal tech professionals including NexLP founder Jay Leib, have banded together to build a platform that assists private equity firms with portfolio management.
AI Data Centers Push Talent Race in Big Law Energy Practices
As artificial intelligence technology rapidly expands, Big Law attorneys specialising in energy and infrastructure are increasingly involved in legal work related to AI data centres. Many energy lawyers now dedicate a significant portion of their time to addressing the power needs of these facilities. “Half of my week is spent on data centre issues,” said Jeffrey Jakubiak, an energy regulatory partner at Vinson & Elkins.
Diversity & Inclusion
Public bodies failing to promote equality
Public bodies are failing to deliver on their duties of advancing equality of opportunity and fostering good relations between different groups, according to a new report from Holyrood’s Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee.
Columbian Lawyers Association Honors the Judiciary at Annual Event
The Columbian Lawyers Association recently honored the judiciary at its annual event, celebrating distinguished judges and their contributions to the legal community.
OUTLaw Network to mark National Coming Out Day
The OUTLaw Network is to mark National Coming Out Day 2025 with a special breakfast event
Rights watchdog appoints 10 members to disability advisory committee
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission has appointed 10 new members to its disability advisory committee.
Market Commentary.
Belgian and UK law societies agree cross-border practice rights deal
UK law societies and Bar associations have agreed on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to facilitate the practice of UK lawyers in Belgium alongside their Belgian counterparts, benefiting commercial lawyers operating in the EU capital.
The Lawyer Global 200 Released
The Top 100 of The Lawyer‘s UK 200 rankings has been released, revealing insights into financial and structural growth alongside peer analysis.
Legal 500 UK Rankings Released
Nearly 1,200 law firms have secured a place in the new Legal 500 UK rankings after months of research into legal markets across the country.
DLA Piper Ups In-Office Attendance to 3 Days A Week
DLA Piper, the third-largest law firm globally, is now requiring its people in its non-U.S. offices to attend the office a minimum of three days a week.
UK Legal recruitment soars in Q2 2025: Litigation at the forefront, Real Estate on the rise
In Q2 2025, the UK legal market recorded 2,779 hires – a significant increase on the previous quarter’s 1,493. This surge, which includes unaffiliated lawyers and those joining smaller or niche firms, reflects both continued demand for talent and the intensifying pace of recruitment across the sector.
Latham & Watkins Leads Big Law in M&A Deal Volume for Q3
Latham & Watkins was the Big Law firm with the most M&A deal volume and highest percentage of global market share for the first nine months of the year
Moves
UK & Ireland
Brick Court bolsters senior clerking team with rare hire from Fountain Court
Brick Court has bolstered its clerking team with the hire of Fountain Court Chambers deputy senior clerk, Katie Szewczyk, in a rare lateral move between the rival commercial sets.
Sullivan & Worcester has hired trade finance partner Robert Parson from Squire Patton Boggs as a Trade Finance Partner in London.
Dentons recruits Brian Clarke as Dublin disputes partner | Irish Legal News
Global law firm Dentons has appointed experienced commercial litigator Brian Clarke as a partner in Dublin. He joins from Maples Group.
Shoosmiths grows emerging companies and venture capital offering with new corporate partner
Shoosmiths has announced the appointment of VC specialist Geoff Dragon to the firm’s corporate practice.
Penningtons Manches Cooper hires a new Partner in Real Estate
Leading law firm Penningtons Manches Cooper has appointed Sarah Finch as a partner in its fast growing real estate disputes team.
Law firm strengthens tech and digital health expertise with latest partner appointment
Commercial law firm Bevan Brittan has boosted its technology and digital health expertise with the appointment of a new specialist partner. Brett Lambe, who joins from Ashfords, has more than 15 years of experience in the technology and digital health sectors.
Americas
Ontier Appoints Michael Mena as Managing Partner of Its Miami Office
The international business law firm Ontier announced the appointment of Michael O. Mena as Managing Partner of its Miami office, from where he will lead the firm’s U.S. strategy and strengthen its ability to support clients in cross-border transactions and litigation between Europe, Latin America, and the United States.
Squire Patton Boggs makes twin transatlantic structured finance hire from Reed Smith
Squire Patton Boggs (SPB) has hired two structured finance lawyers from Reed Smith in New York and London to bolster its transatlantic finance capabilities. Trish O’Donnell joins the firm in New York as a partner, while Nathan Menon joins in London as a director.
Stewarts hires family law silk from 4 Paper Buildings to head up specialist children’s team
Stewarts has hired leading family law silk Alex Verdan KC from 4 Paper Buildings (4PB) to head its specialist children’s team.
HSF Kramer marks first US partner hire since merger
Burr Eckstut has joined the firm in New York as head of its US technology transactions practice and a partner in its corporate group. has joined the firm in New York as head of its US technology transactions practice and a partner in its corporate group. He joins from White & Case.
EMEA
Milbank hires new Partner in Frankfurt Office
Jan Häller has joined Milbank’s Frankfurt office as a partner in our Corporate/M&A practice. He joins from Hengeller Mueller.
Osborne Clarke hires Paris practice head
London-headquartered firm Osborne Clarke has hired Jessica Madesclair from Paris boutique HMN & Partners to lead its international arbitration practice in the French capital. Madesclair joins from HMN.
APAC
Goodwin hires investment funds expert in HK from Gibson Dunn
U.S. law firm Goodwin Procter has grown its private investment funds offering in Hong Kong with the hire of Youjung Byon as a partner from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, where she was an of counsel.
Korea’s Yoon & Yang bolsters antitrust practice with hires from BKL, KFTC
South Korean law firm Yoon & Yang has hired veteran antitrust lawyer Keum Seok Oh as partner and former Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) commissioner Yeong Ho Shin as senior advisor, strengthening its competition law practice.
Singapore’s Oon & Bazul hires lit partner from Davinder Singh Chambers
Singapore law firm Oon & Bazul has appointed Sngeeta Rai as a partner in its dispute resolution practice from Davinder Singh Chambers, where she served as a director.
NRF Asia fintech head joins Reed Smith as partner
U.S. law firm Reed Smith has hired Etelka Bogardi as a partner in its financial industry group in Asia, recruiting her from Norton Rose Fulbright where she served as Asia head of fintech and financial services regulatory.
Rajah & Tann disputes partner joins PRC firm Han Kun
The PRC’s Han Kun Law Offices has added dispute resolution expert Jerald Foo as a partner to its Singapore office. Foo joins from Big Four law firm Rajah & Tann.
Ashurst Hires Energy Transition Partner in Tokyo
Global law firm Ashurst is delighted to announce the appointment of James Hearne as a partner in its projects & energy transition practice, based in Tokyo.
In-House
US nuclear business The Nuclear Company hires former Tesla deputy GC as CLO
US nuclear energy innovation business The Nuclear Company has hired Robert Harmon as its chief legal officer, a newly created role. Harmon joins from construction tech business ICON, where he was general counsel.
US mortgage giant Freddie Mac hires MUFG Americas GC as next legal head – The Global Legal Post
US mortgage giant Freddie Mac has appointed Matthew Abrusci as general counsel, replacing Heidi Mason who retired at the start of this month. Abrusci joins from Japanese bank MUFG, where he was GC for the Americas region.
Paramount Hires Former DOJ Antitrust Head Makan Delrahim as Chief Legal Officer
Paramount has set Makan Delrahim, a former assistant attorney general of the U.S. Department of Justice’s antitrust division during President Donald Trump’s first term, as its new chief legal officer.
Team Moves
Hogan Lovells adds two-partner trade team in Brussels from Steptoe
Hogan Lovells has boosted its Brussels bench with the hire of a three-lawyer EU trade team from US firm Steptoe. Partners Renato Antonini, who was head of Steptoe’s EU trade practice, and Eva Monard have joined the firm alongside Byron Maniatis, who has made partner on the move, having been of counsel at his previous firm.
DWF bolsters UK major injury and casualty group with 28-strong Kennedys team
DWF has hired a 27-strong team from Kennedys to boost its major injury and casualty group across London and Leeds. The group is led by partners Richard West, Claire Mulligan, Gareth Thomas and Jennifer Harris, alongside a director, 10 senior associates and a wider team of associates, solicitors and legal professionals.
Promotions & Appointments
Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP Names Thomas Hong as First Atlanta Office Managing Partner
Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP announced that Thomas Hong has been appointed the firm’s first Managing Partner of its Atlanta office.
Quarles Appoints Joanne Buser Next San Diego Office Managing Partner
Quarles & Brady LLP announced today that Joanne Buser has been named San Diego office managing partner, effective October 1. She succeeds Fred Plevin, who will continue with the firm as a Labor & Employment partner.
Dr Andrew Murray steps up as CBP’s new managing partner
Dr Andrew Murray will become Colin Biggers & Paisley’s new managing partner as of 1 October. He will succeed Nick Crennan, who steps down on 30 September.
Corporate partner Keavy Ryan to chair A&L Goodbody
A&L Goodbody LLP (ALG) has appointed Keavy Ryan as chair of the partnership.
Ms Ryan will succeed ALG’s current chair, Séamus Ó Cróinín, on 1 October.
Bird & Bird appoints two new country heads in the Middle East
Bird & Bird has today announced the appointment of two new country heads in the Middle East. Melissa Murray has been appointed as head of the UAE office, while Simon Shooter has been appointed as head of the Saudi Arabia office.
Office Openings & Closing
Orrick to shutter Geneva office by year end
Orrick is set to shutter its office in Switzerland by the end of the year, following a review. The tech-focused firm said the decision arose from a “routine review in connection with the conclusion of the office lease,” adding the closure “enables us to continue to emphasise strategic investment in other markets in Europe and worldwide.”
Reed Smith secures long-term lease for new Atlanta office at Spring Quarter
Reed Smith, a leading global law firm, today announced that it has signed a long-term lease for its new Atlanta office, marking an important step in the firm’s continued U.S. growth strategy. The office will be located on the 11th floor of Ten Twenty, the premier office tower within Spring Quarter, a new mixed-use development in the heart of Midtown Atlanta.
Mori Hamada set to become latest Japanese firm to launch in London
Japanese law firm Mori Hamada & Matsumoto announced plans to establish a London office in 2026, marking the latest expansion by a major Japanese legal practice into the UK capital as cross-border dealmaking activity intensifies.
Mergers & Alliances
Kennedys continues Americas growth streak with Brazilian alliance
Kennedys has formed an alliance with Brazil’s RPZ Advogados, in a move that brings the firm an insurance-focused team of five partners and 24 more lawyers.
Financials
US general counsel pays surges by a fifth since 2020, Equilar report shows
The 2025 General Counsel Pay Trends report showed that median GC compensation at Equilar 500 companies – the 500 largest companies headquartered in the US by revenue – rose to $3.4m in 2024, a 20.5% rise from $2.8m in 2020. Performance-related incentives were the largest component of GC pay, rising 11.9% to just over $1m during the same period.
Diversity & Inclusion
Blacks United in Legal Technology (BUiLT), a New York-based organization that aims to promote diversity and education in legal and legal tech, is looking to expand its reach, starting with a rebrand. The organization announced Thursday that it has changed its name to the Network for Excellence in Tech Law (NExT).
Technology & Innovation
Navigating Privilege Risks in the Age of AI: Practical Guidance for Legal Teams
As tools using generative artificial intelligence (AI) become more integrated into legal workflows, they introduce new and complex risks to attorney-client privilege, confidentiality, and discoverability. Data retention practices, unclear usage protocols and even routine interactions with AI tools can inadvertently expose confidential communications and compromise critical legal protections. This article outlines key risk areas and offers practical strategies for mitigating exposure, preserving privilege, and staying ahead of evolving legal standards.
Real-World Examples of How GCs Are Leveraging Generative AI
GCs leverage generative AI (gen AI) tools to assess disputes quickly and accurately, determine which matters to settle or defend, and which disputes can be adequately managed in-house. Collaboration with outside counsel is still important, but gen AI adds a catalytic dimension to dispute resolution workflow, allowing in-house teams to get to the heart of a matter faster than ever before.
Market Commentary
What Silicon Valley General Counsel Must Do to Keep Their Companies Competitive
For Silicon Valley to maintain its leadership, it needs Washington to evolve from reactive regulation to initiative-taking industrial co-architecture. The Valley needs defined strategic sectors in AI, semiconductors, robotics, and quantum computing with corresponding government co-investment. It needs capital market structures that reward strategic patience and enable appropriate IPO pathways for complex technologies. It needs immigration reform that treats talent mobility as a strategic imperative. It needs bold investments in secure, high-speed digital infrastructure and adaptive governance institutions capable of managing emerging technologies without stifling them.
Finding Your Way Back: A Three-Step Approach for Addressing Burnout as a Young Lawyer
For many young lawyers, the first years of practice bring both excitement and enormous pressure. Young lawyers are eager to prove themselves, to show they belong, and to exceed the expectations of partners, clients, and even themselves. As their skill sets grow, so do their responsibilities. Deadlines multiply, client demands increase, and the pressure to perform becomes relentless.
Moves
UK & Ireland
Eversheds Sutherland has further strengthened its tax offering with the appointment of Kevin Cummings as partner in its London office. Kevin joins the firm from McDermott Will & Emery.
Cadwalader enriches private wealth practice with new hire
Global law firm has welcomed partner Matthew Sperry to its London and New York private wealth practice. Prior to joining the firm, Sperry was an international attorney at Katten Muchin Rosenmann.
Baker Botts Adds Strategic Dubai-London Team to Expand Global Finance Offering
Baker Botts has strengthened its global finance platform with the arrival of Zahra Knapper Al-Bahrani and her team in London. The team joins from White & Case.
Hogan Lovells strengthens Private Equity platform with London duo
Global law firm Hogan Lovells has further expanded its Corporate & Finance offering with the addition of partners Michael James and Edward Meadowcroft in London from Paul Hastings.
Marie-Claire Scullion to head employment law team at Browne Jacobson
Browne Jacobson has appointed Marie-Claire Scullion as partner and head of employment in Ireland. She joins from Eversheds Sutherland.
Fieldfisher hires litigation and dispute resolution partner Dermot McEvoy
Fieldfisher has appointed Dermot McEvoy as a partner in its Dublin litigation and dispute resolution practice. Mr McEvoy joins the firm from Eversheds Sutherland.
Americas
Ropes & Gray hits Kirkland for M&A partner in New York growth push
Michael Brueck joins Ropes & Gray in New York after 15 years as a partner at Kirkland.
Veteran Energy Transactional Attorney John Thomas Joins Frost Brown Todd as Partner
Frost Brown Todd has announced that John Thomas has joined the firm’s Houston office as a Partner in the Private Equity & Venture Capital practice group. He joins from Grable Martin.
Latham & Watkins Strengthens New York Real Estate Team with Strategic Partner Addition
Latham & Watkins has announced the expansion of its New York real estate team with the addition of partner Michael S. Mercedes, who joins from Haynes and Boone.
White & Case Hires Back Former Partner in Mexico City
White & Case has hired back a former partner in Mexico City after he left the firm in 2009. Thomas S. Heather joins as counsel after holding a similar role at Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez—a top Mexican firm.
Proskauer adds Cadwalader finance partner quartet for Charlotte debut
Proskauer Rose has added a team of four leveraged finance partners from Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft to open its 12th global office in Charlotte, North Carolina. Ron Lovelace, who headed Cadwalader’s leveraged finance practice, has joined the 800-lawyer firm alongside Patrick Yingling, Jared Zajac and Joey Polonsky.
Clifford Chance hires partner Shellka Arora-Cox
Clifford Chance has hired Shellka Arora-Cox as a partner in its energy & infrastructure finance team in the US as it further strengthens its renewables and project finance practice. She will be joining from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw.
EMEA
Simmons & Simmons adds restructuring partner duo in Paris from Fidal
Simmons & Simmons has made a twin partner hire in Paris to expand its global restructuring practice. The incoming lawyers are Isabelle Vincent and Arnaud Roiron, who join from French firm Fidal.
Linklaters hires leading M&A deal maker Massimiliano Nitti as a partner in Italy
Linklaters has hired leading M&A dealmaker, Massimiliano Nitti, as a partner and Head of Corporate in Italy, further strengthening the firm’s global platform. He joins from Chionmeti.
Ashurst Hires Clifford Chance Partner Ouns Lemseffer to Launch Africa Presence
The leading global law firm Ashurst has hired Clifford Chance partner Ouns Lemseffer to spearhead the launch of its first office in Africa, located in Casablanca, Morocco. Ouns Lemseffer has joined as Head of Morocco and will serve as the Managing Partner of the firm’s new office, Ashurst’s 32nd globally. She joins from Clifford Chance.
Pinsent Masons hires Head of our Funds and Asset Management team in Luxembourg
Pinsent Masons has announced the hire of Manfred Dietrich to lead its funds and asset management team in Luxembourg. He joins from Maples Group.
Bird & Bird has announced the arrival of Charles-Henri Caron as a partner in the Litigation team and the Life Sciences & Healthcare group in Paris. He joins from Hogan Lovells.
APAC
Bird & Bird appoints Chris Case as partner in Australia
Bird & Bird has announced the appointment of Chris Case as partner in the firm’s Sydney office, strengthening its capabilities in the Defence and Energy & Utilities sectors. Chris will join the partnership on 1 October 2025. He previously worked for his own consultancy.
Nixon Peabody CWL bolsters corporate offering with two partner hires
Hong Kong. Nixon Peabody CWL has added further depth to its Hong Kong Corporate team with the arrival of partners Gary Lam and Nicholas Cook, enhancing the firm’s capabilities in cross-border transactions, regulatory matters, and growth sector work across Asia Pacific. They join from Oldham, Li & Ne.
Reed Smith hires regulatory partner in China from A&O Shearman
Reed Smith has appointed Jieni Ji as a partner in its global regulatory enforcement group, based across the firm’s Shanghai and Hong Kong offices. She joins from A&O Shearman, where she was of counsel.
Rajah & Tann boosts aviation finance practice with hire from Big Four rival A&G
Rajah & Tann Singapore has hired transport and aviation finance expert Michelle Zheng as a partner in its banking and finance practice in Singapore from rival Allen & Gledhill, marking a rare instance of partner-level movement among the city-state’s Big Four.
Kinstellar grows Cambodia offering with senior hire from Slovak firm
European law firm Kinstellar has hired corporate expert Roman Hamala as an international partner at its recently launched Cambodia operation from Slovakia’s HKV Law Firm.
In-House
US gym franchise Crunch Fitness hires first GC from Restore Hyper Wellness
US gym chain Crunch Fitness has hired Chris Flowers as its inaugural general counsel to support the company’s global growth plans. Flowers joins from Restore Hyper Wellness, where he was deputy GC.
Lucky Strike-maker BAT names GC replacement as 11-year veteran to step down
Lucky Strike-maker British American Tobacco (BAT) has lined up Paul McCrory as its next general counsel, replacing Jerome Abelman who is stepping down at the end of the year. McCrory is currently the company’s director for corporate and regulatory affairs.
New President has been appointed to lead Engine by Starling’s expansion in North America
Staling has announced that Jody Bhagat has been appointed to lead Engine by Starling‘s expansion in North America, from a new regional headquarters in New York. He joins from Personetics, where he served as President of Global Banking.
Team Moves
The team includes some of the country’s leading patent trial litigators including partners Steven Pepe––former Ropes & Gray intellectual property practice group chair––David Chun, Jim Davis, Kevin Post and Matthew Shapiro, along with 16 special counsel and associates.
William Fry recruits 12 from Eversheds Sutherland
William Fry has welcomed the arrival of 12 corporate/M&A lawyers from Eversheds Sutherland Ireland, including partners Gerard Ryan, Enda Newton, Gavin O’Flaherty and Maria O’Brien.
Promotions & Appointments
Freshfields Appoints M&A and Private Equity Partner to Oversee Continental Europe
Freshfields has appointed Konrad Gröller regional managing partner for continental Europe starting in early October.
Microsoft promotes GC to CLO role as legal chief steps down
Microsoft has promoted Jonathan Palmer to chief legal officer, replacing Hossein Nowbar who left the company this month. Palmer was previously the tech giant’s general counsel.
Willkie names private equity leader as new joint chair
Willkie Farr & Gallagher has named private equity co-head Jeffrey Poss as its new joint chairman, replacing veteran leader Thomas Cerabino who will step down from the role at the end of next year.
Office Openings & Closing
K&L Gates Set to Close Beijing Office
K&L Gates is closing its Beijing office and its staff members on the ground have been offered severance packages. The U.S.-based firm becomes the ninth international law firm to close an office in mainland China so far this year.
Bird & Bird to expand Iberian offering with launch of Lisbon office
Bird & Bird will open an office in Lisbon, establishing a presence in Portugal and strengthening its position in the wider Iberian market. The office will be led by Ana Rita Paínho, alongside Sofia Carreiro, one of-counsel, two senior counsel, a team of three associates and supporting staff. The initial team will cover IP, TMT, Life Sciences, Corporate, M&A, Employment and Litigation.
Ropes & Gray opens new office in Milan
Ropes & Gray has announced the opening of our new office in Milan. Led by Cataldo Piccarreta, Giorgia Lugli, and Luca Maranetto, our Milan team brings extensive experience in private equity, M&A, and complex transactions.
Mergers & Alliances
Belfast firms merge to form Elliotts Legal
Two long-standing Belfast law firms, Elliott Duffy Garrett and Johns Elliot, are to join forces as Elliotts Legal. From 1 October 2025, the two firms will operate from Elliott Duffy Garrett’s current offices at 40 Linenhall Street, Belfast, under the new name “Elliotts Legal”.
Financials
The 2025 Global 100 Ranked by Profit Per Equity Partner
The largest 100 law firms in the world enjoyed a strong rise in profits over the last financial year.
Profits at Freeths rise 13 per cent to £59.4m
Turnover rose by 14.8 per cent to £166.8 million, an increase of £21.5m compared to the previous year and overall profit climbed to £59.4m, an increase of 13 per cent from the previous year.
The 2025 Global 200: Rankings by Revenue
The largest 200 law firms in the world had another strong period during the last financial year, driven largely by the top U.S.-based institutions.
Diversity & Inclusion
Global firm Mishcon de Reya declares diversity commitment in annual report
Global firm Mishcon de Reya has reaffirmed its commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion by outlining higher diversity targets in its 2025 annual report. By April 2027, the firm aims to have women comprise at least 35 percent of the senior equity partnership, up from the current percentage of 28 percent. It also looks to have 45 percent of the partnership be women (38 percent at present).
‘We can’t keep losing talent’ – African law firms urged to build sustainable careers for women
African law firms must create sustainable career paths for women lawyers if they are to retain their best female talent as work pressures continue to increase, delegates at the International Bar Association’s African Regional Forum Conference heard today.
Balancing Efficiency and Equity: Protecting Employers in New Jersey’s Diverse Workforce
This article explores how employers and carriers can proactively protect themselves, save time and limit expenses by anticipating these issues, all within the limits and protections of New Jersey workers’ compensation law. If employers and carriers fail to proactively protect themselves, today’s challenges may increase defence costs and expose employers to longer term cash liabilities.
The landscape of corporate law firms has long experienced a lack of diversity, particularly in terms of Black male attorneys. In Washington, D.C., a group of these attorneys is combatting isolation and stress by forming an informal network designed to support one another. This network provides a crucial social space that addresses the emotional toll faced by Black attorneys, who often encounter regular micro- and macro-aggressions, coupled with the expectation to outperform their non-Black peers to be seen as equals.
Technology & Innovation
Thomson Reuters rolls out Westlaw Singapore with SAL tie-up
Thomson Reuters has launched Westlaw Singapore to streamline legal research by centralising core local sources and applying AI-enabled search, a move the company says will help lawyers get to relevant law faster.
Chambers and Partners release new Market data tool
Chambers and Partners have introduced Market Pulse, a data product designed to help firms turn client demand into their next win. Powered by more than 200,000 client responses each year, Market Pulse provides evidence-led insights that enable teams to prepare for meetings, build thought leadership, and prioritise business development by geography and topic.
AI platform Harvey establishes first APAC base with new Sydney office
US-headquartered AI company Harvey has established its first APAC office in Sydney.
Market Commentary
As Competitors Eye Cadwalader for Talent, Law Firm ‘Not Engaged’ in Merger Talks
Following another group exit this week, Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft has lost more than 40 lawyers to competitors this year. Industry observers highlight a challenging talent market, with rivals increasingly recruiting from the firm. “While Cadwalader has received interest from various firms over the years, we are not currently in any merger talks,” stated a firm leader.
New wind farm to power Matheson offices
Matheson has struck a deal to supply its Irish offices with renewable electricity from a proposed wind farm development in Co Cavan. The corporate power purchase agreement (CPPA) signed by Matheson and Flogas, part of DCC plc, will provide the firm with a long-term 15-year supply of renewable electricity from Natural Forces’ Tullyhaw Wind Farm project.
Lawyers will play key role as Africa adapts to US tariff shock, IBA regional forum hears
African lawyers will have a key role to play in helping their business clients respond to the disruption caused by US President Donald Trump’s tariff regime, the International Bar Association’s African Regional Forum Conference heard today.
Moves
UK & Ireland
Reed Smith Snaps Up McDermott Arbitration Partner in London
Reed Smith has welcomed Michael Darowski, a seasoned arbitration partner from McDermott, who brings expertise in complex arbitration and holds qualifications in both London and Hong Kong.
Pinsents bolsters finance team with double partner hire
Pinsent Masons has hired Edward Smith from Travers Smith as a restructuring partner in London, and Seyavash Rahnema from Norton Rose Fulbright as a finance partner in Dubai. Smith brings over 25 years’ experience in restructuring, while Rahnema will help expand the firm’s finance practice across the Middle East.
Orrick’s growth spurt continues with Gibson Dunn duo
Orrick has hired oil and gas specialist Anna Howell (partner) and of Counsel Mitasha Chandok from Gibson Dunn to boost its London energy practice. Their expertise fills a gap in Orrick’s energy offerings, complementing its focus on renewables and infrastructure as part of broader global growth.
Reed Smith enhances corporate group with M&A and private equity partner in London
Reed Smith has appointed Andrew Houghton as a partner in its Global Corporate Group in London. With nearly 20 years of experience, Houghton specialises in cross-border corporate work, focusing on financial services and fintech sectors. He joins from Proskauer Rose, strengthening Reed Smith’s capabilities in private capital and complex transactions across the UK and Europe.
Lillian Mackenzie joins Burges Salmon
Lillian Mackenzie has joined Burges Salmon, marking the latest appointment at the firm, and strengthening its growing team.
Travers Partner Walks to Simmons in Busy Week for London Hiring
Simmons & Simmons has bolstered its derivatives and trading practice with the hire of Joseph Wren from Travers Smith. Wren, who spent 14 years at Travers and made partner in 2020, advises private market clients on a range of derivatives and trading matters.
Americas
Kirkland Lures Fintech Regulatory Partner from McDermott
Kara Kuchar, a financial technology regulation partner, was the most recent to leave McDermott Will & Schulte to join Kirkland.
Baker McKenzie Adds Second Ex-King & Spalding Partner to Boost NatSec Team in D.C.
Baker McKenzie has appointed Sumon Dantiki as co-chair of its national security practice in D.C., joining former Deputy U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein. Dantiki brings over a decade of government experience and was previously a partner at King & Spalding.
Wilson Sonsini’s Latin America Practice Head Jumps to Greenberg Traurig
Greenberg Traurig has hired Matt Squires, former head of Wilson Sonsini’s Latin America practice, as it expands its focus in the region, particularly in Brazil. Squires reunites with former colleagues from both Wilson Sonsini and Milbank, where he spent nearly six years in the New York office.
Clifford Chance Adds Fried Frank PE Partner Amid Lateral Spree
According to global head of private equity Jonny Myers, Andrea Gede-Lange joined the company on Thursday, making her the 13th lateral partner to join in the last 12 months.
EMEA
Clyde & Co. Recruits Pinsents Dubai Partner as Head of Technology to Spur Practice Rebuild
Ruby Khnom has joined Clyde & Co. as head of technology in Dubai, recruited from Pinsent Masons to help rebuild the firm’s TMT practice amid the region’s rapidly evolving tech and regulatory landscape.
Ashurst set to hire Clifford Chance team for Casablanca launch
Ashurst has hired Clifford Chance partner Ouns Lemseffer to lead its new Morocco office, marking the firm’s entry into Africa. The team will focus on energy, infrastructure, and banking across Francophone Africa.
APAC
JWS appoints new real estate partner for its Sydney team
Johnson Winter Slattery (JWS) has appointed Bhavini Sundarjee as a new partner in its Sydney real estate team. This addition strengthens JWS’s presence in the Sydney property market.
Lander & Rogers appoints new commercial disputes partner
Helen Sims, a partner with experience at top firms and government offices, joined Lander & Rogers’ national disputes practice in September 2025 to strengthen their expertise in complex commercial litigation, regulatory investigations, and public law.
PE Talent Wars: Clayton Utz Hires Partner from Allens Amid Private Capital Boom
With private capital investment booming in Australia, Clayton Utz has appointed former Allens partner Mark Malinas as head of private equity, joining other major firms like Ashurst, Corrs, and Clifford Chance in strengthening their PE teams.
Kirkland Hong Kong Partner Relocates to Singapore for Milbank
Maurice Conway, a partner specialising in private equity and mergers and acquisitions at Kirkland & Ellis, has departed the firm’s Hong Kong office to join Milbank in Singapore.
His move is part of Milbank’s broader global initiative aimed at strengthening its private equity capabilities across key markets
In-House
NYU Hires Its Former Law School Dean for Newly Created Chief Legal Officer Role
Trevor Morrison, who served as the NYU School of Law’s dean from 2013 to 2022, has been named New York University’s first chief legal officer.
US Olympic Committee Plucks Legal Chief from Southeastern Conference
Over the last ten years, during which time the SEC’s revenue has almost doubled, William King has been the agency’s associate commissioner for legal affairs and compliance.
Inmaculada Castelló joins Deloitte Legal as Corporate partner
Inmaculada Castelló has joined Deloitte Legal as a Corporate/M&A partner, bringing 20 years of experience from Dentons, Pinsent Masons, and other firms. Her expertise in M&A and alternative investments strengthens Deloitte’s Spanish legal team amid ongoing global restructuring.
Longtime Gibson Dunn Partner Tapped for SEC Corporation Finance Role
Longtime Gibson Dunn partner James Moloney has joined the SEC as head of the Division of Corporation Finance, following 25 years at the firm and co-leading its securities regulation and corporate governance group. His appointment supports the SEC’s push to modernize rules and ease disclosure burdens.
Team Moves
Three-Lawyer M&A, Private Equity Team Lands at Morgan Lewis in Boston
Morgan Lewis has added a mergers and acquisitions and private equity team consisting of partners Shannon Zollo, Joshua French, and Meghan Kelly. The trio, who have worked together for over seven years, expressed enthusiasm about the move and the support they’ve received from the firm.
With Market ‘Competitive’ as Ever, Mayer Brown Adds 6-Lawyer Infrastructure Team
Mayer Brown has brought on a six-lawyer projects and infrastructure team led by Elina Coss (from Wilson Sonsini) and Trevor Shelton (from Vinson & Elkins). Coss will work from London and New York, while Shelton joins in Los Angeles. The hires strengthen the firm’s global project finance and renewable energy capabilities. The team, which includes one counsel and three associates, is spread across five offices. Mayer Brown’s Joe Seliga said the additions meet rising investor demand in the infrastructure space. Both Coss and Shelton expressed enthusiasm for the firm’s global platform and finance strengths.
Orrick hits Cadwalader for eight-partner finance team in London and US
Orrick has boosted its finance practice by hiring eight partners from Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft across the UK and US amid rising demand for CLO and private credit expertise. The London team includes David Quirolo, Claire Puddicombe, Daniel Tobias, and Alexander Collins, while the US group features Gregg Jubin, Joe Beach, Nate Spanheimer, and Skyler Walker. This move follows recent market shifts, such as Sushila Nayak and James Jirtle leaving Orrick for Dechert, and Cadwalader hiring Edward Holmes from Paul Hastings.
Ropes & Gray Opens Milan Office, Hires Latham PE Trio
Ropes & Gray has opened a new office in Milan, Italy, expanding its global private equity practice. The firm welcomed three private equity partners from Latham & Watkins, Cataldo Piccarreta, Giorgia Lugli, and Luca Maranetto, with two based in Milan and one in London. This Milan launch follows the firm’s Paris office opening six months earlier.
Promotions & Appointments
Cleary Elects New Managing Partner, While Gerstenzang Will Hold New Senior Partner Role
After leading Cleary since 2017, Michael Gerstenzang will be replaced by longtime partner Jeffrery Karpf.
Rapidly Growing Saxton & Stump Announces Next CEO
Saxton & Stump has announced its next CEO will be Thomas J. Kent Jr, who will assume the role at the beginning of 2026. Current CEO and founder James Saxton will transition to a chairman position at the start of next year. The leadership change comes amid an aggressive growth strategy in 2025, which has included a merger with a firm in York, Pennsylvania, and the launch of a new office in Pittsburgh.
GOLDLAW announces Kuvin as Shareholder
Spencer Kuvin, GOLDLAW’s Chief Legal Officer and Litigation Attorney, has joined the company as a stakeholder. Since 2012, Mr. Kuvin has held a Florida Bar Board Certification in Civil Trial.
Sparke Helmore names 5 new partners across key practice areas
Sparke Helmore appointed five new partners across key practice areas, effective 1 July 2025, including Alanna Lucchese, Adam Cunynghame, Max Calligeros, Alex Caldwell, and Matthew O’Sullivan. These promotions span five offices nationwide, reflecting the firm’s commitment to strengthening its regional presence and expertise.
Kennedys promotes two lawyers in Edinburgh
Kennedys has promoted Amy Dignan to legal director and Jenna Green to senior associate in Edinburgh as part of a global promotions round. The firm elevated 76 lawyers worldwide and continues to invest in talent following its record £428 million revenue in 2024/25.
Office Openings & Closing
Risking Buyer’s Remorse, Midsize Firms Are Launching Offices in a Hot Market
At least six midsize legal practices have opened additional offices since April, either by merging with a nearby firm or via lateral hiring. Of those launches, half represented growth beyond the area origins of the firms, while others maintained their regional foundations.
New York-Based Hospitality Firm Launches in Miami, Responding to Growing Culinary Scene
Miami-Dade County saw record-breaking tourism growth in 2024, attracting over 28 million visitors the highest number ever recorded in a single year. Capitalizing on the region’s momentum, a New York-based law firm has opened a new office in Miami and is also considering further expansion into Orlando, Tampa, and other Florida markets.
Carmody Celebrates Expansion into New London
Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey has announced its combination with the the law offices of Waller Smith & Palmer
Global law firm confirms move to Aire Park
Eversheds Sutherland will move its 600+ team to Aire Park’s new Kellstone building in Leeds in early 2027, becoming its first tenant and joining the city’s major South Bank regeneration.
Mergers & Alliances
Fisher Phillips Joins with Boutique Elarbee Thompson, Boosting Atlanta Presence
Fisher & Phillips has officially combined with Atlanta-based labor and employment boutique Elarbee Thompson Sapp & Wilson, effective September 1. According to firm officials, the merger follows approximately a year of serious discussions between the two firms. The combination creates a 61-lawyer office in Atlanta, making it one of the largest among Fisher Phillips’ 41 U.S. locations and its largest office outside of California.
Morris Manning Loses 3 Partners in Atlanta in Advance of Merger With Taft
Partners have relocated to Maynard Nexsen, Burr & Forman, and Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton throughout the last week. On December 31, the company will merge with Taft.
McCarter & English Snaps Up NYC Securities Boutique
McCarter & English LLP has acquired Ross Law Group, a New York firm focused on securities and corporate law, adding three lawyers and boosting its cross-border and venture capital expertise.
Eversheds relaunches in Ireland after abandoning William Fry merger
Eversheds Sutherland is fully integrating its Irish practice into its international LLP from 15 September, uniting its Dublin and Belfast offices under one structure. The combined team includes 26 partners and around 170 staff, with Pamela O’Neil as managing partner in Dublin and Gareth Planck leading Belfast. Focus areas include financial services, technology, life sciences, energy, and industry. This move follows the end of merger talks with William Fry earlier this year and aims to enhance the firm’s local and global reach.
Google-backed AI platform buys law firm in UK legal industry first
Lawhive, an AI-powered lawtech firm backed by Google Ventures, has acquired UK conveyancing specialist Woodstock Legal Services, marking its entry into the regulated legal sector. The deal aims to combine traditional legal expertise with Lawhive’s AI assistant “Lawrence,” which handles tasks like research and drafting. Woodstock, founded in 2014, focuses on property law and operates a consultancy model. Lawhive, which raised nearly £40 million last year, says the move will streamline services and let lawyers focus more on clients.
Financials
Mishcon de Reya breaks £100m profit barrier
Mishcon de Reya posted 9% revenue growth to £330 million and profits rose 14% to £110 million, surpassing £100 million for the first time. The firm added 16 partners and completed a decade-long strategy that tripled its size, including a 2023 merger with Taylor Vinters. Key wins included a £237 million fraud case payout and advising AI firm Wayve on a $1.05 billion funding round. Their AI tool deReyAI has been used over 355,000 times, with a new AI platform launched recently. Managing partner James Libson highlighted strong growth and future opportunities.
DWF Posts Latest Financials; Net Revenues Up 8%
DWF reported an 8% revenue increase to £466 million for the year ending April 2025. Key moves included acquiring Australian firm Proclaim, expanding insurance teams in London and Canada, and promoting 26 partners. The firm was named leader in Responsible Business and appointed Steve Varley as Independent Non-Executive Chair. With a strong client satisfaction score, CEO Matthew Doughty expressed confidence in growth through technology, global expansion, and sustainability efforts.
Mersey legal group revenues hit £33.7m amid UK expansion
Liverpool-based legal group MAPD Ventures has reported a 48% increase in revenue to £33.7 million for the year ending May 2024 but also widened its pre-tax losses to £2.6 million, largely due to one-off refinancing costs. Founded in 2019 by Brian Cullen and Joanna Kingston-Davies, MAPD now operates 11 brands across 15 offices with over 550 staff. The group is pursuing UK expansion and may take on more debt or private equity to support growth. Subsidiaries Jackson Lees and Bermans showed mixed results, with revenues steady but profits falling. MAPD also acquired Avidity IP, a specialist patent attorney firm.
Diversity & Inclusion
Influential Woman of the Year Finalists: Emily Westridge Black, A&O Shearman
Texas Lawyer will honor attorneys and legal professionals at an awards ceremony Sept. 25.
Wilson Sonsini Honored Among Top Law Firms in Law360 Pulse’s Diversity Snapshot
On September 9, 2025, Law360 Pulse published its yearly Diversity Snapshot, highlighting Wilson Sonsini’s strong performance. The firm was placed second among law firms with more than 600 attorneys for overall diversity and topped the list for representation of attorneys of colour within its equity partnership. The report reviewed 248 firms, covering over 100,000 lawyers across the U.S., including more than 45,000 partners. It measures how firms recruit, advance, and retain diverse talent, providing both a comprehensive score and detailed demographic insights.
Technology & Innovation
Wait a Minute: AI Early Adopters Face New Hurdle
At least one early adopter is now advising attorneys to slow down to prevent falling behind the swift advancement of artificial intelligence technology, as more litigators aggressively incorporate AI into their firms.
AI’s Impact on Legal Sector: A Revolutionary Change or an Evolutionary Shift?
In a recent panel discussion, Microsoft’s Chief Legal Officer Jon Palmer shared his views on how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the legal profession. He compared AI’s rise to the invention of the printing press, arguing that predicting its full impact is unrealistic due to its transformative potential. Palmer acknowledged concerns about job loss but stressed that AI is more likely to handle repetitive tasks while creating new opportunities. Past changes like e-discovery show how technology can shift legal work rather than eliminate it. Reports from McKinsey support this, suggesting AI will enhance productivity by working alongside legal professionals.
Quantum Computing Benefits and Legal Risk Considerations
When combined with generative AI, quantum computing the next technological revolution will have enormous advantages for both business and society. Additionally, it will introduce new security threats and legislative ambiguities that can be pre-empted, for example, by putting post-quantum encryption into place.
Simulated Engagement: Using AI-Generated Audiences to Strengthen Legal Notice Strategy
It has been stated that “As the bar for meaningful notice continues to rise, synthetic audience testing may soon be less a competitive advantage and more a professional expectation.”
Market Commentary
Ethical Tips for Managing a Fully Remote Law Practice
Although there are advantages to working electronically, attorneys should think about the moral dilemmas associated with running a virtual firm. When practicing completely online, attorneys are still required by the ABA to uphold their ethical obligations.
Why Boies Schiller’s New Chair Maintains a Busy Trial Practice
Matt Schwartz, who became chair at the beginning of the year, said, “We are a bunch of trial nerds.” “We discuss a problem involving the rules of evidence that has come up and some hearing that we’re doing while sitting around the lunchroom.”
London continues to lead in international arbitration, Law Society reveals
English law and London courts continue to lead global commercial dispute resolution, with English law covering 40% of international transactions. UK legal services exports reached £9 billion in 2024, showing strong worldwide demand. The London Commercial Court attracts international cases from 93 countries and completes over half its trials in under four days. The Law Society urges more government investment to maintain the UK’s legal dominance.
Cultural chameleons and authenticity
Law firms, especially in the US, often promote their culture, but insiders say too much focus can hide problems. The pandemic and social movements made firms highlight community values, but this sometimes conflicts with layoffs and tough decisions. US firms have reduced diversity and ESG efforts due to political changes, hurting their credibility. UK firms tend to avoid politicising culture and focus on fairness. Experts say firms must back up cultural claims with real action or risk damage. If firms cannot fully support their values, they should avoid promoting them.
Top 10 Biglaw Firm To Remain A Single-Tier Partnership — For Now
While many top Biglaw firms have adopted nonequity partnership tiers in recent years, Ropes & Gray has decided to maintain its traditional single-tier equity partnership. Despite industry trends and speculation, partner Dan Stanco described creating a nonequity tier as “premature.” Ropes remains one of the few Am Law 100 firms sticking to an all-equity model amid growing moves toward two-tier partnerships.
Moves
UK & Ireland
Former Weil London head and top Kirkland restructuring partner join Sullivan & Cromwell
Sullivan & Cromwell said on the 1st September that it has appointed former Weil London head Mike Francies and Kirkland restructuring partner Kon Asimacopoulos as partners in its City office.
Ropes & Gray London Hits Latham for Private Equity Partner Hire
By bringing on private equity partner Cataldo Piccarreta from Latham & Watkins, Ropes & Gray has bolstered its London branch. After eight and a half years at Latham, mostly in the Milan office, Piccareta, who has led on acquisitions for investors including EQT and Bain Capital, is scheduled to join.
Five-partner boost for Eversheds in London with hires from Latham, A&O and White & Case
Eversheds Sutherland has strengthened its London team with five partner hires across structured finance, M&A, data and technology, and construction. Martin Corrigan joins from Latham & Watkins, bringing expertise in securitisation; Kashif Siddiqui arrives from Pepco Group with broad M&A experience; Karishma Brahmbhatt enhances the data and tech practice with a focus on privacy and AI; while James Holden and John Lurie, both from White & Case and Bechtel respectively, bolster the construction team with skills in arbitration and infrastructure projects. These moves come amid a wave of senior partner hires across major UK firms.
Stephenson Harwood Taps King & Spalding for London Private Equity Partner
Paul Barron is set to join Stephenson Harwood, having spent the past three years at King & Spalding, where he began in 2022
Stewarts hires Stephenson Harwood’s international arbitration head in London
Rovine Chandrasekera from Stephenson Harwood has joined Stewarts, a boutique law practice that focuses on disputes, as a partner in London.
Freeths continues to bolster Employment offering with strategic lateral hire in London
With the addition of Partner Melanie Stancliffe, renowned legal company Freeths has further enhanced its industry-leading employment offering. Having worked in the city for 25 years, Melanie frequently provides advice on a variety of employment-related issues to organisations, companies, and senior executives, including bankers, traders, and brokers.
CMS is happy to announce Sunil Mawkin’s appointment as a partner in its London-based Infrastructure, Construction and Energy (ICE) Disputes unit. Sunil leaves A&O Shearman to join. With an emphasis on international arbitration, Sunil has more than ten years of expertise providing advice on high-value, intricate construction and energy disputes in international markets.
Browne Jacobson have hired Marie Claire Scullion as Head of Employment in Dublin
Marie Claire Scullion has amassed over 20 years’ worth of experience advising on the day-to-day range of employment issues, such as performance management issues, termination of employment, equality and discrimination claims, senior executive exits, enforcement of restrictive covenants, non-compete and confidentiality clauses. She has moved from Eversheds Sutherland.
Shoosmiths taps former DLA Piper leader as advisor
Simon Levine, the former international managing partner of DLA Piper, has been named a strategic adviser to the board of Shoosmiths.
Americas
Sullivan & Cromwell Sees Exits in New York Amid Partnership Shuffle
Co-head of Sullivan & Cromwell’s private equity division, Brian Hamilton, is negotiating a move to Willkie. Lee Parnes, a corporate partner in the M&A division of Sullivan & Cromwell, is currently employed at Davis Polk.
Another Latham IP Litigator Jumps to Weil Amid Firm’s Boomerang Bonanza
Weil has brought back Joseph Lee, an IP litigator from Latham in Los Angeles, and Nate Christensen, a Dallas-based private equity attorney from Norton Rose—making them the 14th and 15th lawyers to rejoin the firm since the start of 2023.
Eckert Seamans Adds Immigration Experts in Phila.
In response to growing client demand brought on by increased immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott has hired two business immigration members, Minh Suh and Shaun Staller, to its Philadelphia office.
Pillsbury Grows Miami Office with 2 Real Estate Partner Hires from Weil
The business “found the right people at the right time” in employing lawyers Nellie Camerik and Pejman Razavilar, according to former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Markenzy Lapointe.
Leading Appellate Lawyer Yaira Dubin Joins Sullivan & Cromwell from Solicitor General’s Office
Yaira Dubin has joined Sullivan & Cromwell LLP as a partner in the company’s New York office, the firm announced today. Ms. Dubin comes to S&C from the Office of the Solicitor General at the U.S. Department of Justice.
Morgan Lewis Hires Trade Sanctions Partner as Demand for Work Increases Alongside Tariff Tensions
Mike Huneke joins the Washington office of the firm. At Hughes Hubbard & Reed, he most recently served as co-chair of the export controls, sanctions, and anti-money laundering practice.
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins Joins Kelley Kronenberg
Instead of going the “traditional route of Big Law,” the civil litigator decided that working for a midsize firm would better meet the interests and demands of her clients.
Kirkland Lands Latham Leader of Entertainment, Sports and Media Group
According to sources, Kirkland hired Frank Saviano to co-lead their sports practice.
In Continued Dallas Growth, Polsinelli Adds an M&A Shareholder from Atwood & McCall
Matt Smith, a recent stakeholder, claimed that his clients benefit from the Am Law 100 firm’s wide range of practice offerings and regional reach.
Dentons Former Global Finance Director Returns to Firm as New US CFO
Gina Santoro left the Atlanta-based company in 2021 to join Morris Manning & Martin, which was about to merge with Taft Stettinius & Hollister. According to Dentons, Santoro’s comeback coincides with the multinational company’s notable financial performance and expansion.
Ex-assistant to solicitor general returns to Paul Weiss in Washington DC
Masha Hansford, an appellate litigator, has returned to the firm after a wave of litigation defections following the Trump deal.
EMEA
Bird & Bird hires corporate crime, compliance and ESG expert David Schreuders as new partner
With the addition of David Schreuders as a partner in the Netherlands, Bird & Bird enhances its offerings in white-collar crime and international investigations. David and colleague Ruben Dijkhuis join.
Hogan Lovells further expands its Amsterdam M&A practice with the hire of Jaap Geleijns as partner
Geleijns is now an additional M&A partner in the company’s Corporate & Finance practice at its Amsterdam office. Jaap has over 13 years of experience from Linklaters, where he provided advice on numerous high-profile domestic and international M&A deals, including both public and private M&A.
Willkie Adds Competition Partner Elvira Aliende Rodríguez in Brussels
Elvira Aliende Rodríguez has joined the firm’s Brussels office as a partner in the Antitrust & Competition practice. EU competition law is the focus of her practice.
Lateral in Amsterdam Marks 6th Departure for Simmons, 6th Partner Hire for Eversheds Sutherland
Luc Cohen, a partner in the local real estate practice at Simmons & Simmons, has left the company to work at Eversheds Sutherland. After losing five partners to Taylor Wessing, Eversheds Sutherland has already hired six lateral partners in the past month.
HSF Kramer Brings in Dechert Paris Antitrust Partner
Laurence Bary appeared in Law.com International’s 2021 inaugural list of the best women in law for continental Europe.
EY welcome Benoit Rose in Luxembourg as a Partner.
EY law have added Benoit Rose from Pinsent Masons. Benoît brings over 20 years of experience in asset management across Luxembourg, France and Switzerland, including 15 years in senior management roles.
Squire Patton Boggs Appoints Leading Private Equity Lawyer in Germany
Leading German corporate and private equity attorney Robert Bastian has joined Squire Patton Boggs’ global Corporate Practice Group in Frankfurt as a partner. Prior to this, Mr. Bastian oversaw Dentons’ private equity division in Germany.
APAC
Covington IP Litigator Jumps to Wilmer
WilmerHale has hired IP partner Alice Ahn from Covington & Burling; based in San Francisco, she brings strong ties to Korea and aims to strengthen the firm’s Korean client base.
Charles Russell Speechlys Adds Partner Duo in Hong Kong
Francis Li and Wendy Fong from Squire Patton Boggs have joined Charles Russell Speechlys, a UK legal firm, as partners to grow its corporate practice in Hong Kong.
Hogan Lovells Takes Corporate Partner Duo from Paul Hastings China
Meka Meng and David Wang, both seasoned partners, will join Hogan Lovells in Beijing and Shanghai, respectively. With their exits, Paul Hastings will have five litigation partners left in its two offices in mainland China.
Hong Kong Boutique Hauzen Takes Fintech Partner from K&L Gates
Jay Lee, a Fintech and debt capital markets specialist who was a partner at K&L Gates in 2022, has joined Hong Kong boutique Hauzen.
Cooley Hires Venture Capital Partner from Gunderson Dettmer Singapore
David He was brought over from competitor firm Gunderson Dettmer to join U.S. legal firm Cooley as a partner in its venture capital and emerging firms practice in Singapore.
In-House
Eversheds Sutherland builds on strategic M&A capability with partner hire
Kashif Siqqiui, who was Head of Legal at Poundland before joining the international law firm’s London office, offers a wealth of experience and expertise in providing advice on intricate cross-border transactions.
Europe’s Advant Beiten Opens in London with In-House Hire
The verein firm has continued its expansion beyond Continental Europe with the hire of Sebastien Diehl from Standard Chartered.
US asset manager Vanguard taps Principal Financial Group for next legal chief
Tonya Robinson, who is retiring after less than a year, has been replaced as chief legal officer by Natalie Lamarque, who was hired by US investment behemoth Vanguard. Lamarque formerly served as general attorney at Principal Financial Group before joining.
Team Moves
Pierson Ferdinand Announces Five Partner Appointments Across Key Practices
One of the fastest-growing law firms in the world, Pierson Ferdinand LLP, announced in June that it has appointed five (5) Partners to its Corporate, Litigation, Real Estate, Securities, Data Privacy, and Healthcare areas. These hires show PierFerd’s ongoing success in luring seasoned legal professionals attracted to the Firm’s entrepreneurial spirit and collaborative, client-focused culture.
36 Chapman Glucksman Attorneys Move to Segal McCambridge in LA
All attorneys from Chapman Glucksman have joined Segal McCambridge as part of a combination, including founding partners Arthur Chapman and Richard Glucksman, who join as partner and counsel, respectively; the three California offices formerly operated by Chapman Glucksman will be closed following the transition.
Greenberg Traurig adds ‘major strength’ in Dubai with four-lawyer Norton Rose team hire
The group, which focuses on project finance and construction, is led by partners and recently hired practice heads Nicholas Kramer and Angela Croker.
Promotions & Appointments
People in the News—Sept. 2, 2025—McNees, Cohen Seglias
Five of McNees Wallace & Nurick’s attorneys—Ryan Gonder, Ashley Nichols Weber, Alison T. Smith, Errin T. McCaulley Jr., and Benjamin Ward—were elected to membership with effect from January 1, 2026.
People in the News—Sept. 4, 2025—Caesar Rivise, McAndrews Mehalick
Allison R. Tramontana has been promoted to partner with Caesar Rivise, the business announced on September 1st.
One Year After Merger Vote, Troutman Pepper Locke Announces New COO
“The combined firm is already looking at a financially successful 2025 in the eight months since the merger went into effect,” said Tom Cole, the chair of the firm. Troutman Pepper Locke is appointing its first-ever COO, Rob Adam, who will be joining from Dentons, effective at the end of September
Texas A&M University System Promotes 20-Year Employee to General Counsel
Seven years after receiving his law degree, in 2005, Brooks Moore began working in the system’s legal department and has since risen to the top.
O’Kelley And Sorohan Congratulates David Strauss On Being Elevated To Partner
The company is pleased to announce the addition of David Strauss as a partner.
Squire Patton Boggs’ Sydney Office Managing Partner Stands Down
Tony Chong, a managing partner in Perth, will take over for Graeme Slattery, who resigned from his position at Squire Patton Boggs’ Sydney office.
Dentons appoints UK banking partner as global chair to help lead ‘next phase’ of development
Susan Kelly, a highly regarded UK banking partner, has been named Dentons’ next chair, assisting in steering what she refers to as “the next phase” of the multinational behemoth’s growth after a time of explosive expansion.
Gibson Dunn names international arbitration co-chair as head of new Zurich office
Christopher Harris KC has been appointed as the partner in charge of Gibson Dunn & Crutcher’s new Zurich office. Harris, a senior silk in the London barristers’ chambers at 3 Verulam Buildings, co-chaired the international arbitration practice group before joining the firm as a partner in July.
Office Openings & Closing
First Ever Singapore Set Lands In London With Trio of Veteran Arbitrators
Veteran arbitrators Toby Landau KC, Jern-Fei Ng KC, and Matthew Gearing KC will become the first full members of the organization, which is named Duxton Hill Chambers London.
US Law Firms Acquiring More London Office Space as UK Firms Downsize
While U.K.-founded legal businesses have demonstrated a significantly lower square footage, U.S. law firms have increased their square footage in London over the last five years.
Gibson Dunn Launches Zurich Office, Expanding Its Foothold in Europe
Clients will receive advice on intricate multijurisdictional legal issues and international arbitration from the firm’s first office in Switzerland.
Global IP Group Rouse Expands to Australia and New Zealand
By partnering with the independent IP company Wrays Group, the global intellectual property corporation Rouse Group is growing into Australia and New Zealand.
Ex-Withers group launches London office for German tech law firm
A team from Withers has been appointed by the rapidly expanding German tech legal company YPOG to open its first overseas office in King’s Cross, London.
Six Key Ecija Partners Depart to Launch Veria, a Tech-Focused Legal Boutique
Pablo Márquez, former managing partner of Ecija in Colombia, and five other partners –Lorena Garnica, Patricia Renjifo, Carlos Hugo Ramírez, Camilo Ramírez, and Julio Castañeda – have left the Spanish law firm to focus on Veria, a boutique advisory firm specialising in technology and artificial intelligence. Ecija confirmed the move, describing it as part of a restructuring in Colombia, with new professionals set to join soon.
The six lawyers, who led Ecija’s entry into South America in 2021, now join Veria as partners. The firm emphasises client-focused, practical legal solutions backed by experience in the public sector, private industry, and academia.
5 Taylor Wessing Munich Partners Form Break Away IP Boutique
To start their own business, five patent partners are departing from Taylor Wessing’s formidable Munich patent litigation team. This follows Taylor Wessing’s previous successful European expansion strategy, which included lateral appointments in Paris and Amsterdam.
Akin opens in Chicago with four partners recruited from Mayer Brown
Akin Gump has launched its 18th global office in Chicago by bringing in a four-partner team from Mayer Brown, specialising in real estate funds and infrastructure M&A, led by Wendy Gallegos, former co-leader of Mayer Brown’s private funds practice.
Mergers & Alliances
Clyde & Co Launches Rotterdam Office via Local Merger
As part of its planned expansion in Europe, international legal firm Clyde & Co. announced the launch of a new office in Rotterdam, Netherlands, through a merger with Stadermann Luiten Advocaten (SLA).
Former DLA Piper Affiliate Merges with Fellow Brazilian Firm
A 137-lawyer firm is created by the merger of Campos Mello and Schmidt Valois, which was previously connected to Womble Bond Dickinson.
100 Days Since Merger, HSF Kramer Sets Out Ambitious US Growth Plans
In the upcoming years, the recently merged company hopes that 30% of its sales will originate from the United States.
Financials
Burges Salmon Reports 25% Profit Increase
Burges Salmon reported a 9.2% rise in turnover to £178m and a 25% profit increase to £63m for the year ending April 2025. Since launching in Edinburgh in 2019, the firm has expanded rapidly, with headcount growing 40% to over 1,200. Strong performance across key sectors and major client wins have driven nearly 50% revenue growth over four years. A 5% firm-wide bonus was awarded, reflecting its continued focus on people, inclusion, and strategic growth.
Norton Rose Fulbright has recorded its sixth consecutive year of growth across its EMEA operations, reporting a turnover of £610.3m for the 2024 financial year – a 52% increase from 2023, largely due to a change in reporting periods.
Technology & Innovation
Trust, Transformation & The Human Layer of AI
In the legal industry, artificial intelligence is changing how people communicate with one another and how internal stakeholders and clients see trust. In order to maximize the advantages of new technologies for our legal teams, how can we manage the revolutionary change that will occur over the next five to ten years?
The Ethical & Practical Use of AI in Patent Prosecution
A new generation of patent practitioners is rapidly adopting artificial intelligence as their “Google search bar,” yet there are significant ethical considerations when employing it in the practice of law. Lawyers must understand USPTO and CFR regulations as AI tools become more prevalent in routine patent prosecution to make sure their usage is both efficient and legal.
Is the Rise of AI a Real Threat to Associate Jobs?
One in five pre-law students fear artificial intelligence could replace their jobs in the future. Is there no need to be afraid?
AI Considerations in Investigations
AI allows investigators to concentrate on what really matters. They can devote more time to using professional judgment, evaluating the evidence, and applying the law.
Enterprises Risk Financial Fallout Without Robust and Universally Adept AI Governance Frameworks
In the face of a patchwork of international legislation, many organizations are faced with the difficult task of embracing AI’s transformative potential while minimizing their legal risk.
Market Commentary
The Holiday Gifting Dilemma: How Law Firms Can Get Gratitude Right
Giving gifts over the holidays is more than just a way to express gratitude and cheer. Finding something appropriate and meaningful while avoiding possibly expensive blunders is frequently a struggle.
7 Months after Arriving from UNC, Burr & Forman’s COO is Looking to Modernize Firm Governance
Burr & Forman, an Am Law Second Hundred firm, has turned to a chief operating officer recently hired from academia to steer its expansion as more and more firms, like Kirkland & Ellis, look beyond the legal sector to fill seats in their C-suites.
The Downturn of Hong Kong’s Legal Market Has Taken A Toll On Lawyers’ Mental Health
According to experts, many lawyers in Hong Kong and other Asian locations are under considerably more stress and pressure than usual.
‘You Don’t Have a Way of Challenging it’: What GCs Say About Inflated Hours
The issue has returned to the forefront due to the recent disbarment of an associate for excessively billing hours.
In a Big Lateral Year for Nelson Mullins, Houston Was a Hub for Activity
Over the past 12 months, more partners joined the Houston office, which has been in operation for a year, than any other of the firm’s outposts. In general, there were more leaving partners than entering couples.
This Law Firm Chair Has a Formula to Ensure Collaboration and Growth
According to Allan Ritchie, chair of a mid-sized Canadian legal firm, Loopstra Nixon has boosted its income and workforce by implementing a partner incentive plan that incentivizes attorneys to collaborate.
Is Sullivan & Cromwell Following the Paul Weiss London Playbook?
Sullivan & Cromwell’s recent high-profile hires in London suggest a potential shift toward a more aggressive growth strategy, echoing the bold expansion undertaken by Paul Weiss in recent years.
Amid Record-Breaking Rate Increases, Are Midsize Firms Leaving Money on the Table?
Midsize companies are under pressure to avoid pricing out clients while Big Law keeps raising billing rates. Rather than concentrating only on cutting expenses, these firms are using their specialized knowledge to draw in and keep clients while defending their prices.
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