Moves:
UK & Ireland
Slaughter and May Makes Rare Hire with Freshfields Pensions Partner
Slaughter & May has made a remarkable hire, adding a longtime Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer partner to its pensions practice. Charles Magoffin, a partner with Freshfields since 2010, will join Slaughter and May as senior counsel in September, according to the firm’s statement.
Former Clifford Chance arbitration head departs for Twenty Essex
Audley Sheppard, who joined Coward Chance in 1986 prior to the merger that established Clifford Chance, will begin his new role in June after serving as a consultant at the firm for the previous year.
Goodwin swoops on Travers for London private equity partner duo
Ian Keefe and George Weavil, both Travers lifetime members who became partners in 2018, bring substantial experience in pan-European and international private equity and M&A transactions to Goodwin’s London office.
Powderly Solicitors recruits criminal defence lawyer Eoghan O’Sullivan as partner
Powderly Solicitors LLP in Co Kildare has appointed Eoghan O’Sullivan as a partner with expertise in criminal defence and childcare law.
EMEA
Herbert Smith, Norton Rose and CDH Make Key Hires to South Africa Offices
Norton Rose has appointed Gillian Lumb as a director on its national employment and labour unit in Cape Town. A director is equivalent to a partner in Norton Rose Africa.
HFW Hits Eversheds Paris for 2-Partner-Led Arbitration Team
HFW welcomes new partners Julien Fouret and Gaëlle Le Quillec, as well as senior associate Camille Dupuy.
Longtime Paris-Based McDermott Partner Joins Rimon in Texas
Nicolas Lafont, the latest Rimon lateral hire to cite the firm’s rate flexibility as a key reason for his move, said, “Texas is the place to be”.
Claus Zimmermann, an international trade specialist, has joined Ashurst as a partner in Brussels to oversee the firm’s European Union and international trade litigation, policy, and regulatory practices.
APAC
Jones Day Adds Banking Partner Duo in Australia
Alastair Gourlay, a Banking and Finance partner, has left Baker McKenzie to join Jones Day’s Sydney office.
Herbert Smith Freehills Adds Third Partner to Bangkok Bench
Pariyapol Kamolsilp has joined the UK firm from Thailand’s local practice, Kudun & Partners.
JSA Makes 2nd Partner Hire In A Week As Disputes Lawyer Returns
J. Sagar Associates, an Indian law practice, has added their second partner in a week, after welcoming back disputes expert Harshavardhan Abburi to Hyderabad. He becomes the firm’s sole partner stationed in the southern city.
Sam Picks Up Cam Capital Markets Partner In Mumbai
Indian law firm Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co has added their second capital markets partner in 2024 with the hiring of partner Rohit Tiwari from rival Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas in Mumbai.
The Americas
Paul Hastings Lands Co-Leader of Sidley’s PE Practice in 2-Partner Move
Alexander Temel’s clients include Goldman Sachs and Sixth Street Partners, among others. Also, William Schwab, a partner at Sidley, has joined Temel.
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner Hires New CFO From Perkins Coie
Trevor Varnes is BCLP’s most recent hire in Seattle.
People in the News—April 23, 2024—Marshall Dennehey, Capehart Scatchard
Marshall Dennehey announced that Christopher S. Devlin has joined the firms ranks as director of professional development and training.
Sidley has appointed John Godfrey as a partner in its Global M&A and private equity department. He was previously with Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison. Proskauer has appointed Christiana ‘Christi’ Lazo as a partner in its private client services division. She was previously at Kirkland and Ellis.
People in the News—April 24, 2024—King Spry, Chamberlain Hrdlicka
Shorav Kaushik and Joseph Kemmerling joined Bethlehem, Pennsylvania-based King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul.
Shutts & Bowen Scoops Up Former Fox Rothschild Trademark Leader
Patricia Flanagan is the second lateral partner to depart Fox Rothschild’s West Palm Beach office this month.
People in the News—April 25, 2024—Panitch Schwarze, Barley Snyder
Panitch Schwarze Belisario & Nadel, an intellectual property law firm, has announced the appointment of Fang Liu as a partner.
Amid Week of Departures, Perkins Coie Picks Up GC as IP Partner
Zach Hong came to Perkins’ New York office from Cleerly, a digital health care firm.
On the Move and After Hours: NJOPD; Peckar Abramson; Bernstein DePhillips; CSG Law
Peckar & Abramson has named Mark A. Rosen a senior partner in the firm’s New Jersey and New York offices.
People in the News—April 26, 2024—Antheil Maslow, Ballard Spahr
Antheil Maslow & MacMinn has announced the addition of Stephen M. Zaffuto to its business and finance and real estate practice divisions.
Midsize Moves: Finn Dixon Hires Cleary Gottlieb Partner, Cotchett Pitre Scoops Hagens Berman Partner
Finn Dixon & Herling reported that Zachary J. Moore has joined the firm as a partner in its investment management practice, while Thomas Loeser has recently joined Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy as partner.
In-House
Etsy Welcomed Aboard Ex-Facebook GC Colin Stretch With Baskets of Stock
Stretch joined the e-commerce company as chief legal officer in February 2023, his first in-house position since serving as the social media company’s general counsel from 2013 to 2019.
Dutch Grocery Giant Hires CLO for Sprawling US Empire
Kim Lyda will take over legal operations at Ahold Delhaize USA, which operates over 2,000 grocery stores under brands such as Food Lion, Giant Food, and Stop & Shop.
Sony Pictures Entertainment Hires Disney Lawyer as General Counsel
CEO Tony Vinciquerra asserted that Jill Ratner will “help us meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry landscape and to capitalize on opportunities for growth.”
Veteran Entertainment Lawyer Takes Over Reins as GC of Canadian Media Company WildBrain
Mark Trachuk, who has over 35 years of expertise, replaces James Bishop in the position.
Haleon General Counsel Joins Saudi Aramco
Aramco’s new hire Bjarne Philip Tellmann earned GC of the Year at the 2017 British Legal Awards, bringing top-tier experience from pharmaceutical giant GSK and Pearson.
Teletubbies-owner WildBrain appoints media veteran as next GC
WildBrain, a Canadian children’s and family entertainment firm, has hired Mark Trachuk as general counsel, succeeding James Bishop, who resigned earlier this month.
Energy transition tech specialist ENODA hires first general counsel
Aniela Foster-Turner has been named the first general counsel for ENODA, an energy technology company.
Capstone Green Energy names legal chief amid post-bankruptcy rebuilding efforts
Capstone Green Energy, a US cleantech company, has hired Mark Funaki as general counsel as it looks to strengthen itself after emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy procedures late last year.
Team Moves
Greenberg Traurig Adds Partner-Led Corporate Trio in Milan
Eriprando Guerritore, an expert in fund formation and investment management, has joined Greenberg Traurig Santa Maria alongside associates Ruggero Maria Zanolini and Claudio Saba from Italian legal firm Gatti Pavesi Bianchi Ludovici.
Charles Russell Speechlys Takes Hong Kong Quartet From Soon-To-Close KPMG Affiliate
Shirley Fu, the founder and managing partner of SF Lawyers, will lead a team of three other lawyers in Hong Kong.
Baker McKenzie Hires Bulk of US Firm’s Corporate Department in ‘Transformational Hire’
Nine partners and 17 attorneys will make the shift, assisting Baker McKenzie in meeting its aim of becoming a full-service firm in Los Angeles.
Poland’s LSW Brings On 8 Partners in Push to Expand Corporate Capabilities
A team of 15 partners, associates, and business professionals has joined LSW at a time when the Polish market is seeing an increase in international investment.
Promotions & Appointments:
Morris James Associate Appointed to Delaware Combined Campaign for Justice Committee
Alyssa Meldrum, a Morris James colleague, has been selected to the Delaware Combined Campaign for Justice (CCJ) committee in 2024.
Meet CT’s New Honorary Consul to Finland, Robinson & Cole’s Patrick Trostle
Patrick J. Trostle, a partner at Robinson & Cole, has been appointed Honorary Consul to the Republic of Finland for the State of Connecticut. His role will be to promote and facilitate commercial and diplomatic contacts between Finnish and Connecticut-based firms.
DLA Piper unveils 63-strong partner promotion round
The reduced cohort takes the corporation closer to its objective of 30% female partnership by 2025.
Ashurst unveils another record promotions round as 30 make partner
Ashurst has promoted 30 attorneys to partner in its most recent promotions round, making it the third year in a row that the Anglo Australian company has achieved a record amount.
Two new partners at DLA Piper Ireland
Global law firm DLA Piper has promoted Dublin lawyers William Marshall and Darach Connolly to partner.
Caldwell & Robinson promotes Jade O’Kane to partner
Caldwell & Robinson Solicitors has promoted Jade O’Kane to partner in the firm’s private client group.
Mergers & Alliances:
Smith Gambrell Sees Revenues Grow, Profits Fall Amid 2023 Merger
Managing partner Stephen Forte said “We viewed ’23 as an important investment year for us to bring more scale for us and to be present in one of the major markets in a bigger way”.
Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins have joined Thoma Bravo’s £4.3 billion acquisition of U.K. cyber security business Darktrace, in the latest example of U.S. private equity firms acquiring U.K. plcs.
Office Openings & Closing:
There’s Something in the Water: San Diego Is Once Again a Hot Market for National Law Firms
In the last ten years, San Diego has attracted corporate legal firms as diverse as London powerhouse Eversheds Sutherland, Los Angeles-based Manatt Phelps & Phillips, and Glaser Weil, as well as national companies Polsinelli, Greenberg Traurig, Quarles & Brady, Fennemore & Craig, and others.
Stradley Ronon Launches First West Coast Office With Securities Litigation Team
The Pennsylvania-based company has hired ten attorneys, including five partners, from the litigation boutique Keesal, Young & Logan.
Longtime Litigation Law Firm Closes as Partners Head to Separate Practices
Mabry & McClelland have defended clients in a number of high-profile personal injury lawsuits in recent years.
The legal arm of the Big Four company intends to increase or triple its size in Australia within a few years, according to Deloitte Legal’s Asia Pacific and Australia chief.
Quinn Emanuel Formalizes Saudi Presence
Major legal firms have been attracted by the ‘magnetic pull’ of Saudi economic growth.
Maples Group Relocates to Neuroinclusive London Office
The Maples Group, a market-leading provider of legal, fiduciary, and fund services, has relocated its London office to 280 Bishopsgate, a freshly rebuilt, cutting-edge building with the best environmental and welfare ratings. The move underlines the Group’s commitment to assisting its clients and employees in a changing environment, as well as its outstanding performance in the UK market.
Japan’s TMI Establishes 2nd Malaysia Alliance, Sets Up New Office
TMI Associates, a major Japanese law company, has formed an association with Malaysian law firm SY Teo & Co, which was established by Sze Yi Teo, an associate in TMI’s Singapore office. The alliance will also open an office in Kuala Lumpur under the name SY Teo & Co, in collaboration with TMI Associates.
Financials:
All 3 Florida-Rooted Am Law 100 Firms Report Revenue Gains Amid Transactional Lag
Holland & Knight earned the greatest success as a result of their combination with Waller Lansden in early 2023. Meanwhile, Greenberg Traurig made more moderate increases than last year, maintaining its position in the rankings, while Akerman lost staff and slid several spots.
Brownstein, Akin See Record Q1 Lobbying Revenue Amid Influx of Business
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck & Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld each claimed their best first quarter on record.
A Tight Economy Increased Costs and Hindered Productivity for Pennsylvania’s Am Law 100
According to an examination of Am Law 100 revenue and net income numbers, eight Pennsylvania firms’ total costs outpaced revenue growth by 0.5% to 4.6%.
As They Plan Expansion, Most of Big Law in Missouri Grew Revenue and Profits Last Year
The majority of the nine Am Law 200 companies in the Show Me State increased its revenue, RPL, and average profits per equity partner.
2 Spanish Firms Break €90M in 2023 Global Revenue
Through its partnership with Taylor Wessing, ECIJA secured major clients such as Spotify and Amazon.
Flurry of Law Firms Sign New Client Lobbying Relationships as Big Law Reports Millions in Q1 Revenue
Brownstein Hyatt, Akin, K&L Gates, Holland & Knight, Covington and Hogan Lovells all reported new lobbying client relationships in recent weeks.
Revenue Up 3.5%, PEP Grew 10.4% at Hunton Andrews As Demand Revved Up Last Fall
The firm’s financial indicators improved in 2023, as demand across a variety of practices increased throughout the latter part of the fiscal year.
Comcast Legal Chief Breaks Into the $10M Pay Club
Reid, Comcast’s top legal officer and secretary, received $11.2 million last year, according to the company’s proxy statement filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday.
Technology & Innovation:
How AI Boosts Law Firm Profitability and Expands Market Opportunities
By streamlining a variety of procedures ranging from case intake to litigation support, AI not only reduces the strain of legal practitioners but also improves their capacity to serve clients efficiently.
AI Patent Unicorn Patsnap’s GC Discusses AI Regulation, Helping Startups Grow Sustainably, and More
Legaltech News spoke with Eric Topel, Patsnap’s first general counsel, on what the next several months would be like as he prepares for compliance with the EU AI Act and other impending AI regulations.
How Lowenstein Sandler Developed a Client-Facing Gen AI Chatbot
Lowenstein Sandler’s chief marketing officer, Kevin Iredell, believes that client-facing chatbots will eventually replace the law firm’s website search box.
LexisNexis Announces Gen AI-Powered Corporate Research Capabilities Nexis+AI
Nexis+AI is now in commercial preview with a handful of corporations, with a broader release scheduled for later this year.
Will the FTC Noncompete Ban Mean a Major Shift for Legal Tech?
Many in legal IT are divided on whether the FTC’s restriction on non-competes will result in significant improvements in hiring and talent acquisition or fall short.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Eversheds Elevates a Record 40 to Partner with Women Making up 60%
It goes against the flow of this year’s marketing in the City of London.
Kleinbard Cleared Of Wrongdoing In Pennsylvania Diversity Contracting Tiff
Female-owned Griesing Mazzeo Law had accused the firm of shorting it on fees after duping it into serving as a small diverse business subcontractor. A Pennsylvania federal judge dismissed the suit Thursday.
Stewarts’ partner count nears treble figures as firm promotes six
Stewarts has promoted six attorneys to partner, including five women, capping a year of growth for the specialty disputes company.
Market Commentary:
Most Big Chicago Law Firms Grew in 2023, but Several Not as Fast as Am Law 100
Six of the nine Chicago-based Am Law 100 law firms experienced slower revenue growth than the 100 as a whole. However, the majority of Chicago organizations either maintained or improved their positions in the most recent rankings.
How GCs Can Fix Firms That Are Too Risk-Averse or Too Willing to Go for Broke
Theresa Shea, general counsel of Utz Brands said “There are times you have to say, ‘You can’t do this.’ But that can’t be every time,”.
This City Is Competing With New York as an International Arbitration Hub
Winston & Strawn, Reed Smith, and White & Case are among the companies looking to expand in this field.
Switching Practice Areas: A Challenge or a Treasure?
Change is unavoidable, particularly for young lawyers seeking advancement and opportunities within their existing careers. Young lawyers frequently explore changing practice areas for a variety of reasons. As with every modest or significant change, there are both dangers and benefits.
Are Chinese Firms Sidelining Big Law on Hong Kong Listings Work?
Greater China-based law firms serve as the sole legal consultants to issuers in many Hong Kong Stock Exchange IPOs. Big Law cannot compete on fees with Chinese firms and justify the modest profits associated with the listings, which are significantly smaller than the billion-dollar transactions they handled in the past.
‘We See Them as Future Partners’: Simmons Launches Associate Council for ‘Next Gen’ Leaders
The council, which includes a ‘rigorous’ selection procedure and video applications, will provide strategic counsel to the company’s executive committee.
Caribbean Energy Needs Are on the Rise, and Plenty of That Work is Headed For U.S. Law Firms
Following a quiet spell in the Caribbean due to COVID-19 and supply chain issues, lawyers are beginning to witness an increase in work from the region, notably in the energy industry.
As Equity Tiers Shrink, Big Law Grows Leverage
Overall, in 2023, Am Law 100 firms grew their leverage. The statistic, defined as total lawyers (excluding equity partners) divided by the number of equity partners, is frequently used to help law firms evaluate their equity partner ratio as their head count and partnerships develop.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Allen & Overy Hits Milbank Again for London Partner Hire
Karen McMaster, a restructuring partner, has joined the firm, which plans to formally merge with Shearman & Sterling in May.
Dentons welcomes new partner to London Litigation & Arbitration team
Alex McGregor, a highly accomplished ESG litigation and regulatory lawyer, has joined Dentons’ Disputes team in London. Alex joins the firm as a partner from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP in the UK, having begun his legal career in Australia.
DAC Beachcroft bolsters its team in Dublin
Seamus White, a legal director, has joined the Injury Risk team; Lisa Kelly and Feena Robinson, senior associates, have joined the Specialist Insurance team; and Sinead Morgan, legal director, has joined the Employment Team.
Gibson Dunn unveils hire of Linklaters’ former leveraged finance co-head in London
Gibson Dunn has announced the employment of former Linklaters partner David Irvine in London to co-chair its global finance practice.
EMEA
Merger-Bound Shearman Loses Paris Tax lawyers to McDermott
McDermott announced that its Paris tax practice now employs ten attorneys, including four partners, one counsel, and five associates.
EU Competition Boutique Hires Veteran Litigator to Open Paris Office
Geradin Partners, which opened offices in Brussels in 2015, London in 2021, and Amsterdam in 2023, continues its European development with the opening of its Paris office today, thanks to the hiring of former EU official and competition lawyer Marc Barennes and his team.
Fieldfisher raids SKW Schwarz to boost media and entertainment practice in Germany
Martin Diesbach, Elisabeth Noltenius, and Julia Schafdecker, media and entertainment partners at SKW Schwarz, will join Fieldfisher’s Berlin office, as will a four-person IP team managed by partner Sascha Pres and IP litigators Christina Kufer, Tien Nguyen, and Laura Krug.
APAC
Deloitte Hires Former DLA Piper Partner Melinda Upton in Australia
Melinda Upton, an intellectual property lawyer, has joined Deloitte’s Australian legal team as a partner.
Troy Doyle is departing, citing customer needs for real flexible pricing structures and experienced partner engagement in restructuring cases.
Divest Patel, a former partner in Johnson Winter Slattery’s private equity and M&A practice divisions, holds dual qualifications in Australia and South Africa.
Clyde & Co Australia Departures Continue as 3 Partners Leave for Kennedys
Nicole Wearne, Ganga Narayanan, and Mark Attard, insurance partners, are the latest prominent lawyers to quit Clyde & Co.
Allen & Overy Hires Technology Duo to Bolster Asia Pacific Offering
Ravi de Fonseka and Daniel Thompson have joined from Australian business Johnson Winter Slattery.
Latham, Norton Rose Add Partners in Tokyo, Singapore
Yohei Nakagawa and Beelee Seah, who were both made partners last year, are leaving Morrison Foerster and Baker McKenzie, respectively.
The Americas
Littler Lures Toronto Partner From Ogletree Deakins as Part of Canadian Expansion
Stephen Shore stated that the global labour and employment giant’s drive towards expansion was one of the factors that drew him to the company.
Orrick Lures Kramer Levin’s Life Sciences Practice Head
Alyssa Caridis, co-head of Orrick’s IP business unit, about Irena Royzman noted “We see her as another game-changing addition to our growing national team handling cutting-edge cases,”.
Liberty McAteer has returned as a partner at Moses & Singer’s intellectual property, AI, and data law divisions, while John M. Nolan III has joined Margolis Edelstein’s employment practices liability group.
People in the News—April 15, 2024—Lamb McErlane, Burns White
Lamb McErlane has announced the addition of Curtis L. Sebastian to its municipal law department.
Weil Adds Simpson Thacher Infrastructure Partner in Houston
Jacqui Bogucki, an infrastructure partner from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, has joined Weil, Gotshal & Manges as a partner in Houston as the firm expands its energy and infrastructure practice.
On the Move: Thompson Coburn Enters Southeast With Birmingham Office Launch
Thompson Coburn expanded its higher education business with four lateral additions, including the construction of a new office in Birmingham, Alabama. The presence of partners Tres Cleveland, Brandt Hill, and Evan Moltz in Birmingham, as well as Roger Swartzwelder in Washington, D.C., has prompted widespread coverage by legal media organizations.
Lowenstein Sandler Adds Bankruptcy Vet from Loeb & Loeb
Daniel Besikof worked as the deputy chairman of Loeb & Loeb’s bankruptcy group.
After Less Than a Year at Simpson Thacher, 2 Partners Head to Latham
Tracey Zaccone and Justin Rosenberg joined Simpson from Paul Weiss last year.
Lewis Brisbois Adds New Partner in Delaware
Ann Kashishian joined Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith’s Wilmington office as a partner in the firm’s complicated business and commercial litigation, bankruptcy, and insolvency areas.
People in the News—April 16, 2024—Eisenberg Rothweiler, Stradley Ronon
Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck announced the recent hiring of Stephan A. Cornell as an attorney in Philadelphia.
Goodwin Continues Recruiting From Cooley, Adding Longtime Tech Industry Litigator
Over the years, Patrick Gunn’s clients have included Zoom and eBay, as well as Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Oracle founder Larry Ellison.
2 More Morrison Cohen Partners Exit for Loeb & Loeb
Partners Michael Weinstein and Joshua Saidlower will join former colleague Stephen Budow, a founding member of midsize firm Morrison Cohen and chair emeritus of the corporate department, as well as partners Andy Arsiotis, Michael Barry, Matt Friedman, Mike Martell, Steven Rockoff, and Henry Zangara.
Top State Insurance Regulator Joins Alston in New York
Mona Bhalla led a 130-person agency tasked with overseeing New York’s life insurance market.
Tarter Krinsky Continues Hiring From Shuttered Ingram Yuzek
Tarter Krinsky hired nine lawyers from the recently closed New York law firm Ingram Yuzek.
Chasan Lamparello hires three new education attorneys and Genova Burns elevates one of its partners.
Midsize Moves: Saxton & Stump Adds Clement Rivers Partner, Barley Snyder Hires ERISA Counsel
Saxton & Stump reported that Jason A. Daigle has joined the company as an equity stakeholder, working out of the Charleston, South Carolina office. Barley Snyder stated that attorney Karen E. Toth has recently joined the firm in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Dentons Loses Corporate Practice Head in Montreal to Miller Thomson
Seon Kang has joined the national Canadian corporation after more than 20 years at the multinational conglomerate.
The end of an era as HSF’s arbitration head Paula Hodges bows out
After 16 years in the top spot, Hodges will hand reins to new practice co-heads, reports Ben Rigby
In-House
Longtime Mary Kay Legal Chief Julia Simon Joins Top Texas Litigation Firm
“If I wanted to stay in-house, I would have stayed at Mary Kay. What I wanted was a different challenge,” Mary Kay’s retired legal chief Julia Simon told Law.com on her return to private practice in April. “The idea of bringing my broad knowledge and skills back to private practice and to a top tier trial firm was compelling.”
Legal Ops Director Jenn McCarron Exits Netflix
Jenn McCarron wrote “If I sound defiant, it’s because I am,”. “I cannot and will not accept the status quo. The stakes are too high, and our industry will get left behind if we do.”
Patent Data Unicorn Names First GC, Hiring From Another AI-Driven Unicorn
Eric Topel joined Patsnap this month from Nevada’s Socure. The Singapore-based startup raised $300 million from an investment group that includes Japan’s SoftBank, with a valuation of more than $1 billion in 2021.
Founding GC of Animal Health Giant Zoetis Steps Down
Heidi Chen worked at Pfizer for 13 years before helping to spin off the company’s animal-health business as a standalone public company in 2012 and becoming its first legal head.
Orthofix names CLO replacement following trio of executive dismissals last year
Andres Cedron arrives from Stryker Corporation to replace departed legal chief Patrick Keran.
Team Moves
3 Partners on Crowell & Moring’s GM Team Move to Morgan Lewis
April Nelson Ross and Rachel Raphael are located in Washington, D.C., while Mohamed Awan resides in Chicago.
Gaining Steam in Los Angeles, Shook Hires Litigation Group From Carlton Fields
Four litigation partners from Los Angeles, Atlanta, and South Florida have joined Shook, Hardy & Bacon.
Tarter Krinsky Continues Hiring From Shuttered Ingram Yuzek
Tarter Krinsky hired nine lawyers from the recently closed New York law firm Ingram Yuzek.
Baker McKenzie Adds Leading Energy Litigation Team in Texas
Baker McKenzie, a global legal practice, has announced the addition of highly acclaimed litigators David Baay, Jack Massey, Kelsey Machado, Ian Shelton, and Matthew (Matt) Rawlinson to its Houston team.
Chasan Lamparello Mallon & Cappuzzo has added three attorneys to its education practice group: Dennis McKeever, Marcie Mackolin, and Jaclyn Morgese. The attorneys join the firm from Cornell, Merlino & Osborne, where they practiced school law and served as board of education counsel.
Promotions & Appointments:
New York Community Bancorp Taps Skadden Partner as GC Amid Financial Turmoil
Bao Nguyen succeeds Patrick Quinn, who joined NYCB in 1999 and had been general counsel for the previous two years.
Orthofix Replaces Legal Chief Fired for ‘Offensive Conduct’
Andres Cedron said “This is an exciting time for the company, and I look forward to helping Orthofix become an even stronger competitor in the market,”.
People in the News—April 17, 2024—Klehr Harrison, McAndrews Mehalick
Klehr Harrison Harvey Branzburg stated that Lisa Lori, a partner in the firm’s litigation department, has been named Marywood University’s next president.
People in the News—April 18, 2024—Feldman Shepherd, Strassburger McKenna
Feldman Shepherd Wohlgelernter Tanner Weinstock Dodig, a Philadelphia personal injury and class action law firm, has announced the addition of attorney George A. Donnelly to its team.
Freshfields Promotes 23 to Global Partnership
The latest round represents a tiny dip from the firm’s highest promotion round last year, when it elevated 30 lawyers to partnership.
A&O Shearman Names Middle East Managing Partner
Following Garousha’s recent election as senior partner of the newly amalgamated firm, A&O partner David Foster will take over the job.
Argentina’s Beccar Varela Appoints New Managing Partner
Maximiliano D’Auro takes over as the firm celebrates its 127th anniversary, succeeding a managing partner who had headed the huge Argentine firm for more than 20 years.
CMS makes up 54 in latest partner promotions round
CMS has promoted 54 partners in its most recent promotions round, which includes 10 across the UK.
Herbert Smith Freehills promotes four
Herbert Smith Freehills has added Murphy Mok in Hong Kong, Emily Fox in Paris, Marco de Sousa in New York, and Matthew Shelley in Brisbane to its partnership.
Mergers & Alliances:
Ellingboe, who oversaw Faegre Baker Daniels’ corporate litigation division prior to its 2020 merger with Drinker Biddle & Reath, stated that the virtual environment allowed attorneys to meet and communicate, which likely resulted in greater cross-office collaboration.
Where Do the Most Merger-Hungry Law Firms Get Their Appetite?
Fennemore Craig and Clark Hill have dominated the law firm merger scene in the past year.
Lawyers See Positive Outlook for Mergers & Acquisitions in Australia
They will encounter additional challenges, as Australian regulators, like those in many other nations and areas throughout the world, tighten their examination of M&A transactions.
Crowell Builds in Chicago, Luring Neal Gerber Corporate and Securities Leaders
Following its merger with a Chicago-based intellectual property boutique in 2021, the firm is currently expanding its corporate practice.
Troutman Pepper and Locke Lord in Merger Talks to Create New Am Law 50 Law Firm
The merger would result in a firm with almost 1,600 lawyers, propelling it squarely into the Am Law 50.
Skadden, Slaughter and May lead on International Paper’s £5.8bn DS Smith acquisition
Skadden is assisting longtime client International Paper on its £5.8 billion recommended bid for FTSE 100 UK packaging company DS Smith, which is represented by Slaughter and May.
Office Openings & Closing:
Pullman & Comley Celebrates Expansion of Westport Office
One of the state’s largest firms has expanded its base in Westport to better serve clients in lower Fairfield County.
White & Case Expands Miami Office, Doubling Down On Market’s Long-Term Growth
The New York-based firm, which added another level to its long-term home in the Southeast Financial Center, has followed Greenberg Traurig in renewing office contracts.
Greenberg Traurig Becomes Fully Incorporated in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Greenberg Traurig, LLP, a global law company, is now fully incorporated as a Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) law firm after receiving all essential government licenses.
Mid-Market Roundup: Growing Midsize Firms Take More Space and Find Talent in Boutiques
One of Connecticut’s top law firms doubled its size, while five partners from a now-defunct boutique joined New York’s Warshaw Burstein.
Six CMS Partners in Chile Exit to Form Own Firm, With Associates in Tow
A/C/R Legal will focus on transactional work, such as mergers and acquisitions, as well as supporting startups and handling highly complicated litigation and collective bargaining agreements.
Financials:
Twilio GC Sees Pay Drop 73% in 2023
Twilio’s chief legal officer Dana Wagner is no longer one of the highest-compensated general counsel, as his stock award shrank by more than $20 million in 2023.
Hinshaw, After Lateral Hires and Combination, Grows Revenue and Profits Double Digits
Firm chair Peter Sullivan reported that the average PEP shot up more than 34%, as retirements and the progression of some lateral partners through a contract stage had some effect.
Norton Rose Fulbright Grew Revenue 8% Amid Management Exits
According to U.S. managing partner Jeff Cody, demand for the worldwide legal firm’s platform has increased.
The 2024 Am Law 100: Ranked by Profits Per Lawyer
Profits per lawyer is an alternate approach of looking at firm profitability that aims to remove the impact of issues like indebtedness. The average is around $518,000, with the top of the list being around $3.04 million.
The 2024 Am Law 100: Ranked by Profits Per Equity Partner
In 2023, the Am Law 100’s average PEP increased by 9.3%. Thirty-seven enterprises experienced at least 10% growth, up from 14 last year. Twenty enterprises saw reductions in 2023.
The 2024 Am Law 100: Ranked by Gross Revenue
Fifty-four companies reported gross revenue of $1 billion or more in 2023, four more than in 2022. Ninety enterprises reported increases in gross revenue.
Netflix CLO’s Pay Hits Record, but Big Changes Loom
A redesigned executive pay program went into effect on January 1, linking pay more closely to performance. Executives will no longer be able to pick how much of their compensation comes in the form of a wage.
Technology & Innovation:
Law Firm Leaders Say Gen AI Can Level Playing Field Between Large and Smaller Firms
John Polson of Fisher & Phillips said that “[Generative AI] does help the smaller firm punch above its weight on projects and matters that require a lot of people,”.
We’re Entering the Golden Age of Legal Technology
Technological skills, such as the ability to automate procedures and use artificial intelligence to get more insight into data, are being introduced to the legal industry at an unprecedented rate.
Thomson Reuters Expands CoCounsel to All Business Segments, Adds New Gen AI Legal Capabilities
In addition to providing three new talents for legal and tax professionals in the United States and the United Kingdom, Thomson Reuters announced ambitions to expand the CoCounsel generative AI assistant across all professional lines it covers, including risk, fraud, and media.
AI-Generated Works Dilemma: Balancing AI Terms of Service With Contractual Obligations
Artificial intelligence, like any other developing technology, is fraught with legal difficulties. These legal issues may not provide appealing entertainment, but they are critical in influencing the use and potential of AI.
BT Group offers automatic panel spot to firm that makes best use of AI
BT Group has reduced its legal panel from 15 to 11 companies and declared that the panel firm that best utilizes AI and legal technology would receive an automatic spot when the roster is next evaluated.
Diversity & Inclusion:
People in the News—April 19, 2024—McMonagle Perri, Klasko
On April 1, McMonagle Perri McHugh Mischak Davis’ partner Charles M. Gibbs held a virtual town hall with Philadelphia Councilman Kenyatta Johnson.
Nearly 14% of ABA-Accredited US Law Schools Haven’t Had a Woman Dean
A 2021 Villanova Law Review paper said, “despite these very real barriers, women should not be discouraged from contemplating becoming a dean,”.
South Korea’s legal profession lags on gender equality, IBA report finds
Only 29% of all lawyers in South Korea are female, and women hold only 13% of senior positions in legal firms.
Freshfields beats gender target for fourth year in a row in latest partner promotion round
The 52% female promotions represent the fourth consecutive year that the Magic Circle firm has exceeded its diversity target of at least 40% new partners being women. This indicates a significant shift from 2020, when only four (19%) of the 21-person cohort were female.
McCann FitzGerald backs women in finance initiative
McCann FitzGerald LLP has signed Ireland’s Women in Finance Charter, an industry-led and government-backed initiative aiming at expanding women’s participation at all levels of the Irish financial services industry.
Market Commentary:
Can You Be a Diligent Parent And an Equity Partner?
The Global Lawyer: Gender diversity progress at the equity partnership level has stalled, and long-term goals are failing—most likely due to systemic discrimination against primary careers.
Indonesia’s M&A and Project Finance Market Expected to Take Off in 2024
The results of the country’s presidential election in February have restored investor confidence in Southeast Asia’s largest economy, and multinational law firms are bracing for a surge in Indonesia-related work.
In another big deal this week, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer led Johnson & Johnson’s $13.1 billion acquisition of Shockwave Medical (represented by Fenwick & West), while Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett assisted Blackstone Real Estate Partners X in its $10 billion acquisition of Apartment Income REIT Corp (represented by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom).
vLex Expands Vincent AI With Document Analyze, Launches Law Firm AI Co-Development Lab
vLex announced the launch of Document Analyze, a suite of generative artificial intelligence-powered tools for responding to litigation and transactional documents, as well as vLex Labs, an initiative in which the company will collaborate with leading global law firms to develop custom AI products.
Susman Godfrey Jumps to Am Law 100 Ranking, Joining 5 Other Homegrown Texas Firms
Four of the six native Texas firms reported better income in 2023 than the previous year, propelling them up the Am Law 100 ranks.
Weil Revises Partner Pay Criteria, as Firm Plots Leadership Succession
Barry Wolf has overseen the firm since 2009 and will reach the obligatory retirement age of 68 in the next four years.
Several DC Law Firms Rose in Latest Am Law 100 Ranking
While three D.C. companies fell in the Am Law 100 rankings, six rose and three remained.
Law Firms Seek Out ‘Money-Generating’ Partner Moves Amid Big Law’s Arms Race
Even while partner movements were down year on year, Decipher said that law firms last year discovered one of the quickest ways to grow: purchasing partners with books of business.
Mason Hayes & Curran wins three IP awards
The team was named Ireland Trademark Prosecution Firm of the Year, Ireland Copyright Firm of the Year, and Ireland IP Transactions & Advisory Firm of the Year, after being shortlisted in five of six categories.
Eversheds Sutherland are Recognized at the Real Deals Private Equity Awards 2024
This year marks the 23rd annual Real Deals Private Equity Awards which are the longest running and most prestigious private equity awards in Europe. The awards celebrate excellence in European private equity and recognizes and rewards those who have made an outstanding contribution to the industry.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Another Linklaters London Partner Exits, This Time to Skadden
After more than 12 years at Linklaters, financial regulatory partner Sebastian Barling is expected to join Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom’s London office. In 2018, he became a partner.
Paul Weiss Hits Linklaters Again for Latest London Partner Hire
M&A partner Matthew Hearn is set to be the latest partner to join Paul Weiss’ growing London office. Hearn, who has been at Linklaters for over a decade, follows in the footsteps of his former Linklaters M&A colleague, partner Dan Schuster-Woldan, who joined as the new head of European public M&A in late January.
Cooley Taps Norton Rose’s London Antitrust Head
Mark Simpson, the head of antitrust and competition at Norton Rose, is scheduled to join the Palo Alto-based company after more than 15 years there, ten of those as a partner.
Eversheds Taps DLA Veteran as McDermott Brings in Sidley Partner
Barney Smedley, who has worked at DLA for more than 20 years, will be joining the Leeds branch of Eversheds.
The UK Corporate practice of Trowers & Hamlins has added two new partners, bolstering the firm’s private equity capability even more. Established associates Mark Metcalfe and Sarah Souter, who were both partners at Gateley Legal in the past, have joined Trowers in an effort to strengthen the company’s image as the premier legal supplier in the lower and midmarket private equity arena.
Kirkland raids Allen & Overy for second London debt finance partner in past month
Vanessa Xu, a debt finance attorney from Allen & Overy in London, has joined Kirkland & Ellis. She is the second partner to join the firm in the last few weeks.
Mason Hayes & Curran recruits funds partner Anthony O’Hanlon
Anthony O’Hanlon has been named a partner in the financial services unit of business law firm Mason Hayes & Curran.
EMEA
Paul Weiss Eyes Brussels Expansion With Second Partner Hire in a Week
Partner Richard Pepper of Macfarlanes is joining the firm’s new Brussels office, which was opened last week with the addition of antitrust partner Ross Ferguson of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett.
Jones Day in Paris Grabs Partner-Led Government Regulation Team From White & Case
François-Guilhem Vaissier, a partner, has provided advice on a variety of projects, including a desalination plant in Morocco, conventional and renewable energy projects in Africa, and high-speed rail projects in France.
Curtis promotes in London and Milan
Valerio Salvatori has been made counsel in Milan, and Juan Carlos Boué and William Hampson have been promoted to the partnership at Curtis Mallet-Prevost Colt & Mosle in London.
APAC
Australia’s Wotton + Kearney Debuts in Asia With 2 Partners From Kennedys Singapore
Partner Ben Nicholson and partner Tom Morrison, who both join Wotton + Kearney from Kennedys in Singapore, will lead the practice there.
Kirkland White Collar Heavyweight Resurfaces at Litigation Boutique
After serving as a partner in Kirkland’s government, regulatory, and internal investigations division for more than 11 years, Satnam Tumani departed the company in December.
East & Concord HK firm Makes M&A Hire from Akin Beijing
Dennis Yeung, an M&A specialist, has joined Yang & Yang Solicitors, the Hong Kong association firm of East & Concord Partners, a PRC legal practice. Dennis formerly worked in the Beijing office of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, which closed recently.
SG: Another McDermott Energy Partner Joins WFW
Clarinda Tjia-Dharmadi, a second energy partner, has joined Watson Farley & Williams in Singapore from the U.S. law firm McDermott, Will & Emery.
Offshore Firm Campbells Makes HK Finance Hire from Rival Mourant
Renowned offshore law company Mourant has lost partner Paul Trewartha, an expert in banking and finance, to Campbells, a Caymans-based law practice.
The Americas
A&O Shearman Announces First Partner Promotions Round Ahead of May Merger
The day Daniel Sinaiko, a co-chair of an A&O U.S. energy practice, was enticed to join Latham, was also the day that Shearman and A&O announced the promotions.
Simpson Thacher Recruits Milbank Partner to Continue Building Energy Practice
The newest partner at Simpson Thacher operates in the infrastructure and energy sectors and is named Javad Asghari.
People in the News—April 8, 2024—McNees, Burns White
Attorney Allen C. Tucci joined the company as a member of the venture capital and emerging companies, international law, mergers and acquisitions, corporate and tax practice groups, and securities law departments at McNees Wallace & Nurick, which is located in the Devon office.
Dentons Ex-US Leader McNamara Exits Partnership for CEO Role at Industry Advisory Shop
Mike McNamara was the founding CEO of Baretz + Brunelle and is currently an equity partner. In July 2021, he announced his resignation as Dentons U.S.’s CEO.
Recruiting From Paul Hastings Again, Akin Adds Financial Restructuring Lawyer
Avi Luft, a Paul Hastings financial restructuring lawyer, has become a partner at Akin in New York.
Sheppard Mullin Hires Locke Lord Corporate Partner in Chicago
Michael Wilson, formerly a co-chair of the corporate and transactional department at Locke Lord, represents numerous private equity and venture capital firms.
Berger McDermott Adds New Del. Counsel
Periann Doko, an attorney, has joined the corporate and commercial litigation division of Berger McDermott as counsel.
Newsmakers: Bracewell Expands Energy Practice With Addition of Parker Lee in New York
Parker A. Lee, an energy transactional lawyer, has joined Bracewell as a partner in the New York office.
Allen & Overy Arbitration Partner Jumps to Hughes Hubbard
Gaela Gehring Flores is part of a recent exodus of elite talent with that specialty, and she will co-chair the firm’s international arbitration group, headquartered in Washington, D.C.
Since Donald Dufresne’s book of business is portable, he anticipates that all of his clients—whose work primarily focuses on equestrian matters—will accompany him.
Morgan Lewis, Hogan Lovells, Ropes, Wiley and Cohen Milstein Add DC Laterals
Morgan Lewis added R. Latane Montague, a former head of Hogan Lovells’ transportation department, while Hogan Lovells hired litigators Nadira Clarke, Lily Chinn, and Anne Carpenter from Baker Botts.
People in the News—April 12, 2024—McNees, Margolis Edelstein
Cara Mia Pinto, a trademark attorney, joined the Pittsburgh team of McNees Wallace & Nurick as of counsel. She brings over ten years of experience building trademark portfolios and safeguarding businesses to the intellectual property division.
Kirkland, Proskauer, Hogan Lovells Add Partners Amid Brisk Lateral Activity in Big Firms
On Tuesday, Kirkland announced the appointment of real estate partner Victoria Shusterman in New York.
Proskauer Rose welcomed Christiana Lazo, a partner in private client services based in New York.
Christi creates and manages complex estate and tax strategies both domestically and internationally for extremely wealthy individuals, family offices, and closely held companies.
In-House
GC Who’s Helped Guide Garmin for Quarter-Century Hands Role to Deputy
Garmin CEO Cliff Pemble said “Andrew Etkind has been at the forefront of the most consequential business and legal matters that shaped Garmin into the company it is today,”.
Bears Hire Up-and-Comer as Legal Chief Amid Stadium Negotiations
Once again, Krista Whitaker’s fortuitous encounter with Kevin Warren—the current CEO of the Bears—during her time at Stanford Law School has paid off, as she has been hired for one of the top CLO positions in professional sports.
DISCO Names Eric Friedrichsen as New President and CEO
Following “an extensive global search,” as the e-discovery company put it, Friedrichsen was chosen by DISCO’s board of directors to succeed temporary CEO Scott Hill and the troubled former CEO and co-founder Kiwi Camara.
Former District Judge John Vazquez has joined Cooper University Health Care as Chief Legal Officer; attorneys from Capehart Scatchard are present at a reception honouring Rutgers alumni; and further changes.
IBM Plucks New Legal Chief From Mutual Fund Giant
With extensive experience in the financial services industry, Anne Robinson has held leadership positions at Vanguard, American Express, Citigroup, and Deloitte.
Binance Europe Legal Head Steps Down as Société Générale Gets New GC
After a year on the job, Binance’s head of legal for Europe resigned, while Société Générale, the major French bank, appointed a new general counsel when its long-serving previous GC moved on to a new position.
Emer Walsh named chief legal officer at Gas Networks Ireland
Ms. Walsh will be in charge of overseeing the organization’s corporate governance, legal, and data protection initiatives throughout Gas Networks Ireland. She will also be instrumental in implementing the company’s low-carbon energy network transition plan.
Team Moves
Goodwin Gains 5 Cooley Partners in Boston
Pat Mitchell, who established Cooley’s Boston office in 2007, claims that the group has been working together as a team for more than ten years.
Barclay Damon Picks Up 5-Member Team From Murtha Cullina, led by Tony Gangemi
Barclay’s Strategic Expansion Damon mentions the lateral relocation of this IP team into its premises in New Haven.
Hogan Lovells Hires 6-Lawyer Team, Including Former French Energy Regulator, in Paris
Other movements made in Paris included the return to Herbert Smith Freehills of a seasoned banking and finance partner from a French firm and the establishment of a new firm by a seasoned Big Law arbitration partner.
Fieldfisher relaunches in Italy with five-partner team from former ally
The action comes after the top 20 UK firm declared in November of last year that it was severing its connections with Studio Associato Servizi Professionali Integrati (SasPi), a longstanding Italian partner firm that was a member of the Swiss Verein Fieldfisher Global and traded as Fieldfisher Italy.
ArentFox Schiff hires automotive partner quartet from Burns & Levinson
Kelly Ballentine, Sara Judge, Gregory Paonessa, and Paul Marshall Harris are partners on the new team. Their vast knowledge in the automotive sector encompasses a range of areas, such as mergers and acquisitions, franchise conflicts, regulatory adherence, legal defense, and other business affairs.
Promotions & Appointments:
Ropes & Gray Names Next London Managing Partner
After working for McDermott Will & Emery for about 15 years, Rohan Massey joined Ropes and has been there for more than eight years.
People in the News—April 10, 2024—Hamburg Rubin, Goldberg Segalla
The firm Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin has announced the election of John F. McCaul and Danielle M. Yacono to partnership.
People in the News—April 11, 2024—Flaster Greenberg, Sweet Stevens
William Burnett, a shareholder in Flaster Greenberg, was recently named to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania’s new standing local bankruptcy rules committee.
J.D. Silva & Associates Announces New Firm Managing Partner Armando Córdova
Córdova, an associate attorney who joined J.D. Silva & Associates PLLC in 2022, focuses on criminal defense and lawsuits involving personal injury victims.
Veteran IP Lawyer Tapped as Managing Director for IPH Limited Canadian Member Firm
For thirty years, Dario Pietrantonio has held several managerial positions with ROBIC, a company established in Quebec.
Three new partners among Eversheds Sutherland promotions
As part of a spring promotions round, David McKeating, Jonathan Ennis, and Michelle Stewart were promoted to partners at international law firm Eversheds Sutherland.
Two new partners at Fieldfisher Ireland
With the addition of Jonathan Moore and Johan Verbruggen, Fieldfisher Ireland LLP now has 15 partners in total.
Herbert Smith Freehills Refreshes Global Arbitration Leadership
According to a statement from the firm, Paula Hodges will retire at the beginning of next month, and Simon Chapman KC and Andrew Cannon will take over. Hodges, who has worked for HSF for more than 37 years, is leaving the company.
Mergers & Alliances:
HubSpot Legal Boss Poised for Big Payout as Acquisition Speculation Swirls
Alyssa Harvey Dawson has just been HubSpot’s legal officer for 15 months, but according to Reuters, Alphabet is thinking about acquiring the rapidly expanding Salesforce rival.
Shearman NQ Pay to Shrink by £20K Post-Merger
Following A&O Shearman’s go live, the company will implement A&O’s present compensation plan, which pays NQs £125,000.
Spain’s Pérez-Llorca to Absorb Mexico’s González Calvillo
Pérez-Llorca of Spain and González Calvillo of Mexico have decided to merge, adding about 100 attorneys from the second-biggest economy in Latin America to the rapidly growing Iberian firm1. By this strategic alliance, they hope to improve their position in the area and fortify their legal services.
Milbank, A&G Advise Philippines’ Hotel101 Global on $2.3bn SPAC Merger
According to Reuters, Hotel101 Global would list as the first Philippine company in the United States after the agreement, and the “condotel” operator’s equity value is expected to exceed $2.3 billion as a result of the merger. Depending on shareholder and regulatory approval, the purchase is expected to completion in the second half of 2024.
PRC’s Guantao, Hong Kong Law Firm Gallant in Association
In an effort to better serve clients with regard to cross-border legal work, particularly in regard to the Greater Bay Area, the Hong Kong office of PRC law firm Guantao has partnered with local firm Gallant.
Office Openings & Closing:
As Big Law Interest in Denver Grows, Frost Brown Todd Lures 9 Laterals to Open Office
Citing opportunities in the energy, finance and technology industries in Denver, firm chair Robert Sartin said “having a physical presence” will help the firm to grow business there and serve current clients.
Bressler, Amery & Ross Is Growing Across Florida Despite Insurance Defense Work Narrowing
Bressler Amery executive committee member Hope Zelinger said “We have more work than ever because insurance companies are limiting the outside counsels they work with, and we continue to remain on that list”.
Addleshaws Swoops for KWM’s Spanish Arm as it Launches in Madrid
The news was released after KWM’s partnership with Eversheds caused some attorneys to search for new residences.
Fieldfisher Launches Italian Operation
Fieldfisher Italy, a fully integrated legal practice in Milan, employs 26 professionals at first, including five partners, six directors, and 15 lawyers.
Addleshaw Goddard extends global footprint with launch of 13 partner Madrid office
Addleshaw Goddard has announced today that it will open an office in Madrid upon the arrival of all 13 partners and their teams from KWM in Spain in May 2024. Roberto Pomares, Managing Partner of KWM Madrid, will oversee the new office.
UK Insurance firm Fenchurch to enter Asia with SG office
In order to access policyholders and brokers from throughout the island nation and the larger Asia-Pacific region for high-value commercial insurance disputes, Fenchurch, a London-based firm, has decided to establish its Asia centre in Singapore.
Kingsley Napley launches arbitration practice with partner raid on boutique
James Glaysher leaves Candey to run a new practice at an independent UK firm.
Financials:
Profits Swell at Pillsbury Amid Strong Demand and Costs Trimming
In 2023, Pillsbury’s net income increased by 10% as a result of the company concentrating its expansion on profitable processes, cutting expenses, and increasing operational effectiveness.
Sidley Crosses $3B in Revenue, With Growing ‘Share’ of Private Equity Market, Focus on Top Talent
Executive Committee Chair Michael Schmidtberger stated that although private equity may have decreased in 2023, “our share of private equity is growing because we’ve been enlarging that practice.”
AT&T GC’s Comp Marches Higher as Company’s Workforce Shrinks
The number of employees at the corporation has decreased from 281,450 to 149,900 after David McAtee II took over as legal head in 2015.
Boosted by Restructuring and Lit Practices, Brown Rudnick Sees 6% Revenue Gain
While the firm’s equity tier increased by over 5% to 60 partners and Brown Rudnick’s PEP increased by 0.2% to $1.68 million in 2023, profit growth stalled.
Boosted by Litigation, IP and Regulatory Work, Revenue Ticks Up at Wilson Sonsini
Demand was uneven across the corporate practices of the company, but there was a lot of activity in certain areas, such cybersecurity, privacy, and environmental efforts.
Cuatrecasas 2023 Revenue Grows More Than 10% to €388.7M
Based on its most recent financials, the Spanish legal practice has seen a 52.2% increase in revenue over the last ten years.
Sidley Austin London Office Revenue Breaks $200M in ‘Choppy’ Market
Tom Thesing, the firm’s head of London, discusses how the company is driven by lawsuits and regulations while aiming to become as successful as Kirkland & Ellis and Simpson Thacher.
Technology & Innovation:
Lawyers Say Technology Improves Employee Satisfaction. So Why Are Firms Slow to Modernize?
Intapp’s 2024 Technology Perceptions Report found that a minority of lawyers consider their law firms tech-savvy, while many claim they don’t use AI in their day-to-day jobs.
10 Generative AI Questions Every Chief Legal Officer Should Be Able to Answer
CLOs ought to be ready to offer the essential legal safeguards that both safeguard the company and give it the ability to outperform the competition and increase consumer value. The ten questions that follow outline the concerns that all CLOs should have in order to facilitate the adoption of GenAI by businesses and revolutionize their legal role at the same time.
Litera Releases Gen AI-Powered Foundation Dragon, KM Solution for Deal Data
Though Litera is first focusing Foundation Dragon on mergers and acquisitions, the platform will eventually be used for a range of transaction types, such as credit, real estate, venture capital, and fund formation.
Africa Should Not Rush to Regulate AI, Says Clifford Chance Co-Head
The partner’s remarks are made in spite of the fact that the EU just passed the first comprehensive AI law and that the Canadian Parliament is currently considering a similar proposal.
US bill would require AI companies to disclose copyrighted work in training models
Legislative guidelines on using copyrighted content to train software “seems inevitable” given the increasing use of AI in the creative industries.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Innovations in Diversity and Inclusion Winner, Law Firm: Baker McKenzie
JeanMarie Campbell, Head of Client Development, North America CMO Baker, McKenzie said that “Innovation is relevant to all of our clients—not just the most innovative or tech-savvy,”.
Gender Pay Gap: Elite UK Firms Show Little to No Improvement
Freshfields, Clifford Chance, Allen & Overy, Linklaters and Slaughter and May have all published gender pay gap data for 2023.
Lawyer, Mother and the Dark Night of the Soul: What We Are Doing to Women at Law Firms
“I was confident that my company would be receptive to a request for flexible work schedule, based on what I had been taught regarding its concern for keeping women. It didn’t cross my mind it would say no” writes Megan Gray.
Could AI Be a ‘Pivotal Moment’ for the Legal Aid Market?
The field of legal aid is investigating applications of artificial intelligence that may not be the same as those that Big Law has been experimenting with in the past year or two.
Market Commentary:
Dialogue Over Discord: Bridging the Gap Between Gen Z Lawyers and Law Firm Partners
It makes sense that there is a lot of generational conflict given the diversity of generations represented in our legal organizations. But in today’s clash of generations, there’s a more constructive balance to be struck.
GCs and C-Suites See Vastly Different Legal Challenges Looming
In a recent report Thomson Reuters said that “As GCs prepare their departments to be tomorrow’s value centre, they will need to be as ready to advise the business on these future issues as they are comfortable today advising on labour and litigation matters,”.
Companies Deluged by Class Actions as ‘Employee Activism Surges’
According to the recently released Carlton Fields Class Action Survey, labour and employment class actions accounted for 43.4% of law departments’ class action matters in 2023, an increase of nearly 10 percentage points from the previous year.
Alston Makes Major Leap in Latest M&A League Tables
Periann Doko, an attorney, has joined the corporate and commercial litigation division of Berger McDermott as counsel.
At 18%, Law Firm Associate Attrition Rate Continues 2-Year Decline
Jennifer Mandery, vice president for research at the NALP Foundation said that “Starting with the pandemic years we saw high levels of attrition, and we’re starting to see those attrition levels start to revert to what we saw pre-pandemic,”.
Midsize Firms Poised to Gain Market Share as Big Law Sheds Rate-Sensitive Practices
Strong rate increases for Big Law in 2019 will put more pressure on practices that can’t keep up with firm-wide growth, while also creating opportunities for more adaptable smaller firms.
Indian, Australian Firms Take Top Spots on M&A League Tables as Q1 Dominated by Domestic Deals
Four of the twelve biggest M&A agreements disclosed in Q1 of this year are centred on Greater China.
The Saudi Demarche: Measuring the Kingdom and the UAE’s Relative Success:
Given that qualifying institutions must have at least two additional Middle Eastern offices, some saw the RHQP as a subtly disparaging jab at Dubai. However, a lot of them are setting up shop in Riyadh as their regional headquarters because they need to get this license in order to bid on Saudi government contracts.
Clifford Chance Poland Office Under Investigation, Laptops ‘Seized’
Despite being well-known globally for its legal knowledge, Clifford Chance has come under fire. Laptops have reportedly been seized, according to certain unnamed sources, while the company’s Poland branch is being investigated.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Pinsents Lures Baker McKenzie’s London Banking Head
Nick Tostivin, who spent 18 years with Baker McKenzie, will serve as the team leader for Pinsent’s financial division.
Lewis Silkin swoops for Hausfeld partner to boost London disputes team
Duran Ross, a disputes partner at Hausfeld, has been brought back by Lewis Silkin to bolster the company’s London branch.
McDermott strengthens London private equity practice with partner hire from Sidley Austin
In London, McDermott Will & Emery expanded its private equity practice by bringing on Sidley Austin partner Fatema Orjela.
Two new partners at IP law firm Powell Gilbert
With the promotion of Bryce Matthewson and Peter FitzPatrick to partner at IP law firm Powell Gilbert, the total number of partners at UK and Irish businesses now stands at 15.
Pinsent Masons takes on two new Dublin partners
Dorian Rees and Karen Gallagher have been appointed to partners in the Dublin office of international law firm Pinsent Masons.
EMEA
DLA Piper Hires Veteran Africa Legal Expert for D.C. Office
Jacqueline Cooke is joining at a time when the organization is attempting to rebrand. Cooke spent over ten years at 23andMe, where she rose to the No. 2 legal position.
White & Case Expands White-Collar Practice in Germany With Partner Hire From Noerr
Sophia Habbe, a partner based in Frankfurt, has joined White & Case, expanding the firm’s white-collar practice in Germany. This is the firm’s second partner hire in Germany thus far this year.
Middle East Roundup: Trowers Builds Out Real Estate in UAE, Al Tamimi Hires Egypt Banking Head
Trowers & Hamlins has strengthened its Middle Eastern real estate presence with the addition of seasoned partner Eileen Duncan from London to their office in the United Arab Emirates.
Osborne Clarke Snags an Energy Partner in Berlin from Noerr
In April, energy expert Martin Geipel will become an equity partner of Osborne Clarke.
Stephenson Harwood expands Middle East practice with third partner hire in a month
The moves are happening at a time when the CRM industry is rapidly growing and changing this has led to the joining of disputes lawyer John Lewis from Charles Russel Speechlys.
Alston & Bird Hires Brussels Antitrust Partner to Advise on Cross-Border Transactions
According to Jens-Olrik Murach, who joins from Willkie, transatlantic cooperation among competition regulators is growing.
Freshfields Lands Another Latham Private Capital Partner
Giancarlo D’Ambrosio becomes the third partner from Latham & Watkins to join Freshfields’ global private capital practice in a timeframe of under a month.
Paul Weiss Plans Brussels Launch with Simpson Antitrust Partner
Following a record-breaking fiscal year for revenue and earnings, sources confirmed on Wednesday that Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison intends to open an office in Brussels. Ross Ferguson, an antitrust partner at Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett, will be hired to start construction.
Bowmans adds M&A team in Johannesburg from Baker McKenzie
The group includes recently appointed partner Janine Howard, a senior associate, and an associate, under the direction of seasoned partner Angela Simpson, who previously co-led Baker McKenzie’s M&A team in Johannesburg.
Arbitra adds experienced international arbitrator from Swiss firm LALIVE
Arbitration services enterprise Veijo Heiskanen, an international arbitrator from the Swiss company LALIVE, has joined Arbitra’s independent panel of arbitrators.
APAC
China Welcomes Boosted IP Player as East IP and Hong Kong SIPS Merge, Absorb Zhong Lun Team
Veteran of Zhong Lun trademarks Jimmy Huang, alongside five other partners and thirty other IP professionals, joins East IP.
K&L Gates Brings in Australian Corporate Team from Local Rival
Khilen Devani, a partner, and Carl Hinze, the head of the firm’s China practice, join K&L Gates’ Brisbane office from Holding Redlich. They are accompanied by two more Holding Redlich attorneys.
Dentons, Yang & Yang, and Drew & Napier have beefed up their portfolio of senior lawyers as they look to consolidate their market share with the addition of specialists in banking, finance, international arbitration, and litigation, in particular Drew Napier celebrated the arrival of dispute resolution partner Abhinav Bhushan.
Norton Rose Fulbright Hires Technology Partner in Australia
Lisa Fitzgerald, a technology partner, has joined Norton Rose Fulbright’s Melbourne office to assist with providing advice on artificial intelligence, cyber risks, and digital transformation.
Pinsent Masons Bets on Energy Transition and Infrastructure Build for Australia Expansion
Australia’s efforts to increase infrastructure and decarbonize its economy are helping Pinsent Masons to grow there. The company has hired teams from other firms and launched a number of new practices in the last 12 months.
The Americas
DOJ Health Care Litigator Heads to Nelson Mullins
Jillian Willis was most recently the associate chief of the DOJ’s criminal division’s healthcare fraud unit.
People in the News—March 25, 2024—Lamb McErlane, Saxton & Stump
Following her nine-year term as a Chester County Commissioner, Michelle H. Kichline has law firm Lamb McErlane as an attorney.
The firm announced that Brooke Suárez, who joined the insurance and reinsurance group from Sherman Atlas Sylvester & Stamelman, and Julien M. Baumrin, who joined the commercial litigation group from Norris McLaughlin, have joined Riker Danzig as new associates.
People in the News—March 29, 2024—Lamb McErlane, Stradley Ronon
Joelle T. Shanesy has joined Lamb McErlane in the family law department.
Midsize Moves: Saxton & Stump Hire From Troutman, Balch & Bingham Adds Bradley Arant Associate
Samuel D. Harrison, a litigator from Troutman Pepper, has joined Saxton & Stump as senior counsel. Callie Cochran, an attorney in the firm’s environmental and natural resources department, has joined Balch & Bingham’s Birmingham, Alabama, office.
Akin Grabs Another Private Credit Partner From Paul Hastings in NY
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld in New York welcomes Paul Hastings alternative lender and private credit partner Scott Colton who is joining longstanding associate Bill Brady.
DOJ Antitrust Leaders Exit for Skadden, Foley & Lardner
Mark Grundvig, who joins Foley & Lardner, was most recently assistant chief of the DOJ’s antitrust division’s Washington criminal II department. James Fredricks, a former chief of the DOJ’s antitrust division’s Washington criminal II branch, joined Skadden.
Two Fried Frank Partners Exit for Alston, Akin
In order to assist Alston in expanding its M&A practice in New York, David L. Shaw has relocated and joined their ranks, meanwhile Avi Feinberg will assist Akin’s real estate group.
Connecticut Movers: New and Recognized Faces Making News at Murtha Cullina, HSSK and Chaffin Luhana
Two new associates at Murtha Cullina, a promotion to counsel at HSSK, and the opening of Connecticut offices for expanding Chaffin Luhana are just a few of the recent advancements that are being made in Connecticut.
Sidley adds PE M&A lawyer in New York from Paul Weiss
John Godfrey is the sixth attorney from Paul Weiss to move to Sidley in the last ten months.
Pietragallo Litigator Joins Boston’s Lichten & Liss-Riordan, Launching South Jersey Office
In the initial case to reach a federal jury regarding the classification of Uber drivers as either independent contractors or employees, Jeremy Abay collaborated with the company’s founder, Shannon Liss-Riordan.
‘Right Place, Right Time’: McDermott Picks Up Tax Litigation Leader From Baker McKenzie
Susan Ryba, a former chair of the tax practice group at Baker McKenzie in Chicago, is now with McDermott Will & Emery.
Akin, MoFo and Holland & Hart Make DC Partner Hires
Akin brought on Crowell & Moring’s Jason Prince as his international trade partner, Andrew Wheeler, a former administrator of the EPA, joined Holland & Hart and a team of five attorneys from Goodwin Procter was pilfered by Morrison & Foerster.
Akin Adds Hunton Andrews Energy Transactions Leader as a Partner in Houston
Incoming Akin partner Ian Goldberg said, “I’ve been looking to kind of find the best platform for my practice, which is straddling traditional and new energy”.
People in the News—April 3, 2024—Holland & Knight, Cohen Seglias
John Grugan, a lawyer, has joined Holland & Knight as a partner in Philadelphia.
Veteran International Tax Partner Jumps to McCarthy Tétrault in Toronto and Calgary
With over twenty years of experience, Drew Morier has advised clients in Canada and abroad on intricate transactions.
Paul Hastings Lures Weil Partner to Co-Chair Asset-Backed Finance Group
Shawn Kodes and Matthew Nemeth, two Weil attorneys, are joining Paul Hastings as partners as part of this two-lawyer shift.
Judge Francis J. Orlando Jr. becomes a partner at Vaughan Baio; Pashman Stein appoints a new chair in family law
Star Startup Striving for Air Taxi Supremacy Replaces Legal Chief
The shift, which comes as the manufacturer of electric aircraft looks to outperform competitor Joby Aviation, was not disclosed by Stellantis-backed Archer Aviation.
In-House
Former Everlaw Legal Chief Takes Top Lawyer Role at Zendesk
Newly appointed Zendesk Chief Legal Officer Shana Simmons wrote on LinkedIn. “I’m excited to work alongside a team that values innovation, teamwork, and above all—connections”.
Memorial Hermann CLO Moves to Lauded Midwestern Hospital System
Deborah Gordon is departing Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston to assume legal leadership of one of the most well renowned hospitals globally.
Former Mercy Health VP Boomerangs Back to Become Chief Legal Officer
Jennifer Brown, who served as general attorney and chief administrative officer at Graphite Health, a nonprofit company that develops digital health solutions in New Mexico, is returning to Mercy in St. Louis.
In-House Moves of Month: EBay, Estee Lauder, GE, Geico Grab Headlines
A number of significant legal department changes occurred in March, including the abrupt exit of longstanding legal heads at eBay and Estee Lauder and the appointment of well-known tech figures to senior lawyer positions at both established firms like DXC Technologies and up-and-coming Abnormal Security.
Skadden Arps M&A Trio Launches Transactions Group at Morris James
As the practice’s chair, Vincent Cannizzaro was elevated to partner status from his senior associate role at Skadden. Cannizzaro is accompanied by Skadden associate Justin Larsen and lawyer Aarish Sheikh.
Hertz GC Who Settled Barrage of Lawsuits From Enraged Customers Stepping Down
Colleen Batcheler is leaving the organization to take on an unspecified role at another business. She came to a $168 million settlement with clients that the rental car business had wrongfully charged of auto theft after joining the company in 2022.
Association of Corporate Counsel Launches Brazil Chapter
More than a thousand in-house attorneys from a variety of industries in the biggest economy in Latin America will be served by the chapter.
Canadian production house Thunderbird Entertainment promotes legal SVP to GC role
Lori Massini has been elevated to general counsel by Canadian media and production business Thunderbird Entertainment, taking over for Sarah Nathanson, who is leaving this month.
Team Moves
Vinson & Elkins Finance Team Arrives at Paul Hastings
Eight global finance partners of Vinson & Elkins, who were reported to be headed to Paul Hastings last month, completed their relocation on Thursday as the Am Law 100 firm continues to aggressively grow in Texas.
12 Attorneys Have Recently Left Genova Burns, Spotlighting Succession Planning Travails
Despite sources pointing to failed discussions over how to transition beyond the leadership of founding partners Angelo Genova and James Burns, Burns said the firm has “built a brand which will continue beyond its founders.”
Charles Russell Speechlys Adds Singapore Partner Trio from Butler Snow and King & Spalding
Charles Russell Speechlys has appointed Kurt Rademacher and Ivan Lu of Butler Snow and Peter Brabant of King & Spalding as partners.
Nelson Mullins Launches in Houston, Adding 10 Lawyers From 5 Law Firms
Craig Dillard, a litigation partner at Foley & Lardner, will take on the role of managing partner for the recently formed Houston office, starting on Monday. He and Foley litigator Mike Rahmn are anticipated to move to said office later this month.
On the Move: DLA Adds Investment Team From Greenberg, Womble Names Office Leader
DLA Piper has expanded its investment funds practice in Atlanta and Miami by hiring a three-person team from Greenberg Traurig. On Thursday, Terrence “Terry” Davis, a partner in Atlanta and the head of the registered funds business, joined DLA. Previously, Davis was co-chair of Greenberg’s investment management unit. Justin Tait joined the company as a senior attorney in Miami, and Tanya Boyle relocated to Atlanta as of counsel.
Ten get the nod in Fieldfisher’s latest partner promotions
Ten attorneys have joined Fieldfisher as partners in a round of promotions that is dominated by the London headquarters of the company.
Kasowitz Litigation Partner Trio Moves to King & Spalding
After leaving Kasowitz last, Jennifer Recine, who served as the co-chair for real estate litigation, joined David Kupfer and Sarmad Khojasteh at King & Spalding. She joined on Tuesday.
Gordon Rees Expands in Pittsburgh, Adds 11 Attorneys From Burns White
Gordon Rees Pittsburgh office co-managing partner Manoj Jegasothy said this regarding the new group… “We saw that they have a clientele that is particularly suited to be serviced by a national law firm”.
Bowmans Expands in Jo’Burg with 4-Strong Baker McKenzie M&A Team Hire
Bowmans welcomes back Angela Simpson, a former partner and co-head of M&A at Baker McKenzie Johannesburg, and Janine Howard, another M&A specialist from Baker McKenzie. According to Bowmans’ announcement, they are also joined by associate Tsholofelo Mofokeng, who was previously with Baker McKenzie Johannesburg, and senior partner Dominika Pietrzak.
Fieldfisher Hires Pension Team After ‘Strategic Review’ at PwC
According to a statement, the team is still in close collaboration with the Big Four accountants and has made this decision in response to a PwC evaluation.
Midsize Moves: McNees Adds Archer Partner, Wiggin and Dana Hires Former Quinn Emmanuel Team
Wiggin and Dana’s intellectual property department announced that litigator Kate Cassidy and her team have joined the firm’s New York office, with Cassidy as a partner. McNees Wallace & Nurick announced the addition of Allen C. Tucci, a corporate and securities attorney, to the firm’s Devon, Pennsylvania, office.
Jones Day adds government regulation team in Paris from White & Case
Three associates and two trainees make up the team, which is directed by partner François-Guilhem Vaissier. The organization has a wealth of experience in the energy, projects, infrastructure, and finance sectors, having worked in both Europe and Africa.
Promotions & Appointments:
Kraft Heinz Promotes Legal Chief After Year in Which Her Pay Declined
Rashida La Lande has contributed to the development of the company’s ESG agenda, which includes the July announcement of a 30% global reduction in the usage of virgin plastic by 2030.
Macfarlanes Partner Promotions Down on Last Year
Only six attorneys were promoted to partners at the top 50 U.K. firm Macfarlanes, which is a minor decrease from the eight attorneys who were selected in the previous two years.
Simpson Thacher’s Banking and Credit Practice Sees Leadership Change
After roughly 15 years as the practice’s manager, Patrick Ryan will step down and be replaced by Alexandra Kaplan and Brian Steinhardt.
Linklaters promotes 27 to partner as gender diversity target on track for fourth year
In its most recent round of promotions, UK Magic Circle firm Linklaters advanced 27 attorneys to partner, with 11 of those attorneys being women. This means that, for the fourth year running, the business achieved its yearly goal of having at least 40% of promoted partners identifying as female.
McCay Legal appoints property lawyer Sinead Creighan as director
McCay Legal, a firm based in Northern Ireland, has named Sinead Creighan as a director, responsible for overseeing the company’s commercial property, real estate, and private client departments.
Skadden Latest to Announce Partner Promotions with 21 Making the Cut
Additionally, Pinsent Masons has revealed the names of its newest partners.
Pinsent Masons promotes 22 to its partnership
With three promotions in Asia Pacific, five in EMEA, and fourteen in the UK, the company has added new partners to its global network, bringing the total to 502 as of May 1st. With five new partners in the Technology, Science, and Industry (TSI) sector and ten in the energy industry, the firm’s practice groups and sectors have welcomed the new members.
People in the News—April 5, 2024—Marshall Dennehey, Fox Rothschild
Christopher M. Reeser, a shareholder, has been appointed managing attorney of the firm’s Harrisburg office, according to a statement released by Marshall Dennehey.
On the Move: King & Spalding Adds Capital One Counsel as Finance Partner
Following 20 years with Morris Wright, tax attorney Mark Snider joins Nelson Mullins in Cleveland, while Baker Donelson announces the addition of 13 new shareholders, more than half of whom are located in Tennessee and Georgia.
Howard Kennedy partner named next president of London Solicitors Litigation Association
Nikki Edwards, a partner at Howard Kennedy, has been named the London Solicitors Litigation Association’s (LSLA) future president.
Harbottle & Lewis name first female senior partner in firm’s history
Gerrard Tyrrell will be replaced by Catherine Bedford, who will take over the position after almost 17 years.
Mergers & Alliances:
Torys, Willkie Farr, and Stikemans Steer CA$5B Fairstone Bank and Home Trust Merger
The result of the merger will be Canada’s highest alternative lender.
Africa Deal Roundup: Major Firms Take Roles on Resources, Infrastructure, and Music Deals
On the private equity-linked merger of South African gold producer Aurous Resource with Rigel Resource Acquisition Corp, a special purpose acquisition company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Milbank, Sidley Austin, and the South African firm Bowmans are providing advice.
With Merger Near, A&O and Shearman Retain McKinsey, KPMG
The firms reported that they turned to the business consultants for advice ranging “from operational integration through to ways of working.”
With High Interest in Law Firm Acquisitions, ‘A Likely Uptick’ in Mergers Underway
At present, 400–800 lawyer firms are particularly eager to buy out smaller firms, according to Lisa Smith at Fairfax.
BCLP Acquires Seattle Trial Boutique, Capitalizing on Region’s Growing Status as Litigation Hub
An entire year after the Am Law 100 company relocated to the Emerald City, all of the lawyers and employees of Harrigan Leyh Farmer & Thomsen joined BCLP.
McCartan Turkington Breen partners with Hope House Ireland
During or after their treatment, Hope House Ireland offers free lodging to cancer patients and their caregivers for a brief period of peaceful relaxation and recovery.
Office Openings & Closing:
Weil Gotshal Shutters Beijing and Mulls Shanghai Closure
Weil is the latest in a growing list of elite American law firms to close operations in China’s mainland due to the country’s tense geopolitical relations and protracted economic depression, which are forcing the world’s best legal practices to reevaluate their China investments.
Law Firms Paid More for Less Space in 2023 as Downsizing Trend Continues
Due to the peak of law firm leasing activity in Q4 of 2023, prices per square foot increased by over 5%.
Sorrels Law, Expanding Into Dallas, Hires Lawyer/Doctor For the Launch
Founded in Houston in 2021, plaintiffs’ personal injury firm Sorrels Law recently moved into the Austin area and built an office there. A few months later, the firm launched an office in Dallas.
Allen & Overy Launches Riyadh Office
A growing number of foreign companies have chosen Riyadh as their Middle East regional headquarters, indicating Saudi Arabia’s growing significance to them.
KPMG’s Hong Kong Affiliate Law Practice Set to Shut Down
The Big Four accounting company KPMG’s Hong Kong law business, SF Lawyers, is now closing its local offices in the city.
After 47 Years, Denver’s Moye White to Wind Down After Most Lawyers Join Fennemore Craig
Fennemore CEO James Goodnow said “We’ve found this mass lateral hiring works depending on the situation… It’s a very clean way to do a transaction.”
Am Law 200 Firm, ‘Working Differently,’ Will Move to Smaller Space
Leaders of Butler Snow discovered they didn’t require as much space as the company now has in downtown Nashville’s 29-story Pinnacle at Symphony Place building. The 15th and 16th floor offices of the firm feature a conference facility spanning 13,000 square feet.
Paul Weiss Plans Brussels Launch With Simpson Antitrust Partner
Brad Karp affirmed that the firm’s “strategic imperative” is to maintain a “strong presence in Brussels” given its focus on cross-border M&A and related client problems.
DLA Piper to Open Office in Düsseldorf
The company now has five offices in Germany as a result of the opening.
Hong Kong Law Firm Co-Founder Launches New Firm
According to Phillip Georgiou, Georgiou Partnership can provide the necessary knowledge on anything from asset recovery and insolvency to tasks pertaining to regulations and compliance.
Sullivan & Cromwell, Williams & Connolly Expand DC Space, as Leasing Activity Picks Up
In Washington, D.C., Finnegan is returning a floor while S&C and Williams & Connolly each take up about a floor of additional space.
Noerr to Part Company with Four European Offices
Following a decline in Noerr’s CEE income, a deal with CEE legal company Kinstellar may result in the major German law firm parting with a large number of lawyers.
JRAP O’Meara to move to larger headquarters
The Cork law practice JRAP O’Meara Solicitors LLP is moving to the Victorian Quarter on MacCurtain Street, where it will occupy a larger office, from the South Mall.
Financials:
Diversity of Practices Helped Foley Grow Revenue by 8.1%, Profits Per Equity Partner by 11.5%
Despite maintaining a constant number of attorneys, the business reported increased income and profits in 2023.
While Latham has been progressively growing its bonus pool, other companies have achieved comparable results by reallocating the share point value.
According to Tom Fitzgerald, Winston has a large number of situations with “tremendous nuance” in pricing or that are invoiced on a fixed fee basis. Overall, the company hiked billing rates by about 7% to 8%.
Regional West Coast Firms See Modest Gross Revenue Increases, as Equity Partner Tiers Contract
Last year, Procopio, Stoel Rives, Hanson Bridgett, and all three saw improvements in gross revenue or profit; however, PEP was boosted by reductions in the equity partnerships of these companies.
Miles & Stockbridge Sees Revenue and Profits Rise as Partnership Contracts
According to CEO Nancy Greene, the company is considering locations for growth, including Wilmington and New York.
Welcoming New Chair, Ballard Spahr Boasts Steady Revenue Alongside PEP Dip
Peter Michaud said “We outperformed in M&A. “We have done that historically, where when the market sees a downturn in M&A, we’ll still do well.”
After Mass Exodus, FisherBroyles Charts Plan for Rapid Growth
The business hopes to surpass last year’s head count of about 300 lawyers in 2024, even with the mass departure in early 2024, after sales and earnings increased in 2023.
Despite Industry Declines in Real Estate, Seyfarth Grew Revenue, Net Income by 3%
Despite having fewer employees than the previous year, Seyfarth is still “actively exploring” the South Florida market and seeking to expand in its core markets.
Mintz Sees Revenue Hit All-Time High as Profits Dip Amid Office Expansion
Managing partner Robert Bodian stated that the company’s profitability per equity partner were negatively impacted by its expansion into Canada. However, he claimed that the company’s presence in Canada brought in $9.2 million last year.
Mint & Strawn Sets Firm Revenue and Profits Records
According to chair-elect Steve D’Amore, who will succeed longtime chair Tom Fitzgerad this summer, the company wants to put more of an emphasis on international markets going forward, with London and Paris being top goals.
While Latham has been progressively growing its bonus pool, other companies have achieved comparable results by reallocating the share point value.
Revenue Per Lawyer Hits New Peak at Reed Smith, as Profits Stagnate Amid Mounting Costs
Global managing partner Casey Ryan said, “We saw financial growth from top 200 clients, including significant increases in international engagements, which indicates that our global platform is working for our international clients”.
Revenue Flattens at Dechert, But Firm Sees ‘Turnaround’ in Interest Rate-Sensitive Practices
Dechert’s London practice experienced its second-strongest year, said co-chair David Forti, who noted that firmwide, the last three years as a whole “were the best three years we’ve ever had.”
Boies Schiller Flexner Bounces Back With Revenue, Head Count Gains in 2023
With the opening of a new office in Rome and the ongoing renovation of its London location, the litigation shop is expanding again after years of dwindling headcount and revenue.
Schulte Rides Private Capital Matters to 7% Revenue Growth as PEP Dips Amid Firm Investments
The company’s earnings per partner decreased 7.7% to $3.34 million in the previous year as its equity-only partnership grew 13% to 78 members.
Building on 7% Revenue Rise in 2023, Frost Brown Todd Looks to Enter New Markets, Add to Head Count
In an interview, chairman Robert Sartin stated, “We had another very good year, particularly given the sort of uncertainties around the economic environment.”
Kramer Levin Finds ‘A Good Year in a Difficult Environment,’ With Revenue Rising 3.3%
The company’s PEP increased by 1.2% to $2.41 million despite a decline in net income, as the equity tier shrank by 5%.
Boies Schiller Flexner Bounces Back With Revenue, Head Count Gains in 2023
The number is an 11.8% increase from 2022, and the firm’s full-time equivalent head count increased by three attorneys to 153. Profits per equity partner increased 1.3% to $2.5 million, while revenue per lawyer reached $1.6 million, up 9.6%.
Wachtell, Goodwin Top Q1 League Tables as Global M&A Value Jumps 38%
Although there was a notable increase in the amount of worldwide M&A disclosed in Q1, there was a 31% decrease in the number of agreements during the same period last year.
Faegre Drinker Bolsters Finance & Restructuring Team With Partner Deanna Reitman in Dallas
Reitman offers clients business, legal, and regulatory counsel about commodities. With an emphasis on energy, metals, agriculture, carbon, and other sustainable commodities, she has over 25 years of experience in the commodity markets and over 18 years in senior management.
Revenue, Profits Slip at Baker Botts as Firm Invests in Hiring, Singapore Office
Danny David, the managing partner who assumed the position on August 1st, stated that 2023 would be a year of investments with an emphasis on building on his strengths.
Moore & Van Allen Leans Into Countercyclical Practices for Revenue, Profit Growth
Although its primary specialty is banking and finance, the Am Law 200 firm also made money in real estate, IP, litigation, and restructuring.
Stinson, With Surge in Class Actions, Grew Revenue Nearly 4%
Net income dropped by 6.4%, although the company’s profits per equity partner increased by over 2%.
Cahill Drops 2.9% in Revenue as Firm Plans Long-Term Adjustments
In order to lessen the highs and lows of a market-dependent profession, Cahill is aiming to diversify its practice mix, according to firm head Herb Washer.
Wilmer Sees Growing Share of Fees From Meta, as Firm’s Total Revenue Expands
Some analysts believe that law companies suffer commercial problems if the bills from a single customer account for more than 5% of the firm’s entire revenue. Others argue that this threshold has to be significantly higher.
Spencer Fane Notches 16.5% Topline Growth as Firm Seeks Out More Markets
The head of the company pointed out that while lateral partners receive the same compensation as those in the equity tier, they are not acting as “de facto leverage” for the current equity partners.
Slaughters Bounces Back in Q1 Rankings as European M&A Shows Hints of Recovery
Slaughters soared to the top of the London Stock Exchange Group’s (LSEG) first-quarter adviser rankings, moving up from 17th place in Q1 2023 to the top spot. The company fared well in the European rankings as well, moving up from 54th to 4th.
Travers Profits Continue to Fall Amid Challenging Market, Latest LLPs Show
According to limited liability partnership documents that were recently submitted to Companies House, the UK company’s operating profit for the previous year decreased by 13%, from £75 million to £65.3 million. Up till June 2021 of last year, the profit was £78.7 million.
Technology & Innovation:
Can AI Invent? USPTO Provides Guidance on AI-Impacted Inventorship
Jeffrey Weinick and Drew Berweger of CSG Law’s patent group write “Where is the line between AI rising to the role of inventor and mere AI assistance for human inventors?”.
Education in the Age of Gen AI: Negotiating Skills Are Alive and Well
In contrast to the profession’s concerns about incoming attorneys being ill-prepared due to the emergence of generative AI, the first-ever ABA Business Law Section M&A Committee National Invitational demonstrated effective negotiation techniques.
Tech-Enabled Transactional Practice of the Year, Law Firm: Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe
Wendy Butler Curtis, Chief Innovation Officer at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe said that “The essence of innovation lies with our lawyers and their deep understanding of our clients’ objectives and challenges, coupled with an enthusiasm to think beyond convention,”.
Best Use of Emerging Technology (Non-AI), Law Firm: Reanna Martinez, Munger, Tolles & Olson
Reanna Martinez, Manager: Innovation, Systems, and Data at Munger, Tolles & Olson, said, “You have the opportunity to be a trailblazer, driving change in an industry known for its conventions.” This is true for the legal tech sector.
How to Develop Legal Tech Products That Lawyers Love
Technology solutions should not create new problems, but rather solve current ones. They should supplement and enhance the delivery of legal services.
AI Hype Needs To Come To An End
Many are now saying that AI needs to have it “come to Jesus” moment. It’s time to stop the hype, stop talking up AI as if it’s the next best thing since sliced bread and prove that it’s a useful tool and technology that can actually be used in the actual practice of law.
Winston & Strawn Launches Tech-Powered, Right-Staffing Venture for Low-Complexity Work
By offering an alternative to the market for outsourced legal providers that incorporates lawyers with firm training, well-established procedures, cutting-edge technology, and generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, Winston Legal Solutions seeks to allay client worries about cost.
How Artificial Intelligence Can Be Properly Used by In-House Counsel
Given all of AI’s potential advantages—and the likelihood that there may be more in the future that we are unaware of—it is crucial to comprehend the risks associated with employing these technologies, according to a guest columnist for the Law Journal.
Linklaters Turns to Accenture for Tech Advice
Following in the footsteps of A&O and Shearman, Linklaters hired McKinsey and KPMG to provide merger advisory services last month.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Q&As With Florida Individuals Recognized for Their Diversity Initiatives
This year, the Daily Business Review named five people as nominees for the Diversity & Inclusion award in 2024.
GSU’s Reed to Become University of Baltimore Law’s First Woman Dean
Incumbent dean LaVonda Reed said in a statement, “I am excited to join the University of Baltimore as the dean of the School of Law as the university celebrates its centennial anniversary. “The school’s commitment to excellence in teaching, impactful research and service to the legal academy and the profession is as inspiring as the people who make up this wonderful academic community.”
4 Out of Sidley’s 5 Global IP Litigation Leaders Are Women. Here’s How That’s Shaped the Practice
Aimee Fagan and Ching-Lee Fukuda, who both joined Sidley’s IP litigation team as lateral hires, talk about how they plan to develop the practice and what attracted them to the company.
People in the News—April 1, 2024—Capehart Scatchard, Funge
Attorneys from the Capehart Scatchard workers’ compensation department Aminata C. Kamara, Jaclyn M. Terranova, and Megan A. Wilson recently attended a judicial reception honoring four judges from the tri-state area who are Rutgers Law School alumni in honor of Women’s History Month.
Gwabbit Founder Todd Miller Acquires Majority Stake in CRM Provider TRĒ AI
The purchases are happening at a time when the CRM industry is rapidly growing and changing.
Assessing the Legality of DEI Programs
This article examines decisions made in cases both prior to and beyond the SFFA ruling to show how courts and employers have taken racial considerations into account when determining whether or not diversity programs are lawful. It then suggests inquiries that companies should consider to guarantee legal compliance and further diversity goals.
Market Commentary:
The Law Firms and Lawyers That Benefit Most From Private Equity Designation
The law firms and attorneys that regularly receive specified mandates on private equity transactions in the UK have been identified through an extensive examination that included interviews with a broad spectrum of industry executives.
Nonequity Partner Growth Kicks Into High Gear
In 2023, the income partner ranks of several Am Law 100 companies increased by double digit percentages. Many factors, according to analysts, are driving businesses to quickly grow this partner layer.
Freshfields the Latest to Move to 4 Days in US Offices
Starting on May 1st, U.S. partners, associates, legal assistants, and other fee earners at Freshfields will be required to work four days a week in the office.
The Law Firms and Lawyers That Benefit Most From Private Equity Designation
The law firms and attorneys that regularly receive specified mandates on private equity transactions in the UK have been identified through an extensive examination that included interviews with a broad spectrum of industry executives.
Linklaters Partner Promotions Fall Steeply on Last Year
Most of the lawyers in the campaign are based in the UK offering of the business, and they cover 14 countries in Asia, Europe, and the United States.
‘Puppy Yoga is Not a Wellbeing Strategy’: Are Law Firms Doing Enough on Mental Health?
In the month since the Vanessa Ford tragedy, the legal sector has seen a significant increase in the fight for mental health; nevertheless, very few businesses seem to be thinking about making improvements to their wellbeing programs.
General Counsel Commit to 50% Pro Bono Target to Increase In-House Involvement
The pledge has been signed by GCs from FTSE 100 firms, including as GSK, Coca-Cola, ITV, Taylor Wimpey, and Goldman Sachs.
Dentons launches shadow leadership team to nurture next generation of leaders
A shadow executive team made up of prospective future leaders has been created by Dentons’ UK, Ireland, and Middle East business to provide suggestions to the firm’s leadership on strategic and operational initiatives.
The Challenge of China: What Will Kirkland, Latham and the Rest of Big Law Do Now?
It seems that running a legal practice in Greater China is becoming more and more challenging.
Big law companies continue to spend a lot of money on high-priced management consultants like Accenture and McKinsey, but The Global Lawyer wonders what these firms aim to accomplish.
Wilmer Joins Kirkland, Sidley in Racking Up 8-Figure Fees From a Single Client
Regulations requiring SEC disclosure made Meta reveal the amount it paid Wilmer. The same guidelines caused TDS to declare how much it paid Sidley and Blackstone to report how much it paid Kirkland.
Second-Half Demand Increases Buoyed Fox Rothschild in 2023
The company’s nonequity partnership grew while its equity partnership shrank, similar to many of its peers.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Simpson Thacher Swoops For Weil Gotshal Partner Duo in the UK
According to Simpson Thacher, Paul Hibbert and Emma Serginson will concentrate on finance and credit issues in the infrastructure industry, among other things.
Former Milbank Partner is Latest Paul Weiss UK Addition
Miko Bradford is now a senior legal counsel and chief operational officer for the sponsor finance team at the prestigious U.S.-led firm.
Nick Swimer to Join Lee & Thompson
Nick, a Partner in the Entertainment & Media Industry Group at Reed Smith, will join the company on April 15th.
Kirkland & Ellis Announces New Partners
They are proud to announce the launch of their construction practice with new partner James Clark in the Middle East.
McDermott signs up veteran dealmaker who led Kirkland’s London expansion in 2000s
Former Kirkland and Fried Frank employee Graham White will provide the US firm’s transactional service more strength with his presence.
William Fry hires Derina Bannon as funds consultant
Derina Bannon has been hired by William Fry as a consultant in the asset management and investment funds division of the company.
EMEA
Shearman Europe Head to Exit Firm Ahead of Merger
Ward McKimm spent over two years as Shearman’s co-global head of leveraged finance before taking on the role of president of the company’s EMEA division in 2020.
Ashurst Expands Again in Munich With IP Partner from Bird & Bird
Roman Brtka, an intellectual property partner at Bird & Bird, is joining Ashurst in its Munich office as part of an effort to grow the company’s dispute resolution and digital economy practices in Germany.
Partner Eileen Duncan of the international law firm Trowers & Hamlins has relocated to the United Arab Emirates to assume the role of Head of Real Estate, Middle East, therefore bolstering the firm’s real estate business in the region.
APAC
Linklaters announces new Managing Partner for China
Andrew Chung has joined Linklaters as its new Managing Partner for China. Andrew will participate in important management choices that influence the company’s strategy in this capacity.
Yulchon adds co-head to international dispute resolution team
David MacArthur was hired by Yulchon as a partner and co-head of international dispute resolution, broadening the scope of its offering in international arbitration.
New Partner Boosts White & Case’s Beijing Presence and M&A Practice
White & Case’s M&A Practice and Beijing Presence Are Enhanced by New Partner Alan Bao.
Ashurst Expands Australian Disputes Practice with Partner Hire
The hire signifies the return to Ashurst for Angela Pearsall, who was a partner with the firm for 12 years until 2016 when she joined Clifford Chance.
The Americas
Paul Hastings Lands Goodwin PE Partner as New Vice Chair of Private Equity
Following in the footsteps of a group of private equity attorneys led by Scott Joachim in Palo Alto last year, Josh Ratner moved from Goodwin to Paul Hastings.
K&L Gates Beefs Up West Coast Corporate Practice With Hires From Reed Smith, Hanson Bridgett
Since the start of 2023, Mattias Luukkonen and Michael Gorback have joined K&L Gates as the newest partners located in California.
Paul Hastings Hires White & Case Partner as Co-Chair of International Arbitration Practice
Jonathan Hamilton oversaw White & Case’s arbitration practice in Latin America before.
People in the News—March 20, 2024—Wisler Pearlstine, Reichman Jorgensen
Carla Marino, a Chester County lawyer, joined Wisler Pearlstine’s family law practice as a partner in its Malvern office recently.
Newsmakers: Former Federal Prosecutors Michael Elliott, Mindy Sauter Join McGuireWoods in Dallas
Former federal prosecutors with a focus on healthcare issues, Michael Elliott and Mindy Sauter, have joined McGuireWoods as partners in Dallas. They support McGuireWoods’ government investigations and white-collar litigation group in Texas, together with Chris Quinlan counsel.
People in the News—March 22, 2024—Flaster Greenberg, Gawthrop Greenwood
Owner/Shareholder Eric Palombo is a new member of Flaster Greenberg’s litigation and transportation law practices. He works in both areas of the business.
DLA Piper Hires Former Hong Kong Office Head of Canada’s McMillan
New partners have also been added by Canadian law firms Borden Ladner, Osler Hoskin, and Dentons Canada.
Midsize Moves: Nossaman Adds 2 Partners in Texas, Crowe & Dunlevy Hires Director in Oklahoma
Sejin C. Brooks and Melissa Ferringer have become partners in Nossaman’s eminent domain and valuation practice in the Austin, Texas, office; Chris Vaught, an employment lawyer, has joined Crowe & Dunlevy as a director at the Tulsa, Oklahoma, office of the firm.
‘Bridgegate’ Prosecutor Joins Arnold & Porter in Newark
Paul Fishman, New Jersey’s former top federal prosecutor, has joined Arnold & Porter, his position will involve leading the firm’s crisis management and strategic response team.
In-House
DXC Taps NetApp’s Strategy Chief to Lead Legal
Matt Fawcett, a veteran of the software sector who held the position of legal officer at JDS Uniphase and NetApp, has joined the IT behemoth.
9,000-Screen Cineworld Hires Sally Beauty’s GC as Part of Fresh Start
Global cinema chain operator Cineworld has appointed John Henrich as general counsel as part of a broader refresh of its executive team following its emergence from Chapter 11 proceedings last year.
AI-Based Cybersecurity Startup Plotting IPO Hires Zoom’s Jeff True as Legal Chief
Before joining Zoom in 2020, Jeff True held the position of general counsel at cybersecurity company Palo Alto Networks. Now, he is returning to the field as the head of legal at one of the industry’s hottest startups.
US-listed gaming business Inspired Entertainment announces GC succession plans
Carys Damon will be replaced by Sportingtech CLO Simona Camilleri at the start of July
Team Moves
Troutman Pepper Construction Team Jumps to Cozen O’Connor in LA
Marion Hack is reunited with several former Pepper Hamilton colleagues in Cozen, where she is leading a group of six attorneys.
Dentons Canada Loses Five-Lawyer Banking and Finance Team to McMillan
The firm’s expanding Calgary office will be home to partners Gary Rose, Glen Peterson, Ben Nuttall, and David Fendley, while associate Adam Palmer will operate out of Vancouver. Rose stated that a minimum of one additional attorney, along with a few clerks and paralegals, will be relocating to McMillan shortly.
DAC Beachcroft Absorbs Litigation Team in Mexico
Members of the firm said that the additions will help the firm build out its capabilities in Mexico and position it to take advantage of untapped opportunities.
Katten adds financial services partner trio in London from Curtis
Daniel Lewin, a transactional tax planning attorney, is joined by funds duo Thomas Laurer and Ryan Hansen.
On the Move: Morris Manning, After Bankruptcy Team Exit, Adds Partner in Atlanta
Brian Levy, an attorney, joined Morris Manning from Burr & Forman, while Frank DeBorde, Lisa Wolgast, and two other partners joined Barnes & Thornburg’s finance, insolvency, and restructuring division in Atlanta from Morris Manning.
Promotions & Appointments:
Kilpatrick Elects IP Lawyer Wab Kadaba to Chair Firm
Kilpatrick’s first new chair in more than ten years will be Wab Kadaba. Henry Walker will be succeeded by him.
Newsmakers: Michael Best Names George P. Bush as Office Managing Partner in Austin
The firm’s Austin office now has George P. Bush as its managing partner. Richard J. Ressler is replaced by Bush, who will be in charge of strategy planning and office operations.
Nancy Valentino, Joe Serrantino, Mark Parise, Robert Chomiak, Jr., Christine Blethen, and Mark Parise are among the recent hires and advancements at several state-wide businesses.
CLO of North America’s 5th-Largest Bank Promoted Ahead of Big Merger
Maria Douvas joined the Toronto-based Royal Bank of Canada eight years ago and has since risen quickly through the ranks of the organization’s leadership.
Slaughter and May Promotes Five To Partner
The company will have 106 partners worldwide as of May 1st, with 96 of those partners being situated in London.
Australia’s HWL Ebsworth Appoints Temporary Leader after Managing Partner Dies
After a lengthy illness, Juan Martinez, the longtime CEO of HWL Ebsworth, Australia’s largest independent legal firm by headcount, passed away. A temporary replacement has been named.
Squire Patton Boggs Elevates Abdulaziz Al-Alami to Partner
Among the newly promoted partners is Abdulaziz Al-Alami, who hails from the Corporate practice at the firm’s Riyadh office
Slaughter and May unveils latest partner promotions round
As part of a promotion round, Slaughter and May has selected five attorneys as partners, adhering to the “ambitious” set of diversity targets it first announced three years prior.
Herbert Smith Freehills names lawyer quartet to global ESG leadership
Partner Rebecca Perlman, who oversaw HSF’s ESG practice for the UK, US, and EMEA before joining Kirkland & Ellis’s London office earlier this month, is essentially succeeded by the new leaders.
Mergers & Alliances:
Legal Chiefs Snaring Hefty Golden Parachutes as Merger Activity Perks Up
Cindy Schipani, a professor of business law at the University of Michigan said “I think there is a point that they become so large that they encourage executives to take the deal, regardless of whether it is in the best interests of the shareholders,”.
Key Delaware Decision in ‘Activision’ Upends Standard Board Practices for Approving Mergers
In reaction to the recent ruling in Ap-Fonden v. Activision by the Delaware Court of Chancery, which creates a new avenue for contesting a board’s merger approval procedure, this paper outlines best practices. The decision’s impact on the merger agreement procedures is examined, along with future considerations for practitioners navigating this ruling.
Dentons Expands to New Zealand’s Christchurch with Health Firm Acquisition
Legal firm Claro specializes on the health sector.
Withers Enters into Alliance with Indonesian Boutique
Karna Partnership was established in 2020 and currently has 12 attorneys and five partners.
Office Openings & Closing:
Fox Rothschild Moves to New Wilmington Office
Fox Rothschild announced that its Wilmington office has moved to 1201 North Market Street, Suite 1200, this became effective from March the 11th.
US Firms With Expiring Leases Were Much More Likely to Relocate in 2023 Than Stay Put
In 2023, the number of leases from law firms reached a record high in square footage, with eight of the top ten largest leases in New York, per a recent Cushman & Wakefield research.
Many foreign businesses have been compelled to reduce their activities in Asia due to the market slump, particularly in Greater China. Latham & Watkins, Perkins Coie, Proskauer Rose, and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld have all closed their mainland China operations in the last 12 months.
Stephenson Harwood’s China Affiliate Firm Launches New Office
Joanna Jiang, a corporate partner who joined Wei Tu a year ago, will be in charge of the company’s Shanghai office.
Six Partners Depart from Three Different Firms To Launch New Firm in Mexico
The partners, Ibarra del Paso Gallego, Creel Abogados, and Norton Rose Fulbright, stated that their goal is to run a lean and equitable “one-stop-shop” for corporate affairs in the nation.
Akin Settles On Bishopsgate For Next London Home
According to a statement, the Dallas-based company has selected 155 Bishopsgate as its new London address. The company’s current headquarters are in Spitalfields’ Bishops Square.
India’s Cyril Amarchand Launches Abu Dhabi Office, Marks Second Overseas Foray
In view of the growing investment in India by UAE-based organizations, the firm states that it is concentrated on ‘expanding co-operation between India and the UAE’.
Kinstellar Breaks into Southeast Asia with Vietnamese JV
Their Asia Counsel was established in 2015 and now has one office in Ho Chi Minh City with 21 lawyers.
Financials:
In Year of ‘Difficult Decisions,’ Perkins Coie Grows Revenue 4% and PEP 7.6%
Chair Bill Malley stated that Perkins Coie saw both associate deferrals and layoffs in 2023. “We bent the curve on cost and delivered some excellent results for our partners,”.
Mayer Brown Sees Revenue and PEP Climb Amid Higher Demand, Drop in Equity Tier
The company’s 8.2% decrease in equity partners contributed to a 4.4% increase in PEP, or $2.44 million. The revenue per attorney increased by 1% to around $1.01 million.
Gibson Dunn Breaks $3B Revenue Mark With Litigation, Transactions Firing on All Cylinders
The firm experienced its 28th consecutive year of revenue growth, with a 12.3% increase in gross revenue and a 13.4% increase in earnings per equity partner.
Revenue, Profits Soar at Susman Godfrey as Fees Pour in From Trial Wins, Settlements
Trial firm Susman Godfrey, established in Houston, had an almost twofold increase in revenue in 2023 and a more than twofold increase in earnings per equity partner as its attorneys handled high-profile, high-stakes cases.
Wilmer’s Revenue and Profits Soar Amid Boom in Countercyclical Practices
Wilmer’s income and profit increased by 10% or more in 2023 despite the firm being in the public eye due to the congressional testimony of its clients, thanks to improvements in litigation and investigative techniques.
Despite Cuts, Fenwick Sees Revenue Growth and Remains Bullish on Tech Business Bounceback
Firm chair Richard Dickson said this about about the firm’s scope of work “Some uncertainty remains. But it will come back, and come back stronger,”. “We just don’t know exactly when.”
Revenue Up 6.2% at Orrick, But Profits Grew by Much More
Internationally, the London branch of the company has demonstrated strong performance, according to Mitch Zuklie, Chair of Orrick. In addition, he stated that the company began to get a sizable volume of cross-border work from China, where it had offices in Shanghai and Beijing.
Alston Sees Litigation ‘Spike,’ Contributing to 8% Revenue and Net Income Growth
The firm achieved another financial milestone in 2023, when its PEP passed the $3 million mark for the first time, increasing 9.3% to $3.252 million.
Barnes & Thornburg, Driven by Hiring, Grows Revenue Double Digits
According to Barnes managing partner Andy Detherage, “people were the engine of the Am Law 100 firm’s gains last year, with 34 lateral partners and around 90 lawyers joining the firm overall.”
At Goodwin, Growth Investments Scuttle Profits While Revenue Ticked Up
Goodwin stated that it has no intention of reducing staff in 2024, even if its headcount was larger in 2023.
At Morrison & Foerster, Reduced Overhead and Steady Demand Led to 19% Profitability Gain
Good results in middle-market mergers and acquisitions, bankruptcy, and litigation resulted to a 6.2% rise in gross revenue for the company.
Womble Bond Dickinson’s Revenue Rises Amid Flat Profits Per Partner
CEO Betty Temple said “We’re not going to limit the people who should be partners when they’ve achieved the firm’s milestones,”.
Fried Frank Crosses $1B in Revenue as PEP Soars 21% and Equity Tier Declines
Firm chair Kenneth Rosh said that “There was no plan for mass de-equitization”. “We do manage it [the partnership], and there were some laterals who left and some retirements.”
In Year of ‘Difficult Decisions,’ Perkins Coie Grows Revenue 4% and PEP 7.6%
Although the firm closed its office in Shanghai early this year, but chair Bill Malley said it plans to open an office in Shenzhen. He also said the firm is eyeing a possible launch in London, where it would emphasize its strengths in IP, litigation and privacy.
Mayer Brown Sees Revenue and PEP Climb Amid Higher Demand, Drop in Equity Tier
Launched last year, the firm’s legal venture in Singapore was dubbed “a big deal” by chair Jon Van Gorp, who also mentioned the firm’s excellent performance from its offices in London, Paris, and Brazil.
Gibson Dunn Breaks $3B Revenue Mark With Litigation, Transactions Firing on All Cylinders
The firm experienced its 28th consecutive year of revenue growth, with a 12.3% increase in gross revenue and a 13.4% increase in earnings per equity partner. The company went worldwide in 2023, with offices in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi in the Middle East. A nine-lawyer energy and infrastructure team was also established, based in Paris.
At Goodwin, Growth Investments Scuttle Profits While Revenue Ticked Up
The company will be relocating to a bigger space in the city after seeing a 25.9% rise in revenue in London in 2023. According to the company, Goodin has also extended its operations into Europe and Asia.
At Morrison & Foerster, Reduced Overhead and Steady Demand Led to 19% Profitability Gain
The company provided advice to Toshiba’s board during its $15 billion take-private transaction, the biggest of its kind in Japanese history, on foreign markets. According to the company, its offices in Berlin and London also enjoyed impressive performance.
Led by Record Results in Germany, Noerr Posts 5.7% Higher Revenue for 2023
The leadership of the German company anticipated sustained development as a result of the domestic market’s economic restructuring.
Lowenstein Sandler Sees Double-Digit Drops After Contingency-Aided 2022
Chairman and managing partner Gary Wingens claims that if contingency fees are subtracted from the total, core revenue grew over the prior year. Additionally, the company is about to hire Michael Caplan, a former employee of Goodwin Procter, as its new chief operating officer.
Technology & Innovation:
AI in Law: Navigating the Tightrope Between Innovation and Ethics
Lawyers can efficiently leverage AI’s capabilities while properly managing associated liabilities by continuously exercising independent judgment, following to recognized best practices, and being alert to potential hazards.
AI Risks Are Evolving—And Organizations May Not Be Keeping Up
Defining artificial intelligence (AI) or assuming onerous vendor control requirements may not be the best ways to reduce AI risks, attorneys from Debevoise & Plimpton stated during a webinar on Monday.
Another Look at How AI Is Shaping Litigation Finance
The CEO and co-founder of Legalist, a litigation funding company, Eva Shang, explains how generative AI influences the company’s outreach to attorneys.
With AI Training, Data ‘Anonymization’ Runs Risk of Becoming a Fig Leaf
A popular word among tech companies looking to train their generative AI systems on user data is “data anonymization.” However, experts in data privacy advise being cautious because this description could be vague or unreliable.
Ethical Use, IP Implications: Am Law 200 Firm Tackles Legal’s Gen AI Questions
During a webinar on Tuesday, the legal company Hanson Bridgett examined some of the unanswered issues facing the legal sector.
Why This Australian Gaming Company GC Loves Legal Tech
Legal IT, according to Ivana Kovacevic, saves businesses money and time while allowing in-house attorneys to focus on higher-value tasks.
Tech Titans Unleash Hiring Spree for AI-Focused Lawyers
“The problem about AI is that the field is always changing. AI experts don’t exist, and even those who think they do aren’t quite there yet, according to Anna Gorodetsky, a managing director on Major, Lindsey & Africa’s internal hiring team.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Women of Legal Tech: ‘Every Failure Is an Opportunity,’ Says Kirkland’s Valerie Pennacchio
Practice Innovation Advisor at Kirkland & Ellis Valerie Pennacchio talks about how mentorship can help fight sexism in the workplace, how peer law firms are surprisingly honest about legal technology, and how she realized that her current position is the table she wants to be at.
Senate Confirms Labor Lawyer, First Openly LGBTQ Judge to 4th Circuit
Judge Diana Gribbon Motz, who assumed senior status in September, will be succeeded by Nicole Berner.
People in the News—March 21, 2024—Capehart Scatchard, Anderson Kill
Lawyers from Capehart Scatchard’s diversity and inclusion (D&I) committee recently participated as guest readers in the Read Across America Week 2024 event.
Q&As With Florida Firms Recognized for Their Diversity Initiatives
This year, four law firms were named finalists for the 2024 Diversity & Inclusion award by the Daily Business Review.
Using AI to Improve DEI Outcomes in the Workplace
It is a challenge for employers to integrate AI capabilities carefully and cautiously in the workplace, especially when it comes to DEI goals and activities.
Market Commentary:
In Another Round of Layoffs, BCLP Cuts 50 Roles Across US And UK Offices
A spokesperson confirmed. “We are conducting a small and targeted restructuring in selected areas of the firm to manage costs and shape our size and capabilities to practice demand”.
Bonuses With Strings Attached Play Role in Partner Retention
Forgivable loans have been used by firms such as Kirkland & Ellis and DLA Piper to turn down offers from competitors, while Shearman & Sterling has employed them as a means of encouraging partners to remain with the company during the merger with Allen & Overy.
Raising Concerns on Long-Term Strategies, Midsize Law Firms Remain Stagnant on RTO
The process of getting lawyers back into the office is being made more difficult by a number of factors, including cultural incentives and concerns, a lack of consistency in standards, and the requirement for leadership to set an example for younger attorneys.
The Asia Market Continues to Baffle Law Firm Leaders. In Singapore, Cracks Have Emerged
Jessica Seah writes in the Asia Legal Briefing that Asia is no longer cheap, and the region’s markets are mature enough that firms scoping out opportunities must first do their homework and do it carefully. If they don’t, they may not last.
Regulatory, Governance and Compliance Technology Winner, Law Firm: Hogan Lovells
Jeremy Burdge, Head of Legal Engineering—Americas at Hogan Lovells said that “Encouraging innovation in the legal sector necessitates a blend of cultural change, technology investment, and strategic partnerships,”.
How to Grow Fast Like Kirkland
It is not always easy to comprehend how Kirkland & Ellis became so large. With revenues over $7 billion, the largest law firm globally has confounded law firm strategists by maintaining a relatively restricted practice and office mix, despite being twice as large as most of its competitors.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Paul Weiss Continues London Drive With Clifford Chance Partner Hire
Those with knowledge of the situation say that Oliver Marcuse, who spent more than ten years working in Clifford Chance’s corporate practice, has joined Paul Weiss.
Pillsbury Hires Investigations Head to Continue London Office Boost
Audrey Koh left boutique legal firm Avonhurst after almost three years to join Pillsbury’s global disputes practice. Before that, she spent just over two years as a partner at the UK-founded Womble Bond Dickinson and worked for six months as counsel at Sidley Austin.
A&O Partner Exits For Kirkland After 13 Months
Just 13 months after joining A&O from Shearman & Sterling in January 2023, Marwa Elborai is departing the company.
Clarke Jeffers appoints family lawyer Breda Storey as partner
Breda Storey, a family lawyer, has joined the Dublin law firm Clarke Jeffers Solicitors as a partner.
EMEA
With International Aspirations, Italy’s BonelliErede Looks to Grow in London and the US
The two executives of the law firm discussed the firm’s innovative approach with law.com International. It is centred on international expansion and involves lateral recruitment in London, the potential to open an office in the United States, and a greater emphasis on referral partnerships.
CVC announces new Chief Legal and Compliance Officer
Brechje will help the Board and all seven of their platforms in addition to taking charge of all legal and compliance affairs for CVC worldwide.
APAC
Withers Appoints New Co-Managing Partners in Singapore
Partners Daniel Yong and Shashi Nathan will take on their new roles beginning March 31.
Former EY Hong Kong Affiliate Partners Find New Homes Following Office Closure
Fai Li is a Hong Kong partner in a Chinese law firm, while Rossana Chu is currently a partner at a Hong Kong practice.
Australia’s Clayton Utz Takes Baker McKenzie Insolvency Head
The most recent insolvency partner to change companies in the nation is Maria O’Brien.
Australia’s Hall & Wilcox Hires Corporate Partner from EY
Steve Johns is an M&A specialist.
Taylor Wessing Welcomes IP lawyer in Dubai
Tanisha Agarwal works alongisde the wider team on a range of IP, media, trademark and copyright protection matters in the region.
The Americas
Weil Hires SEC Veteran, Amid String of DC Partner Moves in Big Law
After working for the agency for over ten years, Christopher Mulligan has been replaced by new litigators at Sidley Austin and Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck.
People in the News—March 11, 2024—Eastburn and Gray, Goldberg Segalla
Attorneys Richard H. Maurer and Jennifer Walters Brown joined Eastburn and Gray on February 1st.
Weil’s Energy Sector Expansion Continues With Lateral Partner From Bracewell
In the last year, the business has added five new energy partners, including Steven Lorch.
A&O Partner Exits For Kirkland After 13 Months
The resignation of Marwa Elborai coincides with the impending merger of A&O with her previous company.
Goodwin, Orrick, Steptoe, Willkie Add DC Partners Amid Uptick in Lateral Moves
Lori Gordon, co-chair of Perkins Coie’s post-grant practice, was hired by Goodwin. Several Am Law 200 partners, including her, joined new firms in Washington, D.C.
Former Cosby Prosecutor Leaves Saltz Mongeluzzi for Anapol Weiss
The practice group for sexual abuse at Saltz Mongeluzzi was founded by Kristen Gibbons Feden, the prosecutor from Montgomery County who made the closing argument in Cosby’s second criminal trial.
People in the News—March 13, 2024—Rawle & Henderson, Bardsley
Grant H. Hackley joined Rawle & Henderson recently as of counsel in the Pittsburgh office of the company.
With Mass Torts ‘Getting Even Bigger,’ Shook One of the Latest to Add in LA
As Shook continues to expand its Los Angeles office, Alycia Degen, a co-leader of Sidley’s product liability and mass torts group, has relocated there.
Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr announced the addition of Chad Ray, a patent litigation trial attorney with over 14 years of experience, as a shareholder in the Dallas office. Additionally, the Indianapolis, Indiana, office of Hall, Render, Killian, Heath & Lyman announced the hiring of Rubin Pusha III.
Former Genova Burns Leaders Join Jackson Lewis in Growing Berkeley Heights Office
Jason C. Gavejian, the managing principal of the firm’s Berkeley Heights office, said. “With Dina’s focus in human resources counselling, John’s high-stakes trial experience and Doug serving as a key resource for labour and workplace safety matters in the state, we are thrilled to welcome such talented attorneys and bolster our ability to meet rising demand in New Jersey and beyond”
Akin Lures Paul Hastings’ Alternative Lender and Private Credit Group Head
Bill Brady stated that Akin provides an opportunity to gain experience his practice, and he was attracted to the firm’s strategy of operating as a “global one-stop shop” for private credit lenders.
In-House
MoneyGram Hires New GC Following $1.8B Buyout
The company is now privately held, and Cory Feinberg, who joined MoneyGram in 2015 after working for Bank of America, is in charge of legal matters.
Estée Lauder GC Exits as Battered Cosmetics Giant Preps for Makeover
Executive Chair William Lauder stated that the departing General Counsel Deirdre Stanley is “a highly sought-after mentor, collaborative colleague, and respected adviser, and has elevated our work around the world.”
Marimaca Copper Hires Corporate Counsel as Chile Mine Nears Output
With 20 years of expertise advising Chilean and foreign companies on mergers and acquisitions, securities law, corporate governance, commercial law, and corporate law, Solange González comes to Santiago from Falabella, a sizable retailer in Chile.
US components-maker ATI hires GC from energy business HF Sinclair
Vaishali Bhatia has been appointed by US materials giant ATI as general counsel. Elliot Davis, who is retiring later this year, is the company’s chief legal and compliance officer.
Bank for International Settlements names deputy as next GC
Dessislava Guetcheva-Cheytanova, a deputy general counsel, has been selected by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), sometimes known as the central bank for central banks, to take over as general counsel. Current GC Diego Devos is scheduled to retire.
Team Moves
According to a business statement, Manning Gross + Massenburg welcomed Nancy McDonald, David Primack, Gabriel Ferstendig, and Jodie Ryan as partners; Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld announced the appointment of lawyer Andrew A. Chirls as senior counsel to its litigation group.
On the Move: Nelson Mullins Adds New Corporate, Energy Partners in Southeast
In February, corporate lawyer John Monahan joined Nelson Mullins from Am Law 200 firm Thompson Hine, while mergers and acquisitions specialist Todd Wade joined from Am Law 100 firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) in Atlanta.
McDermott Grabs 7-Attorney White-Collar Group From Orrick, Plus SDNY Cybercrime Prosecutor
Guy Singer from New York, Anne Murray from Washington, D.C., Franklin Monsour Jr. from New York, Kelly Newsome from New York, and Caitlin Sheard from Washington, D.C. make up the Orrick group’s partners. Former SDNY prosecutor Sagar Ravi will also be in D.C.
Morgan Lewis Adds on Three Investment Management Partners From Perkins Coie
Todd Zerega, who is joining the company in Pittsburgh, was formerly the co-chair of Perkins’ investment management division.
Lewis Brisbois Loses Minneapolis Product Liability Group in Move to Husch Blackwell
About half of Lewis Brisbois’s Minneapolis-based partnership will be leaving soon.
McDermott adds seven-lawyer litigation team from Orrick as it eyes white-collar growth
Alongside former SDNY prosecutor Sagar Ravi, the group joins in New York and Washington, DC, as McDermott anticipates an increase in FCPA activity.
Skadden adds funds trio in London from Debevoise
The team is led by Delphine Jaugey, who will serve as Skadden’s head of secondaries, Europe. She joins as a counsel alongside associates Laurence Hanesworth and Aaron McPherson.
Promotions & Appointments:
People in the News—March 12, 2024—Pietragallo Gordon, Stradley Ronon
Gaetan J. Alfano, a partner of Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, has been appointed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to the Pennsylvania Disciplinary Board.
A&O Shearman’s New Leaders Show Combined Firm is ‘Neither UK Nor US Centric’
Past and present partners give their views on the surprising election results that mean neither of the combined firm’s two leaders will be based in either of its two biggest regions.
O’Melveny Re-Elects Chair, Prepares for ‘Tremendous’ 2024 After Revenue Dip
O’Melveny’s financial year can hardly be represented by the stats, according to chair Bradley Butwin in an interview. O’Melveny declared on Thursday that Butwin had been re-elected to a fourth term as firm chair, which will take effect in February 2025.
Withers Appoints New Co-Managing Partners in Singapore
Partners Starting on March 31, Shashi Nathan and Daniel Yong, will assume their new positions.
Mergers & Alliances:
Kirkland, Latham Advise $35B Natural Gas Sector Merger
In the upcoming acquisition of Equitrans Midstream Corp., which is expected to establish a vertically integrated natural gas corporation valued at over $35 billion, Kirkland & Ellis is representing EQT Corp.
Maynard Nexsen, Growing White Collar Defense Practice, Acquires Boutique Law Firm
Erica Barnes of Maynard Nexsen said that “We really wanted people who had experience on the defense side and could kind of jump in on day one for our clients.”
Withers Enters into Alliance with Indonesian Boutique
Karna Partnership was established in 2020 and currently has 12 attorneys and five partners.
Dentons Expands to New Zealand’s Christchurch with Health Firm Acquisition
Claro is a specialist health sector law firm.
8 Firms Line Up on €8 Billion European Telecoms Merger
The most recent in a string of recent M&A megadeals in European telecoms is Swisscom’s acquisition of Vodafone Italia.
UK Firm Fenwick Elliott Forms Alliance With Chile’s Molina Ríos
The partnership will focus on the increasing demand for advice on construction and infrastructure projects in Latin America.
Office Openings & Closing:
International arbitration boutique hits the ground running following Paris launch
With a number of current and upcoming assignments, the Paris-based team continues to concentrate on the mining, infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, and pharmaceutical sectors.
Freshfields Goes to One-Size Attorney Offices, as NY Space Mixes ‘Egalitarian’ and ‘Vibrancy’
Junior associates and senior partners in New York have the same square footage for their solo workplaces.
How Much Is Paul Weiss Shelling Out for Its New London Office?
The company was able to get a larger space per lawyer than many of its competitors by securing its London offices in Soho at a substantial discount to market value.
Stewarts Nearly Doubles London Footprint
The specialty litigation business decided to take on an extra 21,000 square feet in the building and has extended its lease for 5 New Street Square. According to the corporation, this brings its total space up to 70,000 square feet spread across three stories.
How Much is Paul Weiss Shelling Out for its Soho Premises?
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison secured its London offices in Soho at a price that is significantly undermarket value, enabling it to take more space per lawyer than many of its rivals.
Kinstellar marks Southeast Asia launch with 21-lawyer ‘sister’ firm
Renowned independent law company Kinstellar in Europe has entered the Southeast Asian legal industry through a joint venture with Asia Counsel, a Vietnamese practice with 21 lawyers.
Financials:
An Early Look: The 2024 Am Law 200 Financials
This feed receives constant updating. So, bookmark it, check back regularly, and stay tuned for the Am Law 100 and Second Hundred reports coming soon.
As New Client Business Expands, ArentFox Schiff Sees Revenue and Profit Spike
Firm managing partner Brian Waldman said, “Ten percent of our revenue came from brand-new clients, [which] we attribute in large part to the merger,”.
White & Case, Reversing Revenue and Profit Slides, Rides Out Practice Growth in 2023
In a year that saw the company undergo its first leadership transition in over 20 years, the firm had a number of exceptional practices.
Baker Donelson, Fueled by Demand and Rate Increases, Sees Revenue and Profits Climb
Profits increased when the Tennessee-based company paid off debt from its recent growth.
Paul Weiss, Seeing Record Year in Revenue and Profits, Plans Compensation, Partnership Changes
Brad Karp the firm chair argues that the growth, including crossing the $2 billion mark in revenue, comes as Paul Weiss has decided to move to a two-tier partnership and a black-box compensation system for partners.
Husch Sees 10% Revenue Growth as Nonequity Tier and Head Count Expands by Double Digits
The nonequity layer increased by 11.4% as the company made lateral investments. The average PEP decreased to $833,00, a 3.9% decrease.
White & Case Reverses Revenue and Profit Slides, Increasing 2023 Revenue and Profits
According to the company, 43% of its income came from business in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, 8% came from Asia-Pacific, and 49% came from work in the Americas. Revenue from its UK headquarters came to $444 million, a 1.6% decrease from 2022.
Duane Morris Sees 16th Straight Year of Revenue Growth, but Profits Lagged
CEO and Chair Matt Taylor pinned the 3.6% dip on pressures on transactional work.
With Slower Start to 2023, Munger Tolles Sees Revenue Decline to $306M While PEP Rises
The firm had 74 equity partners, an almost 10% decrease in comparison, while its average PEP increased by approximately 5% to $2.2 million.
Revenues Triple at Largest Public Litigation Funder as Earnings Per Share Grow 19x
In the fiscal year 2023, Burford Capital’s revenues increased to $1.1 billion. In response to the news, the company’s shares on the New York Stock Exchange increased by 4.4%.
Willkie Continues Growth Run, Seeing 8.7% Rise in Revenue and 29% Expansion in Nonequity Tier
The firm’s partnership grew, with around a 3.5% increase in the equity tier and a 29% rise in the nonequity tier, up to 121 partners, amid a wave of laterals and promotions.
Holland & Knight Reports Double Digit Revenue Growth Amid Merger, Leadership Transition
The company’s revenue exceeded $1.8 billion in 2023 because to the merger with Nashville-based Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis in early 2023. This represents an increase of over $800 million in revenue since 2019.
Arnall Golden Gregory Sees Revenue and PEP Inch Up
Managing partner Sean Fogarty said that “When every single thing goes up in costs year over year, if you’re not responding to that, you’re not keeping up with the rest of your ecosystem,”.
DLA Piper Posts 8th Consecutive Year of Revenue Growth Thanks to ‘Horizontal Scale’
Diversified practice areas and geographies continue to prove effective for the global law firm.
Kirkland Crosses $7B Mark, With Steady And Countercyclical Business Drivers
The firm continued to improve its profit margin, as average PEP rose nearly 6% to $7.955 million, according to American Lawyer reporting.
BCLP Sees Flat Year for Revenue, Profits
Global CEO Steve Baumer said that while the firm’s U.S. offices continued to be responsible for the lion’s share of revenue, offices in the U.K., Continental Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Australia also contributed to its total revenue of $840 million.
‘Outrunning the Bear,’ Cooley Posts Revenue High Amid Head Count Decline
Cooley chair Joe Conroy said, “We did more than our share of capital markets work in the crappiest market we have seen in a long time,”.
Willkie Continues Growth Run, Seeing 8.7% Rise in Revenue and 29% Expansion in Nonequity Tier
Co-chairs Matthew Feldman and Tom Cerabino reported that sales from the company’s London branch brought in $130 million, a 30% rise from the previous year. They also mentioned that Willkie Farr receives roughly 20% of its revenue from Europe and the U.K.
Technology & Innovation:
Artificial Intelligence Is Monopolizing the Attention of Regulators and Lawmakers
Fears about consumer protection and competition have emerged with the advent of AI technology. As a result, lawmakers and regulators are paying attention to the AI boom and are eager to make sure that businesses using AI are abiding by consumer protection and antitrust rules.
Decoding DOJ’s New ‘Justice AI’ Initiative
When the DOJ starts developing its own algorithm for AI-related enforcement, it is going to encounter many new and practical problems. Three areas of AI-related enforcement are briefly examined in this article, where new concerns and practical challenges may surface.
New Tech Initiative Seeks to ‘Modernize Legal’ by Fixing Broken Law Firm Feedback Loops
The Modernize Legal project introduces “a Rubik’s Cube of surveys” to simultaneously get the gist of all sides of law firm innovation from associates, law firm leaders, practice technologists and legal tech providers.
Judges Have Concerns About Artificial Intelligence: Here’s What They Said
Cobb Judicial Circuit Chief Judge A. Gregory Poole said “I am concerned that AI can be used to alter or even manufacture evidence,” and “I am not sure how we will deal with this or even, in some cases, recognize a problem.”
Law Firm Innovation: How BakerHostetler Launched FinClar, a Lawyer-Built FinTech Tool
Legaltech News caught up with Jonathan Forster, Northeast practice leader of BakerHostetler’s Private Wealth Group and the one behind FinClar, to explore how and why he created the firm’s new FinTech tool, and what he has planned for the future.
Thomson Reuters Launches Legal AI Assistant CoCounsel Core in the UK
Thomson Reuters’ legal AI assistant, which it acquired in 2023 through the acquisition of legal research business Casetext, is already being used by at least two U.K. firms.
The AI Act, the world’s first artificial intelligence law framework, may establish global standards for AI legislation.
Latin American Law Firms Slowly Warm to Artificial Intelligence
Lawyers in the region are looking to early adopters in the U.S. and Europe for direction as pilot programs begin to spread out.
Wachtell, Simpson, Gibson Dunn Emerge as Key OpenAI Players
OpenAI is retaining its legal threat guidance within the Big Law family, including dangers from all quadrants.
Diversity & Inclusion:
6 Lessons for Women on Building Successful Personal Injury Practices
Deborah S. Dunn, co-chair of Stark & Stark’s personal injury group wrote “Because there weren’t many senior female personal injury attorneys who I could turn to throughout my career, I wanted to share six lessons I have learned over my career,”.
Grigsby returned to the firm earlier this year as a senior member of its institutional culture and social responsibility practice and co-chair of government litigation. Grigsby worked on civil rights issues as Deputy White House Counsel in the Biden Administration.
Winners unveiled at the Women and Diversity in Law Awards
At the Women and Diversity in Law Awards, legal professionals, companies, not-for-profit organizations, and teams from all throughout the UK were honored for their accomplishments in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Maples Group welcomes new global DEI lead
Based in London, Ms. Buraimoh will provide guidance, direction, and leadership for the group’s worldwide DEI strategy’s implementation, collaborating with local DEI committees throughout the world, including those in Ireland.
Market Commentary:
This Land Is My Land? Recent Disputes Involving Renewable and Energy Transition Projects
According to Meghan Dawson McElvy of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings Renewable energy and energy transition “development has created and will continue to create various clashes between private landowners and developers”.
Being a Good Lawyer Includes Being a Good Businessperson
Most disciplinary cases involve neglecting to handle IOLTA accounts or not complying with requests for audit or overdraft paperwork.
Anticipating Transactional Rebound, Am Law 50 Steps Up Partner Hiring in Early 2024
“It shows optimism about what’s to come,” said Macrae partner Jon Truster. “I don’t believe that the hiring is reflective of deal activity. I think it’s law firms being more opportunistic that their corporate departments will become busier.”
A&O Shearman’s New Leaders Show Combined Firm is ‘Neither UK Nor US Centric’
Commenting on the unexpected election results that mean neither of the combined firm’s two executives will be headquartered in either of its two largest areas are current and former partners.
The Law Firm Disrupted: Who Would Want to Manage a Big Firm Anyway?
The constraints on leaders are brought into sharper focus in a week that saw the abrupt resignation of one Am Law 100 managing partner and the election of another to a new term that will last through 2029.
When this happens, it is better for the client, the task, and you personally most of all to say “No.”
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Kirkland Hires from HSF for London ESG Boost
After more than 12 years at HSF, where she oversaw the U.K., U.S., and EMEA ESG business, Rebecca Perlman has joined Kirkland. She oversaw the company’s worldwide impact and sustainable investing practice as well.
DLA Piper Hires Ex-UK Home Secretary David Blunkett
The appointment comes after David Lidington, a former Conservative MP and minister of state for justice, was added to DLA’s board in December as a non-executive director.
Mayer Brown grows Energy and Finance capabilities with appointment of Massimo Amoruso
Massimo Amoruso is a new partner in the company’s London-based Global Energy department, specializing in energy and infrastructure deals in well-known markets like LNG and energy-transition technologies like batteries, hydrogen, and CCUS. He brings more than 15 years of experience in the energy and infrastructure sectors to Clifford Chance.
Ashurst expands Disputes & Investigations offering with senior white collar hire in London
In an effort to expand its Disputes & Investigations portfolio, international legal firm Ashurst has appointed Judith Seddon, a specialist in white collar crime and investigations, as a partner in London.
Blake Morgan expands Banking and Finance offering
Oliver Storey-Harris has joined the esteemed and well-respected Banking & Finance division at law firm Blake Morgan as a new partner.
ReganWall hires Emma Cafferky as Dublin corporate partner
Emma Cafferky has been named as a corporate partner in the Dublin office of business law firm ReganWall.
EMEA
McDermott Takes Ashurst Duo in Germany, Milbank Hires From Kirkland
Corporate partners Benedikt von Schorlemer and Maximilian Uibeleisen are joining McDermott. While von Schorlemer concentrates on the energy and infrastructure sectors, Uibeleisen is especially interested in renewable energy efforts.
Gide Adds Three Partners to Paris M&A Team in Hire from French Rival
Prior to their partnership at Darrois, Marcus Billam and de Martigny collaborated at Clifford Chance and Allen & Overy. Counsel at Darrois, Alexandre Durand, had formerly worked at Allen & Overy. All three become partners with Gide.
BCLP strengthens Dubai Corporate Real Estate & Funds Team
In March, Chris Beaumont-McQuillan, a partner in BCLP’s Corporate Real Estate & Funds division, will move from London to the company’s Dubai office as part of the ongoing expansion of our transactional real estate practice, which is now the best in the Middle East.
Habib Al Mulla and Partners Welcomes New Partner
Rabih Tabbara has been named as the new Construction Arbitration Partner in the Arbitration and Litigation Department by Habib Al Mulla and Partners.
APAC
Kirkland Lays Off Capital Markets Lawyers in Greater China
During a meeting with associates, a partner within the firm ascribed the firm’s decision to market conditions and the size of the team, namely it being ‘too big’.
Pinsent Masons Takes Two Partners From KPMG for Australian TMT Practice
Six attorneys will be joining the two partners, James Arnott, who headed KPMG’s technology and digital transformation division, and Veronica Scott, who oversaw the firm’s cyber, privacy, and data practice.
Appleby Adds Two in Hong Kong from Offshore Rivals
Lily Miao and John McCarroll SC are joining the business from Mourant Ozannes’ Hong Kong office and Harneys’ British Virgin Islands office, respectively.
Australia’s Mills Oakley Poaches Squire Partner to Start Energy Group
Natalie Lonergan, a partner at Squire Patton Boggs, was lured by Australian law firm Mills Oakley to help the company expand its energy and resources division and secure further business in the industry.
Greenberg Traurig Appoints Singapore M&A Head with KWM Hire
Jake Robson, a partner at King & Wood Mallesons, has joined Greenberg Traurig as head of mergers and acquisitions in Singapore and co-managing shareholder.
Dechert Scales Down Hong Kong Corporate Offering, Partner and Associates to Leave
Stephen Chan, formerly a partner at the firm, will be departing as well as three corporate associates in Hong Kong as the firm scales down its corporate offering in Greater China, according to two sources with knowledge of the matter.
China’s Han Kun Eyes UK Presence Amid International Expansion
The firm set up in New York and Singapore less than 12 months ago.
The Americas
Freshfields, Recruiting From Latham, Hires New Leaders for Private Capital Practice
Neal Reenan and Ian Bushner, two New York-based private equity M&A attorneys from Latham & Watkins, have joined Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer to support in leading its private capital practice, this was announced by the company on Monday.
Ex-Stroock Partner Jumps to Dentons After Short Tenure at Hogan Lovells
Kim Pagotto was one of a multitude of partners who joined Hogan Lovells on Nov. 15 from Stroock. A couple of months later, Dentons announced her arrival.
Orrick Adds Wilson Sonsini Tech Partner in New York
As the firm grows its tech team on the East Coast, Josh Beser, a partner at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, joined Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe as a member of the technology companies’ group in New York.
Fried Frank Lands Paul Weiss Finance Partner
Monica Thurmond was previously the deputy chair of the corporate department at Paul Weiss.
Former Walgreens Legal Chief Lands Executive Post at UnitedHealth Group
Danielle Gray said, through a post on LinkedIn, “I’m thrilled for this next chapter, and I look forward to working with my new colleagues on the critically important mission of helping people live healthier lives”.
Winston, Vinson & Elkins, Chamberlain Hrdlicka Hire Partners in Hot Practices
founded in Houston Charles Rettig, a former Internal Revenue Service Commissioner, was brought on as a stakeholder by Chamberlain Hrdlicka, a firm with a notable tax controversy practice, in California. In Houston, former Vinson & Elkins energy and infrastructure partner Mark Brasher rejoined Winston & Strawn as a partner, and Jones Day commercial attorney J. Laurens Wilkes was appointed the firm’s chair of infrastructure and projects—global disputes.
Dechert Parts Ways with Two Partners in a Week
White collar giant Judith Seddon is joining Ashurst as the firm continues to grow its disputes and investigations offering.
Tony Pezzano, Matthew Asbell, David Johnson, and Chintan Desai, who have collaborated for a number of years from the Offit Kurman law offices, have joined Lippes Mathias as an integrated group of four attorneys. Meghan K. Finnerty has joined Flaster Greenberg as a shareholder in its litigation and insurance counseling and recovery departments.
People in the News—March 7, 2024—Nochumson, Lamb McErlane
Nochumson declared that Jared Klein has become an of counsel attorney at the firm.
Midsize businesses in the mid-Atlantic region are expanding, moving from regional to national reach. Meanwhile, a federal prosecutor drawn to the flexibility of mid-market enterprises joins trial boutique MoloLamken.
Cravath M&A Partner Moves to White & Case, Attracted to Firm’s Cross-Border Practice
Keith Hallam, a partner in mergers and acquisitions, has relocated to White & Case in New York, the company said on Monday, following nearly 20 years at Cravath, Swaine & Moore.
Freshfields continues US hiring drive with addition of two Latham private capital partners
Ian Bushner will lead US private capital, while Neal Reenan has joined as co-head of private capital globally. Alongside Charles Hayes and Arend von Riegen, who are based in Frankfurt and London, respectively, Reenan will co-lead the firm.
In-House
Zoom Taps Silicon Valley Veteran to Fill CLO Post That’s Had an Interim Leader for 4 Years
Newly appointed Chief Legal Officer Cheree McAlpine said “I want to make sure that we have an engaged legal team and that they are as excited about that engagement as I am,”.
Elanco Hires GC Just as Activist Investor Calls for CEO’s Ouster
A high-stakes assignment for Shiv O’Neill will be assisting the business in managing its relationship with Ancora Capital.
Geico Hires Chief Legal Officer With Deep Experience at Financial Bluebloods
The 37-year-old Seth Ingall’s retirement left a vacuum in the position of chief legal officer, which was filled by senior in-house lawyer Tangela Richter, hired by insurance giant Geico.
KFC and PE House Hg Name New Legal Chiefs
Ella Smith will take over as KFC’s chief legal officer. Samantha McGonigle, meanwhile, leaves Paul Hastings’ London private equity practice after just 11 months to join Hg. She had co-founded Farview Equity Partners in 2019, where she worked for five years before that.
US animal healthcare company Elanco promotes deputy to GC on permanent basis
After four months, Shiv O’Neill takes over as interim general counsel after Marcela Kirberger left for 3M.
Paul Hastings adds ‘firepower’ to IP bench with six-strong US team from Allen & Overy
The firm is welcoming IP litigators Shamita Etienne-Cummings, Lisa Nguyen, Eric Lancaster, James Gagen, and Grace Wang. The Washington, DC office will welcome a sixth litigator who has not yet been identified.
Team Moves
8-Lawyer Team From Nelson Mullins Moves to Baker Donelson for Charlotte Office Launch
CEO Tim Lupinacci says that The Carolinas is a “real growth market” for Baker Donelson.
FisherBroyles Spinoff Pierson Ferdinand Adds 25 New Partners in Second Month of Existence
The additions, which include 16 lawyers from FisherBroyles, align the new firm’s head count with the 130 “commitments” that Joel Ferdinand and co-chairman Michael Pierson said at the firm’s founding.
McGuireWoods Expands in Dallas With White Collar Team
Former federal prosecutors Michael Elliott and Mindy Sauter, together with attorney Chris Quinlan, joined McGuireWoods on Monday as partners in Dallas.
Paul Hastings Recruits 6-Partner IP Litigation Team From Allen & Overy
Allen & Overy, with offices in Palo Alto, New York, and Washington, D.C., has provided its six-partner IP litigation team to the Am Law 25 firm.
CMS Poland Takes 5-Lawyer Team from Deloitte Legal
Ryszard Manteuffel, the team leader, was previously employed by Baker McKenzie and Dentons.
Promotions & Appointments:
People in the News—March 5, 2024—Barley Snyder, Antheil Maslow
George C. Werner, a lawyer, was appointed general counsel of the company, according to a statement made by Barley Snyder.
Newsmakers: Sheppard Mullin Promotes Partner
Jonathan Clark of Dallas is one of the eighteen attorneys who have been promoted to partners at Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton.
Joseph Belluck Is Reappointed to New Term With NY Judicial Watchdog
For one-third of the commission’s 46-year history, Joseph Belluck served as a member and as chair since 2016.
People in the News—March 8, 2024—Post & Schell, Faye Riva
Post & Schell recently announced that principals Anthony L. Miscioscia and Steven J. Schildt have been appointed as co-chairs of the firm’s insurance law department.
Hoagland, Longo Managing Partner Selected to Lead New AI Practice Group
Hoagland, Longo’s managing partner Chad M. Moore discussed the firm’s new artificial intelligence practice group saying that, “Everyone has to try to get on board with that, to avoid the point of litigation. Especially here in New Jersey, we are very protective of the consumer. You have to make sure that any of this information is used in a neutral way that is not going to compromise those protections”.
Six senior appointments at Maples and Calder
Aoife McDonagh, an attorney specializing in funds and investment management, and Joe O’Neill, a finance lawyer, have joined the firm’s Irish partnership. In finance, the new attorneys are Eoin O’Leary and Alex Walsh, while in funds and investment management, the new attorneys are Jennifer Dobbyn and Richard O’Donoghuge.
Mergers & Alliances:
Slaughter and May, Clifford Chance Lead as Nationwide to Acquire Virgin Money for £2.9B
The agreement might establish “the second largest provider of mortgages and savings in the UK,” making it a relative rarity in the country’s sluggish M&A market.
Big Law Recruiting Firms Merge, Aiming to Form ‘One-Stop Shop for the Am Law 20’
To control the best lateral partner transfers in the industry, Johnson Downie and Lippman Jungers have merged.
UK arms of rival US class action firms unveil merger
The UK arms of two leading US class action law firms – Keller Postman UK and Lanier Longstaff Hedar & Roberts – have merged to form a new outfit, KP Law, which is owned by litigation funder Asertis.
Office Openings & Closing:
Perkins Coie Fourth US Firm to Shutter China Office in 8 Months
In no more than eight months, Proskauer Rose, Akin Gump and Latham have all closed offices in mainland China.
Kilpatrick Plans Move to Smaller NY Office, Embracing ‘Modern Law Firm Work Environment’
The Am Law 100 firm signed a 10-year lease for 27,667 square feet at 3 Times Square building, regarding a 38.5% decrease in space from its current office.
At the beginning of the month, the company moved into new space previously occupied by Slack, adding an extra 2,000 square feet.
Former Brafman & Associates Counsel Split To Launch New Firm, Agnifilo Intrater
Renowned criminal defence lawyers Marc Agnifilo, Zach Intrater, and Teny Geragos are in charge of the new company.
China’s Han Kun Eyes UK Presence Amid International Expansion
The company opened offices less than a year ago in New York and Singapore.
Financials:
Struggling With Succession Planning, Midsize Law Firms Consider Compensation Strategies
Adam Smith Esq. partner Janet Stanton said, “Five years ago, if you said the phrase ‘succession planning,’ people’s hair would catch on fire”.
King & Spalding Sees PEP Spike 12% Amid ‘Solid and Even Demand’ Growth
Whilst speaking on the firm’s 5.8% revenue rise, Robert Hays said that “The reality is they worked harder. The head count didn’t grow, but the work did.”
Fish & Richardson Saw Growth in Core Practices Despite Revenue, Profit Slump
Firm president and CEO John Adkisson argued that a slow year for contingency collections contributed to the IP firm’s 2.4% decline in gross revenue.
Finnegan, Recovering From Earlier Revenue Losses, Sees 6% Top-Line Growth
Managing partner Erika Arner stated that the company has been making investments in “adjacent services” to supplement its conventional core IP offerings.
Without Contingency Fees Windfall, Crowell’s Gross Revenue Inched Up 0.9% to $595 million
There was no substantial inflow of funds from contingency receipts, and PEP dropped. According to Phil Inglima, the chair of Crowell, the company’s base business income increased by 6.8%.
Cozen O’Connor Sees Modest Growth in 2023, Owing to Diversified Revenue Stream
Firm chairman Michael Heller explained that the firm’s revenues climbed by 5.5% to hit $653 million. “We’re not looking for a business that’s up 20% in the good years and down 8% in the bad years”.
Ogletree Deakins Rebounds, Seeing Revenue and Profit Growth Amid Strong Employment Practice Demand
“The largest part” of the revenue increase could be attributed to demand remaining strong and lawyers “working harder” after its hours billed increased 6.7%. Said Firm leader Liz Washko.
Venable Sees Another Consecutive Year of Growth With Revenue Up 12% to $812 Million
For almost a decade, Venable has consistently experienced growth in its revenue.
Baker & Hostetler Reverses Profitability Declines But Compensation Pressures Mount
In 2023, revenue increased by 7.6% to surpass $971 million, while PEP increased by 3.6% to exceed $1.8 million.
Fisher Phillips Sees Litigation Demand Boost Revenue by Double Digits for Second Year
The firm, which was founded in Atlanta, increased revenue to $338.96 million in 2023–a 10.9% increase from 2022 and an 85% increase since 2016.
Revenue Was Flat at Locke Lord in 2023, But Profits Per Partner Inched Up in ‘Solid’ Year
After years of dropping lawyer counts, the Dallas-founded firm saw a small increase in the number of lawyer heads.
Technology & Innovation:
Navigating the Intricacies of Intellectual Property in Legal Tech: Lessons from Recent Cases
Maintaining a strong and continuous commitment to IP awareness and compliance is essential for the legal tech industry to maintain its current growth and innovative trajectory.
Gowling WLG Launches AI-Based Brand Protection Service
After being seconded to a customer, a Gowling associate saw how difficult and costly brand protection can be. This realization gave rise to the idea for the product, which is known as Saturn.
Inside DechertMind, a Proprietary Suite of Gen AI Tools for Law Firm Work
Legaltech News was recently provided with an inside peek at the set of in-house generative artificial intelligence capabilities that Dechert has been internally implementing since April 2023 by Thor Alden, associate director of innovation at the company.
At the Intersection of Law and Technology: Navigating Generative AI in the Legal Industry: Part 1
According to K. Lance Anderson, Benton B. Bodamer and Andrew M. Robie of Dickinson Wright.” one of the reasons GenAI is so dangerous is that the law surrounding it is only just beginning to form”.
In ‘Ultra-Dynamic’ AI Environment, More Law Firms Are Launching Devoted Teams
Norton Rose, Husch and Winston are a few of the firms that have officially launched AI groups during Q1 of 2024, with firm leaders pointing to increased client interest and a surge of AI-related cases hitting courts.
The Law Firm Disrupted: Orrick, Reed Smith and Dechert Make Time to Get Comfortable With AI
Orrick and Reed Smith have been awarding billable hours credit to associates for innovative work for the past five years, and during that time, generative AI has become increasingly popular.
How Tech Is Helping Fuel the Rise of the Mid-Market
There are several reasons why the mid-market is becoming more and more popular. However, a number of them have a technological origin, either directly or indirectly.
Former Latham Partner Launches Product Suite for Kids Safety and Compliance Technology Platform
Kieran Donovan, a former partner at Latham & Watkins, has formally introduced the initial range of solutions for his kid’s safety and compliance technology platform.
Diversity & Inclusion:
People in the News—March 6, 2024—Capehart Scatchard, Royer Cooper
With effect from February 14th, workers’ department shareholder Ana-Eliza T. Bauersachs will lead the company’s diversity and inclusion committee, according to a statement from Capehart Scatchard.
Glass Ceiling? Another Generation of Women Rises to Lead Global Law Firms in Asia
For many years, Asian women have been at the helm of some of the biggest and most powerful legal companies globally. We spoke with a few of the current generation of female leaders in the region’s law firms in honour of International Women’s Day.
Women in Big Law: Progress, Challenges and the Road Ahead
In light of former Chief Judge Judith Ann Kaye’s 1988 lecture on the subject, Sophia Cahill and Danielle Vrabie compare the current situation for female litigators in large litigation with what is still true.
‘Change is Glacial’: 4 Women on Being Leaders in the Legal Industry
Despite the fact that the average percentage of female partners increased to 36% this year from 27% in 2022, as per the 2023 Law.com gender diversity survey, the barriers facing women in the legal field, regardless of their professional stage, remain evident.
Another Bite at the Apple: Neuroinclusion as a Way to Lead the Diversity Challenge
With neurodiversity Celebration Week, which takes place March 18-24, quickly approaching, it is a great time to take stock of your current neurodiversity efforts, assess what specific actions you can take to become more inclusive, and become a change agent.
Market Commentary:
Can Paul Weiss Challenge Kirkland’s Private Capital Dominance in London?
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison has played Kirkland & Ellis at its own game in London: actively hiring a who’s who of top partners, most of which from Kirkland, in an attempt to build out an office from the ground up.
Florida’s 3 Biggest Firms Lean Into Real Estate Hires, at Home and Beyond
So far in 2024, Akerman, Holland & Knight and Greenberg Traurig have all added to their roster’s several times. The demand for practitioners is “insatiable,” according to a local recruiter.
Global Patent Trends Report: Asia Leading the World in Patent Publication
Several intriguing currents were identified in MaxVal’s annual study on worldwide patent publication trends, which was just issued. The collected data, covering the previous five years, aids in illuminating the intricate web of technology advancements, innovation, and factors that have shaped the intellectual property landscape.
Why ‘Growth for Growth’s Sake’ May Actually Help Law Firms
Firm consultant Kristin Stark stated that “The movement over the past month has confirmed that we’re going to continue seeing some of the largest, highest-profit firms have this tremendous recruiting advantage.”
Law Firm Leaders Want Lawyers to Spend More Time in the Office, But With Less Space
According to the CRBE 2024 U.S. Law Firm Office Benchmarking Survey, 42 percent of all firms anticipate having the same number of offices after three years.
Pinsent Masons seeks ‘lasting change’ after inquest into partner’s death sparks mental health debate
The Managing partner of Pinsent Masons has vowed to pursue “positive and lasting change,” following the loss of a partner to an “acute mental health crisis” after working on a high-profile project.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Kirkland Partner Poised to Launch Paul Weiss UK Funds Practice
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind Wharton & Garrison is expected to launch a funds practice in Europe with the hire of James King a Kirkland & Ellis partner who is based in London.
Gibson Dunn Brings On Linklaters Leveraged Finance London Co-Head
After three years at Linklaters David Irvine is set to join Gibson Dunn in London. During his time at Linklaters, he advised the likes of Blackstone, KKR, SoftBank and Brookfield Capital on a number of financings.
DLA Piper Hires Ex-Paul Hastings, Pinsents Partners in London
After serving as a partner at Paul Hastings for the last three and a half years, Derwin Jenkinson joins the firm’s finance, projects, and restructuring division. He was a partner at Ashurst for more than seven years before that. Steven Bryan, who left Paul Hastings in October of last year to work as a legal consultant, also joins DLA’s corporate unit in London. He oversaw Hogan Lovells’ infrastructure group before Paul Hastings, the company said in a statement.
Millar McCall Wylie expands employment law team
Siân McConnell has joined Millar McCall Wylie, a Northern Ireland-based business, as a solicitor in the employment law department.
EMEA
Cliffe Dekker Hires From Norton Rose in Johannesburg
Sentebale Makara has joined as a director, which is equivalent to partner at the firm. He has spent almost half a decade at Norton Rose as a director. He previously worked as an associate at Webber Wentzel.
Mayer Brown’s UAE Disputes head goes solo
Alain Farhad has made the news this week. He has been the head of Mayer Brown’s disputes practice in the United Arab Emirates and is retiring from the firm to practise as an independent arbitrator.
Willkie Grows New Munich Office With Private Equity Partner From Latham
Nils Röver, a Germany-based private equity partner, is leaving Latham & Watkins’s Frankfurt office to join Willkie Farr & Gallagher’s new Munich branch.
Ashurst boosts corporate offering in Germany with two key hires
In an effort to broaden its offering in public and private M&A in Germany and other foreign markets, international law firm Ashurst has announced the appointment of Stefan Bruder and Marina Arntzen as partners in the corporate practice in Munich.
APAC
South Korea’s Big 6 Firms Make General Counsel, Judicial Hires in Bid to Differentiate Offerings
Shin & Kim has hired the former judges, Hun-tae Doh and Dong-kyu Kim, as partners.
Dechert Asia Arbitration Head Leaves to Launch Disputes Boutique
Mark Mangan joins a substantial list of dispute resolution specialists who have departed from established law firms in recent years to launch contentious practice shops in Singapore.
Morgan Lewis, Baker Botts Add Employment, Technology Partners in Dubai
The number of employment disputes is on the rise as Dubai’s workplace regulatory infrastructure continue to develop.
Dentons Takes Employment Partner Duo from Kennedys in Sydney
Persephone Stuckey-Clarke and Justin Le Blond are expected to start on Monday.
Korea’s Big Six Hires Arbitration Co-Head from Japan’s Big Four
David MacArthur has spent over 20 years practising at Japan’s Big Four and Korea’s Big Six.
The Americas
Paul Hastings Hires Former FDA Policy Director from K&S as New Practice Chair
Eva Temkin, Paul Hastings’ newest partner in D.C. stated that “FDA policy is driving deal size, deal milestones and deal structures. As the FDA shifts policies, it is molding the transactions,”.
Hogan Lovells Hires Shearman Capital Markets Lawyer in São Paulo
Jonathan Lewis has been hired by the global law firm, he was a counsel at Shearman & Sterling, and a partner in the highly competitive Brazil market.
Kaufman Dolowich Hires Del. Partner
Kaufman Dolowich announced the addition of Kristen Swift a partner who is based in Delaware.
Naheem Harris has joined Akerman from Vinson & Elkins and Joo Kim has joined DLA Piper from Cadwalader.
Wilmer, White & Case, Miller & Chevalier Build DC Lawyer Ranks
Wilmer has appointed international trade partner Neena Shenai, and is becoming the latest law firm in D.C. to recruit attorneys focused on export control, CFIUS or trade matters.
Former Mississippi House of Representatives Speaker Philip Gunn has joined Balch Policy Advisors in its Jackson, Mississippi, office, according to Balch & Bingham; Pryor Cashman announced the addition of attorney Praveena Nallainathan to the firm’s Immigration Group in New York.
Sidley Continues Recruiting From Weil, Adding NY Firm’s Privacy Chair
The latest development in Sidley and Weil’s talent competition is the move made by Randi Singer. In the past year, Sidley has enticed at least four more Weil partners.
Seasoned Commercial Litigator Joins McCarthy Tétrault From Dentons in Toronto
Canadian National Railway and Amazon are two of Marina Sampson’s clients.
Big Law Finds Growth Opportunities Through IP Hires
The lateral market has shown optimism thus far this year. This week, Sidley Austin, Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, and Squire Patton Boggs all revealed their new intellectual property lateral partners.
Norton Rose Fulbright adds Orrick public finance duo in New York
Alison Radecki, accompanied by senior counsel Helen Pennock, joins the UK firm as its third New York partner lateral this year.
In-House
Walgreens Goes Outside Retailing to Hire New Legal Chief
With the addition of Lanesha Minnix, CEO Tim Wentworth, who came out of retirement in October to fill the position, completes the executive committee.
Corporation for Public Broadcasting Hires Successor to Longtime GC
The nonprofit organization, which distributes half a billion dollars in government grants every year, looked outside the media sector for the departing General Counsel Westwood Smithers Jr.’s replacement. Smithers Jr. has served in that capacity since 2005.
Music Streaming Nonprofit Hires First GC as AI Risks Loom
Newly hired General Counsel Colin Rushing stated, “Over the past ten years, DiMA’s members have created enormous value for music creators and fans alike, driving rapid growth for the entire music industry in the process.”
US public broadcasting company CPB names first new GC in nearly 20 years
Westwood Smithers, who is retiring this month, will be replaced by Evan Slavitt.
Team Moves
Paul Hastings Adds 8-Partner Global Finance Team From Vinson & Elkins in Texas
Sources have reported that the team moving to Paul Hastings may reach two dozen lawyers, once associates are added.
Blank Rome Adds 4 From Akerman in Second 2024 White Collar Group Hire
Partners Kathleen Shannon and Bradley Henry lead the team, which is split between New York and Washington.
DLA Piper adds trio of energy partners in London
While finance partner Derwin Jenkinson joined straight out of the US company, M&A partner Steven Bryan joined after leaving Paul Hastings late last year. Early next month, Paul Doris, an advisor on M&A, private equity, and private capital transactions, will leave Brown Rudnick.
Fox Rothschild adds transactions team to open third Florida office in Sarasota
The office will be led by partner Robert Stroud, who will also chair the firm’s healthcare transactions practice group within the corporate department. He has moved over from Florida firm Blalock Walters alongside counsel Yazen Dides and associate Mark Clare.
Promotions & Appointments:
Newsmakers: Foley Promotes 4 To Partner
The individuals in question are Katherine M. Harrington, Jill M. Hale, Mark C. Moore and Kinal M. Patel of Foley and Lardner.
Eying Continued Canadian Growth, Cozen O’Connor Appoints New Office Managing Partners
Steve Weisz will helm the Toronto team and Kathy Tang will lead the firm’s Vancouver office.
People in the News—March 1, 2024—Feldman Shepherd, McAndrews Mehalick
Peter M. Newman, a partner at Feldman Shepherd Wohlgelernter Tanner Weinstock Dodig, was elected to the Homeless Advocacy Project’s (HAP) board of directors.
On the Move and After Hours: Tucker Ellis; Gebhardt & Kiefer; Stevens & Lee; Riker Danzig
Tucker Ellis welcomes two partners, Riker Danzig promotes twelve attorneys, and other changes.
Leadership announced for A&O Shearman
Khalid Garousha, the interim global managing partner at Allen & Overy, has been promoted to senior partner at the new company.
Mergers & Alliances:
African Firm Bowmans Expands into Namibia
With its merger in the Namibia Bowmans will now operate across six African nations.
Consolidation and Competition: The Law Firm Merger Market and What It Means for Midsize Law Firms
The term “merger mania” is known to be greatly circulated at the beginning of each year.
A&O Shearman Announces Global Leadership
The merger between Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling is set to come in full force in May.
Office Openings & Closing:
King & Spalding Opens Dallas Office, Hires Gibson Dunn Trial Lawyer
King & Spalding has grown to the point that it can open its third Texas office, having hired over a dozen associates and three prominent partners in Dallas in recent months.
Fox Rothschild Opens Third Florida Office
Fox Rothschild announced the opening of a new office headed by Robert Stroud, an executive committee member and recently appointed chair of the practice of health care transactions, continuing Big Law’s flight to Florida.
Wilson Sonsini Triples London Space with Baseball-Themed Office
Thanks to Wilson Sonsini’s cooperation with the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, the firm’s new headquarters contains photos of iconic baseball locations and players.
Chinese Law Firms Announced 40 New Offices in 12 Months. Will the Investment Pay Off?
Chinese law firms are expanding rapidly within China, however top-tier Chinese firms have focused outward, to international markets. With the Chinese cross-border deal market growing increasingly quiet, questions arise as to whether these firms pivot toward mainland expansion?
Financials:
Adams and Reese Sees Revenue, Profits Rise Sharply
The firm increased its realization rate. It went from 105% in 2022 to 109% last year.
Greenspoon Marder’s Revenue Growth Slowed, Profits Dropped As Headcount Grew During a Slow Year
The firm, which is based in Fort Lauderdale, saw revenue increase for the fourth straight year, but the 1.7% bump was far less than 2022’s 16% rise.
Nelson Mullins’ Litigation Demand Helps Grow Revenues, Profits by 9%
Managing Partner Jim Lehman stated that “Our clients are asking us to open up other offices [in the U.S.], but they’re not asking us to open foreign offices,”.
Holland & Hart Posts 22% PEP Bump Thanks to Strong Demand, Cost Management
Colorado’s largest law firm made an additional increase in gross revenue of 11.3% in 2023 as all major practice areas saw growth.
While Jackson Walker, the state’s largest Texas-only firm, only increased its revenue by 3.8% in 2023, its lawyer head count expanded by 8.4% with substantial lateral hiring.
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District’s receipts reveal that whereas rises in other practices were more subdued, labour and employment attorneys saw a sharp rise in rates. Greenberg Traurig, Baker Hostelter, and Ford Harrison are among the companies that charge the company.
Greenberg Traurig Sees 6% Growth in Revenue Amid Nonequity Tier Expansion
The moderate growth came after two years of faster pace in revenue growth, however Brian Duffy, the CEO, argued that the slowdown is only apparent because 2021 and 2022 were such extraordinary years for the firm.
Focused on Long-Term Profit Growth, Blank Rome Sees Strong 2023
This is the fifth consecutive year in which net income growth exceeded 8.5%, this corresponds with the course of the firm’s five-year strategic plan.
While Touting 10% Revenue Spike, NY Law Firm Announces Departure of 9 Partners
Morrison Cohen, a midsize law firm which is based in New York, has announced that nine partners are departing, with seven expected to join Am Law 200 firm Loeb & Loeb.
Middle-Market M&A, Litigation Helped Nixon Peabody Break Revenue Record in 2023
Despite the challenges posed by high interest rates in the real estate and public finance sectors, gross income grew by about 3%.
With Robust Demand Across Practices, Revenue Jumped 16.5%, PEP Up 11.4% at Haynes and Boone
Haynes and Boone concentrated on expansion in busy practices, such as middle-market capital markets and M&A, finance, corporate, litigation, bankruptcy, and energy, in yet another record-breaking year.
Technology & Innovation:
Addressing AI Legal Difficulties With Existing Legal Options
an examination of AI’s ethical and legal ramifications.
The Artificial Intelligence Glossary
A guide explaining terminology that is essential to know and comprehend when talking about AI.
Clifford Chance Rolls Out Microsoft-Partnered AI Strategy Across Whole Firm
Generative AI-powered tools will now be made available to the 7,000 people that work for the firm in order to assist them with tasks such as summarising documents.
Contract Technology Provider LegalOn Launches GPT-4-Powered Legal Assistant
LegalOn Assistant influences an OpenAI-powered generative AI model to answer questions about documents, draft new clauses, and revisions, and summarize parts of, or changes to, a contract.
Don’t Wait Up: Lack of Expertise, Talent Holding Back Generative AI in Legal Industry
A survey from Consilio determined that a lot of legal professionals don’t feel prepared to use generative AI technology. But adequate generative AI training may not be readily available.
Before and during adoption, attorneys will be better able to find that elusive balance between prudence and acceleration by taking both risk and opportunity into account.
The Increasing AI Disruption of Cybersecurity
Security incident management, regulatory compliance, and cybersecurity prevention have all been impacted by artificial intelligence. Cathy Mulrow-Peattie explores in this article how businesses might effectively address these growing AI disruptions.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Workplace Gender Equality Agency relays information regarding pay gap data for first time.
When Is Unequal Pay Not OK? Comparing Federal and State Equal Pay Laws
This article will aid employers, attorneys, and investigators in their quest to understand some of the basic differences between California and federal law in this area, including recent developments to be aware of.
Seyfarth’s New Chief D&I Officer Aims to Maximize Benefits of Diverse Workforce
Mira Dewji will use her background in behavioural science to accelerate creativity and introduce new perspectives.
Market Commentary:
Global dealmakers expect M&A disputes to increase on economic, geopolitical woes
According to a Berkeley Research Group (BRG) survey, most worldwide M&A dealmakers anticipate disagreements to escalate this year as recent transactions have underperformed due to military and trade confrontations and global economic instability.
The Litigators Among Am Law’s Top Lateral Hires of 2023
According to our assessment, roughly one-third of The American Lawyer’s annual list of the top developments in Big Law that year involved litigation partners.
Vereins: A Means for Law Firms to Dodge Responsibility?
The Global Lawyer: Swiss verein law firms, which are composed of several different legal entities, want to present themselves as a single, cohesive company, but do they change to fit their needs when things go tough?
Linklaters Veers Towards 3-Gate Lockstep System in Latest Talent Push
Prominent UK-based companies aim to maintain their compensation schemes appealing to partners who might leave for well-paying positions at U.S. law firms.
‘Detached’: Why Big Law May Rethink Its Focus on Productivity
Not merely hours spent working, but also a practice’s profitability may now be given considerably more weight.
Despite Economic Challenges, California Leads in Law Firm Merger Activity, Office Openings
California had the most law firm mergers and office openings of any U.S. state last year. One Consultant said “It’s the revival of the Southern California economy, particularly Los Angeles. And you have life sciences and biotech in San Diego that’s been very interesting, and some of that leading out to Orange County”.
OK, Boomer! Tackling the Attorney Generation Gap
The NJLJ Young Lawyers Advisory Board are saying that “Leaders of law firms and legal organizations face a significant challenge when it comes to getting these vastly different groups of people to work well together in order to foster success and promote growth”.
Asia Marks First Specialized Mediation Framework for Aviation in Singapore
The action furthers Singapore’s goal of becoming Asia’s preferred hub for dispute resolution.
As Big Law Moves in, Native Firms Have Advantages in Battle for Clients and Talent
Consultant Joshua Peck stated that “You demonstrate to prospective clients that your geographic and cultural knowledge in cities that the big (firm) has moved into … gives you an advantage that they will not be able to duplicate”.
What Must Lawyers Do to Protect the Rule of Law?
The nation’s confidence in these establishments, encompassing our elections and civil and criminal justice systems, has diminished. How far along is that faith-eroding process? Is there a way to stop it? What part do attorneys play in upholding the rule of law?
6 Questions to Get the Most From Your Finance and Accounting Department
CPA Derek Barto writes that “Following are six questions that managing partners, executive committees and the like should ask themselves to ensure they can get the most from their team to help successfully run the business”.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Ashurst adds litigation partner from Corrs
Ashurst stated in a statement that Felicity Healy’s hiring is a “significant step” for the expansion of the company’s disputes and investigations practice.
Private equity real estate specialist joins Simmons as partner
Oliver S. Jacob, a renowned private equity real estate partner, has joined Simmons & Simmons, bolstering the firm’s UK Corporate, Real Estate, and Private Equity areas.
John Goldfinch joins Allen & Overy to enhance structured finance and private capital offering
Allen & Overy today announces it is bolstering the global structured finance practice as partner John Goldfinch joins ahead of merger with Shearman & Sterling, to become A&O Shearman.
Kane Tuohy welcomes senior associate Triona Cody
Triona Cody has joined the employment and litigation department of Kane Tuohy LLP as a senior associate.
DLA Piper appoints Kathi Ó Riain as real estate partner
Kathi Ó Riain has been named as a partner in DLA Piper’s real estate division, a global legal company.
EMEA
Latham Makes Riyadh its Regional HQ as Saudi Arabia Lures Businesses with Perks
The company was one of the first to sign up for the scheme, which offers a range of incentives and discounts to encourage foreign companies to designate the Kingdom as their regional headquarters.
Freshfields Hires Hogan Lovells’ Global Energy Transition Head
Stefan Schröder is situated in Dusseldorf, Germany, and provides investors and large energy infrastructure operators in Europe with advice on the nation’s regulations regarding renewable and low-carbon fuels.
APAC
Simmons & Simmons Hires in Private Funds Head in Hong Kong
In the US, Jeffrey Friedenberg has held positions at Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, Blackstone, and Pathway Capital Management.
Simmons & Simmons Boosts Disputes Team in Singapore, DLA Piper Adds to Seoul
While Terence Seah from Stephenson Harwood is joining Simmons & Simmons in Singapore, DLA Piper has appointed Milbank counsel Brian Youn as a partner in South Korea.
KWM Bolsters Employment Team with Partner from Australian Firm
Cilla Robinson arrives to KWM from Clayton Utz.
Pinsent Masons Hires Veteran Energy Lawyer David Clinch from Shearmans
David Clinch, who had worked for nearly thirty years at Herbert Smith Freehills, became a partner at Shearman & Sterling.
Hunton Andrews Kurth Takes Two Senior Partners from Korea’s Big Six Lee & Ko
Edward Kim and Nelson Ahn have relocated to the US from Seoul.
Haiwen Takes Another Partner From Linklaters’ China Affiliate
Eric Liu, Zhao Sheng’s previous managing partner, was also recently employed by Haiwen.
The Americas
Orrick, Cooley Boost DC Offices With Litigation Partner Hires
Orrick has brought in ITC trial lawyer Josh Pond from Crowell, meanwhile Cooley has hired Susanne Grooms as a litigation partner from Kaplan Hecker & Fink to start a congressional investigation practice board in D.C.
Freshfields Continues Private Funds Growth with Top New York Partner Hire
Ivet Bell is joining the firm from Sidley Austin and will bring a wealth of experience across fund formation, secondaries transactions and GP stakes deals.
Hiring Paul Weiss Bankruptcy Partner, Selendy Gay Targets Bankruptcy-Related Litigation
Kelley Cornish, a member of Paul Weiss’ management committee, will arrive at the firm next week.
Seeking Less Rate Pressure, Baker Botts Labor and Employment Head Moves to Bradley
Jennifer Trulock, a Baker Botts partner in Dallas who was chair of Baker Botts’ labor and employment practice, said Bradley Arant Boult Cummings gives her opportunity to lower her rates.
Weber Gallagher Snags Vaughan Baio Leader in Bid to Broaden Litigation Portfolio
Madeline Baio’s current work in commercial litigation on behalf of transportation companies sits outside of the firm’s primary focus on general liability.
Thompson Hine Names Former Ohio State Basketball Captain as Next Managing Partner
Anthony White will become one of a short list of African Americans who are currently leading an Am Law 200 firm.
White & Case Lands SEC Crypto Leader and Paul Hastings Real Estate Finance Partner
The new additions include John Cahill, who was previously the head of Paul Hastings’ real estate finance practice department, and Ladan Stewart, who oversaw the SEC’s crypto and cyber litigation team.
Holland & Knight Hires Away Real Estate Capital Markets Partner From Jones Walker in Miami
Christopher Ezell has been appointed as the second partner in the real estate capital markets group this year alone.
On the Move: Seyfarth Adds BCLP Real Estate Partner To Growing Practice in Atlanta
Am Law 100 firm Seyfarth Shaw has welcomed Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner’s Angela Hsu as a partner in its Atlanta office as it continues to expand and broaden its real estate practice.
Skadden Nabs Latham Cap Markets Partner
Brian Paulson works with investment banks and others on IPOs, private offerings and debt and equity securities. Like his former firm, Skadden has strong relationships with those entities.
DLA Piper Adds Project Finance Partner in Brazil
After working at Allen & Overy for almost ten years, Bruno Soares will divide his time between São Paulo and New York.
Greenberg Traurig Lands Two Real Estate Shareholders With Niche Focuses, Growing Depth
West Palm Beach-based Adam Seligman showed up from Ward Damon a local boutique. Morgan Lewis is the source of Paul Williams, who divides his time between Austin and Los Angeles.
In-House
GC of FTD Takes Legal Reins of Newly Independent Weather Co.
David Strauss has been appointed head of legal at The Weather Co., which is the company that runs The Weather Channel app and website, by its new owner. He has served as general counsel for three different privately held companies.
Ibotta Hires Longtime In-House Leader to Plot $2B IPO
David Shapiro will serve as the first chief legal officer of the company, which helps major brands provide rewards and rebates to consumers.
HP Enterprise Swiftly Fills General Counsel Opening
Longstanding in house counsel David Antczak has been promoted to General Counsel by Hewlett Packard Enterprise.
Former JCPenney General Counsel Joins Banged-Up Powersports Retailer
Brandy Treadway, spent a decade at JCPenney but is now taking on a new opportunity as part of a new leadership team aiming to win over investors frustrated by losses and other setbacks.
FBI names fourth GC in six years as deputy GC handed top job
Jason Jones will hand over the legal reins to Bradley Brooker at the US law enforcement agency.
Lloyd’s of London Appoints First New GC in 27 Years
With Peter Spires resigning in August 2023 after 27 years in the position, Claire Schrader has been chosen the insurance giant’s acting general counsel.
Team Moves
Simpson Thacher Hires 5-Lawyer Bank M&A, Regulatory Team From Skadden
Sven Mickisch, Brian Christiansen, Bao Nguyen, Matt Nemeroff and Tim Gaffney will join Simpson as partners in its New York and Washington, D.C., offices from Skadden, Simpson said Tuesday. They are focused on transactional and regulatory matters in the financial services space.
Kirkland Strikes Back in Paul Weiss Talent Battle, Also Adding Weil and Sidley Partners
On Wednesday, Kirkland announced the arrival of Paul Sandler, a partner in debt finance from Paul Weiss, together with two real estate tax lawyers from Weil Gotshal and an insurance M&A partner.
Former Eckert Seamans Trio Returns to Firm, Citing New Leadership
Litigators Amy Roy, Ray Middlemanand Shane Valenzi left for Baltimore-based Whiteford, Taylor & Preston in 2022, but Eckert CEO Scott Cessar, who started in the role last May, successfully recruited them back.
Allen & Overy Hires 5-Lawyer Milbank London Team Ahead of Merger
The team is led by partner John Goldfinch. He is joined by senior associates Peter West, Adrian Kwok, Eleanor Cripps and Alexandra Wells.
Promotions & Appointments:
People in the News—Feb. 20, 2024—Faye Riva, Knox McLaughlin
Attorney James W. Cushing was appointed as vice president of the Christian Legal Clinics of Philadelphia on Feb. 5.
People in the News—Feb. 21, 2024—Barley Snyder, Rawle & Henderson
Partner Luke Weber was elected vice president of the Lancaster Bar Association’s board of directors, Barley Snyder announced.
DLA Piper Elects Managing Partner—Incumbent to Step Down After 10 Years
In January 2025, corporate partner Charles Severs will take over as international managing partner, replacing outgoing Simon Levine.
International law firm Addleshaw Goddard has appointed Tess Kelly, former Bank of England Deputy General Counsel to expand its financial services regulation team.
Senior Boeing Attorney Steps In to HR Chief Role as Contentious Labor Talks Loom
legal recruiter Deborah Ben-Canaan described Amuluru’s move to human resources as being “great training to someday sit in the GC seat,”.
People in the News—Feb. 23, 2024—Unruh Turner, Swartz Campbell
Attorney Ryan M. Jennings has been named chair of the Chester County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers’ Division (YLD) for 2024, according to a release from Unruh Turner Burke & Frees.
Latham & Watkins makes up 19 counsel to partner in latest promotions round
Compared to the 23-person group from the previous year, Latham & Watkins has promoted 19 counsel to its partnership.
London insurance giant Lloyd’s appoints interim GC on permanent basis
Claire Schrader is taking over the position from Peter Spires, who stepped down from the role last August
Nuala Egan SC appointed chair of Legal Aid Board
CEO of the Legal Aid Board, Joan Crawford stated that: “We are delighted to welcome Nuala as our new chairperson.
Eversheds Sutherland appoints Seán Scally as head of energy
Seán Scally has been named head of energy and commercial partner at the Dublin office of international law firm Eversheds Sutherland.
Mergers & Alliances:
Sacramento Play Gives Am Law 200 Firms Its Third Merger This Year
The firm previously acquired all lawyers from Sullivan Hill Rez & Engel effective Feb. 1, the same day as its combination with Seattle-based Savitt Bruce & Willey.
JMK Solicitors names NI Hospice as 2024 charity partner
JMK Solicitors, a personal injury law company in Northern Ireland, has selected NI Hospice & Children’s Hospice as its 2024 charity partner.
Office Openings & Closing:
‘Literally Nothing Walkable’: Why Gibson Dunn Moved to Downtown Palo Alto
The firm departed from an office park on Page Mill Road to look for a location near the homes of some attorneys and within several blocks of a train for others.
Tucker Ellis Opens in North Jersey With Laterals From Riker Danzig
The Cleveland-based Am Law 200 firm plans to open an office in Morristown in the coming days as well establishing a new one in Atlanta in the spring.
Shook Launches New Practice to Advise Clients on DEI Issues
The managing partner of the Houston office and litigation partner John Lewis Jr. oversees Shook, Hardy & Bacon’s new multidisciplinary DEI counseling, compliance, and disputes practice.
Plaintiff Firm Pogust Goodhead Sets Up in Australia
Launches a Sydney office in an effort to pursue mining giant BHP.
Japan’s Big Four Firm Mori Hamada Launches Fifth New Outfit in 12 Months
Mori Hamada & Matsumoto a Big Four Japanese firm has launched an office in Yokohama, its fifth new outfit in less than 12 months.
Patterson + Sheridan Launches Office in Aerospace-Heavy Huntsville, Alabama
The Marshall Space Flight Center is located in Huntsville, where Patterson + Sheridan just launched its eighth office. This is an area where the technology and intellectual property firm sees potential.
Pa. Firms Seek Efficiency, Amenities in New Office Spaces
Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are currently witnessing similar-sized office buildings, a dedication to office sharing, and wellness-focused amenity areas.
Financials:
Faegre Drinker Rebounds From 2022 With Double-Digit PEP Growth
Gina Kastel, who is close to completing her first year in the role of chair stated that “We saw these huge gains in litigation, including product liability, intellectual property, class actions, appellate work,”.
Bradley Arant Sees Revenues Rise and PEP Fall Amid 12% Equity Partner Expansion
The company’s PEP decreased by 5% to $820,000 as its equity tier increased and its nonequity tier contracted by 9%, defying the industry norm of the nonequity tiers increasing.
Quinn Emanuel’s 38% PEP Growth Came From Heightened Leverage, High-Profile Cases
Michael Carlinsky, one of the three co-managing partners at the firm, estimates that contingency fees accounted for about 8% of the company’s $2.07 billion in sales.
McDermott Sees 13% PEP Rise as Revenue Continues Steady Growth
Ira Coleman, the chair of McDermott, noted that although the company’s revenue growth was not as strong as it has been in previous years, the concept of “institutional health” was the main focus.
Garrigues Hits €454M Revenue as Firm Charts 10 Years of Growth
Despite this development, the firm’s growth trajectory has slowed, with leaders arguing that the cause is down to a ‘global geopolitical crisis and political and institutional instability’.
Amid Partnership Expansion, Paul Hastings Sees Double-Digit Boost in Profits and RPL
Paul Hastings’ equity tier grew by 2% meanwhile its nonequity tier surged by 14%.
Revenue Up 11.2%, PEP Up 22.1% at Akin, as Aggressive Hiring Pays Off
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld’s record year, according to chairperson Kim Koopersmith, is the result of deliberate recruiting in crucial procedures.
Norton Rose Fulbright ups London NQ salary to £120k
The raise will comes into fruition on the 1st of April and will be a 14% increase on the previous £105k.
Technology & Innovation:
Ethics v. Efficiency: Balancing Public Policy in AI-Powered Arbitration
Questions have arisen as to whether AI-driven international arbitration is appropriate under international law, and if it is not, how can it achieve legitimacy? Experts argue that as we embrace these new technologies, we must tread carefully, considering their broader ethical and societal implications, but not so carefully as to reject the opportunities they offer.
Thomson Reuters Expands CoCounsel Core to Canada and Australia
Following its US commencement in the Autumn of 2023, Thomson Reuters has decided to deliver the CoCounsel Core generative AI legal assistant to its first two English-speaking international markets.
E-Discovery Technology and Innovation Winner, Law Firm: Morgan, Lewis & Bockius
Scott Milner, Global Leader, eData Practice at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius stated that “As technology changes, so do ways in which clients do business and we need to follow suit. But you have be wise enough not to change for change’s sake or apply a new technology simply because it is new”.
Could Africa Leapfrog Other Regions on Legal Technology, Like it Did With Mobile Phones?
Some think the continent has a chance to grow faster, similar to how mobile phone adoption occurred, although there may be problems due to a lack of data and the size of law firms.
South Korea’s LG Chem Adopts Luminance AI to Enhance Contracting Work
The first company in Korea to use Luminance’s corporate product is LG Chem.
5 Interesting AI Use Cases in the Legal Industry
Panellist’s at the UnitedLex webinar “Exploring AI: An In-Depth Discussion of Real-Life Legal Use Cases,” discuss the most practical applications of AI across the legal landscape.
Spanish Law Firm Pérez-Llorca on Why a Swedish Gen AI Assistant Was the Right Fit
Earlier this month, Perez-Llorca became the first law office in Spain to use Leya, a Swedish generative AI assistant. For the company, the solution provided the ideal mix between GDPR compliance and the ability to conduct business in Spanish.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Meet the Female Founders of Legal Tech
Legaltech News has created an evolving list of female and gender fluid founders who have created products and launched companies in the legal technology space.
Championing Diversity in Tech (Individual) Winner, Provider: Catherine Krow, BigHand
Catherine Krow of BigHand said that “‘Business as usual’ is not working for law firms today, and it certainly isn’t able to support a more equitable work culture,”.
Legal Forges Ahead With DE&I Efforts, Despite Backlash
The language around DE&I may not be as prevalent as it was in 2020, but initiatives to combat racial and gender inequality in the legal sector are not only continuing, but also developing.
No Longer Just an HR Matter, DEI Expands to Law Firm Operations
The issue involving artwork in a Duane Morris office and the law firm’s response highlights how the role of DEI professionals in Big Law is expanding to encompass operations and office space in addition to talent concerns.
Market Commentary:
The Risks and Rewards of Becoming a Shareholder
Stuart Pachman of Brach Eichler has written that “Whether one represents the employer or the employee, counsel is wise to consider the legal, tax, and any other consequences that follow when an employee of a corporation or an LLC is to become a co-owner of the entity”.
Law Firm Partners Income Tax Arrangements Come Under Scrutiny in Australia
The employment of a tax system that reduces the amount of tax owed to the government by law firms and their partners is being questioned by senators from Australia.
2024 Layoffs: How to Navigate the Downsizing Trend
An examination of the advantages of contract labor when facing layoffs.
US Firms Benefit as Latin America Capital Markets Activity Roars Back
The companies that are actively helping state and corporate issuers in the region are Cleary Gottlieb, Davis Polk, Shearman, and Simpson Thacher. The current market circumstances are favorable for debt and even some equity offers.
‘One Firm’ or Separate Entities? Vereins’ Growth Bumps Into Conflicts, Liability Concerns
A U.S. appellate court’s decision has cast doubt on Baker McKenzie’s organizational design, coming two years after Dentons was hit with a $32 million malpractice award that also involved the firm’s verein status.
US Law Firm Leasing on Upswing in 2023, Hitting Highest Mark Since 2019
According to the Savills Legal Tenant U.S. Law Firm Activity Report Q4 2023, the top leasing market was New York, and over half of all new leases signed in 2023 were by businesses that were already occupying their property.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Clifford Chance Builds Private Capital Capability with Paul Hastings Partner Hire
The move comes a merely a few months after the firm parted ways with two senior corporate partners.
Gateley recruits corporate finance expert Jose Lazaro
Jose Lazaro, an expert in corporate finance, has joined Gateley Legal as an associate in its Belfast office.
Pinsent Masons appoints corporate partner Paul White in Dublin
Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons is continuing to expand its transactional services group with the appointment of corporate partner Paul White to its Dublin office.
Clifford Chance Builds Private Capital Capability with Paul Hastings Partner Hire
Clifford Chance has hired structured finance partner, Blake Jones from U.S. firm Paul Hastings, as the firm looks to boost its private capital offering.
Reed Smith Adds Fourth McDermott Private Equity Lawyer in Last Nine Months
Tom Whelan has moved from McDermott to Reed Smith in London, at McDermott he was head of the firm’s private equity and corporate transactions group.
Paul Hastings Poaches Latham Partner Duo in London
Litigation partners Stuart Alford KC and Oliver Browne are joining Paul Hastings’ London office.
Trowers hires Farrer & Co’s arbitration head as it wins licence to open in Singapore
The arrival of Hendrik Puschmann occurs as the UK firm finalises its plans to launch in Asia’s premier arbitration hub.
EMEA
DLA Piper’s Nigerian Partner Firm Gets New Leader
DLA Piper added Olajide Oyewole to its African alliance network in 2017.
People in the News—Feb. 16, 2024—Weber Kracht
Weber Kracht and Chellew announced that senior associate Kathryn Liebhaber, has been appointed to the board of directors of Perkasie Pride.
APAC
Clifford Chance Hires Away HSF Private Equity Partner in Singapore
Jamie McLaren has been hired by Clifford Chance; he is a corporate partner with Herbert Smith Freehills who focuses on private equity deals.
Australia’s Hamilton Locke Adds Clifford Chance Veteran and Former Corrs Partner
Tim Grave joins from Clifford Chance where he was a partner for over a decade. He co-led the U.K. firm’s Australian regulatory investigations and financial crime team, he is Sydney based.
Simmons & Simmons Hires in Private Funds Head in Hong Kong
Jeffrey Friedenburg has worked at Pathway Capital Management, Blackstone, Kirkland & Ellis as well as Latham & Watkins in the US.
The Head of gender equality and Commercial litigation partner at Australian firm Corrs Chambers Westgarth Felicity Healy is to leave for Ashurst.
Australia’s Gilbert + Tobin Hires Luke Barrett to Lead Pension Funds Team
Previously, Luke Barrett was the general counsel at Australian pension funds firm UniSuper
The Americas
Morris Nichols’ Bankruptcy & Restructuring Group Adds 2 Attorneys
Morris Nichols Arsht & Tunnell announced the recent additions of Brenna Dolphin and Clint Carlisle to the firm’s bankruptcy and restructuring practice.
People in the News—Feb. 12, 2024—Marshall Dennehey, McNees
Medical malpractice litigator Alyson J. Kirleis has joined Marshall Dennehey’s Pittsburgh office as a shareholder in the health care department.
Skadden and Squire Build DC Partner Ranks With Government Hires
Rejoining Skadden as head of its energy regulatory department is former FERC chair James Danly, meanwhile Squire has hired Bridget McGovern, a former assistant secretary at the Homeland Security Department.
People in the News—Feb. 14, 2024—Rawle & Henderson, Flaster Greenberg
Patrick T. Finnegan joined Rawle & Henderson as a partner in the Philadelphia office.
Weil Private Credit Partner Jumps to Dechert Amid Growing Signs of Transactional Thaw
Four years ago, Eliot Relles joined Weil, Gotshal & Manges after co-chairing the finance practice at Schulte Roth & Zabel.
Clark Hill Adds on Dentons Cohen & Grigsby Real Estate Duo in Pittsburgh
Previously, Blaine Lamperski oversaw the local real estate practice for the multinational company’s Pittsburgh division. Member John Bonaccorsi joins him.
Baker Botts Swells in Texas With Big Law Restructuring, Energy Litigation Partners
Squire Patton Boggs restructuring partner Travis McDavid joined Baker Botts in Dallas and David Applebaum, Jones Day energy litigation partner, joined in Houston, as the firm adds to high-demand practices in Texas.
Former GSK Patent Leader Moves to Troutman Pepper
Duke Fitch started his journey at the company as a medicinal chemist and has risen to vice president of U.S. pharmaceutical patents after earning his law degree.
Reports from the law firm Porzio, Bromberg & Newman have revealed that Dr. Lee Goldsmith and his son Jordan Goldsmith have joined the firm’s Morristown office as of counsel and counsel, respectively, in the personal injury and medical malpractice group.
Adams and Reese Adds Industry Experts to Lead New Aviation Practice
Marc Warren and Paul Alp arrive from Jenner & Block and are based in Washington, D.C.
BakerHostetler Picks Up Private Equity Dealmaker Amid Firm’s M&A ‘Expansion’
Salomon “Sol” Sassoon spent the last thirty years with Morrison & Cohen.
Wilson Turner Kosmo stated that the company welcomed back Loleena Ansari May as a partner in its employment practice group, where she will concentrate on carrying out independent workplace investigations and assessments. Also, Rothman Gordon announced the appointment of Natalia A. Holliday as an associate.
In-House
Former Air Force GC Takes Legal Reins of Airbus-Backed Space Station Startup
In addition to being the former top legal officer of the U.S. Space Force, which defends American and ally interests in space, Thomas Ayres managed 2,600 attorneys while serving as the Air Force’s legal commander.
Longtime Dell Attorney Joins UnitedLex as First GC
CEO James Schellhase commended Renee Meisel, saying she “has built a career simplifying complicated legal issues into business-enabling operational solutions in both startups and global Fortune 500 companies.”
JP Morgan Lawyer Becomes Housebuilder GC as Ashurst Partner Joins Boeing
Kirsten Keegan an associate general counsel of wholesale payments, treasury and securities services and a JP Morgan managing director becomes the first GC of SNG since the company formed as part of a merger in 2023.
Vail Resorts Deputy GC Wins Promotion to Top Job
Julie DeCecco, a longstanding attorney at Sun Microsystems, is the new GC of the company, this companies reach consists of 41 mountain resorts across 15 states and four countries.
US legal data provider UnitedLex hires former Dell lawyer as inaugural GC
Renee Meisel is set to step into the firm’s newly established general counsel function.
Team Moves
Hogan Lovells Hires 23 M&A Lawyers from Orrick in Italy
According to Orrick, the departures, which also include another exit to BonelliErede, are a strategy of the firm’s ambition to offer sector-specific counsel.
Orrick Faces Second Major Blow as 15-Strong Team Joins BonelliErede in Italy
With a 15-person Milan team leaving the company for Italian giant BonelliErede, Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe’s Italian division has experienced its second raid in as many weeks.
Pinsent Masons establishes WHS team with Sparke Helmore hire
Carlie Holt joins the firm as a new partner, she will be accompanied by two other lawyers.
Business Litigation Firm Sees Founding Partner Leave for Spinoff With Pa., NY, NJ Offices
Five lawyers, including one of the former founding partners, left the business litigation firm that was once known as Littleton Park Joyce Ughetta & Kelly. They left the firm and formed P&K Park, a products liability and business litigation boutique with offices in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.
Promotions & Appointments:
People in the News—Feb. 13, 2024—King Spry, Kleinbard
King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, congratulated attorney Jennifer Bolivar who has been appointed to the board of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of the Lehigh Valley.
Simpson Thacher Appoints First Female London Head
Wheatly MacNamara, a partner within the firm’s real estate practice, will take over from Glover in October.
Dentons UKIME Arm Re-Appoints CEO
Dentons U.K., Ireland and Middle East (UKIME) has re-appointed Paul Jarvis as chief executive officer, commencing his second three-year term on May 1, 2024.
Clifford Chance Appoints New CFO From Consulting Giants Accenture
Daniel Burton is set to take over the role of global CFO in June, after almost 25 years at Accenture.
Gavin MacLaren to Lead Australia’s Corrs Chambers Westgarth Until 2033
Senior Partner and chief executive at Australia’s Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Gavin MacLaren, has been reappointed to the top job for another term.
Mergers & Alliances:
Caution, Merging Ahead: The FTC and DOJ’s New Merger Guidelines
Following months of anticipation, the FTC and Antitrust Division of the DOJ unveiled their new Merger Guidelines on Dec. 18, 2023. More than 30,000 stakeholders offered input on proposed changes to the Guidelines, which were previously updated in 2010.
Australia’s Gilbert + Tobin Acquires Perth Legal Practice
Gilbert + Tobin has acquired a legal practice and two partners in Perth, the latest move by the top-tier Australian firm as it seeks to boost its energy, infrastructure and mining capabilities in Western Australia.
Korea’s Big Six Firm Shin & Kim Launches Alliance with Indonesia’s ARMA Law
Big Six South Korean firm Shin & Kim has committed to a non-exclusive alliance with Indonesian law firm ARMA Law.
Office Openings & Closing:
Opening 2 New Offices, Vaughan Baio Prepares for Aggressive Growth in 2024
The Philadelphia-based litigation defense firm has expanded its footprint into Cherry Hill and Long Island.
Pinsent Masons Launches Flexible Services Business Vario in the Middle East
Vario, Pinsent Masons’ flexible legal services business, has come to the Middle East—11 years after its inception.
Pogust Goodhead to open in Sydney amid multi-billion-dollar BHP class action claim
New Australia office will be led by partners Joshua Carton and Amie Crichton.
Financials:
Despite a drop in demand, the Am Law 50 ended the fourth quarter with almost 8% more fees worked than Q4 2022, according to a recent Thomson Reuters report.
Impressive Gains at Quinn Emanuel, Hogan Lovells, Milbank Suggest a Healthy 2023 for Am Law 100
In regard to early reports, Marci Taylor, a law firm strategy consultant and founder of Mantra Partner said that “It’s interesting to me that those in the top 50 did even better than those in the next 50”.
Hogan Lovells Rebounds in 2023 With Most Profitable Year in History
The global firm brought in $2.68 billion in revenue, which was converted into $2.74 million in profits per equity partner.
Jenner, Looking at ‘Stretch’ Goals, Reached Double-Digit Revenue and Profit Growth
In 2023, Jenner exceeded not only its own revenue goals but also increased PEP by almost 18% despite a 4% decrease in its equity tier.
Hours Down. Revenues Up. What Gives?
The authors of a report issued this week by The Thomson Reuters Institute assert that “Billable hours worked, the market’s favored measure of demand for legal services, is simply becoming a less useful measurement,”.
Steptoe’s Revenue Grew 13% Amid Lateral Expansion and Rising Litigation Demand
Profits per equity partner at the company increased by roughly 16% to $1.91 million even as the ownership tier grew. Furthermore, Steptoe’s revenue per lawyer increased by more than 8% to $1.2 million last year amid lateral growth, with the company’s overall full-time equivalent head count rising by approximately 4% to approximately 396 lawyers.
The Future of Partner Compensation: How Profit-Sharing Systems Shape the Firm’s Culture and Success
Firms like Paul Weiss and Linklaters have to decide on a remuneration system that reflects their culture and strategic objectives.
Akin Gump Revenue and PEP Up Double Digits as Aggressive Hiring Pays Off
Chairperson Kim Koopersmith has stated that the firm’s London office had a “fantastic year” and Akin also performed well in the Middle East, particularly in Dubai, where demand and lawyer head count grew.
Technology & Innovation:
To Implement Gen AI, Lawyers and Large Language Models Go Back to School
Attorneys are being trained by law firms in rapid engineering and data input into LLMs to establish a rapport between the parties.
AI and Hospitality: Transforming Law Firm Workplaces for the Future
It should come as no surprise that workplace experience is a top strategic lever being driven by law firm leaders as the world ushers in a new era post-pandemic of hybrid operations and they reimagine the space their professionals are occupying.
Protecting Technology-Assisted Works and Inventions: Where Does Smart Technology End and AI Begin?
This article explores certain questions. At what point does a “smart” computing system, or advanced software program, qualify as AI in the eyes of pertinent regulatory or judicial authorities? When is an individual considered to have merely deployed an AI-based computing tool to assist with creating a work of art or conceiving of a technological innovation?
Ethical Considerations for Litigators Navigating the Artificial Intelligence Landscape
With AI, the ability to drive massively greater levels of productivity is within reach, but there are risks if the technology is not used properly.
Beyond the Black Box: Unpacking Legal Tech Vendors’ Gen AI Lingo
The terms “customizing,” “training,” and “fine-tuning” that legal technology companies used to characterize their approach to generative AI were deconstructed by data scientists and engineers. These tactics might differ greatly, even though they are sometimes used interchangeably.
Diversity & Inclusion:
AccessLex Grant Program Keeps Focus on Race, Ethnicity Despite Affirmative Action Ruling
The terms “racial” and “ethnic” are being used by AccessLex without hesitation in its definition, despite recent decisions by the US Supreme Court. As per the statement made by Aaron Taylor, the AccessLex Institute’s executive director, “They neither endorsed nor forbidden them.”
Simpson Thacher Appoints First Female London Head, Jason Glover to Step Down
Wheatly MacNamara, a partner within the firm’s real estate practice, will take over from Glover in October. She becomes the firm’s first female London leader, according to a person close to the matter.
Maurice was appointed an A&O partner in 1985 and founded the private client spin-off firm Maurice Turnor Gardner in 2009.
Nixon Peabody Targets 30% Women Equity Partners by 2025, as Firm Hires DEI Leader From Paul Weiss
Ramla Farzad joined as senior director for diversity, equity and inclusion at the end of January.
Market Commentary:
Even With More Competition in DC, These Law Firms Still Have an Edge
Firms in Washington, D.C. claim that their extensive experience in litigation and regulations is helping them to boost earnings, especially in years when transactional work has been less demanding.
The Risks Junior Lawyers Face by Switching Firms Too Soon, and the Benefits of Staying the Course
It’s wise to consider whether committing to career and personal development could provide a more fulfilling route than following the seemingly better opportunity before taking the plunge.
GCs Face Daunting Emerging Risk, Fanned by Global Economic Pessimism and Social Media Algorithms
According to a survey by consulting firm Gartner, “individuals often seek out non-mainstream information sources that align with preexisting beliefs” as public faith in civic institutions falls.
Using Communication Aids in a Law Practice
Although there are some risks associated with using transcription and live captioning services, they can be helpful for attorneys and clients who are having trouble hearing or comprehending information.
Have Transactional Demand Levels Slowed Lateral Partner Hiring?
Despite declining in 2023, partner lateral movements were still strong, according to Law.com Compass statistics. Furthermore, the market remains fragmented, even with regard to lateral hiring.
Freshfields Dominates 2023 Top Corporate Lawyers Ranking
Victoria MacDuff and Robert Cleaver, partners at UK corporate heavyweights Slaughter and May and Linklaters respectively, bagged the top two spots in the list.
Can I Protect Something That I Created Using Artificial Intelligence?
Additionally, the USPTO has released data regarding modern technologies and their effects on copyrighted works and is researching copyright concerns brought up by artificial intelligence. Through December 2023, the office will assess areas that might be addressed by legislative action.
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