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.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Paul Weiss Continues Rapid London Growth With Another Partner
After being a partner at Ropes & Gray for two years, Annie Herdman is set to join Paul Weiss’ antitrust practice.
Proskauer Lures Sidley’s Investment Funds Head in London
Leading international law firm Proskauer is delighted to welcome James Oussedik to their Private Investment Funds Group in London, James will be arriving as a partner.
Simpson Thacher raids Skadden for London disputes partner
David Edwards is set to co-lead the firm’s European disputes practice alongside Tyler Robinson.
Former Director of Public Prosecutions Sir Max Hill KC joins King & Spalding in London
The former Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of England and Wales, Sir Max Hill KC, has joined top 20 US law firm King & Spalding’s London office as a counsel.
EMEA
Gibson Dunn Hires From Weil Gotshal in Germany
Gibson Dunn is expecting the arrival of Benjamin Rapp in the next few months; however the precise date of arrival is yet to be confirmed.
Norton Rose Fulbright Taps K&L Gates for Antitrust Team in Germany
Jens Steger joined the firm’s Frankfurt office at the start of February as a partner, making the transition from K&L Gates, where he served as a partner since 2021.
Compliance Head at France-Based Luxury Group Kering Leaves For Hughes Hubbard
Gaëlle Thuault has worked worked in-house at energy giant Total and at the European Union Court of Justice. He has also worked at Cleary Gottlieb and Skadden Arps.
White & Case Bolsters Antitrust Practice With Germany Veteran
The appointment of a veteran Düsseldorf-based partner from Gleiss Lutz Hootz Hirsch has helped White & Case to expand its antitrust practice in Germany.
Dentons Welcomes New Partners to Abu Dhabi Corporate Team
Global law firm, Dentons has expanded its corporate practice in Abu Dhabi by welcoming two new partners, Stephen McKenna and Ross Barfoot formerly of Clyde & Co. Both partners officially joined the firm on February 5th. This deliberate move reinforces Dentons’ commitment to meeting the diverse corporate legal needs of the Middle East region.
APAC
Watson Farley Hires Energy Expert, Leaving McDermott With Only 1 Partner in Singapore
With the hiring of Merrick White, a new partner at Watson Farley & Williams, McDermott Will & Emery’s Singapore office now has just one partner remaining in its city-state outfit.
Cuatrecasas Hires Barclays Bank’s Mexico Legal Director
Mariana Campos carries with her a wealth of experience in private banking, capital markets and other financial matters, having also worked at the Mexican stock exchange BIVA and JPMorgan.
Stephenson Harwood Adds Yet Another Hong Kong Corporate Partner
Amy Yu, a mergers and acquisitions and equity capital markets lawyer, has spent almost nine years practicing at Eversheds Sutherland, where she made partner in 2018.
Jean-Denis Marx, who is a Baker McKenzie veteran partner, has joined the boutique Japanese firm Tokyo International Law Office.
The Americas
People in the News—Feb. 5, 2024—Willig Williams, Dailey
Willig, Williams & Davidson a known Labor, employment, workers’ compensation and family law firm has announced that attorney Samuel H. Datlof has joined the firm’s labor law practice group.
Orrick Hires Greenberg Traurig Energy Renewables Shareholder in Chicago
Alejandra Garcia Earley, a shareholder at Greenberg Traurig with expertise in project finance and energy tax equity financings, has become a partner at Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe’s Chicago energy and infrastructure group.
Clifford Chance Lures 2 Partners From Kirkland & Ellis
Ty’Meka M. Reeves-Sobers and Marcia Hook, partners from Kirkland & Ellis, have joined Clifford Chance as the company continues to grow its energy and infrastructure expertise in the United States. They will be based in the firm’s Houston and Washington, D.C., offices, respectively.
Freshfields Hires Global Chief Innovation Officer From Deutsche Bank
Gil Perez, who will work with clients as well as internally throughout the company, will bring more than 25 years of innovative expertise to the position.
Former GC and CEO of Merck Joins Harvard Governing Board, Jumping Into Fray
Kenneth Frazier, a former general counsel at Merck and CEO from 2011 to 2021, will take over a board position while the company works to repair its damaged reputation.
Dechert Partner Who Repped J&J, 3M and BP in High-Profile Trials Moves to Paul Weiss
After working for Dechert for over four years, partner Kimberly Branscome joined Paul Weiss’s Los Angeles office on Saturday, leading the latter company to name new practice heads.
Federal Prosecutor in Georgia Joins Baker Hostetler as It Builds ‘Elite White-Collar Team’
After more than 12 years of service, Jennifer “Jenna” Solari has joined the Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Bracewell Adds High-Profile Federal Judge as a Partner in New York
Judge Roslynn Mauskopf, who left the court at the end of January, became a partner in the government enforcement and investigations practice of Am Law 200 firm Bracewell in New York.
Alston & Bird Partner Heads to Lowenstein as New Data Privacy Chair
Amy Mushahwar has worked at Holland & Knight, Reed Smith, Ballard Spahr and Davis Wright Tremaine.
Calling the Move ‘Irresistible,’ Orrick Trial Partner Jumps to Steptoe
Claudia Wilson Frost, Who was a litigation partner at Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe, said she joined Steptoe’s new Houston office partly because of the large group of trial lawyers there.
McDermott Lands Sports and Entertainment Partner From Venable for Transactions Group
Alexei Cowett had worked at Venable since 2015 and during this time has advised on more than $60 billion in closed transactions across various media.
People in the News—Feb. 7, 2024—Eckert Seamans, Barley Snyder
Laura DelFratte has become a special counsel in the tax, estates, and employee benefits practice of the national legal firm Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, based in Pittsburgh.
Paul Hastings, Further Building Finance Team, Hires Shearman Partner
Paul Hastings, which has been hiring laterals until 2024, has added finance partner Stephen Gruendel from Shearman & Sterling in New York.
People in the News—Feb. 8, 2024—Tucker Arensberg, Blank Rome
Shariane Taylor has joined the business and finance department of Tucker Arensberg as a shareholder attorney.
Head of Mayer Brown’s US Upstream Energy Practice Moves to Hunton Andrews in Houston
Carl von Merz, who became a partner at Hunton Andrews Kurth on Tuesday, will lead the company’s oil and gas practice in the United States.
Baker Botts Adds Orrick Patent Litigators in Texas, California
Robert Benson and Jeffrey Johnson, patent litigators at Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe with a concentration on Taiwan and China, have joined Baker Botts as partners in the intellectual property department.
Johanna Schmitt, a partner at Norton Rose Fulbright, specializes in intellectual property. She joins from Kirkland & Ellis.
A new chair for white collar criminal defense is named by Lowenstein Sandler, Stevens & Lee welcomes a litigation and finance specialist, and there are other changes.
Litigation Boutique Rebrands as Name Partner Joins SDNY Leadership Team
Three former SDNY prosecutors created the company that is now known as Krieger Lewin in 2017, and former AUSA Dan Noble is now joining its ranks.
On the Move: Maynard Nexsen Looks to Rebuild Cybersecurity Team; Taylor English Adds Tax Partner
According to news reported on Wednesday, E. Miller Williams Jr. has moved to Taylor English Duma LLP as a partner in the corporate department in Atlanta.
Midsize Moves: Balch & Bingham Hires Adam and Reese Partner, Constangy Adds CDF Labor Law Partner
Phil Buffington has joined Balch & Bingham as a partner in the banking and financial services group. Meanwhile, Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete has announced the addition of Thomas Song as a partner in the firm’s Orange County, California, office.
In-House
7th-Largest US Foundation Taps Ballard Spahr Partner as GC
Kathryn Krecke is being succeeded by Kahlil Williams as legal chief of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, which has assets of $8.8 billion and focuses on improving the health and well-being of children.
Shein Loses U.S. General Counsel as It Fights Flurry of Litigation, Preps for IPO
Valerie Ho helped Mold the fast-fashion giant’s global legal and compliance structure and was aiding if their efforts to fend off questions about its IP and labour practices as it preps for an IPO.
One of North America’s largest coal producers, Ramaco Resources, has hired West Virginian Evan Jenkins. Evan is a Republican who served in the U.S. House from 2015 to 2018, as general counsel.
Legal Chief Steps Up to Lead Forward Air After Disastrous Acquisition, Ouster of CEO
Interim CEO Michael Hance has been reported as saying. “Forward has been my professional home for the last 18 years, and I am honoured to serve in this important role,”.
Las Vegas Sphere-owner appoints legal chief from dating app Bumble
Laura Franco has been appointed general counsel for both US entertainment and venue firms Madison Square Garden Entertainment (MSGE) and Sphere Entertainment. Jamal Haughton departed the position in November, and Franco takes over as general counsel for both organizations.
Team
Lathrop GPM Expands in Dallas With Ferguson Braswell IP Team
Lathrop GPM expanded its intellectual property team in Dallas with the hiring of four Ferguson Braswell Fraser Kubasta lawyers, filling a strategic priority in the important Texas market.
Fried Frank Hires Goodwin PE Trio in London
Michelle Tong, Christian Iwasko and Priya Rupal have all joined the firm’s private equity practice.
Polsinelli secures 10-strong Maynard Nexsen cybersecurity team
Am Law 100 firm Polsinelli is developing its cybersecurity and data privacy team with the hire of a nine-lawyer group, including four former practice leaders, from Maynard Nexsen.
Arnold & Porter adds six partner team across US from BCLP
The multi-practice team is led by partners Donal O’Brien, Eric Prezant, and Randy Miller. Prezant and O’Brien will join the 1,000-lawyer firm in Chicago alongside partners Karl Marschel and Brandon Neuschafer and counsel Monica Carroll, while Miller joins in Denver and the final partner, James Attonito, joins in New York.
Promotions & Appointments:
People in the News—Feb. 6, 2024—Lamb McErlane, Meyer Unkovic, Sweeney & Sheehan
Sonal Parekh, Lamb McErlane attorney, has been appointed the vice president of law student outreach for the South Asian Bar Association—Philadelphia Chapter (SABA-Philly) for the 2024 term.
Morris James Attorney Appointed to US Bankruptcy Court Local Rules Committee
Morris James announced that Eric Monzo has been appointed to the local rules committee for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, this appointment will be effective from Feb. 1.
Long Island Midmarket Firm Announces New Managing Partner, Leadership Structure
Moritt Hock & Hamroff’s managing partner Marc Hamroff is handing off the reins to Michael Cardello III and assuming a newly established role of chairmanship as the firm gets ready to make place for a new generation of lawyers in leadership roles.
People in the News—Feb. 9, 2024—Post & Schell, Cipriani & Werner, Knox McLaughlin
Post & Schell recently announced that the firm’s principals have elected Mason Avrigian Jr as a member of the firm’s board of directors. Mason has been principal and co-chair of the firm’s construction practice group.
Gateley appoints consultant to grow international arbitration practice in Africa
Perenami Momodu, who was previously a partner at a leading West African law firm, joins Gateley to lead our African practice and support the continued expansion of our multi-jurisdictional strategic international disputes services, particularly across oil and gas, infrastructure, technology, fintech, construction, investments, and renewable energy.
Mergers & Alliances:
New England’s Hinckley Allen Expands Southward, Opening 7th Office in Fort Lauderdale
New England-brd Hinckley, Allen & Snyder is absorbing Fort Lauderdale-anchored, construction-focused law firm Ferencik Libanoff Brandt Bustamante & Goldstein, this will provide the Am Law 200 firm with its first office south of New York.
A&O Shearman Merger: Addressing Insiders’ Concerns and Navigating Initial Hurdles
Following the announcement of A&O Shearman’s approaching merger, internal discussions have started occurring to addressing concerns about the operational logistics in the US. This major alliance has led to discussions among insiders about potential initial obstacles that the firm may confront.
Office Openings & Closing:
Phila.-undefinedd Weber Gallagher Opens Florida Outpost With Fowler White Partner
With the opening of a new office in Coral Gables, Florida, Weber Gallagher Simpson Stapleton Fires & Newby has increased its geographic reach to eleven locations as rate pressures lead to consolidation in the insurance defense market.
New Fort Worth Trial Firm Adds Offices in Dallas, West Texas
Vartabedian Hester & Haynes, launched on Jan. 29 with 10 former Alston & Bird lawyers, opened an office in Dallas with two Holland & Knight litigators.
Willkie Transfers Frankfurt Lawyers to Open Office in Munich
About a quarter of the attorneys of Willkie Farr & Gallagher will be moving from Frankfurt to Munich to open the office.
Clyde & Co Moves Middle East Regional HQ to Saudi Arabia
International law firms have long regarded Dubai as their de facto Middle East headquarters, however two of the region’s four largest law firms are now headquartered in Riyadh.
Financials:
A Steady Litigation Year Helped Drive Big Law Revenue Gains
The latest annual numbers from Wells Fargo’s Legal Specialty Group, a survey drawing on financial data from more than 130 law firms, reported that revenues grew year-over-year by 6%, with some momentum coming into 2024 thanks to strength in countercycle practices and rate increases.
Midsize Firms Use Bonuses, Culture to Compete for Talent After High Payouts for Associates
If midsize firms can’t match the top of the market in associate compensation, they should touch other perks to potential recruits, said recruiter Steve Stone. For some, non-financial benefits include work-life balance and earlier access to client contact.
Arnold & Porter Sees Revenue and Profits Jump, With PEP Rising 15% to $1.6M
With regard to their financial performance last year Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer hit a new firm record, growing gross revenue by 9.7% to $1.139 billion in 2023, while its profits per equity partner rose nearly 15% to $1.610 million after falling to $1.403 million in 2022.
Billing Rate Increases and Demand Growth Push DC Firms to Strong Financial Year
“D.C. was our best-performing region,” stated Owen Burman, of Wells Fargo Legal Specialty Group. “The regulatory side was on fire for so many firms.”
Atlanta Law Firms See Faster Profit Growth, Despite Slowdowns in Revenue
Atlanta-brd firms grew revenue on average by 4.4% last year, this is according to data from Wells Fargo Private Bank Legal Specialty Group,
Kilpatrick, ‘Getting Deeper and Broader’ With Largest Clients, Sees 13% Profit Growth
The Atlanta firm decreased its equity partner tier by 7.6% to 106 partners, meanwhile its nonequity partner ranks expanded by 6% to 146.
Asia Deal Digest: UK Firms Leading on Capital Market, Financing and Funds Deals
Clifford Chance, Linklaters, Allen & Overy, MoFo and Dechert lead on the market’s deals.
Mason Hayes & Curran grows revenue 7% to €114m
Turnover at Mason Hayes & Curran (MHC) has surpassed €100m for the second consecutive year after the Dublin firm grew revenue 7% in 2023 to reach €114m.
Technology & Innovation:
Pennsylvania’s Am Law 100 Firms Are Diving Into Gen AI
Ten firms with roots in the commonwealth that discussed their AI use with Law.com. Most of them indicated that most of their use cases for the new technology were internal rather than client-facing.
Legal Tech Startup Darrow Launches PlaintiffLink, AI-Powered Plaintiff-Finding Service
Darrow’s AI-powered PlaintiffLink aims to connect law firms with high-qualified plaintiffs for their cases. Though it has been offered in beta to a select group of firms in the past, the offering is now available to all customers.
African Legal Tech Network SALT Launches Online Courses to Fill ‘Modern’ Gaps in Legal Education
The South African Legal Technology network has launched its SALTed division to improve legal education to make it more inclusive and representative of the diverse African demographic.
A Letter to the Legal Client About Lawyers’ Use of AI
The article is an assurance to the client that attorneys have regulation when it comes to their use of technology, in general and AI in particular.
Can Big Law Extract the Maximum Value of AI?
Legal departments of major corporations along with the industry’s most elite firms are actively using generative AI, and the belief that any organization would wait on identifying and testing use cases is seen as a significant competitive risk.
Gen AI Providers Offer IP Indemnity. Here’s Why It’s Not Foolproof
Large cloud and AI providers including Amazon, Google and Microsoft, among others, say they’ll take on the legal risk of a copyright claim arising from the use of their offered LLMs. But there are significant limitations to these protections.
Diversity & Inclusion:
As Black Women Still Face Hurdles in the Legal World, Mentorship Remains Critical to Success
Two Holland & Knight attorneys and a Hialeah assistant city attorney emphasise the relationships that have assisted them in thriving in a profession in which women continue to be underrepresented.
idsized firms are in the headlines for a variety of reasons, including the dominance of women CEOs in Northeastern legal firms, an insurance defense firm that bases its business model on nuclear verdicts, and an Am legal Second Hundred firm that pays bonuses that are higher than those offered by top firms.
Ashley Picker Dubin on Becoming Day Pitney’s First Woman Discovery Counsel
According to Dubin, a leader in a discovery practice will have particular difficulties this year, such as developing AI strategy and managing the plethora of new data kinds that developing technologies like generative AI are increasingly producing.
Diversity Twice as Important to Associates than Partners, Survey Finds
One associate has been reported as saying that ‘There is a growing cultural divide with boomer partners failing to… meaningfully advance DEI issues beyond empty statements on the website,’.
Market Commentary:
How to Show the Real Value of Your Litigation Team
This article discusses about how one of the most difficult aspects of working in-house as litigation counsel is demonstrating value to the company. That means establishing that you are more than a “cost center”.
Study: Civil Legal Services Lawyers Make as Much as 45% Less Than Public-Sector Counterparts
The decades-old IOLA fund pays for low-income state residents’ civil legal services, and the coalition said the account is a critical source of infrastructure that will be used to increase salaries. But Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposal could curtail that plan, they said.
Using debt to fund expansion and investments seems sensible, but it also points to a possible lack of financial planning, writes the Global Lawyer.
Compensation, Work-Life Balance Among Top Drivers of Associate Satisfaction
Money continues to be the primary motivation for law firm associates, this is followed closely by work-life balance, career opportunities and office attendance policies.
‘There is Concern’: A&O Shearman Insiders on Initial Hurdles Facing Firm
Questions are being asked internally about how the imminent tie-up will work in the US, the timing of merger architect Wim Dejonghe’s departure, and the integration of certain offices.
Investors Want Companies to Prioritize Climate Change Over AI
According to a new survey by the EY Center for Board Matters, as business leaders zero in on the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence, investors remain focused on conventional priorities, such as climate change. And they want the companies they invest in on the same page.
White Box vs. Black Box Compensation Systems
A remuneration scheme that makes partner expectations explicit and gives partners a way to confirm the results by reporting them back to them fosters collegiality more than an opaque scheme that, by its very nature, encourages mistrust and animosity amongst partners.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Ashurst, Sidley Relocate Top Partners to London to Target Fast Growing Industries
It occurs as businesses allocate more and more resources to the quickly expanding fields of private finance and technology.
Paul Weiss Lands Linklaters Partner as Head of European Public M&A in London
With high-profile hires in London, the company is expanding its corporate practice and this time it went after talent at a UK firm.
Milbank Leaders Praise Non-Equity Partnership Tier Amid London Growth
In an interview with Law.com International, London co-managing partner Andrej Wolf is reported as saying that the firm’s famously high NQ pay is “indirectly demanded” by clients.
Kirkland & Ellis Senior London Tax Partner Exits
The resignation comes after a turbulent time at Kirkland during which two lateral hires were added to the tax group late last year in addition to exits.
Gowling WLG names asset management head next UK chair
Emma Pioli, the head of asset management and a real estate partner at the Anglo-Canadian legal firm Gowling WLG, will take over as chair of the UK LLP.
UK disputes firm launches international arbitration practice
London disputes-focused firm Rosenblatt has launched an international arbitration practice with the hire of co-heads Sara Paradisi from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner and Leonardo Carpentieri from LMS Legal.
EMEA
Nikki Smythe second HSF partner to leave for Clifford Chance in recent months.
In recent months, the company has actively pursued employment in Germany, bringing on corporate laterals from Clifford Chance among others.
HFW Brings Aboard 11-Strong Ince Greece Shipping Team
Since the beginning of the 2023 financial year the firm has hired 30 partners.
Cohen & Gresser Adds Venture Capital Team in Paris
The litigation-focused business is able to recover and grow following many losses in the French capital, thanks to the recruitment of a three-lawyer, partner-led team from a French boutique.
Fieldfisher launches Amsterdam practice
Marc Krestin, a new partner at Fieldfisher and a former co-head of arbitration at environmental law firm Pogust Goodhead, has established an international arbitration practice based in Amsterdam.
APAC
Fund Management Leader Joins Norton Rose Fulbright in Sydney
Liz Hastilow has arrived to Norton Rose from First Sentire Investors.
KWM Adds Former Shearman Partner to Singapore, Promotes Two to Partnership in Asia
Gary Hamp was previously a partner at Shearman & Sterling, Latham & Watkins and Hogan Lovells.
White & Case Japan Team Walks to Greenberg Traurig
Greenberg has made a clear effort to expand its real estate and corporate practices. Meanwhile, White & Case faced a few departures in Tokyo last year.
Finance Partner Leaves HSF to Join Clifford Chance in Sydney
Nikki Smythe is the second HSF partner to depart for Clifford Chance in recent months.
NRF Hires Regulatory and Disputes Partner in Melbourne
Kimberley MacKay is now the second partner hire for Norton Rose Fulbright in Australia in the last week.
Bird & Bird Hires Partner From Defunct Hong Kong Office of Winston & Strawn
Winston Singapore Movements: More Partners Leave Big Law for Own Venture; TSMP, HSF Make New Appointments& Strawn announced last year that it would cease operations in Hong Kong in February.
Singapore Movements: More Partners Leave Big Law for Own Venture; TSMP, HSF Make New Appointments
Justin Choo has departed from Bird & Bird in order to establish his own shop in Singapore, meanwhile HSF and TSMP are making high level appointments in the city-state.
Two More Technology Partners Leave Norton Rose Fulbright for A&O
Four technology partners have left for the magic circle firm in recent months.
NRF Hires Regulatory and Disputes Partner in Melbourne
Kimberley MacKay is the second Australian partner hire for Norton Rose Fulbright this week.
The Americas
This article is filled with this news as well as other announcements of recent hirings and promotions of New York attorneys.
Kirkland Lures Antitrust Partners From Cravath, King & Spalding
This is the third Cravath partner exit this month, it seems that the firm’s top competitors are continuing to recruit from the firm.
Associate Finally Joins Abraham Watkins, 5 Years After His Move Was Blocked by a Client
Efraim Gonzalez Jr. was prohibited from moving to Houston plaintiff’s firm Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner in 2018 because USA Gymnastics, a client of his former firm, refused to waive a conflict of interest.
FisherBroyles Picks Up IP Lawyers in LA, Litigator in Chicago
Recently, FisherBroyles grew by adding a litigator in Chicago and a partner in Los Angeles dedicated to intellectual property law.
Alston & Bird Expands West Coast IP Practice, Adding Partner From Haynes and Boone
Theresa Conduah is now the fourth IP partner in the 100-lawyer Los Angeles office of Alston & Bird.
Southeast Law Firm Creates 2 New C-Suite Roles as Firm Charts Growth
Am Law 200 firm Moore & Van Allen has split its highest-ranking administrative job, hiring a former Proskauer Rose staffer for one of the two new C-suite roles.
Willkie Energy Deals Partner Returns to McGuireWoods in Houston
Jay Hughes, who was a co-chair of the power and renewable energy practice at Willkie Farr & Gallagher since he joined in 2020, has returned to McGuireWoods as a partner in Houston, where he once led the office.
Regarding her jump to the Miami born firm, incoming Greenberg Traurig shareholder Lisa Lanham said. “A lot of fintech’s are either starting themselves in Florida or moving from San Francisco to go to Florida, so it was definitely an intentional move,”.
Connecticut Movers: Partners Elected at 4 CT Firms
Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey, Katz & McGrath, Louden, Brown Rudnick and Whitman Breed all announce elevations.
Paul Hastings Investment Management Partner Rejoins Akin in New York
Ira Kustin, who returned to Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld on Thursday as an investment management partner in New York, is the fourth Big Law partner in that practice to make the move to Akin in the last few months.
Clifford Chance Grows LatAm Team with Hire of Corporate M&A Counsel in Houston
This article also contains news from Munsch Hardt, Spencer Fane, and McDermott Will & Emery.
Neal Gerber Eisenberg announced the addition of Jonathan Ksiazek as a partner in the labour and employment practice area; Balch & Bingham announced the appointment of Liz Williamson as a partner in the environmental and natural resources practice in the Washington, D.C. office.
Barnes & Thornburg Adds 4-Lawyer Finance Team From Morris Manning
John T.L. Koenig, managing partner of the Atlanta office stated that “their skill sets will no doubt be in demand as the business community in the Atlanta area continues to grow and thrive”.
Arnold & Porter Lures 7-Lawyer Team From BCLP Across Offices
Chair Richard Alexander stated that It’s been a firm priority for Arnold & Porter to expand its core regulatory, litigation and transactional offerings across offices.
In-House
Tesla Rival Taps Mercedes-Benz GC for Top Lawyer Job
Matt Everitt the new legal chief has been reported as saying “Lucid’s products set an incredibly high bar for automotive companies, and I’m energized to join at a time when the company is poised to expand further”.
Senior American Airlines Attorney Lands Back at Kimberly-Clark, This Time as GC
Grant McGee became the consumer products giant’s legal chief when an experienced lawyer at Kimberly-Clark was promoted.
Acadia Pharmaceuticals Taps Former Pfizer Attorney as CLO
The only firm with a Parkinson’s hallucination treatment licensed by the Food and Drug Administration is under new legal leadership, thanks to Jennifer Rhodes.
20-Year Military Lawyer Takes Legal Reins of Storied R&D Agency DARPA
In a LinkedIn announcement, Candi Alfred stated, “It really is an amazing organization.”
Former White House Counsel Rejoins Gibson Dunn
Stuart Delery left the firm to join the Biden administration in early 2021.
Neiman Marcus Promotes Deputy GC to Legal Chief
Tom Mattei is taking the legal reigns of the luxury department store chain, this is his second legal chief role.
Promotions & Appointments:
Debevoise Lands New National Security Practice Co-Head as Firm Eyes M&A Uptick
Richard Sofield is arriving from Vinson & Elkins and he was previously a senior DOJ attorney. He is now looking to help Debevoise in CFIUS matters, as national security issues bubble up in deal work.
People in the News—Jan. 30, 2024—Marshall Dennehey
Mohamed N. Bakry a shareholder in Marshall Dennehey’s Philadelphia office, has been appointed as president of the Lawyers Club of Philadelphia.
Eckert Seamans Brings On First COO in 10 Years
Arriving from DLA Piper is Eddie Raychaudhuri, who served as a practice group director during his time there.
On the Move: Ogletree Elevates Washko to Managing Shareholder, Two Firms Add Lateral Partners
Troutman Pepper and Nelson Mullins have added lateral partners, also Liz Washko is succeeding Matt Keen as managing shareholder at Ogletree.
With New CEO Starting This Week, Husch Announces New Chair-Elect as Well
Joe Glynias, St. Louis-based labour and employment partner will step in to Catherine Hanaway’s position from the beginning of April.
Jones Day Appoints New Partner-in-Charge of Mexico City Office
While Manuel Romano will continue to work with clients in the firm’s financial markets business, tax partner Rodrigo Gómez Ballina assumes legal leadership.
Pinsent Masons appoints Robert Dever to lead tax practice in Dublin
Pinsent Masons has hired tax partner Robert Dever to lead and develop its tax law practice in Dublin and bolster its European transactional services group.
Former Bumble Legal Chief Takes CLO Posts at 2 NYC Public Companies
As the Dolan family looks to expand MSG Entertainment and a subsidiary that just constructed a $2.3 billion arena in Las Vegas, Laura Franco is emerging as a major executive.
The Current (and Future) State of AI in Legal Finance
In this piece, Burford Capital’s David Perla explores the application and future prospects of artificial intelligence in legal financing, which is the activity of offering capital and support for lawsuits and arbitration awards. He specifically looks at how AI is used to source investments, decide which investments to make, and forecast results after investments are made.
Double partner appointment at RDJ
Louise Boughton and Sarah Slevin have been named as partners by RDJ in all corporate, commercial, and dispute resolution disciplines.
McCann FitzGerald appoints Iain Ferguson as head of investment management group
Iain Ferguson, a partner at McCann FitzGerald, has been named head of the firm’s investment management group (IMG).
Mergers & Alliances:
Fennemore Acquires San Diego Firm, Solidifying West Coast Presence
The day the business closes another merger with a Seattle-based firm, it will also welcome the 21 attorneys who once made up Sullivan Hill.
Fisher Phillips Acquires Legal Tech Startup, Investing Further Into Tools for HR
Jonathan Crook, Fisher Phillips partner and founder of the startup stated that. “It fits with this idea of giving companies and HR teams sort of an on-demand resource that they have with us”.
The Big Four’s legal presence in the French-speaking province of Canada is enhanced by Sweibel Novek Rabbat’s competence in tax, estates, and trust services.
Office Openings & Closing:
The firm continues to be bullish on restructuring, almost two years after its raid of Stroock.
Paul Hastings Continues Building its Restructuring Practice with new hires for Kirkland.
PA-Based Chartwell Law Opens Offices in Austin, Dallas
Despite being interested in the Texas market for some time, Chartwell law opened in Austin and Dallas, because they hired four litigation and coverage lawyers from Disiere, Martin, Jefferson & Wisdom.
Selendy Gay’s David Elsberg, Quinn Emanuel Partners To Launch New Litigation Boutique
Elsberg Baker & Maruri will open in February with a roster of “aggressive, first-chair” trial lawyers, according to senior partner David Elsberg.
Ashurst Expands Alternative Services Division with Poland Office Launch
Ashurst Advance is collaborating with Elevate, a worldwide ALSP with headquarters in Los Angeles, to create a new office in Krakow.
Skadden’s Elizabeth Robertson Launches Business Crime Boutique
The high-profile white-collar partner, who left Skadden in December, talks with Law.com International about her new venture.
Financials:
‘An Era of Heightened Risk’: Class Action Onslaught Shows No Signs of Abating
According to a report by the law firm Duane Morris, Mega-settlements and high class-certification rates likely will “incentivize the plaintiffs’ class action bar to be equally if not more aggressive with their case filings and settlement positions in 2024”.
Milbank’s Revenue Jumps 18% as Profits Soar 19% and Nonequity Tier Grows
The firm’s 18.6% increase in PEP to $5.114 million occurred simultaneously as Milbank saw a 51% expansion in its nonequity tier.
Big Law Rates Continue Rising, But Trail 2023 Increases So Far
According to bankruptcy records, the average Am Law 50 firm increased its rates by 8% to 10% in 2024.
Aggressive Rate Hikes, Strong 4th Quarter Collections Drive 2023 Revenue Growth for Phila. Firms
The six Philadelphia-based firms surveyed by Wells Fargo together increased revenues by 4.7%, the is less than the nationwide average of 6.0%.
Energy Sector Work Led to Higher-Than-Average Revenue Jump for Homegrown Texas Law Firms Last Year
Based on certain financial indicators, a group of domestic Texas firms outperformed the industry average in 2023, according to a Wells Fargo Legal Specialty Group year-end study.
White & Case latest to raise pay for London lawyers
The newest American law firm to increase junior attorneys’ compensation in London is White & Case.
Technology & Innovation:
We Asked Every Am Law 100 Law Firm How They’re Using Gen AI. Here’s What We Learned
Using the much-discussed technology, at least 41 of the highest-earning law firms in the United States are investigating potential in both the legal and corporate domains.
Lawyers Call 5th Circuit AI Proposal Vague, Potential Threat to Work-Product Privilege
The appellate court would mandate that lawyers who employed artificial intelligence (AI) in the preparation of a document attest to the fact that all citations, legal analysis, and other language have “been reviewed for accuracy and approved by a human.”
1 in 4 Organizations Are Banning Gen AI for Now, Fearing Risks
Cisco Chief Legal Officer Dev Stahlkopf has been reported as saying that “the risks of AI are real, but they are manageable when thoughtful governance practices are in place as enablers, not obstacles, to responsible innovation,”.
The Financial and Cultural Costs in Providing Legal Tech Solutions to Clients
Experts from Paul Hastings, Husch Blackwell, Redgrave, and other firms spoke on the cultural costs of legal IT teams that also cultivate client relationships, as well as whether businesses should build or acquire.
‘Late Adopters’ or ‘Cautious Optimism’: Law Firm Partners Share Divergent Approaches to Gen AI
A Legalweek panel highlighted the lack of agreement surrounding how prominent law firms should be approaching the emerging technology.
Generating Buzz: Judicial Scrutiny of AI Use and Its Impact on the Future of Litigation
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize the legal sector by automating and improving research, expediting the document review process, and even creating papers. But there are drawbacks to this revolutionary capacity as well.
Diversity & Inclusion:
2023: A Landmark Year in LGBTQ+ Rights—Legal Triumphs and Political Challenges
Looking toward 2024, there is a sense of renewed optimism, carrying forward the lessons and victories of the past year, ready to build a more inclusive and equitable society.
Alston’s Finance Group Sees Success, in Both Revenue and Diversity
Karen Gelernt and her successors in the Alston group are among the few female leaders of a structured finance practice in Big Law.
West Point Defends Race-Conscious Admissions Policy to Supreme Court
U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar wrote “A lack of diversity in leadership can jeopardize the Army’s ability to win wars,”.
17 of the Top 20 Law Schools Have More Women Enrolled
The Enjuris report states that “The decline in male enrolment and the increasing number of students who choose not to disclose their gender present new dimensions in the evolving narrative of gender diversity in legal education”.
Market Commentary:
What’s in a Name? Law Firms Rebrand HR to ‘People Operations’
The transition from HR language to “talent development” has mostly taken place at large law firms, where positions like chief people officer and chief talent officer are common and are slowly infiltrating the midsize firm market. Experts claim that the fierce competition for skilled individuals in the legal field is linked to this development.
CLO Workloads Swell, as Duties Expand Beyond Legal
Veta T. Richardson, CEO of the Association of Corporate Counsel said that “Squeezing general counsel resources while expanding their remit is unlikely to be sustainable for the long term”.
After Moderate Revenue Gains, Law Firms Plan for Growth in Both Deals and Litigation
Wells Fargo’s Owen Burman said, “The mindset is toward growth as opposed to cutting, and that’s a change over the last 18 months,”.
In-House Lawyers Say AI Well-Suited for Some Tasks, Dangerous for Others
One participant in a newly released survey of general counsels stated that “I am … more likely to trust the use of [AI] by someone who is more seasoned because they have the experience to know whether it is a legitimate response”.
China’s Property Crisis Marks Sidley’s Time in the Sun, But Will It Shake Up the Playing Field?
Apart from the property crisis in China, there hasn’t been much notable drama occurring in Asia regarding restructuring. However, how will competing companies fare now that Sidley Austin has monopolized the China real estate market?
Moves:
UK & Ireland
White & Case London Trade Partner Exits to Launch Solo Practice
Iain MacVay, a veteran partner, formerly oversaw several trade practices across London.
Brown Rudnick adds UK white collar chief from Jenner & Block
Paul Feldberg, a former prosecutor for the SFO, is the most recent in a line of senior lateral hires for Brown Rudnick’s London office.
Joe Beashel to head Matheson’s London office
Joe Beashel is a partner at Matheson and has been named head of the Irish legal firm’s London branch.
Ruadhán Kenny, John Coary, Raphael Clancy, Susan Carroll Chrysostomou, and Connor Cassidy have all been promoted to partner at Matheson.
M&A Heavyweight Patrick Sarch Returns to White & Case
After three years at Hogan Lovells, Patrick Sarch is returning to White & Case, where he also assisted in leading the firm’s global financial institutions group.
EMEA
Ashurst Continues Run of European Corporate Hires, Adding Baker McKenzie Partner in Luxembourg
The firm anticipates that by bringing on Jean-Phillippe Smeets, they would be able to better serve the growing clientele in Luxembourg, an increasingly important European hub.
Orrick Vows to Rebuild Paris Arbitration After Series of Exits
According to the firm’s website, departures have left it with two Paris arbitration partners; however, sources close to the matter indicate that one of them is currently on vacation and it is unknown when they will return.
Second Executive Committee Member Exits Allen & Overy
The head of the company’s London-based structured finance and derivatives division left at the same time that CVC selected a fellow executive committee member to lead its Netherlands team.
Hogan Lovells Lures Prominent Partner and Disputes Team From White & Case in Paris
Arriving from White & Case are Jean-Pierre Picca who is an assistant to Nicolas Sarkozy’s French presidency as well as partner Jean-Lou Salha and three other people. Their concentration will be on compliance and investigations.
Pérez-Llorca beefs up leadership structure by appointing two executive partners
The firm has named Iván Delgado as its first international executive partner and Julio Lujambio as its first executive partner. The company intends to close the 2023 fiscal year having quadrupled sales over the previous ten years.
Iberian Firms Start Year With Series of Appointments
Firms in Portugal and Spain, including Pérez-Llorca and Andersen, have announced several moves will be taking place in January.
APAC
Two Partners Return to Australia’s Gilbert + Tobin from White & Case
Christopher Flynn and Nirangjan Nagarajah have returned to the Australian corporate law firm.
Singapore’s Big Four Allen & Gledhill Debuts in Shanghai
The Chinese Ministry of Justice approved the opening of offices by five foreign law firms, including Allen & Gledhill, in mainland China.
HKIAC Appoints A&O Partner as New Secretary General
Joanne Lau, an Allen & Overy partner, has been named the new secretary-general of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre. She will start work on the 26th of February.
HK: Howse Williams hires regulatory lawyer from Dechert
Jason Chan, a regulatory and compliance attorney, was a senior associate at Dechert before joining the Hong Kong legal firm Howse Williams as a partner.
Australia’s Allens Adds to IP Practice with Partner Hire
Natasha Burns, a Melbourne based lawyer, joins from her own firm.
Mayer Brown Adds Banking Partner in Singapore
After being partner at Norton Rose Fulbright, Janelene Chen is leaving for her new role.
The Americas
Baker McKenzie Lands Latham Dealmaker to Head California PE Practice
“We are going to build a full-sized PE practice in California with Eric Schwartzman’s arrival,” stated Leif King, who oversees Baker McKenzie’s transactional group in California.
Davis Polk Lures Another Cravath Partner, Adding M&A Litigator
Davis Polk has employed at least four Cravath partners in the past few years, including Rory Leraris.
Bracewell, King & Spalding Grow Energy Teams With In-House Adds
A Bechtel Energy energy and construction lawyer was brought on as a partner by King & Spalding in Houston, while Bracewell hired a Houston-based attorney with knowledge of energy transition tax credits.
Willkie Farr Taps Bay Area Gibson Dunn Partner to Help Lead White-Collar Practice
After more than 12 years with Gibson Dunn, Michael Li-Ming Wong is leaving the company.
Holland & Knight Picks Up Public Finance Duo From Greenspoon Marder
Incoming Holland & Knight counsel Denise Ganz stated, “It’s great to be part of a larger public finance department so that we can share ideas, kick around issues, and give each other input on things that apply to our practice area.”
Freshfields Hits Cravath Again for Latest New York Partner Addition
Freshfields, which has been looking to the esteemed New York firm for senior corporate recruits in recent years, has spotted Cravath as being top target.
McDermott Lands Julia Boyd for PE Group, Anticipating Strong Year for Transactions
Boyd, who is one of the founders of the Senior Women in Private Equity network, is planning to move the majority of her clientele from Reed Smith to McDermott.
Amid ‘Brutal Competition’ and Demand in Patent Practices, Orrick Grows IP Group
This past week, D.C. partners were also acquired by Miles & Stockbridge, McCarter & English, Crowell & Moring, and Arnold & Porter in their major practices.
Foley & Lardner Expands in New York With Partner Hires From Paul Hastings, Nelson Mullins
The goal of Milwaukee-based Foley & Lardner is to grow its offices on the East Coast.
Ballard Spahr Data Privacy Co-Chair Jumps to Equivalent Role at Blank Rome
Along with partner Sharon Klein, Philadelphia native Philip Yannella will resume the position of leadership at Blank Rome’s privacy, security, and data protection practice.
Former Power Company Exec Returns to Gowling WLG
Paul Harricks, who oversaw the energy group at Hydro One, is rejoining the company where he served as CLO.
Littler Mendelson elevates a new shareholder; CSG Law selects a new chair for their corporate & securities group; and other developments.
Morgan Lewis Adds Former Ballard Spahr Practice Leader
Aliza Karetnick had been at Ballard since 2019, when she arrived from Duane Morris.
Midsize Moves: Munsch Hardt Adds Hamilton Squibb Name Partner, Nutter Hires Perkins Coie Partner
Clifton Squibb became a shareholder in Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr’s energy practice, while Susan von Herrmann became a partner at Nutter McClennen & Fish, expanding the firm’s private client section.
Energy Litigation Partners Leave Alston & Bird in Fort Worth to Launch Boutique
Rob Vartabedian and Conrad Hester are leaving Alston & Bird, Rob is reported as saying “we thought we would enjoy the flexibility of a smaller firm, and we thought our clients would enjoy it also,”.
In-House
Microprocessor Giant AMD Hires Super-Connected Tech Lawyer as GC
At least nine tech companies, including AMD, have seen the significant contribution of recently engaged General Counsel Ava Hahn. She was also a general counsel for Kleiner Perkins, a venture capital firm, before.
Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap Hires First GC to Help Navigate Growth, Advance Mission
Over 50 years ago, Emanuel Bronner would hand out free samples of soap to attendees of his lectures espousing unity across religious and ethnic divides. As of today, the same soap is available in mass-market retailers such as Target and Walgreens and in around 40 countries.
Chip-Maker Micron Scoops Up Legal Leader From Rival That’s Restructuring
Micron, which plans to invest $150 billion in manufacturing and research and development over the next ten years, is luring Michael Ray away from Western Digital.
Pair of Biopharma Companies Tap Compliance Veterans to Lead Legal
Tris Pharma focuses on addiction and ADHD meanwhile BPGbio finds potential drugs using an AI platform.
Public Interest Law Center Hires Hausfeld Global Managing Partner as Executive Director
From next month, Brent Landau, the Global managing partner at Hausfeld, will lead the Public Interest Law Center as its executive director.
Defense Contractor Mercury Systems Swaps Out Legal Chief
Stuart Kupinsky has been appointed chief legal officer by CEO Bill Ballhaus. Kupinsky led Blackboard’s legal department when Ballhaus served as CEO.
Promotions & Appointments:
Stradley Ronon Taps Litigation Leader as New Managing Partner
Michael O’Mara, a former chair of the litigation department, took over the position earlier this month, replacing Jeffrey Lutsky, who is still the firm’s co-chair.
Smith Gambrell, Arnall’s Promotions Reflect Emphasis on Transactional, IP Practices
Compared to prior years, fewer attorneys were promoted to partners by both firms this year.
Nation’s Largest Milling Company Hires Regulatory Expert as Legal Chief
After nine years of working her way up at Ball Corp., Kate Kimball is taking on her first general counsel position.
Amex-Backed Startup Using Tech to Take Estate Planning to the Masses Hires First CLO
Doug Luftman, who has served as the legal head of five Silicon Valley startups, has been appointed chief legal officer of Trust & Will.
Gold-Mining Giant Newmont Hires CLO With Deep Global Experience
Most recently, Peter Wexler was the legal chief at Schneider Electric, a company based in Paris, where he was in charge of over 300 employees in 32 nations.
Debevoise Lands New National Security Practice Head, As Firm Eyes M&A Uptick
Rick Sofield, a former senior DOJ attorney arriving from V&E, looks to help Debevoise in CFIUS matters, as national security issues bubble up in deal work.
Mergers & Alliances:
Dilworth Acquires Suburban Phila. Trusts & Estates Boutique
Dilworth is taking over the Jenkintown, Feasterville, and Doylestown leases held by Yorkway Law Group, in addition to hiring one partner, two associates, and four employees.
Seyfarth Launches Restructuring Practice, Snagging Lateral Group from BCLP
The move lands as soon as Am Law 100 firms saw billable hours in bankruptcy increase by almost 7% last year.
Big Four Japanese Firm Mori Hamada Steps Up Southeast Asian Game with Philippines Alliance
Due to the growth in trade between the two regions, Japanese legal firms have made a significant push into Southeast Asia.
Office Openings & Closing:
Saltz Mongeluzzi Duo Launch New Catastrophic Injury Firm
“The days of having a physical server and hard files, and requiring everyone to show up every day are, one, gone and, two, not what we’re interested in,” Baer stated.
Simmons & Simmons announces Saudi Arabia debut
As Saudi Arabia grows in importance for clients, Simmons & Simmons has revealed plans to open in Riyadh, making it the latest legal firm to expand in this particular geographical area.
Kennedys opens tenth US office in Fort Lauderdale
Kennedys, an insurance specialist with headquarters in the UK, has expanded its presence in the US with the opening of its tenth office in Fort Lauderdale.
Big Law’s Rush Into Florida Has Slowed, but Miami Leasing Activity Remains Hot
While leasing activity nationwide slowed down in 2023—a year marked by remote work, construction slowdowns, and tighter budgets—law firms in Miami continued to snap up office space.
International law firms have been launching offices in the U.S. and paying top dollar for talent in the world’s largest and most lucrative legal market. But growth potential exists elsewhere, and firms shouldn’t give the rest of the world short shrift, writes The Global Lawyer.
Financials:
Big Law Has ‘False Sense of Security’ as Clients Depart for Midsized Firms
A new report from Thomson Reuters and Georgetown Law has argued that since the financial crisis of 2007-2008, “market power shifted decisively from law firms to the clients, rapidly moving from a sellers’ to a buyers’ market for legal services,”.
From 2022, lobbying revenue increased year over year according to reports from Brownstein, Akin, and Holland & Knight.
Dallas, Houston See Notable, Above-Average Billing Rate Increases
In Dallas, the going pay for partners climbed by around 14% from $674 to $770 per hour in 2022. Associates in Houston experienced a roughly 10% increase in mean going rates, which went from approximately $477 to $525 per hour.
Pressure on UK Law Firms as US Competitors Raise NQ Pay Again
As US firms match the Cravath scale, domestic UK firms will fear falling too far behind.
Cozen O’Connor Announces First-Year Salary Increases in Phila., New York and Washington
Philadelphia first-year associates will make $195,000, while those in New York and Washington, D.C. would earn $205,000 more.
Milbank’s Revenue Jumps 18%, as Profits Soar 19% and Nonequity Tier Grows
The firm’s 18.6% jump in PEP to $5.114 million occurred as Milbank saw a 51% expansion in its nonequity tier.
How Midsize Firms Can Compete In Wake Of High Payouts For Associates
Pro Mid Market columnists at recruiting agency The Foster group suggest that in reaction to recent increases in associate base salary, midsize firms who are unable to match will emphasize to their colleagues that they have an accessible and meaningful career path.
Technology & Innovation:
Geopolitical Risks Force Us to Fastrack AI in Financial Crime Compliance
The increasing tempo of change combined with the unpredictability of updates from major regulators has created a heightened sense of pressure on legal and compliance professionals to keep pace.
Is AI-Generated Information Likely to Start Showing Up in Legal Reviews?
Lawyers and experts in electronic discovery must make sure they are ready and devise efficient plans for locating, confirming, and incorporating artificial intelligence (AI)-generated material into the legal review and electronic discovery procedures, even in the lack of official regulations.
Deloitte Launches Gen AI-Powered NavigAite Solution on RelativityOne and Relativity Server
The new solution has been proposed to help organizations accelerate document review, employee conduct investigations, PII identification and compliance activities.
Florida Bar Provides Attorneys with Roadmap for Integrating AI into Their Legal Practice
Scott Westheimer, president of the Florida Bar has been reported as saying that “Ethics opinions like this are crucial because they are going to help us with the latest technologies,”.
Compliance-as-a-Service (CaaS): Legal Tech Investment in the Non-Profit Industry
Unexpectedly, funding for legal technology is starting to go toward not-for-profit organizations (NPOs), such as public charities and private foundations.
Keeping Track of Developments in Cases That Pit Creative Content Against AI Programs
2023 saw the emergence of court rulings and procedural orders in litigation concerning the collision of generative AI systems with artistic output, and these developments culminated in 2024. Due to the unauthorized copyright works that AI companies incorporate into their AI programs, the majority of complaints allege copyright infringement and related allegations.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Blacks United in Legal Technology (BUiLT), which Horn co-founded with a number of legal and legal IT professionals, seeks to address a number of inequalities that still exist in the legal industry.
Gibson Dunn Partner Named First Black Dean of Drake Law
“A Drake Law education is unique due to its focus on theory and practical learning,” Roscoe Jones Jr. said in a statement. He proceeding this by saying, “I am humbled to lead a community committed to an unwavering collegiality and a singular mission to prepare students to promote justice, service and ethics.”
“One activist who has made an entire career of attacking policies … essentially admitted that he does not care about whether the legal profession has a place for everyone. Well, we do,” says Hanson Bridgett’s Kristina D. Lawson and Jennifer M. Martinez.
Despite ‘Anti-Woke’ Political Pushback in the US, Big Companies See ESG Risk on the Horizon
In Baker McKenzie’s annual survey of 600 senior legal and risk professionals from companies with more than $500 million in revenue based in the U.K., the U.S., Singapore and Brazil, 73% cited ESG disputes as a risk to their organization which makes it by far the most commonly cited risk to a business.
Comp systems are particularly sneaky since they are very difficult to modify.
Market Commentary:
Growing Geopolitical Threats Expand Role of GC
David Bamlango, general counsel of the Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank has been reported as saying, “you cannot not be aware. Otherwise, you will not be relevant in the boardroom or relevant for the senior executives who come to you for advice”.
3 Use Cases for AI in Litigation Finance
Co-chief operating officer of Burford Capital David Perla describes how he believes AI can help the litigation finance company make more and better investments.
Profit Obsession Evokes Cold Sweat From Today’s Lawyers
The most prominent feature of law firm culture that has been found to engender lawyers’ animosity toward their firms is “profit-mindedness”.
Deal Watch: Big Week in Multiple Verticals in M&A
PE, energy, and technology deals drive the week, with several large deals for Skadden and Paul Weiss in the previous few days. In addition, four additional IPOs occurred.
Implement Good Habits To Reduce Malpractice Risks
Even small steps can help break old habits that create big risks of malpractice claims, according to Dentons’ Alanna Clair and Shari Klevens.
Is a Boutique the Right Fit? A Legal Recruiter Weighs In
Legal recruiter Karen Vladeck stated that. “Boutique firms are not the right fit for everyone, but they have many features that can significantly benefit attorneys,”.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Akin Loses M&A Partner While Hiring in Restructuring, as London Laterals See Busy Start to the Year
Following a recent departure, the firm has welcomed a new hire, reflecting the dynamism of London’s job market in the New Year.
Freshfields Hits Akin for London-Based Private Funds Partner
Expect to see more private funds lawyers at the firm soon. This hire is the start of a 10-person expansion across London and New York.
Osborne Clarke Drops Signature from Law Firm Climate Charter
While no longer a full-fledged participant, the firm retains an advisory role with the charter through their “dialogue partner” status.
Gibson Dunn Rehires Freshfields London Restructuring Partner
It was a short-lived tenure at Freshfields, just 18 months.
Quinn Emanuel hires restructuring partner from Paul Hastings
Veteran Paul Hastings restructuring partner David Ereira has joined Quinn Emanuel in London.
EMEA
Orrick’s International Arbitration Co-Leader Exits Firm to Launch Own Practice
‘As a partner of an international firm, you are constantly confronted with issues of conflicts of interest,’ said Michael Bühler.
CVC Ditches GC Role as it Taps A&O for Next Legal Head
The new legal chief of the private equity giant occupies a senior partner role at A&O Amsterdam.
DLA Piper Takes Disputes Partner and Counsel From Simmons in Paris
With prior experience at both Legance and Linklaters, the new partner brings a wealth of expertise in cross-border M&A and private equity to the Italian firm, further bolstering their capabilities in these key areas.
Squire Builds Out Italian M&A and Energy Practice With Partner Hire From K&L Gates
Italian firms have been strengthening their M&A, private equity, energy and infrastructure teams, anticipating an increase in transactional and reconstruction work.
Linklaters Snags Veteran HSF Partner to Co-Head Paris Corporate/M&A Practice
After an 18-year tenure at HSF, Hubert Segain joins Linklaters, having become partner at the firm in 2008, serving their global governing council, and leading their Paris corporate practice.
White & Case Launches Jo’Burg Commercial Litigation Practice with Baker McKenzie Hire
Making significant strides in Africa, the firm boasts a thriving practice of 83 lawyers, propelling them from 21st to 16th in the 2023 regional rankings.
Ashurst Expands Munich Presence With 2 Partner Hires
Following partner departures last year, the firm welcomes the new hires.
APAC
Dentons Adds Second Australian Partner this Month
Dentons welcomes Edmund Burke to their Brisbane office as he exits Holding Redlich.
Han Kun, Lewis Silkin Take Partners from Mayer Brown, Gall in Hong Kong
Lewis Silkin welcomes new joiner Kenix Yuen as Bonnie Yung welcomes Bonnie Yung.
K&L Gates Hires Projects Partner as Brisbane Prepares to Host Olympics
Previously, Justin O’Callaghan served McInnes Wilson Lawyers as principal in Australia.
K&L Gates Hires Away MoFo’s Funds Partner in Singapore, Adds Another in Sydney
Prior to joining the firm, Jason Nelms served at Morrison Foerster whereas Claudine Salameh served at Norton Rose Fulbright.
HKIAC Appoints New Secretary General, New Corporate Hires for Hong Kong, Indian Firms
New corporate partners have been appointed by both Eric Chow & Co and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas.
The Americas
Davis Polk Brings Back Former White House Lawyer, Morgan Stanley Compliance Head
Raul Yanes returns to Davis Polk to lead the firm’s investigations and white-collar defence practice, becoming the most recent lawyer transitioning between a bank and Big Law.
Ex-White House Counsel Lawyer Joins Latham; Mayer Brown Hires Ex-Counsel to McCarthy
The Capitol’s doors keep spinning this week as lawyers shuffle between Big Law and the federal government.
On the heels of a team exit including Pat Cipollone, ex-White House counsel, Thomas O’Brien’s Ellis George departure was announced.
On the Move: Moore & Van Allen Adds Atlanta Entertainment Lawyer to Financial Practice
Brett E. Moskowitz is highly experienced “in a niche, highly competitive industry” and has a client base featuring banks who had been involved in syndicating financings across the entertainment industry.
Amid Management Shuffle, Norton Rose Adds Litigation Leaders in Chicago
Following departures within Norton Rose’s management, Joshua Lee and Edward Casmere join as the firm’s new litigation leads, bringing high expectations with them for the pace of disputes and lawsuits this year.
Tammy Davies exists Paul Hastings to join MoFo as partner in their finance group.
Midsize Moves: BakerHostetler Loses Marketing Manager and Health Care Lawyer To McNees, Nossman
Christopher Strah joins McNees Wallace & Nurick as their director of marketing. Meanwhile, Mark Kadzielski joins Nossaman’s health care group.
Latin America-Focused Lawyer Rejoins Greenberg Traurig in Washington, DC
Irwin Altschuler’s return bolsters the practice’s capabilities in the region, following a Mexico City January hire.
Baker McKenzie Adds Leading Energy Litigation Team in Texas
Renowned litigators David Baay, Jack Massey, Kelsey Machado, Ian Shelton, and Matthew (Matt) Rawlinson have joined the Houston office of international law firm Baker McKenzie.
In-House
Chicago Bears General Counsel Out After 2 Decades With Team
“I never took one day for granted,” wrote Cliff Stein on LinkedIn. “I worked with 4 general managers, 6 head coaches, 2 Presidents, got to experience 1 Super Bowl, 2 NFC championships and 4 NFC North championships.”
New Year Brings Flurry of UK In-House Moves
Neil Laventure’s departure from Haleon/GSK and Belgian bike start-up Cowboy’s first GC are among the In-House moves.
Ex-GC of McAfee Takes Legal Reins at Another Big Security Player
Nell O’Donnel joins Barracuda Networks to advance its growth, having served as legal chief to some of data protection’s biggest players.
Promotions & Appointments:
Potter Anderson Elects Five New Partners
Five individuals elected to partnership, announces Potter Anderson & Corron as Rebecca E. Salko, Aaron R. Sims, Nicholas D. Mozal, Stephen McNeill, and Laura G. Readinger are set to join the Delaware law firm, effective Jan 1.
Hoagland Longo Names Esteemed Litigator as New Managing Partner
“We are thrilled to have Chad step into the role of managing partner,” stated former managing parter, Gary J. Hoagland, in latest press release. “His legal acumen, leadership skills, forward-thinking approach, and steadfast commitment to client service uniquely position him to propel our firm into a promising future.”
After ‘Banner Year’ in Growth, ArentFox Schiff Names New Leader
10% RPL increase and a 2023 12%+ increase in PEP, projects Brian Waldman, ArentFox’s new managing partner.
Pinsent Masons appoints Melanie Grimmitt as head of new Client and Markets Group
Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has appointed energy partner Melanie Grimmitt as head of the firm’s new Clients and Markets Group as it seeks to accelerate its multinational sector-led approach in the wake of rapid global expansion.
Mergers & Alliances:
Utah’s Maschoff Brennan Goes Bicoastal in Merger With Another IP Boutique
“We are certainly not resting on our laurels,” stated a leader in an interview, “We’re interested in … expanding our geographic base into markets that seem to make sense”. Newly formed Maschoff Brennan Gilmore Israelsen & Mauriel currently have offices in Utah, California and New York.
Phila. Litigation Boutiques Dailey LLP and Levan Legal Announce Merger
Under the Dailey LLP name, the combined firm boasts 14 attorneys, four of whom are from Levan.
Hill Dickinson Links Up with Former Ince Group for Cyprus Launch
The launch welcomes two ex-Ince partners as well as three associates.
Office Openings & Closing:
McCarter & English Adds Miami Real Estate Transaction Team from Now-Shuttered Boutique
Alvarez & Diaz-Silveira’s remaining lawyers considered joining McCarter alongside Alberto Delgado and Manuel Fernandez. Instead, the firm closed at the end of last year with Pedro Alvarez’s retiring and two other employees relocating to Polsinelli.
Davis Polk, Latham Engaged to Advise on Anta Spin-off and $1B IPO of Amer
If successful, Amer’s listing is set to be one of the most important IPOs in over two years, featuring a Chinese majority shareholder on Nasdaq.
Pinsent Masons Gains Licence to Operate in Abu Dhabi
The growth in Saudi Arabia and UAE’s importance to international firms is further highlighted by the latest move.
Debevoise Picks Daily Mail’s Former HQ As Next London Home
According to an inside source, the firm’s new 70,000 ft² HQ will be a 40% increase from their current premises.
Luxembourg-Based Arendt Opens Frankfurt Office
Mirroring Arendt’s existing network, the operation will function as a channel of communication for clients abroad and the Luxembourgh HQ, but local law will not be practiced.
Weil, Pillsbury Eye London Office Moves Amid US Firm Upsizing Trend
A contrast in opinions toward hybrid working have seen several U.K-led firms downsizing while their U.S.-founded counterparts take up larger spaces.
Phelps Dunbar Adds Memphis, Nashville Offices in Combination With Farris Bobango
The most recent tie-up between firms is marked by Am Law 200 Phelps Dunbar’s joining with 28-lawyer Faris Bobango as mergers are quickly becoming the 2024 trend.
Financials:
Paul Weiss, Kirkland Lead as General Atlantic Takeover Creates $96B Investor
It is anticipated that this acquisition of Actis, a company dedicated to sustainability, will establish an investing platform with around $96 billion in assets managed.
Should US Law Firms Offer 20% Less Pay for 20% Less Work?
Recently, Slaughter and May formalized a reduced-hours trial; nevertheless, in the past, American companies have usually saved these adjustments for employees with exceptional situations.
No Origination Credits in Partner Pay? Covington Sees Advantages
Covington Partners contend that the pay model is important to the company’s team-based approach to client work and has assisted in luring laterals, despite the potential dangers associated with not tracking origination credits.
Technology & Innovation:
Legal Tech’s Predictions for the Regulation of AI and Technology in 2024
Legal industry experts have made their predictions for the regulation and implementation of artificial intelligence and other technologies in 2024.
Battling Bias In Workplace Predictive A.I.: Challenges for Employers and the Bar
The use of AI in employment has taken the world by storm. AI reflects the world from which it learns and those who create it. However, employers cannot rely on AI tools alone for employee recruitment and management. Proactively mitigating algorithmic bias is not only warranted but, in some forward-thinking jurisdictions, mandatory.
The Case for the Use of E-Discovery Software in All Matters
Lawyers handling every kind of situation, regardless of size or budget, can now more easily use technology thanks to a number of effective platforms that simplify the process.
LinkSquares Announces First Gen AI Capabilities for Redlining, Project Management
AI-Assisted Redlining and AI-Suggested Subtasks are the two new features that will be made available in Q1. The rest of the year will see the release of “many” more generative AI-powered features.
LTN Startup Spotlight: Briefly Founder on Why Legal Information Tech Needs a Rebrand
Startup Briefly is attempting to evolve the way lawyers communicate legal jargon with other teams in their organization by generating legal content in the form of TikTok-like videos.
Can Artificial Intelligence Patents Survive ‘Alice’?
This is the first of a two-part series of articles. This article discusses how It is difficult for anybody trying to patent AI inventions under the existing Alice system. However, as shown by the caselaw, patent drafters and inventors can take precautions to lessen the likelihood that claims made in AI patents will be rejected for being abstract concepts.
Legal Tech’s Predictions for KM, Data Governance & AI Usage in 2024
Experts in the legal sector forecast the state of data governance, knowledge management, and artificial intelligence (AI) in 2024.
AI Adoption Likely to Spark Surge in Corporate Litigation of All Stripes in 2024
Businesses may be accused of antitrust violations if they use AI to assist in pricing decisions, or they may be accused of discriminatory practices if they use AI to screen applicants for available positions.
Legal Tech’s Predictions for Emerging Technologies, Tech Costs & Market Consolidation in 2024
The legal sector projects its expectations for 2024 in a number of areas, including the economy, market consolidation, developing technologies, and technological prices.
SEC Chief Gensler Warns of ‘AI Washing’ and Potential Conflicts of Interest
Gary Gensler has been reported to have said, “If you’re putting the robo adviser’s interest ahead of the broker dealer’s interest ahead of the investor, therein lies a conflict”.
Brazil’s Overwhelmed Judiciary, Desperate for Help, Turns to Artificial Intelligence
Several initiatives have been implemented in Brazilian courts by creative thinkers striving to improve justice in one of the world’s most congested judicial systems.
Stretching the Metaphor—Are Gen AI Copyright Lawsuits Using ‘Winning’ Language?
In copyright disputes against generative AI developers, terms like “memorization,” “generalization,” and even the unusually visceral “regurgitation” have surfaced. When these matters get to court, the use of this type of terminology will be important.
Legal Tech’s Predictions for Legal Education, Lawyer Training & Evolving Legal Roles in 2024
This article is delving into the topics of legal education, lawyer training, and the evolution of legal positions, it also highlights on the predictions that have been provided about the legal sector regarding things to be anticipated in 2024.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Top White House Lawyer Rejoins Covington, as Demand for DEI Advice Grows
Covington’s government litigation practice co-chair Stacey Grigsby will be an “integral resource” for clients dealing with workplace culture and diversity and equity problems, according to the firm.
Law School Admissions Officers Report Concerns About Diversity
Although the Kaplan study revealed that nearly all law schools agree that diversity matters to both administrators and students, an admissions officer who took part in the survey expressed concern that the court’s ruling will have a “chilling effect on applications.”
Market Commentary:
The UK’s Biggest Law Firms Need More Horsepower if They Are to Compete
Though Clifford Chance and Linklaters haven’t been as active as A&O and Freshfields in the US market lately, the Global Lawyer wonders if their most recent adjustments will be sufficient to put them in the running.
Research indicates that working mothers’ morale sharply declines after three months, despite numerous industry efforts to mitigate these effects.
EY Law Plots Sweeping Cuts, 24 UK Roles at Risk
The shocking announcement above contradicts the Big Four firms’ declared goal of more than tripling their size in the UK and Ireland by 2025 and highlights the challenges the auditing behemoths have faced in breaking into the legal sector.
As the Thai Competitive Landscape Shifts, Firms Are Testing Out New Waters
Thai domestic and regional law firms have expanded their global capabilities as a result of an increasing number of Thai enterprises purchasing abroad properties.
Dealmakers Plan to Keep Investing in Private Equity Practices Amid Higher Expectations for 2024
Leading legal firms’ private equity lawyers have made claims that innovative dealmaking could help the efforts to satisfy unmet demands and lead to an increase in transactions.
The Law Firm Disrupted: Working Harder or Working Smarter?
Putting better business” ahead of “more business,” is one thing, but however the real problem seems to be figuring out what “better business” actually entails.
The Time to Do a Transatlantic Merger is Now
According to the Global Lawyer, legal firms that want to compete with Kirkland, Latham, Skadden, and Simpson Thacher may want to think about merging with US companies as global GDP growth slows.