Welcome to this week’s update, where we bring you the latest moves, promotions, and strategic appointments shaping the legal industry.
Partner Moves
UK & Ireland
Pinsent Masons announces new Partner hire to London Employment team
International law firm Pinsent Masons has today announced that the firm has bolstered its London Employment & Incentives team with the hire of Ian Shaw from Korn Ferry.
Skadden has announced Samuel Pape will join the firm’s International Litigation and Arbitration Group in London as a partner. Samuel Pape joins from Latham & Watkins alongside arbitration partner Sophie Lamb KC.
Reed Smith gains Gowling WLG’s Tech Co-Chair
Reed Smith has hired Gowling WLG’s David Brennan as a Partner in its global corporate group in London.
Taylor Wessing’s Trust Disputes head joins Stephenson Harwood
The head of Taylor Wessing’s Contentious Trusts practice, Emma Jordan, has left to join Stephenson Harwood.
Quinn Partner joins Pogust Goodhead
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan Partner Gemma Anderson has joined Pogust Goodhead in the Disputes practice in London.
Dentons hires Carlo Salizzo to Dublin TMT practice
Global law firm Dentons has appointed former Matheson partner Carlo Salizzo as a Partner in its Technology, Media and Telecoms (TMT) practice in Dublin.
Pinsent Masons hires new Competition Partner in London
Pinsent Masons has announced that it has bolstered its Antitrust, Competition & Trade team in London with the hire of Alex Stratakis from Van Bael & Bellis.
Francisco Vasconcelos Pimentel joins Leroy & Goldbach London office
Former Head of Legal at PM Alpha, Francisco Vasconcelos Pimentel, joins as Partner in Corporate and M&A at Leroy & Goldbach, based in London.
Browne Jacobson accelerates London growth with dual Partner hire
Browne Jacobson has appointed two Partners to its Real Estate Investment and Data Protection practices. Christian Major joins from K&L Gates and Phil James joins from Eversheds Sutherland.
Clydes’ Disputes chair departs for Keystone
Ben Knowles, chair of Clyde & Co’s Global Arbitration group and Dispute Resolution practice has exited the firm after over three decades and joins Keystone’s International Arbitration team in London.
Europe
Pinsents breaks into CEE with six-strong Polish office
Pinsent Masons has hired six Partners ahead of a launch in Warsaw. The Polish operations will be led by Real Estate M&A partner Bartłomiej Kordeczka from Dentons and Corporate M&A partner Jakub Marcinkowski from DLA Piper.
Avizor Advocates & Arbitraitors welcomes Marieke Schaink
Marieke Schaink joins Avizor’s Amsterdam office as a Partner from A&O Shearman, bringing experience in complex cross-border Dispute Resolution.
Lupp closes gap in Employment law with Pusch Wahlig-Partner
Dr. Thorben Klopp joins as Partner for Employment law at Lupp + Partner in Hamburg. Thorben Klopp joins from Pusch Wahlig.
McDermott welcomes Banking and Finance Partner in Frankfurt | ICLG
McDermott Will & Schulte announced the appointment of Oliver Sutter, who joins the firm’s Frankfurt office as a Partner in its Banking & Finance team. He joins from Norton Rose Fulbright.
Taylor Wessing strengthens M&A practice with Partner from Baker McKenzie
Dr. Thorsten Seidel from Baker McKenzie joins Taylor Wessing’s Corporate/M&A practice as Partner in the firm’s Berlin office.
Middle East
Ashurst hires first Technology Partner in the Middle East
Ashurst announced the appointment of Technology Partner Alexandre Brazeau from Gowling WLG as Partner in the Corporate practice, based in Dubai.
Hogan Lovells Adds Dounia Mansour As A Partner In Dubai
Hogan Lovells welcomes Partner Dounia Mansour who will be joining its Private Equity and Funds practice, based in Dubai. She joins from King & Spalding.
Habib Al Mulla and Partners makes strategic disputes hire
Habib Al Mulla and Partners has appointed a new Partner to its regional Dispute Resolution practice. Areen Jayousi has joined the firm’s Dubai office after nearly a decade at Horizons & Co.
Team
Six partners to exit Clyde & Co’s Hamburg office
Six Clyde & Co Partners are exiting the firm’s Hamburg office to set up their own shipping and maritime firm. Eckehard Volz and Clemens Hillmer are among the six Partners set for departure.
Taylor Wessing duo join Mayer Brown ahead of US merger
Mark Rajbenbach, Corporate Real Estate, and fellow Property Partner Victoria Butcher, are leaving Taylor Wessing and joining Mayer Brown’s London office.
Promotions & Appointments
Tim Van Canneyt appointed Managing Partner of Fieldfisher Belgium
Fieldfisher announced the appointment of Tim Van Canneyt as Managing Partner of Fieldfisher Belgium.
Rolls-Royce lines up Unilever’s Legal Chief as next CLO
UK engineering giant Rolls-Royce has lined up Maria Varsellona as its next Chief Legal Officer, replacing Mark Gregory, who is departing next month.
Karp stands down as Paul Weiss chairman after Epstein emails
Dealmaker Scott Barshay takes the helm after emails reveal extent of Brad Karp’s ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Stanley Black & Decker appoints Carrier CLO as next legal head
Francesca Campbell replaces Janet Link, who left to join JM Family Enterprises late last year.
Emma Radcliffe promoted to Partner at Bird & Bird
Bird & Bird has announced the expansion of its London Competition Law team, appointing Competition Collective Action specialist Emma Radcliffe as a Partner.
Jadzia Pierce rejoins Covington in the Technology & Communications Regulation team
Microsoft’s former Global DPO Jadzia Pierce rejoins Covington’s Technology & Communications Regulation team.
Olaf Giebe joins Ampersand as Of Counsel
Olaf Giebe joins Ampersand as Of Counsel in their patent practice bringing extensive experience from KLAKA.
Marie C. Grueger joins Lindt & Sprüngli
Marie C. Grueger joins Lindt & Sprüngli as Senior Legal Counsel in Zurich.
Firm and Market Activity
Office Openings & Closing
Michalski Hüttermann partner launches new patent firm Aurodion
Wasilis Koukounis and three other former Michalski Hüttermann & Partner attorneys have launched mixed IP firm Aurodion with offices in Düsseldorf and Heidelberg.
Linklaters announces move to new global headquarters
Firm’s relocation to 20 Ropemaker Street in London to provide a modernised global hub for clients and staff with high level services.
Pinsent Masons launches first international delivery centre in Cape Town
The centre will operate as a separate entity to the firm’s existing South African office in Johannesburg and will not work on local matters, which will continue to be handled by the Johannesburg office. The standalone office will provide legal delivery services to global clients outside of South Africa.
Gibson Dunn asserts London focus with new enlarged office
Gibson Dunn has unveiled plans to move into significantly larger offices in London, following rapid growth in the city over the previous five years. The US firm is set to take 155,000 square feet of One Exchange Square, more than double the size of its current 75,000-square-foot base at Telephone House. The firm did not confirm a moving date, though the building’s redevelopment is expected to complete in the first quarter of this year.
Addleshaws accounts shed light on multimillion-pound office scale-up
Addleshaw Goddard spent more than £8m on building improvements, office equipment and refurbishments last year, as the firm continues to upgrade its offices across the UK and Ireland, accounts filed with Companies House reveal.
Mishcon de Reya strengthens UAE presence with four senior Partner appointments
Mishcon de Reya announced the appointment of four Partners across its newly launched UAE offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The four Partners are Natalie Jones, Rob Flaws, and Sandeep Dhama and Kamal Rahman.
Mergers & Alliances
Skadden, Gibson Dunn advise on Devon Energy’s merger with Coterra Energy
Skadden and Gibson Dunn are advising on Devon Energy’s merger with Coterra Energy in a deal that values the combined business at around $58bn.
Financial Results
BCLP’s UK revenue leaps after strategic overhaul
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner’s UK revenue rose by 16 per cent in 2025. The rate of the increase, which takes UK revenue to $306m (£225m), is well over twice that which the firm managed globally. The 6 per cent rise in total revenue to $912m is also a new record for BCLP.
Market Commentary
European legal heads continue to expand their C-Suite influence – report
A record 82% of European CLOs now have a direct reporting line to their CEO, up from 73% a year ago and closer in line with the global average (84%).
Taylor Wessing accounts reveal £10m pay for top earner
Taylor Wessing’s accounts have revealed that its best-paid partner received more than £10m during 2024-25, as the firm gears up for its transatlantic merger with Winston & Strawn.
Innovation & Culture
Technology & Innovation
Eversheds Sutherland launches ‘AI-centric’ innovation department in US
The 20-person department in the firm’s US operations consolidates several existing technology functions, including data and analytics, research and knowledge services, legal technology and client-facing technologies. It will be led by senior director Katrina Dittmer − previously the firm’s US director of legal technology. The innovation team will work with the firm’s AI service for clients and advise on the responsible and effective use of AI across the firm.
Baker McKenzie cites AI as it prepares to cut business services roles
Baker McKenzie has confirmed it is likely to cut business services roles following a review, with hundreds of staff potentially affected. The review, driven in part by the growing use of AI, could see dozens of roles axed in offices that include London and Belfast. The affected departments include research, marketing and secretarial.
Skadden and HSF Kramer strike gold investment deal
Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom and Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer have advised on an investment that will integrate a gold-backed digital asset into a precious metals trading platform. A London-based Skadden team advised Tether, which owns the digital asset XAU₮, on its $150m strategic investment. HSF Kramer acted for Gold.com, whose platform will enable global distribution.
Supreme Court president raises alarm over AI deciding legal cases
AI is a “public trust” issue for the courts, Lord Reed told a packed courtroom of students at a panel event at the Supreme Court, warning that it could threaten trust as much as populism.
Harvey lands Eversheds Sutherland as it steps up Europe push
Harvey has signed up Eversheds Sutherland’s international arm as a customer, extending the legal AI startup’s expansion across Europe as competition in the platform market heats up. The firm said an initial cohort of 350 lawyers will gain access to Harvey with immediate effect, with a full rollout across its international business scheduled to begin in May this year. Eversheds Sutherland’s international chief Keith Froud described 2026 as the firm’s “Year of AI”, as it looks to embed generative AI more deeply into its client offering.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Clyde & Co wins aspiring trainee race discrimination case
A London employment tribunal has rejected a racial discrimination claim brought by an aspiring trainee solicitor against Clyde & Co, but delivered a blunt postscript suggesting the firm should “learn some important lessons” about how its early careers team handled the process.
Welcome to this week’s update, where we bring you the latest moves, promotions, and strategic appointments shaping the legal industry.
Partner Moves
Individual
UK & Ireland
Brabners makes twin Partner hire from Forsters, gunnercooke to debut in London
As part of its plans to open a new office in London, Brabners announced double Partner hire of Corporate Partner Stuart Hatcher (Forsters) and Disputes Partner Russell Strong (gunnercooke).
Akin adds Leveraged Finance Partner Adrian Chiodo to London Finance Practice
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld has hired leveraged finance partner Adrian Chiodo in London from Covington & Burling, where he led the firm’s leveraged finance practice in Europe.
Lisa Quelch joins Hogan Lovells
Hogan Lovells announced that Lisa Quelch has joined as a Partner in its Infrastructure, Energy, Resources, and Projects (IERP) practice area in London. She has joined from Latham & Watkins.
Simpson Thacher funds lawyer heads to Paul Hastings
Paul Hastings has boosted its London ranks with funds lawyer, David Richardson, from Simpson Thacher, as the US law firm ramps up its city rebuild.
Europe
Bird & Bird hires Partner duo in Warsaw
Michał Kulesza (IT and Commercial) and Krzysztof Zięba (Contracts and Consumers) will make the move from local firms Rymarz Zdort Maruta (RZM) and Kochański & Partners.
Freshfields faces yet another European departure in Paris
Former Office Managing Partner of Freshfields, Hervé Pisani, is set join White & Case’s M&A practice in Paris.
Private Funds Partner moves to Jeantet
Nicolas Capelli, who specialises in Private Funds, has left Morgan, Lewis & Bockius to join Parisian firm Jeantet.
Morgan Lewis hires Moderna Head of Legal Regulatory as Munich Partner
Morgan Lewis continues to strengthen its global life sciences capabilities with the arrival of Dr. Alexander Meier. Joining the firm in Munich after he was most recently vice president and head of legal regulatory strategy and global regulatory policy at Moderna in Switzerland.
Dr. Dietmar Schulz joins SZA as a partner in the Restructuring and Insolvency Practice
Dr. Dietmar Schulz has joined Schilling Zutt and Anschütz as a Partner in the Restructuring and Insolvency practice, effective 1 February 2026. Schulz joins from DLA Piper.
Middle East
Zaid Al-Farisi has been appointed Senior Partner in Banking and Restructuring at Eversheds Sutherland in Riyadh.
Team
Ropes & Gray expands in Paris with Private funds and Tax team from Linklaters
Ropes & Gray taken two Parisian Partners from Linklaters. The incoming duo are Edouard Chappellier (Funds and Tax) and Jonathan Abensour (Tax), who are also joined by a team of eight associates.
Promotions & Appointments
Mishcon unveils new leadership team
Mishcon de Reya has appointed a new firmwide chief and two executive Partners. New Managing Partner, Daniel Naftalin, will be supported by an executive team of Joanna Walsh (White Collar Crime and Disputes Partner) and Daniel Levy (Property Litigation and Construction Partner).
Paul Dali joins Ropes & Gray as a PE Partner, leaving EQT Group (global investment firm and R&G client). Paul will focus on PE and M&A.
Clyde & Co has promoted Sian Langer and Gemma Parker to Partner
Sian specialises in large and complex loss at the Southampton Office. Gemma specialises in liability arguments at the Southampton Office.
Zaid Mansour Joins Orrick’s Düsseldorf Office
Former Counsel at Clifford Chance, Zaid Mansour, joins Orrick as a Partner in their Düsseldorf office.
Firm and Market Activity
Office Openings & Closings
Brabners to launch London office
Liverpool-founded law firm Brabners has announced plans to expand into the capital, marking its fifth office in the UK.
Oppenhoff will open an office in Munich in May 2026
Oppenhoff will open an office in Munich in May 2026. The starting team includes a large team led by the experienced corporate partner Dr. Alexander von Bergwelt from Dentons.
Stephenson Harwood acquires boutique to re-enter Madrid
Stephenson Harwood has announced that it is opening a new office in Madrid after acquiring a local three-partner boutique.
Mergers & Alliances
Taylor Wessing and Winston partners give green light to merger
Partners at Taylor Wessing and Winston & Strawn have approved the firms’ proposed transatlantic merger, clearing the final internal hurdle for the creation of Winston Taylor.
Financial Results
London expansion and record revenues drive next phase of growth at Brabners
Brabners has reported its eighth consecutive year of growth, with turnover surpassing £60m as the firm grows to almost 600 colleagues.
Innovation & Culture
Technology & Innovation
Thomson Reuters launches CoCounsel Legal in the UK
Thomson Reuters has launched CoCounsel Legal; its agentic AI solution built for legal professionals onto the UK market.
Wexler eyes Series A funding round to get “boots on the ground” in the US
Wexler is preparing for a Series A funding round towards the end of the first half of this year to help it expand its commercial team on the other side of the Atlantic.
Legora “takes fight to the US” with new CFO
Legora has hired former Vanta executive David Eckstein as CFO to drive its U.S. expansion amid rapid global scaling. The move comes as the legal tech firm accelerates growth following strong performance and major recent funding.
Welcome to this week’s update, where we bring you the latest moves, promotions, and strategic appointments shaping the legal industry.
Partner Moves
UK & Ireland
Paul Weiss expands London footprint with Simpson Thacher private equity partner hire
Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison has hired private equity and M&A lawyer Paul Foote from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett in London to strengthen its transactions capabilities.
Cahill ends London finance search with long-awaited partner hires
Cahill has hired White & Case’s EMEA bank lending team head Jeremy Duffy and real estate finance partner Lisa Seifman.
Multiple exits from Shoosmiths Regional real estate team
Shoosmiths’ regional real estate team has seen multiple departures across Manchester and Nottingham. Recent exits include Manchester partner Kirsty Black, who joined Addleshaw Goddard last week.
Sullivan & Cromwell continues City buildout with Weil duo
Sullivan & Cromwell’s London buildout continues, with the firm hiring a finance duo, Chris McLaughlin and Alastair McVeigh, from Weil Gotshal & Manges.
Dechert hires private equity partner from Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC in London
Dechert has hired private equity and infrastructure lawyer Jarlath Pratt from Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC to strengthen the firm’s global private capital coverage.
McDermott adds senior antitrust partner in London
McDermott Will & Schulte announced the appointment of Kristina Nordlander as a senior partner in London.
Shoosmiths strengthens Banking & Finance team with double partner hire
Shoosmiths has added two partners to its Banking and Finance team: John Dawson, who joins from CMS, and Graham Knight, who arrives from A&O Shearman.
Europe
Blathnaid Evans Starting New Position at Philip Lee LLP
Former founding member of KELLA, Blathnaid Evans joins Philip Lee LLP Dublin as an employment partner.
Gowling WLG welcomes Dr. Annette Rickert to strengthen international tax practice
Dr. Annette Rickert joins as a tax partner at Gowling WLG in Frankfurt. Rickert joins from PwC.
Middle East
Quinn Emanuel Hires Leading Cross Border Disputes Partner in UAE
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan has hired Ghalib Mahmoud as a cross-border disputes partner in its Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices.
AG strengthens Abu Dhabi presence with Construction, Transport and Energy partners
Addleshaw Goddard has expanded its Abu Dhabi office with the relocations of senior partners Andrew Carter and Matthew Williams, alongside the appointment of Richard Davies as Construction & Engineering partner, strengthening its presence in the UAE capital.
Baker Botts has appointed Alhassane Barry as partner and global head of mining and metals (non-US) in its global projects department in the UAE, based in Dubai.
Ashurst boosts Middle East offering with first real estate partner hire
Ashurst has appointed former BCLP real estate head Chris Beaumont McQuillan as a partner in its Abu Dhabi office to support the continued expansion of its Middle East real estate practice.
Baker McKenzie boosts Middle East banking & finance team with strategic partner addition from
Baker McKenzie announced that former partner at Stephenson Harwood, Philip Clarke will join the Dubai office as a financial regulatory partner in its Banking & Finance Practice Group, expanding its financial regulatory capabilities across the Middle East and globally.
HFW continues to strengthen fast-growing Middle East offering with Saudi Partner hire
Global, sector-focused law firm HFW has continued to strengthen its fast-growing Middle East offering with the hire of Partner Jonathan Burns, joining from ZH Partners.
Promotions & Appointments
Gemma Parker & Sian Langer Promoted To Partner At Clyde & Co
Global law firm Clyde & Co has promoted Sian Langer and Gemma Parker to Partner, reinforcing its market-leading catastrophic injury and large loss capabilities in the south of England.
Arnold & Porter Announce New Leadership for Antitrust/Competition Practice
Michael B. Bernstein and Niels Christian Ersbøll have been named Global Co-Chairs and Partner Scott Lent has been named U.S. Chair for Arnold & Porter’s Antitrust/Competition.
Firm and Market Activity
Office Openings & Closings
US-Israeli firm Pearl Cohen arrives in Germany
Pearl Cohen has launched a Munich office by integrating patent attorney firm Tautz & Schuhmacher, bringing in European patent attorneys Raphael Tautz and Matthias Schuhmacher as partners and US patent attorney Michael McCandlish as of counsel, marking the firm’s second European base after London.
Mergers & Alliances
King & Spalding joins forces with local Saudi firm
King & Spalding is integrating Al Fahad & Partners into its Riyadh office, adding four partners and 17 lawyers, rebranding as King & Spalding Al Fahad, and significantly expanding its Saudi presence.
Market Commentary
The Lawyer’s Hot 100 2026 is released
The list reflects a legal market responding to pressure and a fast pace of change, featuring litigators instructed on some of the most complex and high-stakes cases to come before the courts in recent memory, alongside advisers navigating landmark mergers, restructurings and financings, often against the backdrop of fragile markets and heightened scrutiny.
Innovation & Culture
Technology & Innovation
HSBC signs landmark deal with legal tech firm Harvey
HSBC has agreed a deal with tech company Harvey to deploy its AI platform across the bank’s entire in-house legal function.
BCLP creates new innovation role to lead AI drive
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner has created a new global partner role overseeing legal innovation, knowledge and practice strategy as it accelerates its AI initiative.
The firm’s corporate finance partner Nicholas Myatt has been appointed to the role.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Judicial Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2026-2030 launched
The judiciary of England and Wales has launched its 2026–2030 Diversity and Inclusion Strategy to increase representation across all courts and tribunals.
Welcome to this week’s update, where we bring you the latest moves, promotions, and strategic appointments shaping the legal industry.
Partner Moves
UK & Ireland
Skadden hires former co-managing Partner of Freshfields
Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom has hired a former co-managing partner of Freshfields Rafique Bachour, who will join the firm’s antitrust and competition group in Brussels.
Skadden ramps up recruitment with KC hire from Latham
Former global co-chair of International Arbitration Sophie Lamb KC is set to join Skadden after nearly a decade at Latham.
Sidley hires back Latham partner after 20 years
Real Estate investment specialist Jeremy Trinder is set to return to Sidley after two decades.
Europe
Ropes kickstarts Italian antitrust practice with Legance hire
Jacopo Figus Diaz, senior counsel at Legance, joins the firm to open the Italian practice.
Freshfields expands in Germany following hire into Global Transactions Group
Florian Sippel is joining the firm’s private equity team in Munich from Kirkland & Ellis, having previously spent seven years at Freshfields up until 2021.
Middle East
BCLP sees another partner departure in Abu Dhabi
Construction specialist Richard Davies joins Addleshaw Goddard after more than 14 years at BCLP.
Promotions & Appointments
Norton Rose Fulbright appoints Peter Scott as EMEAPAC managing partner for third term
Scott was first elected to the EMEA managing partner role in 2020 and then again in 2023. Under his regional leadership, the firm’s EMEA business has posted six years of consecutive revenue growth.
Reed Smith appoints Anders Nilsson as Middle East Managing Partner
Nilsson, who joined the firm from Bird & Bird in November 2025, will oversee the firm’s operations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and its recently opened office in Riyadh.
Weightmans gains first London board member with Allianz hire
Caroline Johnson who joins from Allianz Personal and becomes the first partner based in the London office to join the executive board.
Firm and Market Activity
Office Openings & Closings
Gibson Dunn enters Spain with a hire from Freshfields
Armando Albarrán, former Head of Corporate for Freshfields in Spain, launches Gibson Dunn Office in Madrid.
Mergers & Alliances
Nordic heavyweight Schjødt combines with 50-strong Danish firm
Norwegian firm Schjødt has expanded its pan-Scandinavian presence and merged with Denmark’s Norrbom Vinding, increasing its lawyer numbers in Denmark to 120.
Swedish PE-backed AGRD Partners acquires two new firms
Wigge and Bokwall Rislund have become the latest firms to join the group, established last year.
HF to acquire Crawford Legal Services
Manchester-based law firm HF (Horwich Farrelly) is set to acquire Crawford Legal Services (CLS), which uses technology and data to provide legal support for insurance claims and other complex needs.
Financial Results
A&O Shearman’s Warsaw profits rebound after three year-decline
The outpost’s profit figures jumped to £1.4m (7.2m PLN) accounts for the 2025 financial year show, welcome news for A&O Shearman following three consecutive years of consistent profitability hits.
Quinn financials: City revenue reaches highest level yet at £227m
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan’s London office turnover has risen to £227m, up 3 per cent on the year before. Quinn has also recorded a 68 per cent profit margin with profit having shot up to £153.9m, following a dip last year.
Market Commentary
Sullivan & Cromwell establishes non-equity ‘income’ tier
Sullivan & Cromwell has become the latest elite firm to introduce a non-equity tier to its partnership, while adding a $50,000 bonus for associates and counsel who refer external lawyers to join the firm.
Innovation & Culture
Technology & Innovation
Legal AI company Harvey to open Paris Office
The company has appointed Jorge Bestard as vice president of EMEA sales to support and scale their European expansion.
Over 20 GCs back legal tech firm Sandstone in $10m fundraise
Legal tech firm Sandstone has raised $10m as part of a seed funding round, securing backing from Sequoia Capital and the GC of eBay.
Welcome to this week’s update, where we bring you the latest moves, promotions, and strategic appointments shaping the legal industry
Partner Moves
UK & Ireland
Sullivan & Cromwell continues London buildout with A&O Shearman finance hire
Patrick Clancy reunites with former A&O Shearman Partner Barney Reynolds as Sullivan & Cromwell continues to expand rapidly in the City.
Willkie hires restructuring Partner from Simpson, Thatcher & Bartlett
Marc Hecht joins the London office of Willkie, Farr and Gallagher.
Quinn Emanuel boosts London litigation bench with Milbank partner hire
Commercial litigation and regulatory investigations Partner William Charles joins Quinn Emanuel in London.
Humphries Kerstetter boosts ranks with partner hire from Clifford Chance
Commercial litigator Matthew Scully brings 25 years of experience to the London disputes boutique.
Travers’s former pensions head joins Pinsent Masons
Trustee advisory and pensions risk transfer expert Susie Daykin departs Travers Smith after 22 years.
Tech/IP Partner departs TLT for Druces
Digital regulation, commercial transactions and consumer law specialist Daniel Lloyd relocates to Druces in London.
EMEA
Simmons welcomes the new year with 10 lateral partner hires
Alison Fagan (Dispute Resolution) and Mark Chivers (Corporate) join from DLA in London, Ermine Bolot-Massé (Corporate) join’s the firms Paris office from Dechert, whilst Stefan Nerinckx (Employment) exits Fieldfisher Brussels. Elsewhere in continental Europe, funds specialist Emmanuel-Frédéric Henrion joined the firm from Clifford Chance Luxembourg.
Clifford Chance welcomes Investment Funds Partner from Dechert
Matthais Kerbusch returns to Clifford Chance after a 3-year partnership stint at Dechert
Ropes adds fourth partner to Milan office
Alessandro Capogrosso, a capital markets, private equity and M&A partner, joins the Boston-founded firm from PedersoliGattai.
Arnecke Sibeth launches new Real Estate fund practice with hire from King & Spalding
Real Estate Fund Partner Achim Döser spearheads the new practice at Arnecke Sibeth.
HFW hires former Orrick Geneva head
Leading Arbitration lawyer Vanessa Liborio has joined the partnership at HFW after a decade leading the Geneva office at Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe.
Ashurst hires BCLP partner to build Middle East real estate practice in Abu Dhabi
Ashurst has appointed Chris Beaumont-McQuillan as a partner in Abu Dhabi to build its real estate practice, it’s first hire in the region.
Akin Gump hires Disputes Partner from Ashurst in Dubai
Shane Dury joins the team at Atkin Gump as co-lead of the Middle East Disputes Practice
Simmons hires EY Partner to lead Middle East Tax Practice in Dubai
Business tax advisory services Partner Hannah Shipley makes the move to private practice.
Team moves
Latham adds trio of real estate finance partners from A&O Shearman in London
Global real estate finance head David Oppenheimer makes the move alongside David Varne and structured finance partner Lucy Oddy
Johnson Law Group picks up five lawyers from Pogust Goodhead
Peter Gallagher – former lead solicitor on the Dieselgate trial – assumes the role of managing partner at JLG’s London office, joining alongside colleagues Sarah Bingham, Matthew Hunt, Michael Burke and Priyanka Gladson.
Bird & Bird expands M&A team in Frankfurt
Clemens Maschke and Lieor Koblenz join the team from Dentons
In house
Former Luxembourg FS Regulatory Office Head establishes executive search boutique
Formerly of Norton Rose Fulbright, Nam Nguyen-Groza launches executive search and advisory firm Amrop based in Luxembourg
Firm & Market Activity
Office Openings & Closings
Taylor Wessing’s Benelux operations opt out of joining firm merger with Winston & Strawn
Taylor Wessing’s offices in the Netherlands and Belgium are set to exit the firm’s existing verein and will not join the merger with Winston & Strawn, but will enter into a cooperation agreement with the newly combined entity and operate under the same brand.
International arbitration firm Three Crowns announces Dubai opening
Arbitration specialist Three Crowns is launching an office in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) as part of its continued global expansion, led by managing partner Manish Aggarwa
Simmons & Simmons officially relaunches in Abu Dhabi
Simmons & Simmons has officially relaunched its office in Abu Dhabi, focusing on asset management, investment funds, technology, and artificial intelligence
Mergers & Alliances
Danish duo Horten and DAHL merge to create €100m firm
The merger of two of Denmark’s top law firms, Horten and DAHL, has officially gone live with the new firm spanning Aarhus, Viborg, Esbjerg, Herning and Copenhagen.
European network of four firms disbands
Germany’s Gleiss Lutz, Italy’s Chiomenti, Spain’s Cuatrecasas and France’s Gide Loyrette Nouel have formally dismantled their long-running ‘best friends’ network, a non-exclusive referral and relationship platform in place for over a decade.
Promotions and Appointments
In the latest round of leadership and partnership moves across the legal sector, Pogust Goodhead has appointed Lynn Wong as its new General Counsel, while Norton Rose Fulbright has named Karsten Kühnle as Head of Corporate Germany. Milkbank announced eight new partners in a reduced promotions round, whilst Hogan Lovells elevated 28 lawyers to partnership ahead of its upcoming merger with Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft. Meanwhile, disputes specialist Hausfeld has promoted five lawyers to partner in its 2026 round.
Market Commentary
BigLaw’s $4.6 Trillion Year Sees Kirkland & Top Firms Dominate
M&A Market Soars to Record $4.6 Trillion, with Kirkland & Ellis Latham & Watkins, Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz, and Skadden Arps leading the way on transaction value.
As the year draws to a close, it’s time to hit rewind on our greatest moments from 2025. From key legal market and hiring trends, to our personal highlights and predictions for the future, tune in for the curated insights that defined our industry and shaped our year.
Thank you to our clients, candidates, and partners for making 2025 our best year yet.
From all of us at Fides, we wish you a joyful festive season and look forward to working with you further in 2026.
Moves
UK & Ireland
Eversheds Sutherland marks first senior hires in Ireland since integration
Eversheds Sutherland has hired Robert Dever from Pinsent Masons and Mary Gavin from Ogier to strengthen its newly integrated Irish practice. Dever advises on corporate tax and M&A, while Gavin specialises in employment law. Their appointments support the firm’s growth in Ireland, focusing on sectors including financial services, TMT, life sciences, energy, and industrials.
Eversheds Expands Tech Practice With MoFo Hire
Eversheds Sutherland has bolstered its corporate tech practice by hiring Simon Arlington from Morrison & Foerster, marking its 29th partner addition in a year of significant growth. Meanwhile, Goodwin Procter also expanded its technology M&A team with a partner from White & Case.
Goodwin hires new tech M&A partner from White & Case
Goodwin has hired Emmie Jones from White & Case, where she co-led the fast-growth practice and worked on major private equity deals. She joins Goodwin’s technology M&A team, strengthening its European platform amid ongoing corporate team moves.
Addleshaws hires new partner from client Patron Capital
Addleshaw Goddard has hired Farhod Moghadam from Patron Capital to its London Real Estate investments team, marking its 20th UK partner hire this year. Moghadam brings extensive private equity and credit experience, supporting the firm’s AG 2030 growth strategy and expansion into cross-border real estate deals.
Americas
Ex-Criminal Division Chief for NJ U.S. Atty’s Office Joins NY White Collar Boutique
Joshua Haber, former chief of the Criminal Division for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey, has joined white collar law firm Abell Eskew Landau as a partner. He is the latest senior official to move from the New Jersey U.S. Attorney’s Office into private practice.
Morgan Lewis Welcomes Back Labor & Employment Partner in LA
Jason Mills, an experienced labor and employment defense lawyer and military veteran, has returned to Morgan Lewis & Bockius after less than a year at Sidley Austin. He previously spent 20 years at Morgan Lewis, where he began his career as an associate and served as a U.S. Marine Corps judge advocate.
Holland & Knight Adds A&O Shearman ECVC Partner in Austin
Carmelo Gordian, formerly a partner at A&O Shearman, has joined Holland & Knight in Austin. He specialises in venture capital and emerging company transactions, particularly in sectors like cybersecurity, AI, and life sciences, and says his move was driven by client needs.
Holland & Knight Adds Partners From Public Sector in Austin, Washington, D.C.
Holland & Knight has hired two partners from the public sector. Roy Bonilla, formerly general counsel for the Texas A&M University System, joins to strengthen the firm’s education practice, while Christopher Jaarda, previously a policy adviser to House Speaker Mike Johnson, enhances its public policy and regulation practice.
Paul Weiss Lands New Head of Project Finance From Kirkland, Partner From White & Case
Paul Weiss has appointed Kelann Stirling, formerly of Kirkland & Ellis, as Head of Project Finance and Development, and added Jamie Franklin from White & Case as a Partner in its Finance Group.
Willkie, Wiley, Fried Frank Add Litigation, Asset Management M&A Partners in D.C.
Willkie Farr & Gallagher has hired Christopher DiPompeo from Jones Day as co-chair of its bankruptcy litigation practice, expanding its bankruptcy and restructuring team.
Squire Patton Boggs Adds Patent Litigator From DLA Piper in San Francisco
Squire Patton Boggs has added IP litigator Soumitra “Sam” Deka to its Global IP and Technology practice. Deka joins after over six years at DLA Piper and previously spent more than a dozen years at Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer.
Simpson Thacher Appoints Co-Head for Latin America Practice
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett has appointed São Paulo partner Grenfel Calheiros to co-lead its Latin America practice alongside long-time head Todd Crider.
EMEA
Hogan Lovells recruits Eversheds’ Saudi M&A head amid deals surge
Hogan Lovells has hired Walid Salib, former head of Eversheds Sutherland’s M&A practice in Saudi Arabia, to strengthen its Riyadh office amid a surge in global deal activity driven by Middle Eastern and Asian sovereign wealth funds. Salib, with over 14 years of experience advising private equity, sovereign funds, and multinational clients, will focus on M&A, joint ventures, corporate structuring, and merger clearances. His appointment supports Hogan Lovells’ growth strategy in Saudi Arabia, a market expanding under Vision 2030, as global deal values hit $3 trillion in the first three quarters of 2025.
Saudi general counsel to join A&O Shearman as partner
A&O Shearman is expanding its Saudi corporate practice by hiring Shaima Bakhsh, former general counsel of Hassana Investment Company, as a partner in Riyadh starting January 2026.
APAC
Eversheds Sutherland appoints new Asia technology head
Eversheds Sutherland has hired Albert Yuen as partner in Hong Kong, succeeding Rhys McWhirter. Yuen, with 25+ years in technology, media, and telecoms, brings expertise in tech transactions, data infrastructure, fintech, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, boosting the firm’s regional capabilities.
Kingland adds IP partner in Beijing
Kingland Partners has appointed IP veteran Song Xudong as a partner in Beijing, enhancing its IP and unfair competition practice. Song, with 20 years’ experience, previously worked at King & Wood Mallesons and briefly at DaHui Lawyers, and served 12 years as a judge handling over 2,700 IP cases. He cited Kingland’s collaborative “corporate + team-based” model as a key factor in his move.
Team Move
Paul Weiss adds Sidley finance partner trio in New York
Paul Weiss has added three finance partners from Sidley Austin in New York, Nicholas Schwartz, Mark Adler, and Julie Ann Lamm, to expand its leveraged finance practice. Schwartz, formerly co-head of Sidley’s leveraged finance team, brings extensive experience on major debt deals, including multi-billion-dollar transactions for clients like Clearlake Capital. The group, who previously collaborated at Kirkland & Ellis, will join Paul Weiss’s 35-partner finance team, strengthening the firm’s capabilities as demand for leveraged and debt financing rises in the US.
FGvW adds six-strong partner team from ADVANT Beiten in Frankfurt
German firm Friedrich Graf von Westphalen & Partners (FGvW) has hired six partners from ADVANT Beiten in Frankfurt, including private client specialist Gerritt Ponath and M&A lawyer Detlef Koch. The team also includes experts in corporate, real estate, and tax law. The hires, joining between now and January, expand FGvW’s interdisciplinary offerings and strengthen its presence in the Rhine-Main region. This follows other recent promotions and lateral hires, highlighting the firm’s focus on both organic growth and strategic recruitment.
Kirkland hires competition duo from Weil
Kirkland & Ellis has boosted its London antitrust and competition team by hiring former Weil Gotshal lawyers Nafees Saeed and Chris Thomas as partners. Saeed brings experience from major deals involving Microsoft and Meta, while Thomas has advised clients such as Advent International and Brookfield. Kirkland says the hires strengthen its London–Brussels competition offering, following recent team changes including the arrival of Satyen Dhana and the departure of Sally Evans.
In House
US tech giant Apple raids Meta for its next GC
Apple has appointed Jennifer Newstead, formerly Meta’s chief legal officer, as its next general counsel, succeeding Kate Adams in March next year. Newstead will initially oversee Apple’s legal function and later take on government affairs, reporting directly to CEO Tim Cook. She brings extensive experience from government and private practice, including roles at the US State Department, Davis Polk & Wardwell, and the White House. The leadership change comes amid ongoing high-profile legal challenges for Apple, including antitrust cases in the UK and US. Adams will retire after serving as GC since 2017.
Incyte secures Goodwin biotech and life sciences partner as GC
Incyte has appointed Richard Hoffman as its new general counsel, succeeding Sheila Denton, who will leave early next year. Hoffman, formerly a partner at Goodwin and previously at WilmerHale, brings over 30 years of legal and business experience in biotech and life sciences, including M&A, IPOs, and global collaborations. He will oversee Incyte’s legal and compliance functions and join the executive leadership team, supporting the company’s ongoing growth in oncology and autoimmune medicines. Denton departs after two years to pursue new opportunities.
Direct Line GC joins newly-acquired Hargreaves Lansdown
Hargreaves Lansdown has named Angela Yotov as chief legal officer, succeeding Craig Diamond. Yotov joins from Direct Line Group after its merger with Aviva and brings experience from Ratesetter, Close Brothers, and Barclays. Her appointment follows Hargreaves Lansdown’s £5.4bn acquisition and delisting from the London Stock Exchange.
UK fintech ClearBank hires former FCA adviser as group GC
ClearBank has appointed Angela Roberts as group general counsel, succeeding Philip House. Roberts joins from Allspring Global Investments, bringing over 20 years of legal and regulatory experience, and will lead ClearBank’s legal and governance functions to support its growth. The fintech, based in London and Amsterdam, provides cloud-based clearing bank services. House has moved into a senior advisory role within the company.
Promotions & Appointments
Law firm appoints first chief client officer amid growth strategy
Foot Anstey has appointed Stephen Arnold as its first chief client officer as the firm pushes ahead with its national growth strategy, which has recently included expansion into Northern Ireland and a greater focus on Manchester. Arnold, who has held senior client-strategy roles at Linklaters, Clifford Chance and Clyde & Co, will lead the firm’s client function and support its next phase of growth by improving client service, strengthening collaboration and refining its market approach. Managing partner Martin Hirst said his experience will be crucial as the firm builds its market position.
Kennedys adds special counsel from Wotton Kearney as new partner
Kennedys has appointed Natalie Orola as a partner in its Brisbane office, strengthening its healthcare practice. Orola joins from Wotton Kearney and has over 15 years’ experience advising insurers on medical defence, professional indemnity, and related regulatory matters. Her hire supports Kennedys’ national expansion in healthcare.
BonelliErede promotes first partner in Dubai since 2017 launch
BonelliErede has promoted Riccardo Denaro to partner, marking the first partnership promotion at its Dubai office since its 2017 opening.
Blackadders announces new promotions in Glasgow
Blackadders LLP has announced promotions in its Glasgow office: Taylor Henry is now an associate in the private client team, while Ethan Laing (commercial real estate) and Natasha Connelly (residential property) have been promoted to senior solicitor. The firm highlighted the moves as part of its commitment to career development
A&L Goodbody welcomes 11 new partners
A&L Goodbody has promoted 11 new partners across its Dublin and Belfast offices, effective 1 January 2026. Dublin promotions span energy, infrastructure, natural resources, environment, corporate transactions, disputes, sanctions, financial regulation, restructuring, and tax, while Belfast sees Keith Dunn join the commercial and technology team. Managing partner David Widger highlighted the appointments as strengthening the firm’s leadership and client service capabilities.
Office Openings & Closing
‘Incredibly difficult’ news as Newcastle city centre law firm closes suddenly
Samuel Phillips, a law firm founded in 1919, has closed, according to posts from current and former staff. The firm, which moved from Westgate Road to Grey Street in 2018 and also had a Sunderland office, now displays a “closed” sign and is unresponsive to calls. It was acquired in 2022 by Miah Law, but that company entered administration earlier this year and is no longer registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority, leaving its other firm, Hathaways Law, similarly unreachable.
Mergers & Alliances
Douglas Gilmour & Son (Selkirk) and Pike & Chapman (Galashiels) are merging to form Gilmour Pike Chapman, trading as a limited company from 1 April 2026. The firm will continue operating from its existing offices and welcomes solicitor Iain Burke to the team.
Financials
Trainee and newly qualified solicitor salaries
The Lawyer’s latest update (4 December 2025) shows that trainee and newly-qualified solicitor salaries at major UK firms continue to rise, largely due to pressure from high-paying US firms. A £100k NQ salary, once remarkable in 2010, is now common and top rates are nearing £180k. Magic circle and other large international firms struggle to match this because they take on more trainees, prompting a shift from fixed salaries to flexible “salary bands” that reward high performers while obscuring average pay. Salaries are also increasing in mid-tier London firms and regional markets, reflecting overall sector strength. The data, last fully updated in December 2025, also notes that some firms now cite maximum potential NQ earnings, making comparisons more difficult.
A&O Shearman’s expenses reach £446m in first year of merger
A&O Shearman’s first post-merger accounts show operating expenses of £446m for 2024/25, significantly higher than legacy A&O’s pre-merger figures. Staff costs rose from £858m to over £1bn as headcount increased to 6,961 following the merger. The combined firm reported £1.12bn in operating profit on £2.8bn in revenue, with £981.4m generated in the UK and £706.6m in the Americas.
Technology & Innovation
Law firms seek AI edge with new executive hires
Ropes & Gray has hired former Meta AI leader Gretchen Greene as its first chief of AI strategy, joining a growing wave of law firms adding AI-focused executives since ChatGPT’s rise. Greene will help direct the firm’s AI approach, while Ropes & Gray also launches a program allowing new associates to spend 20% of their billable hours on AI training.
Strategic law firm innovation in the age of AI
Law firms with clear AI strategies experience stronger growth, but success depends on a people-first approach. Involving lawyers, managing expectations, and adopting AI gradually—from basic training to advanced, business-aligned applications—helps firms achieve sustainable benefits beyond efficiency.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
London solicitors group announces judicial shadowing and mentorship diversity schemes
The LSLA has launched two initiatives to promote diversity and professional development: a Judicial Shadow Scheme letting members observe judges, and a mentoring program pairing members across firms and career stages. President Nikki Edwards highlighted the importance of mentorship, representation, and judicial engagement, and the LSLA will survey members on AI, wellbeing, and diversity, donating £10 per response to Big Voice London.
The Winners: The Leadership, Influence & Inclusivity Awards 2025
Dentons’ Amia Tahir received the Global 200 Firm Rising Star award for her efforts in removing barriers and inspiring young people through her advocacy work. In the Law Firm category, Carone Huang of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld was recognized, while Akin’s Jenny Arlington earned the Women Leaders in Tech Law honor.
Market Commentary
‘Failed merger talks’: why Wright Hassall went under
Wright Hassall failed to secure a buyer despite talks with 28 parties, as falling profits and partner departures left it unable to continue. After entering administration, HCR Legal acquired its assets and most staff for £240,000, with the firm carrying significant debts to Lloyds and HMRC.
Pools and top-end gyms: the law firms getting their staff fit
RollOnFriday’s early results for the Best Law Firms to Work At 2026 indicate that firms that prioritise wellbeing through gyms, fitness spaces and flexible work schedules receive the strongest praise. White & Case, Kirkland & Ellis, Debevoise, Birketts, Clifford Chance and Osborne Clarke are commended for quality facilities, while firms such as TLT, Russell-Cooke and Shakespeare Martineau are valued for flexibility that helps staff fit in exercise. Some firms, including Hogan Lovells and Harbottle & Lewis, face criticism for worn or reduced amenities.
Rethinking performance: the impact of tougher partner expectations on culture
Moray McLaren argues that law firm success relies on balancing high partner expectations with a strong, trust-based culture. Profits alone don’t drive performance; firms must align individual ambitions with a shared purpose, foster collaboration, and provide support and transparent recognition. New IBA research will explore how firms can maintain high standards while nurturing culture to achieve sustainable success.
Moves
UK & Ireland
Gibson Dunn targets A&O Shearman for London disputes partner
Employment specialist Robbie Sinclair joins Gibson Dunn as the firm focuses on building its City disputes bench alongside its already strong deals team.
MoFo Adds Third HSF Kramer Partner in London PE Buildout
Morrison & Foerster has added Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer’s head of international private equity in London Eleanor Shanks, making her the third HSF Kramer partner to join in recent months. She follows PE partner David D’Souza and leveraged finance partner Ambharish Dash who joined MoFo in the U.K. this summer from HSF Kramer.
TLT recruits Michael Hamill to Belfast corporate team
After leading the corporate team at Pinsent Masons in Belfast, Michael Hamill joins TLT. He has over ten years of expertise advising clients in both conventional and renewable energy on complicated business transactions, such as joint ventures, M&A, reorganizations, project development, and regulatory compliance.
Fieldfisher appoints Stuart Marks as business services centre director in Belfast
Stuart Marks has been named director of the business services center in Belfast by the European legal firm Fieldfisher. He was managing director and head of business development at FinTrU before joining Fieldfisher.
CMS bolsters energy team with new appointments
CMS has announced the appointment of Susie Lind, one of the UK’s top experts within the renewable energy sector. She joins as an Edinburgh-based partner within the firm’s energy and infrastructure practice. Ms Lind provides more than 20 years’ experience within the sector acting in high-level roles across major energy firms and industry trade associations like RenewableUK and Scottish Renewables.
Americas
Sheppard Mullin Adds Jackson Walker Fund Formation Partner in Dallas
Graham McCall, a Jackson Walker partner in fund development and investment management, claimed that Sheppard Mullin’s extensive clientele and extensive office network drew him in. He has joined the firm’s Corporate practice group and Private Equity industry team in Dallas.
Troutman Pepper Locke Adds Energy Transactions Partner from Hogan Lovells in West Palm Beach
“Oil and gas, in fact, along with renewables, is only growing, and there’s a demand for energy, both domestically and internationally,” said Andrés Chaves, the new partner. Chaves’ expertise spans wind, hydro, solar and biomass projects, liquefied natural gas, natural resources and mining, petrochemical and refinery projects, and pipelines, as well as other midstream oil and gas infrastructure.
Perkins Coie, Holland & Knight Lawyers Head to Haynes and Boone
The Dallas-founded Am Law 100 firm has hired rapidly this year, hiring more than 25 partners so far in many practices.
EMEA
Orrick adds M&A and private equity quartet from Norton Rose Fulbright in Munich
Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe has hired a four-lawyer M&A and private equity team from Norton Rose Fulbright in Munich. The incoming team include partners Michael Prüssner and Benjamin Schikora, alongside associates Hannah Frahm and Helge Meyer.
Munich boutique hires from A&O Shearman
Alice Broichmann is leaving her role as counsel at A&O Shearman in Munich to join the partnership at German boutique Kröck Dispute Resolution.
Maples Group Appoints Partner Antonios Nezeritis to Strengthen Luxembourg Funds Practice
Antonios Nezeritis joins the firm from Ashurst and brings extensive experience advising on Luxembourg fund structures across private equity, venture capital, real assets, and liquid strategies, together with related regulatory and operational matters that are central to the Luxembourg market.
DLA Piper loses two lawyers to Squire Patton Boggs and Galadari in Dubai
Joywin Mathew has joined Squire Patton Boggs as a partner in its financial services practice. Hasan Elshafiey, meanwhile, has been appointed a partner in Galadari’s dispute resolution practice.
STAT founding partner joins Baker Botts in Riyadh as global Islamic finance head
Faris Al Amoudi has been appointed by Baker Botts as a corporate partner and head of global Islamic finance in Riyadh. This is the company’s third hire in Saudi Arabia in a single month.
APAC
Clyde & Co hires former HK Insurance Authority acting GC as China Corporate Head
Clyde & Co has appointed Patrick Peng as partner and head of corporate for Greater China, strengthening its regulatory and corporate insurance capabilities in the region.
Nineth Partner Leaves Squire Patton Boggs in Australia
Workplace partner Kim Hodge is departing to join Australian firm Sparke Helmore.
Lateral Hiring in Hong Kong Pushes on As Eversheds Adds New Partner
Tan Weiyi has been appointed as a partner in the Litigation and Dispute Management practice at Eversheds. Weiyi offers advice on cross-border investigations pertaining to financial fraud, corruption, and other white-collar issues.
Team Moves
US firms eye $2.5tr fund finance opportunity amid spate of transatlantic hires
Jennifer Passagne joined Paul Hastings in London from Haynes Boone, while Duncan McKay joined Gibson Dunn in New York as its head of fund finance. Passagne offers knowledge of capital call facilities, hybrid structures, GP support lines, and NAV facilities.
Orrick adds M&A and private equity quartet from Norton Rose Fulbright in Munich
Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe has hired a four-lawyer M&A and private equity team from Norton Rose Fulbright in Munich. The incoming team include partners Michael Prüssner and Benjamin Schikora, plus associates Hannah Frahm and Helge Meyer.
In House
Sharjah’s Invest Bank appoints new general counsel
Invest Bank announced the appointment of Rakan Shiyab as its new general counsel to help shape the bank’s next chapter of growth and leadership.
Billionaire Steve Cohen’s New York Mets hires Kasowitz partner as next GC
The New York Mets, a US baseball franchise, have appointed Kenneth David as their new general counsel, taking James Denniston’s place. David comes from the US litigation firm Kasowitz, where he was a partner.
Mamdani Taps Cozen Lawyer for Transition Team
Zohran Mamdani, the incoming mayor of New York City, named a head of the Legal Aid Society and lawyers from Winston & Strawn and Cozen O’Connor.
Former DOGE General Counsel Joins Elon Musk’s xAI as Legal Chief
James Burnham has an eclectic experience that includes working as an attorney for President Donald Trump and serving as president of a litigation funding firm.
Snap Hires GC From Partner Ranks of Law Firm That Did $51M in Work for It Last Year
Thirteen-year Munger Tolles veteran Zachary Briers is following Michael O’Sullivan, who’d been with the firm 21 years before he resigned in 2017 to become Snap’s legal head.
Promotions & Appointments
Nine firms land spots on £5m Nuclear Decommissioning Authority panel
A total of nine firms have won spots on the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s (NDA) latest legal panel, which went live this month and will run until 2027. The NDA’s most significant refresh of external legal support since its last disclosed its roster in 2018, Addleshaw Goddard, Burges Salmon, Dentons, DLA Piper, DWF, Mills & Reeve and TLT have all secured places, joining returning advisers Pinsent Masons and Gowling WLG.
Weil makes up 17 in latest partner promotions round
Weil Gotshal & Manges has promoted 17 to partner in its latest round, with the cohort weighted toward its corporate practice. Four Counsels were promoted to Partner in London, including Ellie Fialho (Corporate), Jack Gray (Corporate), Kai Zhang (Corporate) and Kevin Donegan (Tax).
White & Case names five new local partners in Middle East
White & Case has promoted five lawyers to local partner in the Middle East. The local partners are based in the firm’s Dubai and Riyadh offices, and specialise in a mix of transactional areas including capital markets, debt finance, financial services regulation, and mergers & acquisitions. They include Salvia Matonyte, Hamzeh Alrasheed, Prema Govind-Hitti, Arnold Krutilins and Reem Albakr.
UK insurance lawyers group FOIL elects Browne Jacobson partner as next president
Bridget Tatham, a partner at Browne Jacobson, has been chosen as the next president of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL). In 2026, Tatham will succeed Keoghs partner Howard Dean as head of FOIL, which serves over 8,000 attorneys and paralegals in the UK and Ireland.
Solomon takes the helm at Littleton
Adam Solomon KC has been named Littleton Chambers’ new head of chambers. Solomon succeeds Gavin Mansfield KC, now Mr Justice Mansfield, who was nominated to the High Court Bench earlier this month having served as head of chambers since 2018.
Weil makes up 17 in latest partner promotions round
In its most recent round, Weil Gotshal & Manges has elevated 17 people to partner, with a cohort that is skewed toward its business practice. Seven women, or 40% of the group, make up the most recent cohort.
Akerman Favors Florida Offices for 2025 New Partner Class
The firm promoted 15 new partners, down from 2024’s class of 20. Eight of the new partners work in the Sunshine State.
Office Openings & Closing
Munck Wilson Launches Technology Transactions, Privacy, Cybersecurity Practice Group
Munck Wilson Mandala, a technology-focused company based in Dallas, appointed two Dickinson Wright partners to co-lead the new practice.
Mergers & Alliances
Korea’s Big Six Yoon & Yang Signs Collaboration Agreement with Vietnam’s VILAF
Big Six South Korean firm Yoon & Yang and VILAF, one of Vietnam’s largest law firms, have signed a collaboration agreement to enhance cross boarder legal services for Korean businesses operating in Vietnam.
Fieldfisher and Regan Wall merge to build leading Irish corporate law team
Fieldfisher announced a significant expansion of its Irish operations through a merger with Regan Wall LLP, one of Ireland’s most active boutique corporate law firms, renowned for advising on high-value transactions across various sectors including healthcare, technology and financial services.
Merrick Benn, CEO of Womble U.S., added that company executives in the U.S. and the U.K. tried to steer clear of barriers like the currency rate that reduced the likelihood of other pairings.
Financials
Raft of Big Law firms line up to match Cravath’s associate bonuses
A raft of Big Law firms have unveiled their bonuses for associates, matching the scale set last week by Cravath Swaine & Moore that tops out at $140,000. Paul Weiss, McDermott Will & Schulte, Dechert, Vinson & Elkins, Debevoise & Plimpton and Baker Botts are among the firms that will match the scale, as are Cadwalader, White & Case, Skadden, Davis Polk, Fried Frank, Clifford Chance and Linklaters according to sources with knowledge of the matter. The firms’ associates will get year-end bonuses ranging from $20,000 for the class of 2024 to $115,000 for the class of 2018 and earlier, as well as special bonuses ranging from $6,000 to $25,000.
Baker Botts Is First Big Texas Law Firm to Announce Bonuses at Cravath Scale
The bonus tiers established by Cravath, Swaine & Moore on Tuesday have been mirrored by several Big Law firms.
NY Law Firm Cohen & Gresser Exploring Private Equity Infusion
Confirming the conversations with investors, one of the firm’s founding partners stated that the company has been ready for the “entry of modern finance into the legal sector for over a decade.”
Technology & Innovation
McDermott invests $10m in specialist legaltech fund
The LegalTech Fund (TLTF), a venture capital firm specialising in early-stage legal technology start-ups, has closed a second fund for $110m. The joint lead investors in the fund were McDermott Will & Schulte, which invested $10m, and electronic discovery specialist Consilio.
Staying Indispensable: How Young Lawyers Can Remain Valuable in the AI Era
You are still the lawyer, but AI is the tool. Young lawyers are still valuable if they make an investment in their judgment, persuasion, strategy, relationships, and nuance.
AI and the Future of Governance: Why Smarter Still Means Human
Artificial intelligence permeates company operations in ways that are both transformational and imperceptible, making it just as significant as the internet itself. Yet, as our panel acknowledged, even the brightest systems in the world cannot replace the one thing corporate governance depends on most: human judgment.
Market Commentary
Senior associates at UK firms have lower job satisfaction than other cohorts study finds
Senior associates are the unhappiest cohort of lawyers at UK firms due to gripes about job satisfaction and pay, according to a report by Chambers and Partners. Just 61% of senior associates said they had high levels of job satisfaction, compared to 76% of trainees and 75% of partners.
College of Legal Practice cuts solicitor qualification to four years with new apprenticeship
The College of Legal Practice (CoLP) has launched a four-year-long apprenticeship that leads to qualification as a solicitor, a reduction from the six years that has previously been the standard, by removing parts of the undergraduate degree from the programme.
Clyde & Co Builds Business Services Centre in Manila
Clyde & Co are building a business services center in Manila to manage much of its Asia Pacific back-office work, following similar initiatives in the U.S. and the Middle East, where business services centres in Kansas City and Glasgow now undertake much of the back office functions, including finance, information technology, legal tech and legal support.
Inside the 88% Surge in Tax Partner Moves Across Big Law in London
Over the last year, tax partners moves across the U.K.’s Big Law firms have occurred at a “remarkable” rate, with U.S. firms in particular stocking up on talent in view of an anticipated influx of private capital work, new data shows.
Sidley Foresees M&A Growth in Southeast Asia, Positions Firm to Seize Market Share
The firm is also busy on U.S. investigations and regulatory work and chasing Indian IPOs.
Senior associates at UK firms have lower job satisfaction than other cohorts – study
According to Chambers’ The Leading Teams report, only 61% of senior associates reported excellent levels of job satisfaction, compared to 76% of trainees and 75% of partners. With 85% of respondents saying they were content, department heads had the highest job satisfaction score.
Moves
UK & Ireland
Ashurst loses corporate duo to Bakers
Two partners from Ashurst are moving to Baker McKenzie, marking the first departures from the firm since its merger announcement last Monday. Duo Simon Bullock, former Head of Equity Capital Markets, and Stuart Rubin, former Head of US Securities, have left to join the London office of Baker Mckenzie.
DLA Piper hires former Clifford Chance fintech boss
DLA Piper has hired Paul Landless, former partner and co-head of Fintech at Clifford Chance. He will join the firm’s finance group, specialising in global fintech and derivatives.
Latham strikes back at Gibson Dunn with real estate hire
Latham & Watkins has hired a real estate partner Jeremy Kenley from Gibson Dunn & Crutcher just weeks after Gibson Dunn picked up an infrastructure M&A partner Simon Tysoe from Latham.
Pogust Goodhead hires MoFo partner to lead Mariana Dam case
Jonathan Edward Wheeler is set to join the team at Pogust Goodhead in London. He is widely recognised as a specialist in complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes with experience in high-value commercial litigation, civil fraud and asset tracing, international trust disputes, contentious insolvency and investigations.
Paul Weiss hires its latest lateral from Kirkland
Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison has hired Francesca Storey-Harris as a Partner from Kirkland & Ellis, its 18th lateral from Kirkland this year. Corporate/M&A Partner Storey-Harris has worked on multiple transactions for Thoma Bravo, as well as Blackstone and EQT.
Paul Hastings makes fourth London lateral in November with funds finance partner
Paul Hastings has hired its fourth lateral partner in London this month, bringing over funds finance partner Jennifer Passagne from Haynes Boone.
EMEA
Eversheds makes twin banking and finance hire in Dubai from King & Spalding
Mike Rainey and Asal Saghari both join as partners to grow Eversheds Middle East footprint. Rainey brings two decades of experience in banking and restructuring matters in the Middle East, while Saghari is a financing lawyer spanning both conventional and Shari’ah compliant structures.
STAT founding partner joins Baker Botts in Riyadh as global Islamic finance head
Baker Botts has announced the appointment of Faris Al Amoudi as a corporate partner and global Islamic finance head in Riyadh, marking the firm’s third hire in Saudi Arabia in one month.
APAC
Baker McKenzie Hires Australian Head of Project Finance from HSF Kramer
Miles Wadley joins Baker McKenzie from HSF Kramer in Melbourne.
Orrick Hires First Disputes Partner in Singapore
Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe has hired its first contentious practice partner in Singapore.
The firm has appointed Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer partner Elaine Wong in its city-state office, which has zeroed in on energy, infrastructure and natural resources work since its launch in 2021.
Ashurst hires 16-Year Japanese Adviser from Clifford Chance
In Japan, Ashurst announced a partner hire in Japan on the same day as the news release of its merger plans with Seattle-based Perkins Coie. The firm has hired Chihiro Ashizawa from Clifford Chance, where she was a lawyer and has worked for 16 years. She was most recently its Japanese capital markets practice head.
In House
Snapchat-owner Snap taps Munger Tolles again for latest GC
Snapchat-owner Snap Inc. has appointed Zachary Briers as general counsel, replacing Michael O’Sullivan, who is leaving the company later this year. He joins from Munger Tolles & Olson, where he was a partner.
Biopharma research business Fortrea hires veteran in-house pharma counsel as GC
US biopharma research business Fortrea has appointed Agnieszka Gallagher as general counsel, replacing Stillman Hanson in the role. Gallagher was most recently chief legal officer at US life sciences business Standard BioTools.
UAE’s MusicNation hires USPTO lawyer as first GC
UAE music rights business Music Nation Copyrights Management has hired IP lawyer Aisha Salem-Howey as general counsel, a newly created position. Salem-Howey joins from the US Patents and Trademark Office, where she was an IP attache for the Middle East and North Africa, working with governments and businesses to strengthen IP protection and enforcement across the region.
Promotions & Appointments
Five more firms win places as Government finalises panel refresh
The Government Legal Department (GLD), in conjunction with the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has announced the final three lots of its refreshed panel, with five new firms making the list – Addleshaw Goddard, Pinsent Masons, Slaughter and May, Linklaters and Osborne Clarke.
Osborne Clarke’s Bristol head crowned as senior partner
Lara Burch has been appointed as senior partner at Osbourne Clarke, succeeding Peter Clough.
Capsticks names employment head as new managing partner
Capsticks has elected the head of employment and pensions Victoria Watson as its new managing partner, who will succeed Martin Hamilton on 1 May 2026.
Willkie promotes 30 to partner in London-heavy round
Willkie Farr & Gallagher has promoted 30 lawyers to partner in its latest promotions round, which boosts the firm’s London partner bench by 25%. The firm has made up seven lawyers in London, the most of any city included in the round and its largest intake in the City for a number of years. In London, Magdi Adab, Eilidh Brown and Rebecca Hughes got the nod in the corporate team; Mélina Combeau and Charles Hadley joined the asset management partner bench; with Alaric Green (antitrust and competition) and Timothy Sawyer (finance) completing the contingent.
Mayer Brown elevates 36 to partner in latest promotions round
Top 15 US firm Mayer Brown has promoted 36 lawyers to partner, a slight drop on 2024’s cohort when 39 made the grade. However, the firm also elevated 21 to counsel – nine more than last year – meaning overall the 57-strong promotions round was roughly 12% higher than a year ago. The London team saw four promotions, including Jonathan Cohen, Jake Lindsay, Mariana Padinha Ribeiro and Ben Ward.
Office Openings & Closing
US Law Firms Enter Italy to Help Businesses Expand in the US Amid Tariff Pressures
Beyond Ropes & Gray’s recent launch in Italy, a small number of U.S. law firms, including Smith, Gambrell & Russell and Becker & Poliakoff, have opened offices this year to advise Italian companies seeking to expand or relocate operations to the United States. Their arrival coincides with uncertainty created by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policy toward the European Union, which has triggered a surge in Italian companies seeking guidance on how to face the changing U.S. trade landscape.
Technology & Innovation
Clifford Chance set to cut business services roles in the City
Clifford Chance is set to cut roles from its business services division, with increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) expected to remove – and create new – positions across the City.
Use of AI is suggested as being a key driver to the reductions, as well as shifting work to lower-cost hubs in India, Poland and Newcastle. Around 550 employees in business services across finance, HR and IT were told last month that roughly 50 roles are set to be made redundant and up to 35 others will be reshaped, according to a report by the Financial Times.
Blackstone injects $50m as tech company launches AI-native law firm
US tech company Norm Ai has launched an AI-native law firm, which will receive $50m capital from asset manager Blackstone. Norm Ai will work with the tech start-up to develop its new legal venture, Norm Law which will offer AI-native legal services and will initially focus on financial services clients.
Macfarlanes ditches essays for immersive AI to secure trainee talent
Macfarlanes has overhauled its trainee recruitment process with the launch of an immersive, AI-integrated simulation that mirrors a typical day in the life of a junior lawyer. Candidates will now complete a live, interactive exercise featuring mock emails, Teams messages, voicemail updates, clause extracts, and social media posts. The format is designed to mirror real internal and client demands, replacing Macfarlanes’previous written application and precedes the in-person assessment centre stages.
Linklaters Launches 20-Strong AI Lawyer Team
Linklaters has unveiled a new global cohort of 20 specialist AI lawyers, marking an expansion of the firm’s technology-driven legal capabilities. The newly assembled team will work across the firm’s international network to provide direct, specialised support on artificial intelligence matters, according to a firm statement. According to the firm, the initiative is designed to accelerate the development and deployment of innovative AI-enabled legal solutions for clients.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Women GCs network The Eagle Club calls on employers to improve support for IVF treatment
Employers need to start making changes to provide more support for employees whose families are going through IVF treatment, according to a new report from The Eagle Club, a network of women GCs.
Welcome to this week’s legal industry update, where we spotlight the latest partner moves, strategic hires, and market shifts across the UK, Americas, EMEA, and APAC. From headline-grabbing lateral hires to new office launches and major promotions, here is what is shaping the global legal landscape.
Moves
UK & Ireland
Pillsbury expands tech sector strength in London with arrival of IP partner Steven James
Pillsbury has appointed Steven James as a London IP partner, boosting its tech-focused practice and advising startups on IP protection, commercialisation, and disputes.
DLA Piper to boost PE bench with Ashurst partner
DLA Piper is set to hire Markjan van Schaardenburgh, a corporate partner from Ashurst London, to strengthen its private equity practice. Van Schaardenburgh has over five years as a partner at Ashurst and experience in cross-border M&A, restructuring, and governance across Europe and Africa.
Michelle Seddon joins Clarke Willmott as private client partner
Clarke Willmott has appointed Michelle Seddon as a partner in its Taunton office, strengthening its private client team with her expertise in wills, trusts, probate, and trustee advice.
Whitney Moore welcomes new partner Sean Ryan
Whitney Moore has appointed Sean Ryan as a partner and head of its EU and competition group, strengthening its corporate M&A and regulatory practice. He joins from Eversheds Sutherland and brings extensive experience in complex transactions and regulatory matters.
Leicester City’s legal chief moves back to private practice
Reed Smith has hired Matthew Phillips, the general counsel of Leicester City Football Club, who is joining the firm’s entertainment and media industry group. Prior to his move to Leicester City, Phillips was at BT as a chief counsel and then legal director for media and IP.
Americas
Private Equity GC Returning to Ropes as Co-Head of Private Capital Transactions Practice
Amanda Morrison is returning to Ropes & Gray on Dec. 1 as a Boston partner and co-leader of its global private capital transactions practice, after three years as general counsel at Advent International. She will also serve temporarily as interim external general counsel.
People in the News—Nov. 13, 2025—Marshall Dennehey, Buchanan Ingersoll
Marshall Dennehey has bolstered its Pennsylvania workers’ compensation practice with Perry D. Merlo joining as shareholder and Andrew W. Maffett as special counsel in the Harrisburg office.
EMEA
K&L Gates Bolsters International Arbitration Practice With Partner in Paris
K&L Gates has hired Maria Kostytska as a Paris partner in Litigation and Dispute Resolution, boosting its International Arbitration practice. Kostytska, formerly Head of Arbitration at Winston & Strawn Paris, has 18+ years of experience across energy, infrastructure, and finance sectors and is admitted in the US, France, and England & Wales.
APAC
Sparke Helmore takes insurance partner, team from GSG Legal
Sparke Helmore hired Patrick Tuohey (with Hilary Stokes) from Colin Biggers & Paisley to expand its professional indemnity practice, and Mark Gray-Spencer from GSG Legal, with his team, to boost its aviation and aerospace insurance capabilities.
Australia’s MinterEllison Takes PE Partner from KWM
MinterEllison has hired Lee Horan, a partner from King & Wood Mallesons, to its Sydney office, strengthening its expertise in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and public market transactions.
Abhishek Tilak joins DSK as associate partner
Abhishek Tilak has joined DSK Legal’s Mumbai office as an associate partner in dispute resolution. He brings over 12 years of experience across commercial disputes, arbitration, taxation, insolvency, real estate, criminal law, and securities law.
Jones Day powers up APAC finance with Australia partner hire
Jones Day has hired Benjamin Downie as a partner in its Sydney office to strengthen its financial markets practice in Australia and APAC. Downie, formerly at Allens, has 24 years of experience in credit and private capital, securitisation, structured finance, and debt capital markets, including advising CEFC on green financing for Metro’s auto loans.
In House
EY Law hires new partner and strengthens core areas
EY Law Portugal has hired Miguel Cordeiro as a partner in its banking and insurance practice, strengthening the firm’s expertise in financial regulation, fintech, and compliance.
Team Moves
HFW expands into Brisbane with team from boutique
HFW has launched in Brisbane, hiring partner Christopher Rowden, special counsel Jason Pungsornruk and Thomas Law, senior associate Samantha Fry, and associate William Lowes from CDI Lawyers to advise on construction and infrastructure projects, expanding the firm’s Australian presence and supporting growth across the Asia-Pacific.
Promotions & Appointments
JWS adds leading dispute resolution, arbitration partners
Johnson Winter Slattery hired Andrew Gill and Lee Carroll as partners to boost its dispute resolution and arbitration teams, with Gill focusing on complex disputes and Carroll on domestic and international arbitration.
Tughans announces 16 promotions and appointments
Tughans has announced 16 promotions and appointments in its Northern Ireland offices.
BCLP promotes 17 to partner – 3 in London
BCLP is promoting 17 lawyers to partner across its US, London, and Frankfurt offices, effective January 2026. The smaller promotion round, down from 24 last year, reflects a more selective focus on its US-UK core following the closure of its Singapore and Hong Kong offices and London redundancies. London adds three partners: Edward Gardner (real estate litigation), Georgia Henderson-Cleland (commercial litigation), and Alexandra Hildyard (competition). The moves come after modest global revenue growth of 2.3% in 2024, with UK revenue up 12%.
McKee Campbell Morrison appoints Linards Lūks as associate director
McKee Campbell Morrison has appointed Linards Lūks as associate director in its corporate team, bringing expertise in M&A, investments, and corporate structuring. The move supports the firm’s growth and high client demand for corporate advice.
Trilegal recruits Raya Hazarika as corporate partner
Raya Hazarika has been promoted to partner in Trilegal’s corporate practice, bringing the firm’s equity partner count to 150. She adds expertise in M&A, infrastructure, and real estate, strengthening the firm’s corporate, PE, and cross-border deal-making capabilities
Office Openings & Closing
Seitz launches in Hamburg with 11-strong team from WFW
German law firm Seitz is expanding into Hamburg by hiring an 11-strong team from Watson Farley & Williams, led by partner Nikolaus Krienke. The team specialises in employment, restructuring, compliance, and M&A-related employment matters. The new office, opening in January, strengthens Seitz’s presence in northern Germany and supports its Frankfurt and Munich offices, marking the firm’s sixth office since 2023. Seitz now has around 150 lawyers across employment, corporate, tax and digital practices.
Squire Patton Boggs to Open in Azerbaijan, drawn by Emerging Business in Renewables, IT, Logistics
Squire Patton Boggs is opening its first office in Baku, Azerbaijan, led by Richard Gibbon, to support clients in the country’s growing economy. The office will launch in early 2026 in Port Baku Tower 2.
Akin to Close Singapore Office, Leaving Hong Kong as Only Asia Outpost
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld is closing its Singapore office, leaving Hong Kong as its sole Asian location, where 12 lawyers—including two dispute partners—now operate from a new business district office.
Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa update
Norton Rose Fulbright’s South African business will become an independent law firm on March 31, 2026, led by current CEO Brent Botha. The firm will continue serving clients in South Africa, across Africa, and internationally. The transition reflects a strategic evolution to meet changing market and client needs, while the global Norton Rose Fulbright network will remain unaffected.
Ellisons moves into new Chelmsford office
Ellisons has moved to larger Chelmsford offices to support growth, unite its practice teams, and strengthen its commitment to the local business community.
BAC/BIAC opens Hong Kong centre to expand global footprint
The Beijing Arbitration Commission (BAC/BIAC) opened its first overseas branch in Hong Kong on 12 November, aiming to make the city a hub for international arbitration. The centre aligns with the UNCITRAL Model Law and Hong Kong Arbitration Ordinance, supporting cross-border cases. BAC/BIAC handled 14,060 cases in 2024, including 277 international disputes, and the new office strengthens cooperation with local and global arbitration bodies.
Mergers & Alliances
Ashurst secures long-awaited US merger deal
Ashurst is to merge with US firm Perkins Coie, ending the former’s lengthy search for a transatlantic tie-up. Washington-headquartered Perkins Coie recorded revenue of $1.26bn in 2024 and has over 1000 lawyers spread across offices primarily in the US. The firm is led by chair and managing partner William Malley. Ashurst’s global revenue surpassed £1bn for the first time last year. The firm is run by CEO Paul Jenkins. The firm has nearly 516 partners globally. The combined firm is expected to be called Ashurst Perkins Coie and is expected to have an annual revenue of over $2.7bn.
HCR steps in to acquire Wright Hassall in pre-pack administration
HCR Law has acquired Wright Hassall in a pre-pack administration, renaming it HCR Wright Hassall. Wright Hassall, based in Leamington Spa, faced declining revenues and shrinking staff, falling from 115th to 183rd in the UK200 over six years. HCR described the move as strengthening client and staff opportunities, with operations continuing as usual. The SRA confirmed it is monitoring client protection amid the transition.
Technology & Innovation
Harvey and Legora compete in legal tech, but OpenAI’s new ChatGPT tools pose the bigger threat. Firms like Juro are integrating OpenAI to stay competitive, as the rapidly evolving AI market could disrupt products and drive consolidation. Law firms are urged to adopt AI now, or risk falling behind.
Legal AI implementation: Are you prepared?
A business readiness assessment is essential for law firms to adopt AI effectively, helping evaluate infrastructure, processes, and team skills to maximise investment. Implementation should be tailored to firm size, from cost-effective solutions for solo practitioners to customised platforms for global firms. As AI becomes central to legal services, firms must also communicate its use to clients to build trust and demonstrate value.
Investment in tech sees City surge ahead of regional firms
City law firms are outpacing regional firms through technology investment, with partner profits up 12% compared to an 11% drop in regional firms, despite overall revenue growth in the UK legal sector. City firms benefit from operational efficiencies and faster billing, while regional firms excel in payment collection but struggle with inflation. Cybersecurity is a growing focus, with most firms increasing spending, though AI adoption remains cautious due to client confidentiality concerns.
Market Commentary
McDermott Will & Schulte Considers Outside Investment in Firm
McDermott Will & Schulte said it is in preliminary discussions about selling a stake in the law firm to outside investors, a novel move that could advance acceptance of non-lawyer backing of Big Law operations. The approach under consideration would split the firm into a business owned by lawyers that advise clients and a separate operation that would sell administrative services to the lawyer-owned firm, according to the Financial Times.
EXCLUSIVE ‘We’ll quit if WFH is reduced,’ say law firm staff
Staff responding to RollOnFriday’s Best Law Firms to Work At 2026 survey said flexible working remains crucial, with some warning they would leave if firms reduced WFH options. While several firms were praised for supportive hybrid policies, others were criticised for pushing towards more office days, which respondents said could drive talent away. For many, flexibility offsets other drawbacks, boosts productivity and improves work–life balance, making it a key factor in staying with their firm.
Stewarts listed in The Times Best Law Firms 2026
Stewarts has been named in The Times Best Law Firms for the eighth-year running, earning recognition in inheritance and succession, family, commercial dispute resolution and personal injury and clinical negligence. Based on peer feedback, the rankings highlight the firm’s consistently strong performance across family law, serious injury, commercial disputes and trust and probate litigation.
Irwin Mitchell kickstarts consultation as firm removes litigation assistant role
Irwin Mitchell has taken the decision to remove its litigation assistant role, with affected team members required to apply for positions on the PA or paralegal team. Amid ongoing consultations, Irwin Mitchell said: “Following a review of legal support we’re proposing to evolve our litigation assistant role into a team PA role, moving some of the billable tasks to paralegals and planning to increase our paralegal headcount.”
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
A&L Goodbody achieves top diversity accreditation
A&L Goodbody has received the Investors in Diversity Gold Mark, recognising its strong commitment to embedding diversity and inclusion across the firm. The accreditation follows recent national and European D&I awards and reflects the work of its leadership and five employee groups focused on equality, cultural diversity, social mobility and accessibility. Managing partner David Widger said the award shows the firm’s dedication to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
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