Moves:
UK & Ireland
Sullivan & Worcester hires trade finance specialist from HFW in London
US law firm Sullivan & Worcester has hired HFW trade finance partner Matthew Cox to strengthen the firm’s London office.
Browne Jacobson hires new Partner in London
Chris Holder has joined Browne Jacobson from Bristows. He will serve as Partner in the Commercial and Technology Team, and will be based in London.
Charles Russell Speechleys hires new Partner
Jue Jun Lu joins Charles Russell Speechleys as a Partner after serving as Legal Director at DLA Piper.
Charles Metherell joins Knights’ Bristol team
Charles Metherell has joined Knights’ Regulatory team from JMW Solicitors.
Fieldfisher strengthens Corporate practice with hire
Fieldfisher announced the strategic appointment of Karen O’Grady as a partner in its Corporate practice, effective 1 September 2025. Joining from Sheridans, Karen brings with her over 15 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, and private equity transactions.
Andrew Jackson Solicitors recruits new partner to family law team
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors has bolstered its family law practice with the appointment of Gabbie Glasper.
TV Edwards Solicitors appoints head of public law children
TV Edwards Solicitors has welcomed Alia Lewis as partner and head of public law children. She joins from Duncan, Lewis, & Co.
Licensing operations head joins Bermans
Law firm Bermans has appointed David Crank to head its licensing operations.
Crank, who has joined after 18 years at DWF, acts for leisure and hospitality clients across England, Scotland and Wales, including hotel and restaurant chains and sports clubs.
Anderson Lloyd hires three partners from rival Chapman Tripp
Anderson Lloyd has hired three partners from Chapman Tripp. The senior Partners include Jo Appleyeard, Ben Williams, and Ingrid Taylor.
The Americas
King & Spalding announced today that David Hoskins has joined the firm as a partner on its Healthcare team in its Government Matters and Regulation practice group. He is based in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office.
Hicks Johnson Welcomes Andrew Gould to Lead Appellate Practice Group
Hicks Johnson PLLC has announced that Andrew Gould has joined the firm as partner and leader of its appellate practice in Chicago. He joins from Arnold & Itkin.
Proskauer Rose adds new Partner in New York
Proskauer has added Jon Burke as a partner in our Structured Credit practice. He joins from Dechert.
EMEA
Eversheds Middle East banking head departs for Ashurst in Dubai – Law Middle East
After nearly a two decade-tenure at Eversheds Sutherland, including most recently as partner and head of the Middle East banking and finance practice, Clint Dempsey has departed for Ashurst in Dubai, joining the firm’s global loans practice.
Gibson Dunn poaches Latham & Watkins Partner
Gibson Dunn is bolstering its Saudi capital markets practice with the hiring of Latham & Watkins partner Najla Al-Gadi in Riyadh.
Watson Farley & Williams hire new partner in the Munich office
Jörn Fingerhuth has joined Watson Farley & Williams as a Real Partner in Munich. He joins from Pinsent Masons.
APAC
Kennedys welcomes marine insurance expert in Singapore from RPC
Global law firm Kennedys has strengthened its insurance capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region after hiring marine and offshore energy insurance specialist Iain Anderson as a partner in Singapore from rival RPC.
HFW nabs Jones Day construction disputes partner for Singapore expansion
Global law firm HFW has strengthened its construction disputes practice in Singapore with the hire of Simon Bellas from Jones Day in Australia.
Chia Wong Chambers co-MD to join Dentons Rodyk as senior partner
Singapore’s Dentons Rodyk has hired family law practitioner Wong Kai Yun as a senior partner from Chia Wong Chambers, where she was co-managing director. She will begin her new role in October.
Former Philippine energy chief returns to PJS Law as senior partner
PJS Law, the Philippine member firm of global law firm Dentons, has welcomed back Monalisa Dimalanta as a senior partner, following her tenure as chairperson and CEO of the country’s Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
Dentons grows projects offering with ex-K&L Gates partner
Global law firm Dentons has hired Dominic Gregory as a partner in its Hong Kong office to strengthen its project finance and development practice.
In-House
Mars Appoints Myriah Gambrell-Glenn as General Counsel for Mars Snacking
Mars, a global leader in confectionery, snacking, food and pet care products and services, announced the appointment of Myriah Gambrell-Glenn as General Counsel for its Snacking business, effective December 1, 2025 in Chicago.
Team Moves
FisherBroyles Expands Cross-Border Capabilities with Three Key Hires
FisherBroyles, LLP, the world’s first and one of the largest distributed law firms, has bolstered its cross-border and regulatory practices with the addition of three seasoned attorneys: Paul McCulloch in New York, and Guillermo Massieu and Leopoldo Olvarría in Mexico City. Their combined experience deepens the firm’s capabilities in international trade, tax, energy, technology, cybersecurity and compliance.
Miller Thomson welcomes the Sodavex team to join its Montréal office
Miller Thomson, Canada’s Business Law firm, is pleased to announce the addition of 7 new lawyers from the Sodavex team to its Montréal office on September 2, expanding the Firm’s national Environmental Law group. The lawyers are as follows: Christine Duchaine, Yves Dulude, Johanna Barrière, Annabelle Marcotte, Thierry Méance, Samuel Rousseau-Mascolo and Laurence Simard.
Addleshaw Goddard launches Tax Disputes and Investigations practice with strategic team hire
Addleshaw Goddard has strengthened its disputes and tax offering with the arrival of partner Steven Porter and a four-strong specialist team from Pinsent Masons. Joining Steven at Addleshaw Goddard are: Sam Wardleworth, Legal Director; Amy Roe, Managing Associate; Sophie Warren, Senior Tax Manager; Rachel Jones, Tax Manager
Promotions & Appointments:
Dr Muiris Ó Céidigh appointed to The Heritage Council
Dr Muiris O Ceidigh Solicitor has been appointed to the Heritage Council. Mr O Ceidigh, a governance expert, is currently a governor of Belfast Metropolitan College, a member of the Property Services Appeals Board and a director at the Irish Architectural Archive. He holds a doctorate in governance from Queens University Belfast.
Office Openings & Closing:
Singapore’s Duxton Hill Chambers launches in London
Leading Singaporean practice Duxton Hill Chambers is launching Duxton Hill Chambers London, marking the first time a Singapore-origin group practice has established a presence at the Bar of England and Wales.
ICSID to establish first overseas office in Singapore
The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and Singapore’s Ministry of Law have signed a Letter of Intent to establish ICSID’s first staffed office outside its Washington D.C. headquarters.
Financials:
US firms post double-digit revenue and profit growth in first half of 2025, study shows
The Wells Fargo Legal Speciality Group’s six-month survey found that average revenue rose 11.3% in the first half of 2025 compared to a year ago, with net income rising 14.5%. The data is based on 67 Am Law 100 and 46 Am Law Second Hundred firms that completed the survey.
Law firm Weightmans posts steady growth and doubles down on international ambition
Liverpool-based national law firm, Weightmans, has reported record revenue of £145m for the financial year ending March 31, 2025. The turnover is a 3.4% increase on the previous year, representing four years of consecutive growth, and building on its record-breaking results in 2023/24. The firm also delivered net profit of £15m, the second highest annual total in its history, reflecting another year of sustained, strategic growth.
Technology & Innovation:
How Neural Data May Shape An Evolving Data Privacy Landscape
Finnegan’s Lynn Parker Dupree and Baker McKenzie’s Lothar Determann discuss a wave of new state laws regarding brainwaves tracked by wearable devices, or data derived from the activity of a person’s central or peripheral nervous system.
Norm Ai Partners With Stanford CodeX On Agentic AI Governance
Regulatory AI developer Norm Ai has launched a new research partnership with Stanford’s CodeX to study governance models for agentic AI systems, reported by Law.com. The center, jointly run by Stanford Law School and the computer science department, will collaborate with Norm Ai to explore how existing legal frameworks can be applied to AI agents as they increasingly take on roles once performed by human decision-makers.
Webber Wentzel selects Legora as anchor technology partner for Innovation Lab
Legora will also serve as the first anchor technology in Webber Wentzel’s newly launched Innovation Lab. This marks the start of a deeper, long-term collaboration and a co-development journey to design solutions purpose-built for the South African and broader African legal markets.
Supio Introduces Instant Demands to Accelerate Pre-Litigation Workflows
Supio, a legal AI platform purpose-built for personal injury law, announced the launch of Instant Demands at the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles annual gathering in Las Vegas. The new feature creates the industry’s most accurate and fully formatted demand letters in minutes, addressing one of the most time-intensive steps in pre-litigation work.
Diversity & Inclusion:
‘Show, Don’t Tell’: How Law Firms Are Promoting DEI to Incoming Talent
While law firms initially plastered their websites with diversity, equity and inclusion programs to attract talent after the death of George Floyd in 2020, the second Trump administration has seen a sudden retreat, at least publicly, of DEI terminology.
Lucrative law firm jobs remain dominated by men
Lucrative senior dealmaking roles in UK law firms remain dominated by men, leaving female partners unable to make a dent in competitive areas of law. Men made up 80 per cent of partners hired into corporate and finance practices in the years 2019 to 2024, according to data from legal recruiter Edwards Gibson.
Market Commentary:
Associate exodus, partner churn – new report highlights law firm talent crunch
Law firms are losing talent at every level, with associates quitting the profession in growing numbers and partners switching firms at record rates, according to new research. Additionally, associates are leaving the profession altogether at nearly double last year’s rate – 17% in 2025, up from 9% in 2024.
Why perspective is a law firm communicator’s greatest skill
Law firm marketers need to wear many hats if they want to get their messaging right for all stakeholders, writes Vinson & Elkins’ chief communications officer Allan Schoenberg.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Perkins Coie recruits technology specialist as partner
Perkins Coie has appointed Arnav Joshi as partner in London. He joins from Clifford Chance.
Bloomsbury Square Employment Law welcomes partner
Bloomsbury Square Employment Law has hired Emily Bradshaw as partner. Bradshaw joins Bloomsbury Square from national firm Pattinson & Brewer, where she was partner and head of employment.
Knights adds regulatory expertise in Bristol
Knights has strengthened its Bristol team with the appointment of experienced regulatory partner Charles Metherell. Bringing 40 years of expertise, Charles joins from JMW Solicitors LLP and specialises in risk, operational, restructuring and strategic services for the legal sector.
The Americas
Pillsbury charges energy capabilities with latest appointment
International law firm has welcomed expert Stephen Humes to its New York office as partner. He joins from Holland & Knight.
Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP has announced that Jacklin “Jackie” Lem, who most recently served as Civil Chief of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office, has joined its Antitrust practice as a partner in the San Francisco, CA office.
Foley Hoag hires former US agency head as partner following Trump firing
Hampton Dellinger joins in Washington DC after being dismissed from the US Office of Special Counsel by president Donald Trump in February.
King & Spalding secures IP litigator pair from Goodwin Procter – The Global Legal Post
King & Spalding has boosted its national IP litigation practice with the hire of two partners from Goodwin Procter. Andrew Ong and Amadou Kilkenny Diaw are joining the Atlanta-based firm in San Francisco and Washington DC respectively.
Perkins Coie has announced that former California Deputy Solicitor General Josh Patashnik has joined the firm’s Litigation practice as a partner in the San Diego office focused on appeals, issues, and strategy.
Davis Polk welcomes West Coast Finance partner Rob Morrison
Davis Polk has announced that leading finance lawyer Rob Morrison has joined the firm as a partner in the Finance practice. He joins from White & Case.
Morrison Cohen Hires K&L Gates Real Estate Partner in New York
Aaron Taishoff joined Morrison Cohen as a partner in its real estate practice in New York. He joins from K&L Gates.
Greenberg Traurig Adds Shareholder to Energy and Infra Practices in Mexico
Carlos Ochoa has joined Greenberg Traurig from Holland & Knight in Mexico.
EMEA
Ex-Baker McKenzie Partner Launches Austrian Antitrust Boutique
Andreas Traugott, the former head of Baker McKenzie’s competition practice in Austria, has departed the global law firm to establish a new boutique specializing in antitrust and regulatory law.
Greenberg Traurig adds new Partner in the Middle East
Greenberg Traurig, LLP has hired a partner from Pinsent Masons to co-lead its Middle East and Europe hospitality practice based from the UAE. Louisa Clare Lynch will steer the practice alongside Elias Hayek, who also recently joined the firm.
APAC
Fenchurch grows SG partner count with ex-DAC Beachcroft partner, promotion
Insurance disputes-focused law firm Fenchurch Law has expanded the partnership at its recently launched Singapore office with the addition of Julian Teoh, a former partner of DAC Beachcroft, and the promotion of director Toby Nabarro.
Former Shook Lin partner joins Nishimura-allied Bayfront as director
Singapore law firm Bayfront Law, Nishimura & Asahi’s local alliance firm, has strengthened its commercial disputes practice with the appointment of Joseph Tay as director from Shook Lin & Bok, where he was an equity partner.
India’s Trilegal grows corporate practice with hire of SAM trio
Indian law firm Trilegal has expanded its corporate offering with the additions of Abhishek Guha (L), Tanya Uppal, and Mahesh Wasadikar as equity partners from Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co.
South Korea’s Yoon & Yang grows M&A practice with ex-Yulchon duo
South Korean law firm Yoon & Yang has hired two partners to expand its mergers and acquisitions practice, adding Jin Kook Lee and So Yeon Yoon from rival firm Yulchon.
In-House
Canada’s Manulife lines up former JPMorgan lawyer as next general counsel – The Global Legal Post
Canadian financial services giant Manulife has named Mike Coyne as its next general counsel, replacing Jim Gallagher who is retiring from the company this month. Coyne joins from global banking think tank The Bank Policy Institute (BPI), where he has been working as a senior fellow and litigation strategy advisor since last November.
Anthropic Taps New General Counsel Amid AI Firm’s Funding Push
Anthropic PBC, an artificial intelligence startup in talks to secure $10 billion in new funding, has hired Jeffrey Bleich, a former diplomat and litigator well-known in political and technology circles, as its general counsel.
Team Moves
CMS adds team of seven ex-BCLP lawyers in Hong Kong and one in Singapore – The Global Legal Post
CMS has hired a group of seven lawyers from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) in Hong Kong, taking advantage of the latter firm’s decision to close its office in the special administrative region earlier this year. The incoming team includes two partners – Glenn Haley and Wayne Ma – and will bolster the firm’s construction, infrastructure and real estate coverage in the Asia Pacific region. In addition to the Hong Kong hires, the firm is also adding another lawyer from BCLP in Singapore.
Promotions & Appointments:
Harris Beach Murtha Names New Office Managing Partner in Hartford
Attorney Alfred R. Casella has been appointed managing partner of Harris Beach Murtha’s Hartford office, its largest Connecticut presence. Alfred succeeds Richard A. Marone who served as Hartford office managing partner for three years.
Mergers & Alliances:
PE in the law expands to Sweden as six firms join new group
Private equity in the law expanded to Sweden yesterday with the launch of AGRD Partners, a new group formed by six firms and backed by a Nordic investment house.
Eversheds Sutherland Advances CEE Strategy With 10-Lawyer Czech Tie-Up
Eversheds Sutherland has expanded its Czech presence through an alliance with 10-lawyer Kropáček LEGAL, advancing its broader Central and Eastern Europe growth strategy.
Philippine, Cambodian law firms ink strategic partnership
Philippine firm Florete Law and Cambodia’s A&D Law Firm have entered into a strategic partnership to provide legal services in international arbitration and corporate law for cross-border clients operating between the two countries, the firms announced.
Office Openings & Closing:
Littler Strengthens Canadian Presence with New Office in Québec
Littler, the world’s largest employment and labour law practice representing management, has further strengthened its global platform with the opening of an office in Montréal, Québec.
Ciarb Australia launches in NT
The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) Australia has launched in NT, bolstering access to arbitration and dispute resolution in the state.
Cliffe Dekker Launches Namibia Office with Four-Partner Breakaway Team
The firm has announced the opening of their Namibia Office with a team of Patrick Kauta, Frieda Kishi, Magano Erkana and Mercy Kuzeeko.
Financials:
Travers Smith sees revenue and profits slip in year of ‘market volatility’
Travers Smith has reported a slight fall in revenue and profits for 2024/25, though profits per partner edged up to a new high. The firm’s turnover slipped 2% to £210 million, while profit dropped to £74.1 million from £77 million last year. Despite the dip, PEP inched up to £1.3 million – a new high for the firm. Revenue per lawyer climbed 6%, also the highest to date.
Law firm A&O Shearman posts $3.7 bln in revenues in first year after merger | Reuters
Global law firm A&O Shearman on Thursday said it generated 2.9 billion pounds ($3.7 billion as converted by the firm) in client revenue last year, as the firm reported its first financial results since the completion of a major transatlantic merger. In the year since London-founded Allen & Overy and New York-founded Shearman & Sterling’s merger, the combined 4,000-lawyer firm recorded profit before tax of 1.1 billion pounds ($1.4 billion) and profit per equity partner of 2 million pounds ($2.6 million) for the fiscal year ending April 30.
Addleshaws reports healthy revenue growth as PEP reaches £1m
Addleshaw Goddard has delivered another strong performance, with revenue reaching £551 million and PEP of £1 million for the 2024/25 financial year. The figures mark AG’s eighth straight year of revenue and profit growth. Revenue rose 11%, continuing a run of double-digit growth after last year’s 12% improvement and 2023’s bumper 18%.
Technology & Innovation:
Law Society launches legal tech hub
The Law Society of Ireland has launched a new online resource focused on legal tech.
AI adoption in legal sector risks leaving small firms behind
LawtechUK has issued a warning regarding the growing disparity between large and small law firms, highlighting that smaller practices are facing significant challenges in leveraging emerging AI technologies to remain competitive. The UK lawtech sector has undergone remarkable growth, with over 90% expansion since 2020, resulting in more than 380 companies now operating in the field. The data reveal that while over 82% of UK lawyers are either utilising or plan to adopt AI tools, larger firms are leading this charge—nearly 80% of them have integrated AI into their operations, compared to just 37% of small firms.
Diversity & Inclusion:
‘Show, Don’t Tell’: How Law Firms Are Promoting DEI to Incoming Talent
Firms shifted toward more inclusivity-based language in the immediate aftermath of President Donald Trump’s executive orders and campaign against DEI efforts. According to both National Association of Law Placement executive director Nikia Gray and Fractional Law Firm CMO and co-founder Katherine Wilson, that language of inclusivity has entwined with law firms’ recruitment language as well.
Businesses ‘Recalibrating’ Public Disclosure of DEI to Avoid Regulatory Wrath
“Companies appear increasingly cautious about publishing sensitive demographic data amid intensifying legal, political and reputational scrutiny,” The Conference Board said in a new report.
Market Commentary:
Dubai or Riyadh? Middle East Relocation Options Broaden for Expats
Dubai’s status as the leading legal hub for expat lawyers in the Middle East is being challenged by Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.
A panel of experts in artificial intelligence said during a Law.com International webcast last week that the appetite for AI adoption in the legal sector in Asia has gained substantial traction, with the industry no longer focused on the potential risks that technology presents and concerns around data protection. Over the past year, SAL has launched new programs to support young lawyers in areas such as the ethical use of generative AI, which in turn helps address key challenges in the local legal market, including high attrition rates and limited practical training. Last year, SAL also launched LawNet AI to research and summarize text from approximately 15,000 case judgments throughout Singapore’s judicial history since 1965.
Northern Ireland to introduce new routes to solicitor qualification
New routes to qualifying as a solicitor in Northern Ireland are set to be introduced in a bid to make the profession more accessible, inclusive and future-focused.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Proskauer hits White & Case for leveraged finance partner in London
Proskauer Rose has added leveraged finance partner Peter Mason in London from White & Case.
Addleshaw Goddard appoints Jack Kennedy as construction and engineering partner
International law firm Addleshaw Goddard has appointed Jack Kennedy as partner in its construction and engineering practice in Ireland. He joins from A&L Goodbody.
New partner strengthens Womble Bond Dickinson’s international arbitration team
International law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has appointed Adrian Jones as partner in the firm’s commercial disputes team. He joins from Hill Dickinson.
Perkins Coie adds new Partner to lead on Privacy, data protection, and digital regulation
Arnav Joshi has joined the Partnership at Perkins Coie having previously served as Counsel at Clifford Chance.
The Americas
Weil taps Latham for two more IP litigators
Chris Henry and Gaby LaHatte have joined Weil’s new IP, technology and science litigation practice. Henry has joined the firm in Boston after nearly three years as a partner at Latham, while LaHatte has made partner on joining Weil’s San Francisco office, having been a counsel at Latham.
Kirkland & Ellis Adds Nationally Recognized Antitrust Attorney Maria Raptis
Kirkland & Ellis announced today that leading antitrust lawyer Maria Raptis has joined the Firm as a partner in New York. She joins from Skadden.
Proskauer has welcomes partner Richard Westling to its Litigation Department and Health Care Group in the Los Angeles and Washington D.C. offices. He joins from Epstein, Becker and Green.
Troutman Pepper Locke Brings on 2 Charlotte Partners
Michael Cecka, David Fialkow, and Melissa Kato have joined Troutman Pepper Locke as partners and members of the commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) special servicer team within the firm’s Bankruptcy and Restructuring Practice. Cecka, Fialkow, and Kato join Troutman Pepper Locke from K&L Gates, where their practices focused on real estate finance and loan servicing.
Cadwalader Corporate Leader, 40-Year Vet Exits for McDermott
Ira Schacter, a longtime Cadwalader lawyer who leads the firm’s corporate practice, is leaving for the newly formed McDermott Will & Schulte in New York.
Kirkland Expands Product Liability and Mass Tort Litigation Practice with Addition of Burt Snell
Kirkland & Ellis has announced that product liability and mass tort litigator Nils B. (Burt) Snell has joined the Firm as a partner in Philadelphia. He joins from Butler Snow.
Baker McKenzie Adds Dealmaker Jenny Liu, Further Strengthening Private Equity, M&A Teams
Baker McKenzie has announced that transactional lawyer Jenny Liu has joined the Firm as a Partner in its Transactional Practice. Jenny will work from the Firm’s New York and Palo Alto offices.
Dentons welcomes corporate partner Myron Mallia-Dare in Toronto
Dentons has announced the addition of Myron A. Mallia-Dare – who is experienced in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, corporate finance, and venture financing – as a partner in the multinational law firm’s corporate group in Toronto. Her joins from Miller Thompson.
Seyfarth Shaw adds new Partner to Litigation Department
We are thrilled to welcome Cory Davis to our Litigation department as a partner based out of our Atlanta office. Cory joins from Baker & Hostetler.
EMEA
A&0 have announced the double hire of partners Kristof Meynaerts and Severina Käppeli.
Kristof and Severina join from Clifford Chance, bringing respectively 17 and 12 years of experience and deep expertise across regulated and unregulated investment funds.
JBV welcomes new hire to the Partnership in Luxembourg
Bart Vermatt has joined JBV as Partner in Luxembourg, after serving as partner at Bonn & Schmitt for just over a year.
Latham & Watkins capital markets partner to join Gibson Dunn in Riyadh
Latham & Watkins capital markets partner Najla Al-Gadi is due to join Gibson Dunn in Riyadh,
APAC
A&O Shearman adds new Partner in Perth
A&O have expanded their litigation practice with the addition of partner Catherine Pedler, who joins today in our Perth office. She joins from Ashurst.
GXS Bank founding counsel joins Focus Law Asia as corporate head
Singapore-based boutique firm Focus Law Asia has strengthened its corporate practice with the appointment of Elizabeth Fong as director and head of corporate. Fong joins FLA from her role as founding general counsel and company secretary of GXS Bank, the Grab-Singtel digital bank.
Thailand’s Chandler Mori Hamada builds tax heft with Law Alliance trio
Leading Thai law firm Chandler Mori Hamada has bolstered its tax capabilities with the addition of three lawyers from boutique firm Law Alliance led by Piphob Veraphong. Joining him are Rachanee Prasongprasit as partner and Theeravuth Temsiriwattanakul as associates.
Simmons hires fund finance expert from Mayer Brown as partner
International law firm Simmons & Simmons has hired Ester Chow as a partner in its Hong Kong financial markets practice from Mayer Brown, where she was a counsel.
In-House
GC Veers into Higher Ed After Quarter-Century with Coca-Cola Bottlers’ Association
Georgia College & State University has named Charles Norton Jr., a veteran Georgia attorney with extensive in-house legal experience, as associate vice president and general counsel. He is joining the school from the Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Bottlers’ Association.
TOPLAND Group hires new General Counsel
Simon Levene has joined TOPLAND Group as General Counsel from SitusAMC.
Paint-maker PPG to promote deputy GC to top lawyer role
Global paint and speciality materials company PPG has lined up Joe Gette as its next general counsel, replacing Anne Foulkes when she steps down at the start of next year. Gette is currently the company’s deputy GC and secretary, a role he has held since 2022.
Shopify has hired a new Associate General Counsel
Sinead Finnerty has joined the Shopify team as their new Associate General Counsel after serving as Counsel as Fastly.
Team Moves
Simmons hires Real Estate Team in Frankfurt
Marc Bohne, Dr. Moritz Vettermann, Felix Krüger and Jochen Schnepper have joined Simmons & Simmons in Frankfurt. They all join from Goodwin.
Seyfarth Shaw hires 3-Lawyer Team to bolster their Real Estate and Construction Practice
Seyfrth law welcomes the addition of a three-lawyer team to their Downtown Los Angeles office: partner Brenda Kosma Radmacher, counsel Heather Frisch, and associate Christopher Bouquet. They join from Goodwin.
Promotions & Appointments:
Reed Smith appoints Benjamin Fliegel as new office managing partner in Los Angeles
Global law firm Reed Smith has appointed Benjamin Fliegel as the new office managing partner of its Los Angeles office. He succeeds Jennifer Terry.
GRSM Names Mollie Burks and Alyson Cabrera to Lead Northern California Region
Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani has announced that Mollie Burks and Alyson Cabrera have been named Co-Managing Partners of Northern California, effective February 1, 2026. This leadership role oversees a broad and strategically significant region that includes the firm’s offices in San Francisco, Walnut Creek, Silicon Valley, Sacramento, Monterey, and Fresno.
Mergers & Alliances:
Morris, Manning & Martin to merge with fast-growing Am Law 100 firm
Taft Stettinius & Hollister (Taft) and Morris, Manning & Martin has announced their plan to combine effective Dec. 31, 2025. The Morris Manning combination is Taft’s latest move in becoming one of the leading middle-market firms in the United States and reflects Morris Manning’s evolution in partnering with a national Am Law 100 firm.
Office Openings & Closing:
Freshfields launches Saudi office
Freshfields has announced the launch of a standalone office in Saudi Arabia and a strategic alliance with the Law Firm of Salah Al-Hejailan (LFSH), its long-standing associated firm in the Kingdom.
Chinese Law Firms Expand in Hong Kong as Western Competitors Retreat from Legal Market
Zhong Yin Law Firm, a prominent Chinese legal practice, has recently launched a new office in Hong Kong, marking a significant step in its international growth strategy. This move reflects a broader trend among China’s leading law firms, often referred to as the “red circle,” which are capitalizing on the retreat of U.S. and European firms from the region.
Law firm Saxton & Stump to open permanent office in downtown Pittsburgh
A law firm that has quietly had boots on the ground in Pittsburgh since 2023 and revved up hiring in 2025 confirmed to the Business Times that it expects to establish a permanent office downtown this fall. Saxton & Stump has been operating in shared space at 1 PPG Place, according to its website. It did not disclose where the new office will be located but said it is taking more than 12,000 square feet.
Financials:
Eversheds PEP jumps 8% to £1.4m in eighth straight year of growth
Eversheds Sutherland’s international arm has posted its eighth consecutive year of revenue and profit growth, with turnover for 2024/25 up 3% to £769 million and PEP climbing 8% to £1.4 million.
TLT sustains long term growth with revenue rise
UK law firm TLT continues its strong record of growth posting a seven per cent rise in turnover from £82m in 2017/18 to £87.6m this year, representing a near 50% increase in revenues over the last five years.
Fieldfisher revenue increases to €446m
European law firm Fieldfisher has reported firmwide revenue of around €446 million. The firm’s headline firmwide revenue figure of £385m represents a one per cent increase on an annualised basis.
Pinsent Masons turnover rises to €810m
Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has reported a 7.2 per cent increase in revenue to €809.6 million in its most recent fiscal year. Profit per equity partner rose by 2.93 per cent to reach €949,000 in the year ending 30 April 2025, according to the firm’s unaudited financial results.
Lewis Silkin’s profits soar as firm hails IP ‘growth mode’
The firm said revenue from its ‘refreshed and expanded’ IP team increased by 4% in FY25.
Technology & Innovation:
Inside the Gen AI Tools Freshfields Built from its Google Partnership
In April, Freshfields announced its partnership with Google Cloud in hopes of bolstering artificial intelligence-focused innovation and product development at the firm. Since then, the firm has built a number of proprietary tools using Google’s AI offerings. Both George and Perez said that, although they are evaluating the use cases and accuracy of gen AI from tech vendors, they have not yet figured out how to measure return on investment for their products.
Latham & Watkins Embraces Harvey AI, Setting a New Standard in Legal Tech Innovation
Latham & Watkins, one of the world’s leading law firms, has recently adopted Harvey, a promising AI tool, signalling a competitive edge in the legal technology landscape. This development highlights the growing reliance on artificial intelligence in the legal industry, as firms increasingly look to technology to enhance efficiency and accuracy in legal work. Harvey has been noted for its advanced capabilities in automating complex legal processes, a feature that has attracted Latham & Watkins amidst intense competition from other AI offerings such as Legora.
Fieldfisher launches free AI training resources
Fieldfisher has announced its support for the launch of a new suite of free online resources under the AI, Law, and Legal Training project. This initiative aims to promote the ethical and responsible use of generative AI (GenAI) within legal contexts. Led by The Open University in collaboration with the University of Lincoln and Citizens Advice, the project addresses both the risks and opportunities that GenAI presents in the legal and access to justice sectors.
New research shows in-house legal tech adoption surging as Gen AI gains ground
A new survey of more than 150 GCs has highlighted the extent to which technology is transforming in-house legal teams. GC Pulse 2025, which was conducted by Legal Business in association with Thomson Reuters, has revealed that 44% of corporate legal departments are now using legal technology frequently or all the time — a sharp rise from 34% in 2024.
Legal startup Legarly debuts to digitise legal practice
A new player named Legarly.com has entered Africa’s growing legal technology market, with the Lagos-based startup officially launching with a mission to digitise and streamline legal practice across the continent. The all-in-one, cloud-based platform is designed specifically for lawyers, law firms, and in-house counsel, providing a suite of tools to manage core processes, from matter tracking and client onboarding to invoicing, document sharing, and automated reminders.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Law Firms Not Required to Answer EEOC Letters; ‘Most’ Didn’t Provide Diversity Info, DOJ Says
Law firms were not required to submit information on their diversity hiring practices, despite 20 law firms in March receiving threatening letters from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Justice Department said in a court filing.
Market Commentary:
Willkie Farr & Gallagher Adapts to Market Shifts with San Francisco Staff Cuts and Retention Bonuses
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP has proceeded with staff reductions in its San Francisco office. While details on the exact number of cuts remain undisclosed, the firm also announced initiatives aimed at fostering retention and morale among its existing workforce. This dual approach emerges as part of a larger trend within the legal industry, where firms are balancing cost-cutting measures with efforts to retain talented professionals.
A Double-Edged Sword: How Law Firms Can Make Their Bonus Systems Work for Them
Used properly, a well-structured bonus system can function as a vital tool to attract and retain talent. On the ‘carrot’ side of the equation, one-off payments under the bonus scheme can function as an especially useful way to soften the blow for lateral hires who are leaving a significant amount of money on the table at their previous firms. For individual lawyers who record a knockout year of billing but whose compensation does not necessarily reflect it, irregular bonuses can be used to make sure they feel adequately paid for their achievements. So long as this is communicated clearly to the rest of the partnership, this is usually uncontroversial.
People and persuasion techniques for in-house lawyers
Solicitor and business owner Robyn Sandilands shares some techniques for in-house lawyers to help you to communicate effectively with the wider business, ensure healthy working relationships, and persuade those with little-to-no legal background of legal’s role in business decision-making.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Paul, Weiss Expands Litigation Practice in London With Addition of Commercial Litigator
Leo Kitchen will join the firm in London as a partner in the Litigation Department, continuing the growth of its London litigation capabilities. He joins from Quinn Emanuel.
Proskauer Welcomes Regulatory Partner Anna Maleva-Otto in London
Anna Maleva-Otto has joined Proskauer Rose as a regulatory partner in the Firm’s Private Funds Group. She joins from Schulte Roth & Zabel.
Fried Frank Lands Another Goodwin Partner in London
David Evans joins Fried Frank from Goodwin, bringing over 30 years of experience in real estate law, particularly in joint ventures, M&A, and real estate fund structuring.
TLT hires Jonathan O’Hagan as real estate partner in Belfast
TLT has appointed commercial real estate expert Jonathan O’Hagan as a partner in the firm’s Belfast office. Mr O’Hagan joins TLT from DWF
Robert Hickmott Rejoins Quinn Emanuel as General Counsel and Partner
Robert Hickmott has return to Quinn Emanuel as General Counsel and Partner after a 3 year break.
Mayo firm J.V. Geary Solicitors welcomes Ita Feeney as partner
Mayo-based J.V. Geary Solicitors has moved to a formal partnership structure, with principal solicitor John Geary welcoming his long-standing colleague Ita Feeney as a partner in the firm.
Gateley adds new Non-Executive Director
Sunil Gadhia has taken on a new role as an Independent Non-Executive Director of professional services group Gateley, joining their Plc board. Founded in Birmingham in 1808, Gateley has provided commercial legal services to individuals and businesses over the last 200 years.
White & Case Finance Partner Moves to DLA Piper
DLA Piper has hired London-based finance partner Sudhir Nair from White & Case, where he spent six years. Nair’s move follows a string of senior finance hires at DLA and bolsters its cross-border real estate and infrastructure investment capabilities.
The Americas
Kirkland REIT M&A Partner Jumps to Gibson Dunn
Kirkland & Ellis real estate M&A partner David Perechocky joined Gibson Dunn in New York.
Paul Weiss US Private Equity Partner Walks to Willkie
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP has announced that Usman Arain has joined the Firm as a partner in the Private Equity Practice Group. He is based in the Firm’s San Francisco and Palo Alto offices. He joins from Paul Weiss.
Haynes and Boone Taps Ex-Winston Partner to Lead Financial Investigations Group
Haynes and Boone has hired Richard Weber—former Winston & Strawn partner and ex-general counsel of the NY State Department of Financial Services—as chair of its financial services investigations and enforcement practice in New York. Weber brings deep white collar and compliance expertise, adding to the firm’s 20-strong 2025 lateral partner intake.
Cadwalader Snags Sidley Partner to Co-Lead CRE CLO Practice Amid Revenue Surge
Cadwalader has hired Sidley Austin’s Steven Kolyer to co-head its commercial real estate CLO practice alongside Jeffrey Rotblat. The move comes as the firm reports being “pacing ahead” of 2024’s 15.7% revenue growth, despite earlier real estate team departures to Sidley.
Vartabedian Hester Adds Former Federal Prosecutor to Growing White Collar Team
Vartabedian Hester & Haynes has hired Richard Guiltinan, an eight-year U.S. Attorney’s Office veteran, as a partner in Dallas. Guiltinan, who led major False Claims Act and health care fraud cases, joins the firm’s expanding white collar and investigations practice launched in July.
Weil Adds Two More IP Litigators From Latham
Weil Gotshal & Manges has hired Chris Henry in Boston and Gaby LaHatte in San Francisco from Latham & Watkins. Their arrival follows a trio of Latham IP litigation partners who joined Weil in July to co-lead its IP, technology and science litigation practice.
Butler Snow Adds Former Texas Ethics Commission Head to Austin Office
Butler Snow has hired J.R. Johnson, former executive director and general counsel of the Texas Ethics Commission, as part of its Specialized Advocacy group. Johnson brings over 15 years’ litigation and government affairs experience in both the public and private sectors.
EMEA
Pusch Wahlig Workplace Law adds new Partner
Dr. Timon Grau has joined Pusch Wahlig Workplace Law as Partner in Düsseldorf. He joins from Linklaters.
EIP expands Scandinavian practice
EIP is expanding its European practice by bringing on board Finnish patent attorney Michael Nielsen. Joining from Berggren, Nielsen will primarily support EIP’s litigation team.
APAC
Experienced Technology Transactions Partner Joins Latham in Hong Kong
Rhys McWhirter has joined the Hong Kong office as a partner in the Data & Technology Transactions and Artificial Intelligence Practices. McWhirter joins from Eversheds.
Tax team boost for K&L Gates in Sydney
K&L Gates has announced that it has welcomed Annalie Mitchelson to its Sydney office. She joins as a partner in the firm’s tax practice following a six-year stint as a partner at Deloitte Legal.
KWM brings on ex-Ashurst, White & Case, HSF partner as restructuring head
Sino-Australian law firm King & Wood Mallesons has hired Damien Whitehead as the head of restructuring at its Hong Kong office. He joins from Ashurst.
Counsel Katie Joukadjian rejoins Clifford Chance to take the lead on Construction team
The global firm has launched a front-end construction team in Australia, led by counsel Katie Joukadjian. Joukadjian rejoins Clifford Chance from Pinsent Masons, having previously worked on major infrastructure projects at the firm’s own Abu Dhabi office. She brings extensive expertise across the renewables, mining, real estate, and infrastructure sectors as she returns to lead this new offering.
Rajah & Tann makes double litigation hire from Bayfront Law in Singapore
Rajah & Tann Singapore has appointed Paras Lalwani and Reka Mohan as partners from Bayfront Law to strengthen its commercial litigation practice.
Corrs Chambers Westgarth Hires Gilbert + Tobin Executive Partner in Sydney
Corrs Chambers Westgarth has recruited Tim Gordon, former executive partner at Gilbert + Tobin, to its Sydney corporate team. Gordon brings over a decade of experience in high-profile M&A, capital raisings, joint ventures, restructurings and regulatory investigations.
Ex-KWM Australia Managing Partner Tony O’Malley Named Board Chair at Wotton Kearney
Tony O’Malley, former managing partner at King & Wood Mallesons Australia, has become board chair at Wotton Kearney, succeeding Steve Gledden. O’Malley brings over 25 years of leadership experience across law, business, and consulting to guide the firm’s growth and strategy.
In-House
US soft toy-maker Build-A-Bear Workshop names new legal head as GC retires
Yevgeny Fundler, who was previously CLO at agtech business Benson Hill, replaces Eric Fencl
Team Moves
Crowell & Moring Raids Reed Smith, Snags 16-Partner Healthcare Powerhouse and Expands Into Texas
Crowell & Moring has scooped up an entire healthcare litigation unit from rival firm Reed Smith, pulling over 40 legal professionals—including 16 partners—into its ranks and planting its flag in Texas with a new Dallas office.
Corrs Chambers Westgarth takes corporate and banking partner group from MinterEllison
Leading Australian firm Corrs Chambers Westgarth has added six corporate and banking partners from local rival MinterEllison. Private equity specialists Ricky Casali, Glen Sauer, Chris Allen and newly-made partner Andrew Hewson have joined Corrs’ corporate group, while financing partners Stewart Robertson and John Mosley have joined the firm’s banking and finance practice.
Eversheds Sutherland’s Irish arm has seen four corporate partners and their teams exit in Dublin for top Irish independent William Fry. Partners Gerard Ryan, Gavin O’Flaherty, Enda Newton and Maria O’Brien have joined William Fry.
Lewis Silkin opens in Scotland with three-lawyer Glasgow employment team
The incoming lawyers will be based in Glasgow and include Carolyn Miller, who joins as a partner from independent employment law consultancy Fish To Water and will head up the new office; Gillian Ross, who joins as a legal director from Pinsent Masons; and Alasdair McCrone, who joins as a senior associate from Addleshaw Goddard.
Womble Bond Dickinson adds 20-strong team from Nashville firm Neal & Harwell
Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has hired a group of 20 lawyers from Nashville-based litigation boutique Neal & Harwell to further expand its footprint in the city. The incoming team includes 15 partners and represents the bulk of the attorneys at Neal & Harwell. The partners joining Womble Bond are: Ben Aaron, Tom Dundon, Phil Elbert, Ron Harris, Callie Hinson, Jim Kelley, Bill Ramsey, Isaac Sanders, Jim Sanders, Nathan Sanders, Mariam Stockton, Jim Thomas, David Thompson, Liz Tipping and Jeffrey Zager.
Sterlington Welcomes Leading Private Wealth Team from Morgan Lewis
Sterlington has announced the addition of a premier Private Wealth team in New York, including partners Daniel Cooper, Emalee Welsh, and Daniel Carmody, who join the firm from Morgan Lewis.
Promotions & Appointments:
Anna Beggan appointed to Queen’s University Belfast senate
Employment lawyer Anna Beggan has been appointed as an independent lay member of the senate which governs Queen’s University Belfast.
Nelsons announces two new partners
Nelsons has marked a significant milestone with the promotion of two team members to partners, alongside 13 other promotions across the firm. Danielle Young, from the clinical negligence team in Leicester, and Sam Cawley, from Nottingham’s investment management department, have both achieved partnership status amidst a wider set of advancements.
Mergers & Alliances:
Freshfields and LFSH enter strategic alliance to serve clients in Saudi Arabia
Global law firm Freshfields and the Law Firm of Salah Al-Hejailan LLC (LFSH) have announced the next chapter in their strategic alliance to continue to provide market-leading expertise to clients in Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East.
Macpherson Kelley Expands Into South Australia with O’Loughlins Lawyers Acquisition
Macpherson Kelley is entering the South Australian market by absorbing Adelaide-based O’Loughlins Lawyers, effective September 1. The deal brings key partners and specialists in health, aged care, and retirement living, enhancing Macpherson Kelley’s national sector capabilities.
Chicago’s Harrison LLP Expands to San Francisco With 11-Lawyer Team
Harrison LLP, a wealth planning firm founded in Chicago, has opened a San Francisco Bay Area office staffed by 11 lawyers from estate planning boutique Barulich Dugoni Suttmann & Cummins. The expansion strengthens Harrison’s national footprint and Bay Area presence.
Office Openings & Closing:
Historic Nashville Firm Neal & Harwell to Close After Five Decades
Neal & Harwell, a respected Nashville commercial litigation firm, is winding down operations as of August 31 after nearly 50 years. Over recent months, most of its lawyers have transitioned to major national firms Womble Bond Dickinson and Adams & Reese.
Harrison Achieves Coast-to-Coast Private Wealth Law Presence with New San Francisco Bay Area Office
Harrison LLP, a premier national private wealth planning law firm, today announced the opening of its new office in the San Francisco Bay Area. With this strategic addition, Harrison officially becomes a coast-to-coast operation, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s growth and geographic reach.
Gibson Dunn Expands Century City Office, Aligning with Evolving Legal Firm Trends
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP has recently expanded its footprint in the Century City area of Los Angeles, moving into a significantly larger office space. This marks a notable development for the firm, which first established its presence in this vibrant neighborhood about 40 years ago. The move aims to accommodate the firm’s growing team and its increasing portfolio of high-stakes legal work in this strategic location.
HFW relocates to larger Saudi office amidst team expansion
HFW has moved to a larger office in Saudi Arabia to accommodate its expanding team.
The global firm has relocated its office to Tuwaiq Gate on King Fahad Road, one of the main transport axes in Riyadh and a key link between the south and north of the city. It was previously based in Olaya Towers on Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Road.
Financials:
Clyde & Co’s revenue increases 3% in 27th consecutive year of growth
Clyde & Co’s revenues grew 3% on a constant currency basis, to £854 million, its 27th consecutive year of growth. Profit at the firm increased 1.8% to £177.5 million.
Harvey reaches $100m ARR – nearly half of top 100 US firms use the platform
Legal AI startup Harvey has reached $100 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) just three years after launch, underscoring its rapid ascent as one of the most prominent players in the post‑ChatGPT legal tech boom.
Irwin Mitchell and Walker Morris results add to profit bonanza
Irwin Mitchell Group reported this week that total profit before tax increased by 13% to £24.6 million in the year ended April 2025. This was based on total revenue going up by 8% to £329.3m. Cash reserves rose from £59m to £69m. The firm continues to be debt free.
Technology & Innovation:
BCLP partners with Legora after thorough and extensive pilot
After a successful pilot that saw rigorous testing by over 100 of its lawyers across multiple practice areas and jurisdictions, international law firm BCLP has now partnered with Legora. The platform will be rolled out across the firm to streamline operational processes and improve efficiency. BCLP’s lawyers tested the platform in a range of workflows, including document review, due diligence, and legal drafting. BCLP’s Innovation Team has identified numerous opportunities where Legora can make a real difference in enhancing service delivery and ensuring favourable outcomes for the firm’s clients.
The digital transformation of the UK legal profession in 2025
The Legal Trends Report 2025 found that 60% of law firms are planning to upgrade their digital systems in 2025. This drive for system modernisation stems from a need for seamless, integrated solutions. Outdated systems can create bottlenecks, and 24% of lawyers highlight the importance of better system integration to enhance their operational confidence. Firms making these upgrades are laying the foundation for smoother workflows and more agile responses to complex legal operations.
How technology will help firms keep up with new AML regulations
Checkboard helps firms adapt to changing regulations. By automating AML, KYC, identity, address, and source of funds checks, firms can conduct rigorous ongoing monitoring at the touch of a button. It highlights areas of risk as they emerge, so firms can detect red flags in every transaction and every client relationship. In doing so, it provides firms with a clear audit trail for fast, accurate regulatory compliance. It’s a smarter, more efficient approach to onboarding and ongoing monitoring that applies to any new regulatory regime.
Lack of AI Transparency Is Straining Law Firm-Client Trust, Litera CEO Warns
Avaneesh Marwaha, CEO of legal tech company Litera, believes that while many firms are embracing AI in their workflows, too few are addressing the elephant in the room: transparency. In high-stakes matters like M&A, clients increasingly want to know how legal work is being done—especially if AI is playing a role. Yet, Marwaha says, many firms aren’t consistently sharing that information. “I think we’re early, early days in figuring out long-term pricing models that firms might face with gen AI,” Marwaha said. “At the same point, clients have the right to ask—where are you using it? Where is my data being processed? Those are all fair questions.”
Diversity & Inclusion:
2025 GC Pay Report: Women Scoring Big Paydays, but Men Still Landing Most of the Plum Jobs
When women land Fortune 1000 general counsel posts, the pay they collect is on par with what men earn. But men still are landing the vast majority of the jobs, and progress in narrowing that gap appears to have stalled. Corporate Counsel, which last week published its annual highest-paid general counsel list, on Tuesday rolled out its rankings of the highest-paid female legal chiefs. Six women cracked the top 20, up from five last year but down from nine in 2023. See the full 2025 female GC rankings below the story.
Market Commentary:
Better Together: When GCs and CFOs Collaborate for Strategic Impact
When GCs understand the financial engine of the business—including the company’s economic model, key forecast assumptions, and primary revenue and cost drivers—they are better equipped to make strategic legal decisions that account for business impact. Similarly, when CFOs understand the company’s legal priorities, risk posture, and approach to managing outside counsel, they can more accurately forecast costs, assess risk-adjusted outcomes, and support forward-looking strategy. Collaboration between the GC and CFO not only strengthens organizational performance but also drives the strategic influence and career development of both leaders.
Private Equity Partners in NY Are Making Fewer Moves, Even Amid Active Lateral Market
The lateral hiring market has been particularly active at Am Law 200 firms. But the New York private equity practice space has seen fewer partner moves in the first half of the year than it did for the same period in 2024, a trend which sources attribute to economic uncertainty and law firms being more selective in their hiring.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
DLA Piper strengthens global Private Equity team with strategic appointment of Chris Field
DLA Piper has appointed private equity veteran Chris Field to its Corporate practice in London, effective September 2025. Chris joins from Dechert.
Linklaters strengthens Corporate and Structured Lending practice with Mei Lian
Linklaters has hired Mei Lian as a partner in its Corporate and Structured Lending practice in London. She joins from Paul Hastings.
Goodwin Boosts Private Equity Practice with Debt Finance Partner Matthew Ayre in London
Goodwin announced that leading debt finance lawyer Matthew Ayre will be joining the firm’s Private Equity practice as a partner in its London office. Matthew joins from Travers Smith.
O’Flynn Exhams welcomes new partner Colm Manning
O’Flynn Exhams LLP has welcomed Colm Manning back to the firm as a corporate/M&A and commercial partner. Mr Manning rejoins the Cork-based firm, having previously worked for it in 2014. He joins from William Fry.
The Americas
Latham Makes Major Antitrust Play on Both Sides of the Atlantic
Latham & Watkins has hired top-tier antitrust litigator David Marriott from Cravath in New York, after years of collaboration in merger trials. The move follows the addition of Alfonso Lamadrid de Pablo in Brussels, with Latham now boasting leading antitrust hires on both U.S. and European fronts.
Weil hires IP partner trio from Latham & Watkins to strengthen tech litigation bench
Doug Lumish, Jeff Homrig, and Gabe Gross join Weil from Latham, with Lumish and Homrig returning to co-lead the firm’s IP, tech and science litigation practice. The hires deepen Weil’s trial bench across Silicon Valley, San Francisco and Texas.
Tim Donohue Joins Anselmi & Carvelli as Partner
A veteran white-collar litigator, Donohue brings deep expertise in federal investigations, fraud, and public corruption cases. He’s widely respected for handling high-stakes, reputation-sensitive matters.
Latham Adds Tax Partner Estelle Philippi in Paris
Joining from White & Case, Philippi brings deep experience in transactional tax, advising on M&A, restructurings, and cross-border deals. Her hire comes as France eyes major tax reforms amid a €44B budget gap.
Wiggin and Dana Adds Trusts & Estates Partner in Greenwich
Jevera Hennessey joins from Whitman Breed, bolstering the firm’s private client services team. A well-known figure in Greenwich’s legal community, she brings decades of estate planning and tax expertise.
EMEA
CMS is continuing its strategic focus on high-growth areas of law and is specifically strengthening its prestigious patent law practice with the addition of well-known litigation lawyers, Dr Stephan Dorn and Dr Constantin Kurtz, who join the firm as Partners.
Katharina von Hermanni appointed Head of Real Estate Germany at ASD
Katharina von Hermanni is set to become Head of Real Estate Germany at Arnecke Sibeth Dabelstein (ASD). She joins from international law firm Pinsent Masons, where she was responsible for growth in the alternative assets sector as German Real Estate Sector Head. In addition, Irene Nezer-Kasch, also from Pinsent Masons, will become part of the ASD team as a salary partner.
Two new partners at GSK Stockmann
GSK Stockmann is strengthening its partner level with two new signings. Simon Spangler moves from Oppenhoff, Bernd Graßl was most recently at GLNS.
APAC
RPC Adds Corporate Partner Hilda Chan in Hong Kong
Just months after joining Nixon Peabody, Hilda Chan moves to RPC to strengthen its China-facing corporate offering. Her hire comes amid growing client demand across mainland China.
Ashurst Takes Another M&A Partner from HSF Kramer in Australia
Amelia Morgan is set to join Ashurst after spending the last 14 years at Herbert Smith Freehills.
Clifford Chance’s Rodolphe Ruffié-Farrugia jumps to Perth partnership at K&L Gates
Rodolphe Ruffié-Farrugia has joined the Perth partnership at K&L Gates, making the jump from Clifford Chance.
SAM Strengthens PE/M&A Practice by Recruiting Harshita Srivastava
Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas in Mumbai hires Harshita Srivastava from Nishith Desai, where she co‑headed the private equity and M&A practice. With over 16 years of experience in cross-border deals, exits and PE investments, she also brings expertise in employment and labour law and to India’s SEBI Innovative Growth Platform committee.
Jia Yuan Boosts Hong Kong Office With Hires From Fangda, Jones Day
Disputes partner Howard Chan and corporate counsel Wenxing Feng join Jia Yuan in Hong Kong, strengthening its litigation and capital markets capabilities. Chan marks the firm’s third HK partner hire in under a year.
Bird & Bird Launches SE Asia R&I Group With BlackOak Team
Ashok Kumar and Darius Tay join Bird & Bird in Singapore from BlackOak, bringing a team to lead its new restructuring and insolvency practice in Southeast Asia. The move bolsters the firm’s cross-border capabilities in a growing regional hub.
Jones Day Snaps Up Australian Labor Law Heavyweight from Ashurst
Jones Day has hired employment and labor partner James Hall from Ashurst to join its office in Brisbane, Australia.
Rajah & Tann Snags Arbitration Head From Nishimura & Asahi’s Singapore Alliance Partner
Singapore law firm Rajah & Tann has added a disputes partner to its office in the city-state. Paras Lalwani joins after two years at Bayfront Law, where he was a director and head of the international arbitration practice.
Indonesia’s Trilexica strengthens corporate practice with hire from WCA
Jakarta-based law firm Trilexica has grown its corporate offering with the hire of capital markets specialist Girindra Henriyono as a partner from Witara Cakra Advocates (WCA), White & Case’s erstwhile Indonesia association firm.
In-House
Deutsche Bank lines up Freshfields’ European white-collar crime head as next GC
German banking giant Deutsche Bank has lined up Simone Kämpfer as its next general counsel, replacing Friederike Rotsch. Kämpfer joins from Freshfields.
Team Moves
Arnold & Porter hires partner group from K&L Gates to launch in Seattle
The incoming lawyers are litigator Pallavi Mehta Wahi, Annette Becker and Patrick Madden. The firm has also added a fourth lawyer from K&L Gates – employment litigator Rosemary Alito – who will join in Newark.
Atlanta Real Estate Momentum Grows as Five-Lawyer Team Joins Barnes & Thornburg
Partners Michael Henson and Daniel Noice will head the team in Atlanta of Associates Rebecca A. Griffith, Joseph Guardino, and Olivia Pounds. They all join from Morris, Manning & Martin.
Lowenstein Gains Ex-Kasowitz White Collar Partner Amid IP Team Defection From Schulte Roth & Zabel
New York litigation firm Kasowitz has brought on a four-partner intellectual property team from Schulte Roth & Zabel. The team compromises of Timothy Gilman, who will lead the team, along with Natalie Lieber, Daniel Apgar and Robert Pickens.
International law firm Cozen O’Connor today announced three of California’s foremost IP litigators — Nicola A. (Nick) Pisano, Scott A. Penner, and Jose L. (Joe) Patiño — have joined its award-winning and fast-growing Intellectual Property Department. They all join from Eversheds Sutherland.
King & Wood Mallesons Brings On Linklaters Lawyers in 9-Person Hong Kong Expansion
Partners Chin-Chong Liew and Ying Zhou are joining with a team of six lawyers who will sit in the firm’s derivatives, structured finance and digital assets group. Separately, King & Wood Mallesons is hiring former Ashurst partner Damien Whitehead to lead its Hong Kong restructuring practice.
Womble Bond Dickinson Doubles Nashville Office With Neal & Harwell Team
Womble has hired 20 lawyers—15 partners and five associates—from storied litigation boutique Neal & Harwell. The move significantly boosts its commercial litigation and restructuring bench ahead of the boutique’s closure later this month.
Promotions & Appointments:
WilmerHale Announces Judith Hasko as Chair of Transactional Department
WilmerHale announced today that Judith Hasko, nationally recognized life sciences and market-leading transactional lawyer, will chair the firm’s Transactional Department, succeeding Mick Bain, following his retirement at the end of the calendar year after three decades of service to the firm.
New leadership at Uría Menéndez in Portugal
Uría Menéndez confirmed Antonio Villacampa in his role as managing partner and appointed Marta Pontes to the same position at the firm’s Portugal office. They will both take up their roles on 1 January 2026, under a co-leadership model that has contributed to the firm’s development and consolidation in Portugal.
K&L Gates Reshuffles Practice Group Leadership
Global law firm K&L Gates announced this week the appointment of 14 partners to serve as leaders in various practice areas across the firm’s worldwide platform. The partners are as follows:
Mergers & Alliances:
Stinson Merges with California Boutique, Adds Offices in San Francisco, Irvine
Stinson is set to merge with Severson & Werson, adding 30 banking and financial litigation lawyers and new offices in San Francisco and Orange County. The move follows its Century City entry earlier this year, cementing statewide coverage.
Al Tamimi Makes Morocco Comeback With Ex-A&O Lawyer Tie-Up
Al Tamimi & Company has partnered with KZ & Partners to re-establish its Casablanca presence, led by former A&O partner Omar Zizi. The move supports its North Africa growth strategy ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
McDermott-Schulte merger name confirmed as $2.8bn tie-up gets partner approval
Partners at McDermott Will & Emery and Schulte Roth & Zabel have voted ‘overwhelmingly’ in favour of their merger, with the combined firm set to go live on 1 August. The merged firm will take the name McDermott Will & Schulte, with more than 1,750 lawyers in total across more than 20 offices around the world, including what will be the ninth largest law firm presence in New York.
Nutter Expands to California and Hawaii With T&E Boutique Mergers
Boston-based Nutter has opened offices in Orinda and Honolulu through combinations with Hartog Baer and Matsumoto Law, adding 14 lawyers in California. The move deepens its national trust and estates offering and wealth management capabilities.
Johnson Pope Merges With Todd Foster Law Group in Tampa
Veteran white-collar lawyer Todd Foster joins as equity partner alongside his team, expanding Johnson Pope’s criminal defense and federal litigation capabilities in its largest office.
Office Openings & Closing:
Lawson Huck Gonzalez Taps Duane Morris Litigator to Launch New Miami Office
Tallahassee-based Lawson Huck Gonzalez expands into Miami, led by Ed Patricoff from Duane Morris. The firm, known for its conservative litigation ties, now has seven attorneys based in the city.
Cozen O’Connor Opens Second San Diego Office, Adds IP Litigator Quartet
Cozen O’Connor has launched a new North County San Diego office, welcoming four IP litigators from Eversheds Sutherland and Buchalter. The group includes Nicola Pisano, Scott Penner, Regis Worley, and Jose Patiño.
Arnold & Porter Enters Seattle with Four-Partner Hire from K&L Gates
Arnold & Porter has launched a Seattle office, led by former K&L Gates Seattle head Pallavi Mehta Wahi. She’ll also chair the firm’s western U.S. strategic growth as part of its broader West Coast expansion.
Legal Aid NSW opens new office in Moree
Legal Aid NSW has announced the official opening of its permanent ‘shopfront’ office in Moree, with dedicated local team members who can furnish legal assistance to people in the town and northwestern New South Wales.
Dubai Chambers opens first overseas hub in London offering legal services
Dubai Chambers has launched its first overseas hub in London offering legal services to individuals and businesses seeking to establish operations in Dubai. Dubai Hub London aims to strengthen ties between Dubai and the UK, creating new investment opportunities. London was selected as the first hub due to its global financial status and access to a broad investor base keen to engage with Dubai’s growing market, according to a statement.
Financials:
CMS reaches €2.073m in revenue
CMS closed the 2024 financial year with a global turnover of €2.073 millions, representing an increase of 5.9% over the previous year. This growth has been accompanied by expansion in key areas such as corporate/M&A, litigation, real estate and construction, employment, and banking and finance, according to the firm.
Osborne Clarke posts record international revenues at EUR 547.5m
During the 2024 calendar year, Osborne Clarke’s international revenues grew by 11%, creating five-year growth of 72%. Income during the UK reporting period of May 2024 – April 2025 grew 4% to EUR 547.5m growth.
Revenue and profits up at Simmons
Simmons & Simmons has reported a 7% rise in revenue to £615 million for the 2024/25 financial year, alongside a 5% increase in PEP, continuing its impressive upward trajectory over recent years. PEP rose to £1.13 million, while overall profit grew 6% to £215 million. The results mark a 50% increase in PEP and a 70% rise in profit over the past five years. Revenue, meanwhile, has also climbed 50% in that time.
2025 GC Pay Report: The Full List, From No. 1 to No. 544
The report, produced by Corporate Counsel and ALM Intelligence, is based on an analysis of Fortune 1000 companies’ proxy statements covering fiscal years ending after June 30, 2024. The report is the most complete analysis of public company legal chief compensation available from any source. But it’s an imperfect snapshot of the pay landscape. That’s because, under Securities and Exchange Commission, rules, companies generally disclose pay for only their five most-highly paid executives, which often includes the legal chief but not always.
Penningtons Manches reappoints CEO, grows revenue to £120m
Penningtons Manches Cooper has reappointed its chief executive officer after growing revenue 7% in the 2025 financial year to £120m. The firm’s latest results mark its 16th consecutive year of revenue growth. In FY25 it also grew profit 18.4% to £42m and profit per equity partner (PEP) by 25% to £555k.
Travers Smith, Mishcon de Reya raise NQ pay
Travers Smith and Mishcon de Reya have raised pay for their newly qualified lawyers, signalling the continued importance of junior lawyers in the battle for talent. Travers has upped its base NQ salary to £130k, while Mishcon will hand out £100k from September.
Technology & Innovation:
Wilson Sonsini Completes Sale of SixFifty Technologies
Founded in 2019 by noted legal technologist Kimball Dean Parker in Utah’s vibrant Silicon Slopes, SixFifty was established in partnership with Wilson Sonsini to combine the firm’s deep legal experience with innovative automation technology, helping businesses obtain cost-effective, high-quality legal compliance and risk management solutions. Wilson Sonsini announced the successful completion of the sale of its legal technology subsidiary, SixFifty Technologies, LLC (SixFifty), to a leading human capital management company. While the terms of the transaction remain confidential, the acquisition ranks among the largest involving a law firm technology asset.
EU AI Act’s ‘General-Purpose AI’ Rules Now in Effect, But Enforcement Challenges Loom
From August 2, certain general-purpose AI systems must comply with the EU AI Act, with existing models given until 2027. However, how compliance—especially around copyright—and enforcement will unfold remains uncertain, posing unique risks for AI providers.
How Legora Became a Leading Name in Legal AI
Founded in Stockholm in early 2023 as ‘Leya,’ Legora has rapidly grown into one of the legal industry’s fastest-expanding generative AI companies. This week, Mishcon de Reya announced a firmwide rollout of Legora’s platform, joining peers like Harvery AI and Springbok AI in the legaltech AI surge. The startup’s swift adoption reflects the broader rush to integrate AI-powered tools across law firms worldwide.
Litera accelerates legal workflows to help lawyers deliver faster, smarter results for clients
Litera, a global leader in legal technology solutions, has announced the next phase of its ongoing Road to ILTACON innovation, introducing four new additions and numerous enhancements to Litera One —the legal sector’s first all-in-one, AI-powered platform fully integrated with Microsoft 365. Litera One is a Gold Microsoft Partner and has been widely adopted by leading Am Law 100, Am Law 200, and Fortune 500 firms around the world.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Williams Commission Endorses Latino Judges Association Report on Representation
A 26-member blue-ribbon panel of the state court system has given its stamp of approval to a recent report that called out various communities with sizable Latino populations that still have little or no judicial representation. The commission, which is charged with promoting racial and ethnic fairness in the court system, “wholeheartedly agrees that there is a need on the part of all stakeholders to commit to fostering diversity amongst the judiciary,” went its statement. “Diversity is not just a buzzword; it is a complex issue, and a necessary component of a fair and equitable justice system where people of all backgrounds, colours, and creeds are represented.”
Law Firms Make Up 1 in 3 Top Global Employers On Stonewall LGBT Index
HSF Kramer, Pinsent Masons and Clyde & Co were all awarded ‘Gold’ employer status by Stonewall, as part of their ‘Top Global Employers’ rankings for the year 2025. Meanwhile, several other firms including A&O Shearman, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, Freshfields and Simmons & Simmons were all recognised with a ‘Silver’ award for the same index. The rankings mean that the seven law firms named make up one third of the 21 global organisations named.
Market Commentary:
Why Private Equity is (Still) All About Individual Relationships
Even as the industry has ballooned in size and various law firms and clients have attempted to institutionalize relationships, the situation remains: the individuals with the deepest ties still hold the reins to the key relationships—and it doesn’t look like they are open to handing them over anytime soon. “Everything about private equity is personal,” said one leading partner. “It’s all down to who you know, who you wine and dine with, who you play golf with, who you stay up late in the trenches with. These guys need someone they can trust, and once you’ve proven your loyalty, it’s pretty water tight.”
Law Firms in Australia Look to Energy Transition for Revenue Growth
Law firms in Australia expect the country’s shift to a low-carbon economy to be a major source of growth in the coming years, but lawyers who can carry out the highly specialized work are in short supply. Firms say energy transition-related work has increased markedly in the past couple of years. It’s up by about 50% at Ashurst, and the firm has identified supporting clients in the energy transition as a key pillar of its 2027 strategy.
Leadership, Not Plans, Drives Success in Uncertain Times
Allan Schoenberg of Vinson & Elkins stresses that while crisis plans matter, authentic and clear leadership shapes how organizations respond and recover. In a fast-moving, complex world, trust, decisive communication, and adaptability are essential. Leaders must prepare beyond protocols by identifying trusted crisis figures and embedding communication early. Character and influence—not just competence—build lasting credibility when uncertainty strikes.
Top Specialist Firm: Inside Immigration Solutions’ legal strategy
With global conflict, labour shortages, and domestic policy shifts placing pressure on Australia’s immigration system, boutique firms are stepping up to meet the moment. Australasian Lawyer has named Immigration Solutions Lawyers a Top Specialist Firm for 2025, recognising its strong legal advocacy and deep commitment to justice. The firm’s work spans humanitarian and corporate matters, but it’s the human impact cases that continue to resonate. O’Donoghue reflected on one standout case—a two-year effort to reunite an Afghan judge with her brother’s family, after the tragic loss of her husband. “We finally got them into Australia. The client gave us a handwoven tapestry with our firm’s name. It meant the world.”.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Freshfields adds London PE real estate duo from Ropes & Gray
Partners David Seymour and Will Bryant join Freshfields from Ropes & Gray in London. Both will join the firms Private Equity Real Estate team.
Vinson & Elkins Poaches Upcott From A&O Shearman
Harry Upcott joined Vinson & Elkins as a partner in its finance practice in London. He joins from A&O Shearman, where he had served as Partner since 2009.
Simmons & Simmons snaps up employment talent
Simmons & Simmons has expanded its employment practice in the UK and Ireland, announcing the hire of two employment partners, Vicky Wickremeratne and Colleen Cleary, to its London and Dublin offices, respectively. Wickremeratne joins from an in-house stint at Millennium Capital Partners, while Cleary joins from CC solicitors after its acquisition by Simmons & Simmons.
Leading Structured Finance Partner Joins in London
Squire Patton Boggs is pleased to announce that Ranajoy Basu will join the firm’s London office as partner in the Financial Services Practice Group where, he will serve as Global Head of Structured Finance and Head of the firm’s India practice. He joins from McDermott Will & Emery.
Nishimura grows new London office with return of alum as partner
Leading Japanese law firm Nishimura & Asahi has welcomed back Shingo Ito as a partner in its recently launched London office after nearly a decade at international firms including Bird & Bird, where he most recently served as legal director.
The Americas
McDermott attracts elite private client talent with the addition of David Pratt
International law firm McDermott Will & Emery has announced that David Pratt, one of the nation’s most respected private client lawyers, has joined the firm as a partner based in Boca Raton, Florida. David previously chaired the nationally ranked Private Client Services group at Proskauer.
Global law firm Freshfields has announced that Agnès Dunogué joined as a partner and co-head of the U.S. Securities and Shareholder Litigation practice. Leaving A&O Shearman, she’ll join co-head Meredith Kotler in leading the practice group.
Paul Hastings Boosts Global Tax Team With Rising-Star Partner in New York
Paul Hastings LLP announced today that Sherry Xie has joined the firm as a partner in New York, bolstering its global tax practice. Sherry joins from Kirkland & Ellis.
Ex-US Attorney Leaves Holland & Knight for Dallas Boutique
Richard B. Roper has joined Vartabedian Hester & Haynes in Texas after having served as Partner at Holland & Knight since 2008.
Bradley Adds Allison Cook to Banking & Financial Services Team in Atlanta
Allison Cook joins Bradley as Partner in the Atlanta office, having previously worked at Arnall Golden Gregory.
Greenspoon Marder Bolsters Atlanta Office with Strategic Hire in Sports and Entertainment Law
Greenspoon Marder has announced the addition of partner Cathy Hampton in the Atlanta office, expanding the firm’s Entertainment and Sports and Corporate practice groups. She joins from The Hampton Firm.
EMEA
Greenberg Traurig expands Middle East hospitality group with Squire Patton Boggs partner addition
Greenberg Traurig has strengthened its global hospitality group with the addition of Elias Hayek who joins from Squire Patton Boggs, where he led the firm’s global hospitality and leisure group for close to a decade.
Mayer Brown’s PE practice grows with Hogan Lovells partner
Mayer Brown is strengthening its private equity practice with another partner. Nikolai Sokolov will move from Hogan Lovells to Mayer Brown’s Frankfurt office in August.
Norton Rose Fulbright boosts Brussels competition offering with new partner duo
Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has further strengthened its GCR Global Elite antitrust and competition practice with the appointment of two new partners in Brussels. Jean-Nicolas Maillard and Yves Botteman, who both join from Dentons, have worked together since 2014.
APAC
Covenant expands further with addition from Dentons Rodyk
Singapore boutique law firm Covenant Chambers has hired disputes specialist Chia Huai Yuan as a director from Dentons Rodyk & Davidson,
Singapore firm Tang Thomas makes 2nd partner hire in less than a month
Singapore boutique law firm Tang Thomas has appointed Ammar Lulla as partner and co-head of its disputes and healthcare practices. He joins from Cairnhill Law.
Reed Smith hires Haitong International director as debt finance partner
Reed Smith has strengthened its Asia corporate practice with the appointment of Evelyn Wang as a partner in its Hong Kong office. She joins from Haitong International Securities group.
Hong Kong’s Georgiou Partnership hires IP partner from PwC-linked Tiang
Hong Kong law firm Georgiou Partnership, which was launched last year, has hired intellectual property and data protection specialist Chiang Ling Li as a partner from PwC-linked firm Tiang & Partners.
Singapore’s JTJB launches construction, infra practice with WFW hire
Singapore-headquartered Joseph Tan Jude Benny (JTJB) has launched a construction and infrastructure practice with the hire of Boon Tat Yeo as a senior partner from Watson Farley & Williams.
In-House
Adtech business MiQ hires group GC from Stagwell Brand Performance amid AI push
AI-powered adtech business MiQ has hired Matt Speiser as group general counsel, a newly created role at the company as it plans for its next phase of growth. Speiser joined from marketing company Stagwell Brand Performance Network, where he was also GC.
Away Resorts Ltd. Adds new General Counsel
Shauneen Kelly has joined Away Resorts as General Counsel after serving as Legal Director as Belmond.
Team Moves
‘Doubling down on private capital’: Mayer Brown adds three partners from Dechert
Mayer Brown has hired three senior partners from Dechert in London, adding firepower to its private capital practice across both leveraged finance and M&A. The hires include leveraged finance duo Philip Butler and David Miles, who previously co-led Dechert’s global leveraged finance practice, and private equity partner Mark Evans.
Promotions & Appointments:
Macfarlanes Senior Partner update
When Sebastian Prichard Jones’ current second term as Senior Partner expires on 31 March 2026, Damien Crossley will succeed him in the role.
Freshfields’ Dawson elected to serve a second term as senior partner
Freshfields’ senior partner, Georgia Dawson, has been elected to serve a second term as senior partner alongside a trimmed-down team of co-managing partners.
Colm Kincaid appointed deputy governor in Central Bank of Ireland
The Central Bank of Ireland has appointed Colm Kincaid as deputy governor for consumer and investor protection.
Laura Koller is the new chief financial officer at global firm Kennedys
Laura Koller has been named the new chief financial officer at global litigation and dispute resolution firm Kennedys, where she will head up its global financial strategy from New Jersey.
Clyde & Co names Steven Lurie as insurance partner in Sydney
Clyde & Co has announced Steven Lurie’s promotion to partner in its insurance team in Sydney.
LoopMe promotes new General Counsel
Paolo Cerroni has been promoted to General Counsel at LoopMe in London.
Mergers & Alliances:
Simmons & Simmons absorbs Dublin employment boutique
Dedicated Irish employment practice launched via acquisition of boutique CC.
Maynard Nexsen Doubles Atlanta Footprint by Adding Real Estate Boutique Miller Lavoie
Maynard Nexsen is set to merge with Atlanta real estate boutique Miller Lavoie on July 31, doubling its local headcount. The deal brings in highly sought-after talent and expands the firm’s real estate capabilities in Georgia.
Fennemore Acquires Denver-Based Galvanize Law for Construction
Fennemore Craig is set to acquire Denver boutique Galvanize Law as part of a strategic push to grow its construction and infrastructure offering across the Western US. The firms will officially combine on October 1, further anchoring Fennemore’s regional footprint.
McLaughlin & Stern grows with T&E boutique pickup
Krass, Snow & Schmutter merges into McLaughlin & Stern, adding four senior lawyers to its T&E bench. Founders Stephen Krass and Lee Snow join as partners, with two others as counsel. The move marks another step in New York’s ongoing boutique consolidation trend.
Office Openings & Closing:
Eversheds Sutherland opens in Silicon Valley
The firm has boosted its West Coast capabilities, opening a new office in California and welcoming a senior Baker McKenzie lawyer as head of its complex tech disputes practice.
Simmons marks second Middle East launch in two months with Abu Dhabi move
Simmons & Simmons to open in Abu Dhabi Global Market, its second Middle East launch in two months. The move responds to rising client demand in AMIF and TMT sectors across the region.
Orrick Launches Miami Office With 3 Akerman Partners
Orrick enters Miami with trio of partner hires from Akerman, marking its first Florida office.
The new outpost will be led by Ken Wiggins, former head of Akerman’s PE and M&A team.
Bird & Bird moves to new Dublin HQ
Bird & Bird has relocated to new Irish HQ at 124 St Stephen’s Green, in central Dublin. Launched in 2022, the Dublin office serves as a strategic EU hub for global clients.
Indonesia’s ARMA Law has entered a strategic partnership with China’s Fidelity Law Firm
The tie-up aims to support growing Chinese investment in Indonesia amid record $148bn trade volumes. It marks a step toward deeper cross-border legal integration across the region.
Financials:
Clifford Chance flags US push as global revenue climbs 9% to £2.4bn
Clifford Chance reports £2.4bn revenue, up 9% on strong US and Middle East growth. US revenue rose 50% over two years, while PEP edged up to £2.11m. Partnership profit increased 11% to £944m.
Linklaters points to US growth as turnover climbs 11% to exceed £2.3bn
Linklaters posts record results with revenue up 11% to £2.32bn and pre-tax profit topping £1bn. PEP jumped 15% to £2.2m, driven by strong global performance and 57% US profit growth.
Macfarlanes’ PEP tops £3m as new senior partner is unveiled
Macfarlanes reports record PEP of over £3m as it names next senior partner. Tax head Damien Crossley will succeed Sebastian Prichard Jones in March 2026. The announcement caps another standout year for the firm.
Charles Russell Speechlys grows revenue 11% as PEP exceeds £680k
Charles Russell Speechlys posts £242.3m revenue, up 11% amid continued private capital expansion. PEP rose above £680k, though growth slowed slightly from last year’s 13% jump.
DAC Beachcroft unveils leadership change alongside 6.4% increase in revenue to £348m
DAC Beachcroft appoints Helen Faulkner as managing partner, succeeding David Pollitt after two terms. The firm reports 6.4% revenue growth to £348.1m and a 7.1% rise in gross profit to £76m. PEP increased in line, reaching £750,000 for the year ended 30 April.
Legacy HSF grew revenue by 4% to £1.36bn in final pre-merger year
Herbert Smith Freehills posts 4% revenue growth to a record £1.36bn ahead of merger with Kramer Levin. Profit hits a new high of £486.9m, with PEP rising 8.6% to £1.4m for the year ended 30 April.
Brodies reports 15th consecutive year of revenue growth as PEP hits £885k
Brodies marks 15th straight year of revenue growth, with turnover rising 11% to £126.7m. Operating profit surpassed £50m, while PEP increased 4.6% to £885k after flatlining last year.
HSF revenue and PEP hit new heights in last results before US merger
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer posts final legacy HSF results with revenue up 4% to £1.36bn. Partner profits also reached record highs ahead of the firm’s June 1 merger with Kramer.
Technology & Innovation:
EU publishes general-purpose AI code of practice
Developed through a multi-stakeholder process, it covers transparency, copyright, and safety. Formal guidelines on general-purpose AI models are set to follow later this month.
US Courts Split on Fair Use in AI Training Cases
Recent rulings in Anthropic and Meta cases show differing judicial views on copyright and market harm in AI model training. While both upheld fair use for training on copyrighted books, judges diverged on piracy issues and how to assess market dilution. Experts say future plaintiffs may need stronger evidence of market harm to succeed.
Law Firms Integrate Generative AI into Summer Associate Programs
Honigman wraps up a “Shark Tank”-style AI workflow contest, engaging 11 summer associates across six teams. The competition capped an AI training program designed to give future lawyers hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools. Firms are increasingly using such initiatives to prepare new talent for the AI-driven future of legal practice.
Is AI the Biggest Threat to Big Law?
Microsoft’s recent layoffs included lawyers, raising questions about AI’s impact on legal roles even at major firms. Though legal teams have traditionally been seen as indispensable, AI-driven efficiencies may be reshaping that landscape. The legal industry now faces uncertainty over how technology will redefine the value and security of in-house counsel.
‘A New and Emerging Threat’: Covington on AI-Driven Cybersecurity Risks
Since 2020, insider and digital risks have surged with remote work, says Covington’s Fein and McMurrough. The rise of AI and advanced technologies is intensifying these cybersecurity challenges. Companies must proactively brace for evolving threats in this increasingly complex landscape.
The Masters Conference Day 1: Tackling Deepfakes and E-Discovery’s Next Phase
Experts explored how to detect deepfakes and AI-manipulated media in legal investigations. Discussions focused on evolving e-discovery tools and the future shape of legal teams. Advanced tech promises to transform how data is analysed and verified in litigation.
The Masters Conference Day 2: Gen AI’s Impact on Law Firm Costs and Operations
Lawyers and legal ops leaders explored how analytics reveal organizational value amid AI adoption. Discussions focused on early strategies for integrating generative AI into legal workflows. The session highlighted AI’s potential to reshape costs and efficiency in law firms.
Litera Unveils Lito, AI Agent for Legal Workflows
Litera launches Lito, an AI agent within its Litera One platform, to streamline drafting, review, and analytics tasks. Tested with select customers, Lito will be available for early access in August and general release October 1. It handles multi-step workflows, from document analysis and comparisons to natural language searches and drafting support.
Law Firms Boost Insurance Amid Rising AI Risks
Nearly half of legal professionals surveyed plan to expand coverage as AI use grows. Concerns shift from inflation to reputational and emerging tech-related risks. Firms are proactively managing risk in an increasingly tech-driven legal landscape.
Diversity & Inclusion:
The Americans With Disabilities Act at 35: A Promise in Peril
Marking 35 years since its enactment, the ADA set a historic standard for disability rights as civil rights. The law aimed to ensure full inclusion in schools, workplaces, and public life. Despite progress, ongoing challenges threaten to undermine this foundational promise.
Brinkley Morgan marks 50 years with a strong commitment to diversity and community impact.
The 20-attorney firm handles family, business, real estate, and trusts matters, with a history of LGBTQ+ rights litigation.Its Brinkley Cares initiative actively supports nonprofits across Broward and Palm Beach Counties.
Mastercard shareholders this week resoundingly voted down a pro-DEI proposal and an anti-DEI proposal, but the former mustered 30 times the support of the latter.
Market Commentary:
A&O Shearman delays start dates for some US first-years
A&O Shearman has pushed back the start dates for a group of its incoming first-year associates in the US to January. The move affects part of the 2025 first-year class – equivalent to NQs in the UK – who are also being offered a salary advance. First-years have historically had two start dates across the year and, in line with market norms, the firm has always offered incoming associates the option of a salary advance, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Litigation Strategy in a Slower Economy: What In-House Counsel Should Rethink Now.
Felicello Law managing partner Rosanne Felicello discusses potential scrutiny of legal spend during economic uncertainty. She notes, “depending on the nature of the dispute, it may be financially prudent to aggressively pursue certain claims that may have greater relative value in financially uncertain times.” She adds, “The challenge is determining how and when to allocate resources for litigation to maximize the value achieved for your company.”
Biglaw Surrender Firms Hoping Trump Just Forgets About Them
Three months after the deals were made, firms are staying quiet about how they plan to fulfill their pro bono commitments to President Donald Trump and his administration. None of the nine firms that made deals responded to questions from The American Lawyer about pro bono work they’ve done that counts toward their financial commitments.
Attention on mental health seems more focused on crisis intervention: Jackson Allen
For Jackson Allen, the profession’s biggest challenges are caused by external pressures in the areas of tech and geopolitics. Agility and flexibility are necessary to address these challenges in the present with an eye on the future, he says.
GCs Take the Lead in Asia’s Fintech Future
Legal chiefs at digital finance firms are redefining their roles as strategic architects, not just risk managers. From crypto convergence to cross-border compliance, they’re turning regulatory complexity into competitive edge. Operating with a startup mindset, today’s GC is a key driver of innovation in Asia’s financial ecosystem.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Simpson Thacher Adds Securitization and Structured Products Partner from Cadwalader in London
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP announced today that Partner Richard Hanson has joined its London office. Hanson will focus on securitization and structured products, strengthening the firm’s presence in these markets.
Prominent Private Equity Partner to Join Latham from White & Case in London
Latham & Watkins has added partner Ross Allardice to its London office, marking another step in the continued expansion of its private equity practice. A highly regarded practitioner, Allardice brings extensive experience advising on complex cross-border transactions.
Cadwalader boosts London leveraged finance team with Paul Hastings partner hire
Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft has hired Edward Holmes as a leveraged finance partner in London from Paul Hastings. His arrival strengthens the firm’s cross-border finance capabilities.
Cooley recruits Ashurst tech M&A co-head in London
Cooley has strengthened its London M&A practice with the addition of Jonathan Cohen, formerly co-head of tech M&A at Ashurst. Cohen brings significant experience advising tech companies and investors on UK and cross-border deals.
Beauchamps appoints two corporate, commercial and M&A partners in Ireland
Beauchamps has appointed Oisín McLoughlin and David McMunn as partners in the firm’s corporate, commercial and M&A group.
DWF appoints Liam Harnett as Dublin global risks partner
Mr Harnett joins DWF with extensive experience in complex commercial disputes, having previously practised at Clyde & Co, Arthur Cox and A&L Goodbody.
The Americas
Garrigues brings Andrés Crump on board to head the Corporate M&A area in Colombia
Garrigues has announced the appointment of Andrés Crump as a partner in its Corporate M&A practice in Bogotá. With over 20 years of experience, Crump is known for advising on major transactions across Latin America, particularly in the infrastructure and energy sectors.
Proskauer Private Client Head Moves to McDermott
After nearly two decades at Proskauer Rose, David Pratt, former chair of their private client practice, has joined McDermott, Will & Emery to lead the opening of their Boca Raton office. Pratt highlighted McDermott’s solid reputation and the dynamic growth in South Florida as major factors influencing his decision.
Former Acting US Attorney Vikas Khanna Joins Sills Cummis as White-Collar Chair
Vikas Khanna, former Acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, has joined Sills Cummis & Gross as chair of the firm’s white-collar defence practice.
Orrick Launches Miami Office With 3 Akerman Partners
Orrick has launched its first Florida office in Miami with the hire of three partners from Akerman. The new office will be led by Ken Wiggins, former head of Akerman’s private equity and M&A practice.
CSG Law Welcomes Back Jenny Chung Quraishi
CSG Law has welcomed Jenny Chung Quraishi back to the firm as a Member of its Litigation Group. She rejoins after serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, handling cases involving healthcare fraud, opioids, narcotics, and violent crime.
McNees Wallace & Nurick has added Kayla Bushey to its Radnor office, strengthening its privacy and cybersecurity practice. She joins from the IAPP, where she was a Westin Research Fellow focused on global data privacy.
Sheppard Mullin Grows Energy Team with Los Angeles, Houston Partners Justin Boose and Phil Lau
Sheppard Mullin has added partners Justin Boose and Phil Lau to its Energy, Infrastructure, and Project Finance team. Boose joins from Holland & Knight, where he co-led Renewable Energy. Lau was previously an Energy and Corporate & Securities partner at Mayer Brown.
Husch Blackwell has added healthcare partners Robert Threlkeld and Elliott Coward, plus associate Baylee Culverhouse, to its Atlanta virtual office, The Link. They join from Morris, Manning & Martin. This move highlights the firm’s strategic growth in the Southeast.
Willkie Expands Dallas Platform with Addition of Three Leading Private Equity Transactional Partners
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP has appointed Jesse Betts, Jessica Hammons, and Nathan Meredith as partners in its Corporate & Financial Services Department. The three private equity transactional lawyers will be based in the firm’s Dallas office.
Paul Hastings Continues Momentum of Premier M&A Platform With Addition of New York Partner
Paul Hastings LLP has expanded its global M&A platform with the addition of partner Kristiina Leskinen in New York. Joining from Paul Weiss, she advises on complex M&A transactions for public and private companies and private equity firms.
Seward & Kissel Adds Venture Capital Partner Jacob Comer to Investment Management Group
Seward & Kissel LLP has appointed Jacob Comer as partner in its Investment Management practice, specializing in venture capital formation and complex fund transactions. He brings experience as both a legal and investment executive.
EMEA
McDermott Hires Merck’s Head of Legal for Frankfurt Office
McDermott Will & Emery is bolstering its Healthcare & Life Sciences practice in Frankfurt with the addition of experienced in-house counsel Johannes Eckhardt (42), who joins as a partner from Merck in September.
Freshfields Continues Growth in Paris with Appointment of Corporate and M&A Partner
Freshfields has appointed Benoit Marpeau as a partner in its Corporate and M&A team in Paris. He brings significant experience advising listed and private companies on mergers, carve-outs, and reorganisations, strengthening the firm’s French offering.
Linklaters further strengthens leveraged finance and banking offering with double hire in Paris
Linklaters has appointed Pierre-Arnoux Mayoly and Shirin Deyhim as partners in its Paris Leveraged Finance practice, enhancing the firm’s capabilities in funds finance, private credit, and mid-cap leveraged transactions.
HEUKING expands Life Sciences practice with three Equity Partners to join in Munich
Taylor Wessing’s Dr. Manja Epping, Dr. Stefanie Greifeneder, and Dr. Sonja Ackermann will join the firm by early 2026 at the latest, accompanied by a team of associates.
O’Melveny Hires Senior Lawyer from Europe’s Largest Consumer Org in Brussels
O’Melveny has announced the addition of Vanessa Turner as a partner in its Antitrust & Competition Practice Group in Brussels. A leading international antitrust lawyer, Turner brings extensive experience to the firm’s growing European practice.
Ryan Whelan Joins Stephenson Harwood’s Middle East Dispute Resolution team as Partner
Stephenson Harwood LLP has strengthened its Middle East Dispute Resolution team with the appointment of Ryan Whelan as partner in Dubai. Whelan focuses primarily on disputes in the infrastructure and energy sectors.
APAC
Clifford Chance launches dedicated transactional Construction team in Australia
Clifford Chance has strengthened its International Construction Group by launching a dedicated transactional construction team in Australia, headed by newly appointed Counsel Katie Joukadjian.
Freshfields continues strategic growth with appointment of leading IP and TMT partner in Singapore
Freshfields has appointed Harry Evans as a partner in its global transactions practice in Singapore. Joining from Herbert Smith Freehills, where he co-led the Asia IP/Commercial team, Evans brings over 15 years’ experience advising on complex tech, IP, and commercial matters.
JSM makes first lateral partner hire following split from Mayer Brown
Hong Kong firm JSM has appointed Joe Kamho Choy as partner and co-head of its employment and benefits team—its first external partner hire since splitting from Mayer Brown in 2024. Choy joins from Eversheds Sutherland and brings over 10 years’ experience in employment, pensions, and M&A-related matters. He previously worked at Mayer Brown JSM and is GBA-qualified.
Jones Day snags disputes heavyweight from Mayer Brown in Singapore
Jones Day has appointed Kay-Jannes Wegner as a partner in its Singapore office, boosting its international arbitration practice. Wegner joins from Mayer Brown with over 25 years of experience handling high-value disputes across sectors like construction, energy, and telecoms. Previously with Kim & Chang and Clifford Chance, Wegner brings dual civil and common law expertise and has led multijurisdictional teams in major arbitrations. His hire reflects Jones Day’s continued expansion in Singapore’s growing dispute resolution market.
In-House
AXA’s UK GC Walks to Rival, ICO Appoints Next Legal Head
RSA, an Intact company, has announced the appointment of Emily Coupland as General Counsel for the UK and Europe, subject to regulatory approval. Joining later this year, she will lead the legal and compliance functions across the region and sit on the operating committee.
Synopsys Brings On Ansys GC As Tech Merger Takes Effect
Following the completion of its acquisition of Ansys, Synopsys has appointed Ansys General Counsel Janet Lee to serve as its new chief legal officer and corporate secretary.
Provable Announces Former CoinList Executive as General Counsel
Provable has named Damien G. Scott as General Counsel. He brings extensive crypto legal experience, having advised startups and served as General Counsel and COO at CoinList Ventures.
Promotions & Appointments:
Dentons names new national pro bono head, three partners, 15 senior lawyers
The Promotions are as follows:
Partners
Kurt Tiam – Corporate, Melbourne
Ryan Lennon – Recovery & Restructuring, Perth
Tamara Strack – Recovery & Restructuring, Perth
Firm promotion: Managing partner appointment at Arc Pensions Law
Anna Copestake, London – Copestake takes over as managing partner from Kate Payne, who returns to a full-time client-facing role. A pensions expert, Copestake joined Arc in 2016 and played a key role in building the firm’s defined contribution and investment practice. Senior partner Anna Rogers praised her leadership potential and deep understanding of the firm’s direction and goals.
The Promotions are as follows:#
Legal Directors
Andrina McDowall – Commercial Property, St Andrews
Kirsty Lynch – Commercial Property, Edinburgh
Megan Maclean – Private Client, Edinburgh
Jane McNicol – Dispute Resolution & Claims, Perth
NZ Law – DLA Piper deepens specialist capability with senior promotions and strategic hires
DLA Piper has announced three senior promotions alongside two strategic lateral hires, reinforcing the firm’s capabilities in high-demand practice areas across New Zealand. The appointments reflect growing client demand in financial services, employment, infrastructure, renewable energy, regulatory reform, and Māori legal matters.
Nick Byrnes – Real Estate, Construction & Infrastructure, Special Counsel, Auckland
Mike Campbell – Resource Management & Local Government, Senior Associate, Wellington
Tyson Hullena – Dispute Resolution & Māori Law, Senior Associate, Wellington
Mathys & Squire—four promotions
Harry Rowe – Trade Marks, Partner, London
Dylan Morgan – Patents & IP Strategy, Partner, London
Mergers & Alliances:
JCP Solicitors to merge with Port Talbot law firm Howe & Spender this August
Port Talbot firm Howe & Spender will merge with JCP Solicitors on 11 August 2025, continuing operations locally while gaining access to JCP’s wider South Wales network. The move brings £11M in investment to the town, creates new legal roles, and supports local regeneration. Ian Spender will become a Director at JCP, ensuring the firm’s long-standing legacy continues.
Office Openings & Closing:
A&O Shearman New York partners exit, launch litigation boutique
Former A&O Shearman partners David Esseks and Gene Ingoglia have launched Esseks Ingoglia, a New York boutique focused on trials, investigations, and white-collar defence. Both are ex-SDNY prosecutors with extensive experience in high-profile financial crime cases. Their departure adds to the growing list of partner exits following the A&O Shearman merger.
SRA Shuts Down Law Firm Run by Labour Councillor
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has closed SZ Solicitors, a Hounslow-based immigration law firm, and suspended the practising certificates of its managers, Raghwinder Singh Siddhu and Mohammad Saeed Zafar. Siddhu is a Labour councillor and former Mayor of Hounslow. The SRA cited suspected dishonesty and breaches of conduct and accounts rules. The firm, founded in 2008, had previously merged with QSS Solicitors. Zafar has called the intervention “unjustified”, claiming misuse of power.
European law firm announces office move to Paradise Birmingham development
Fieldfisher will relocate its Birmingham office to Two Chamberlain Square in late 2025, aiming to expand its UK and European presence. The move supports plans to double staff and deepen ties with the regional business community.
This Am Law 100 Firm Just Opened Its 86th Office
Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani has opened a new office in Jacksonville, Florida, expanding its presence to 86 locations. Heather M. Gwinn, the office managing partner, is focused on fostering a supportive environment for the community and advancing women in law.
Stevens & Lee Launches in Pittsburgh, Continuing Corporate Hiring Spree
The firm is opening its second new office this year with the addition of shareholder Kevin Acklin. He joins from the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he served nearly seven years as general counsel and president of business operations.
Financials:
Dentons passes £300m revenue milestone
Dentons reported £306m in revenue for its UK, Ireland, and Middle East region in FY 2024/25—a 9% increase. CEO Paul Jarvis credited strategic growth and strong client relationships. The Milton Keynes office remains a key hub, with recent partner promotions and high-profile international work. The firm also expanded in Saudi Arabia and Dublin, and made 19 lateral hires and 22 partner promotions across the region.
Taylor Wessing Reports 10% Rise in Global Revenue to €619M
Taylor Wessing’s global revenue rose 10.1% to €619M in 2024/25, while UK revenue climbed 15% to £283.7M, with PEP reaching £1.1M. The firm’s growth was driven by strategic focus on complex legal work, innovation, and international expansion.
DAC Beachcroft unveils strong set of financial results for 2024/25 and upcoming leadership changes
DAC Beachcroft reported a 6.4% rise in revenue to £348.1M for FY 2024/25, with profit before tax up 7.1% to £76M and profit per member surpassing £750K for the first time. Net debt fell by 35% to £17M, reflecting the firm’s strong financial health.
Decade of first listed law firm and now 10 years of revenue growth
Gateley, the UK’s first listed law firm, has tripled its revenue since 2015 to nearly £180m in 2025, with 4.1% growth. Underlying profits also rose slightly, though headline profit before tax fell. The firm’s diverse model includes legal and non-legal services, with 29% of revenue from acquisitions.
Its largest division is property, and business services and corporate also grew. Gateley aims to raise profit margins and secured an £80m credit facility for further growth. Staff numbers have more than doubled since 2015, with strong employee share ownership. Despite solid results, shares have declined recently but remain above the 2015 listing price.
Technology & Innovation:
AI is on the march but many law firms still don’t have a strategy
UK law firms are leading globally in adopting AI, but just 24% have a defined strategy, according to Thomson Reuters. Those with clear plans are almost twice as likely to see financial gains from AI.
Despite improved efficiency and productivity, client confidence remains low, with only 10% fully trusting firms to use AI responsibly. Shoosmiths made headlines by tying bonuses to AI adoption. Concerns over pricing transparency and future job roles continue to shape the debate.
New research partnership to examine AI benefits to conveyancing process
Ulster University’s Centre for Legal Technology has partnered with legal tech startup Lawri AI to explore how AI and automation can enhance property transactions. The collaboration will focus on legal data modelling, ethical AI use, and user experience, while also involving students and legal professionals. The project aims to combine practical legal insight with academic research to drive innovation in residential conveyancing.
AI-Driven Legal Tech: The Future of Law Firms and Your Investment Portfolio
Legal firms worldwide are rapidly adopting AI tools like Thomson Reuters’ CoCounsel and startup Harvey AI to boost efficiency, reduce errors, and improve cybersecurity. CoCounsel integrates smoothly with existing systems and focuses on data security, saving time and cutting costs. Harvey AI, valued at $5B, excels in automating complex legal tasks with high accuracy and compliance. With AI adoption reaching 79% by 2025, cybersecurity investments are also rising, fueling legal tech growth. Investors see strong potential in both AI and cybersecurity firms. The legal sector is at a turning point: firms using AI will gain major productivity and competitive edges, while those that don’t risk falling behind amid stricter regulations and client demands.
In-house lawyers warn they’ll cut legal spend due to AI and ‘pricey’ firms
In the 2025 RollOnFriday In-House Lawyer Survey, many in-house legal teams reported plans to grow—often at the expense of external law firms. Nearly half cited cost concerns and the increasing usefulness of AI as reasons for shifting work internally. General counsel noted that combining in-house talent with AI is more cost-effective and often delivers better, more commercially relevant outcomes. Some said external firms charge excessively, struggle with business understanding, or are being priced out due to high junior salaries. However, while many favour bringing more legal work in-house, several respondents still value external lawyers for niche expertise, complex litigation, or large-scale matters. For some, expanding in-house teams complements—not replaces—external legal support, especially as legal workloads grow.
Diversity & Inclusion:
2 Firms To Lead Target Shareholder Suit Over DEI Initiatives
On July 17, 2025, Rigrodsky Law PA and Levi & Korsinsky LLP were appointed to lead a consolidated shareholder derivative lawsuit against Target Corp. The case alleges that the company’s executives and board harmed shareholders by approving diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts and marketing LGBTQ-themed products.
‘Transformative support’: City lawyers mark social mobility success
City Solicitors Horizons (CSH) celebrated 10 years of supporting aspiring lawyers from low-income backgrounds. Launched in 2015, the programme offers mentoring, training, and guaranteed work experience to help students enter top City law firms. Over 350 have completed the scheme, with half securing training contracts. Now run by SEO London, CSH continues to expand its reach and impact.
Market Commentary:
Inside the Minds Working at US Midsize Law Firms: 2025 Priorities Revealed
Midsize U.S. law firms are adapting in 2025 to rising costs, client demands, and a shifting talent market, according to Actionstep’s latest report. Based on feedback from 264 professionals, key priorities include improving client satisfaction, controlling costs, expanding services, attracting talent, and investing in technology.
Cost control has become a strategic focus, rising from 33% to 41% in importance year over year. Improving client experience is the top revenue driver, with more firms formalizing service standards. Technology is essential, but many firms find their current tools inefficient—most use 6+ platforms per matter, and nearly half say a single system would boost productivity.
AI and automation are gaining traction, especially in legal research, drafting, and workflow. Midsize firms value their flexibility and are positioning themselves as strong competitors by modernizing operations and focusing on client-centered growth.
Firms, not solicitors, to feel impact of 11% rise in cost of practising
From November 2025, the cost of practising as a solicitor will rise by 11%, mostly affecting law firms. The Law Society plans to collect £148.4m—£16.6m more than last year—with £86.5m going to the SRA.
Despite the increase, individual solicitors will see little change. The practising certificate fee will rise from £307 to £326, but a £20 cut to the SRA Compensation Fund reduces the net cost by £1.
Firms will cover 60% of the total, with contributions rising 12%, though increases will vary by turnover. The firm compensation fund payment will drop from £2,220 to £1,950.
The SRA cites rising misconduct reports and expanding bulk litigation cases—over 80 investigations involving 74 firms—as reasons for the higher budget. A roundtable with the Ministry of Justice is planned to address risks in high-volume claims.
New rules on non-financial misconduct: what firms need to know
The FCA is introducing new rules from September 2026 to tackle non-financial misconduct (e.g. bullying, harassment) in financial services. The rules expand the Code of Conduct (COCON) to cover serious misconduct toward colleagues, even if not directly tied to financial activities. Misconduct in private life may still affect fitness and propriety assessments.
The FCA dropped earlier diversity proposals but is focusing on culture and behaviour. Firms must review policies and processes to prepare. Consultation closes 10 September 2025.
Why are BigLaw firms acquiring boutiques?
Australia’s legal market has seen a rise in national firms acquiring smaller players, driven by intense competition and changing client demands. In a fragmented and evolving landscape shaped by economic and geopolitical shifts, major firms are adapting to maintain their position. An example includes Henry Davis York’s merger with Norton Rose Fulbright, reflecting broader trends in consolidation and strategic growth.
Why law firm culture matters more than firm strategy
Law firm culture—shared values and daily practices—is often more important than strategy alone. For strategies to succeed, culture must align with a firm’s mission and leadership. In today’s changing legal landscape, firms need strong cultures to support growth and innovation. Misaligned culture causes friction and hinders progress. A healthy culture boosts lawyer engagement, retention, and productivity, making it essential for long-term success.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Signature launches white collar crime and investigations practice with new partner team hire
Signature Litigation announced the appointments of Mark Beardsworth and Duncan Grieve who join as partners from Goodwin Proctor and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, to spearhead the launch and growth of its global white collar crime practice.
Forsters welcomes commercial real estate partner
Forsters has appointed Noel Ainsworth as partner in its commercial real estate team. Ainsworth joins from Shoosmiths in London.
Goodwin Strengthens its European Private Equity Platform with Debt Finance Partner Tom Roberts
Debt finance expert Tom Roberts is joining the firm’s Private Equity practice as a partner in London. Roberts joins from Kirkland & Ellis.
The Americas
Jacqueline Romero has joined BakerHostetler’s Philadelphia office as a Partner in the firm’s Litigation Practice Group. She previously served as a United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Katten Taps Michael Didiuk as Investment Management Partner
Michael Didiuk has joined Katten Muchin Rosenman as a partner in its financial markets and funds department in New York. He joins from Schulte Roth + Zabel.
Vivien Krieger Joins Akerman LLP to Bolster New York Land Use and Zoning Practice
Akerman LLP has announced the addition of Vivien Krieger as a partner in its New York real estate practice, focusing on land use and zoning matters. Prior to joining Akerman, Krieger co-chaired the Zoning, Land Use & Development Practice at Cozen O’Connor.
Paul Hastings Further Strengthens Premier ECVC Practice in Northern California
Hastings LLP has announced the addition of partner James Huie in San Francisco. He from Wilson Sonsini.
Gross McGinley, LLP Strengthens Its Stroudsburg Team with Key Addition: George W. Westervelt, Jr.
Gross McGinley LLP has announced that George W. Westervelt, Jr., highly respected Monroe County attorney, has joined the firm. He will join current partner Victoria A. Strunk at the firm’s Stroudsburg office.
Stradley Ronon Welcomes Back Veteran Insurance Partner From Duane Morris
Regulatory insurance partner Steven Davis has joined Stradley Ronon in Philadelphia. He joins from being the team lead of the insurance and reinsurance industry group at Duane Morris.
Brownstein Adds Impressive Group of Five Partners
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck has announced that five partners from Crowell & Moring have joined the firm. Jim Flood and Aaron Cummings join as shareholders and are based out of the firm’s Washington, D.C., office. Evan Chuck joins as a shareholder and will split his time between the firm’s Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., offices. Anne Elise Herold Li and Paul Keller join as shareholders and will be based out of New York.
Weil Accelerates Entertainment, Sports and Media Expansion with Arrival of David Markman in L.A.
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP announced that prominent entertainment, sports and media lawyer David Markman has joined the Firm as a partner in its Technology & IP Transactions practice, based in the Los Angeles office.
Baker McKenzie hires two former US Department of Justice lawyers in DC
Rod Rosenstein, who joins from King & Spalding, will lead the firm’s national security practice, while former assistant director and senior trial attorney Tim Finley joins the firm as a partner in its antitrust practice.
Seyfarth Extends Institutional Investors Offerings with Addition of Matthew Cohen in Atlanta
Seyfarth Shaw LLP has added Matthew Cohen as a partner in the Corporate department. Cohen, who joins Seyfarth from DLA Piper, will be based in the Atlanta office.
Brian M. Satz and Team from New Jersey-based Satz Law Group Join Stevens & Lee
Stevens & Lee announced today that Brian M. Satz has joined the firm as a Shareholder in the Bergen County, NJ, office. He is joined by two associates, Ariel Kirshenbaum and Nathania E. Lim from Satz Law Group.
EMEA
Linklaters hires two Partners in Paris
François Kopf has joined Linklaters as a partner in Paris and as Global Chair of Restructuring and Insolvency. Additionally, Mathieu Della Vittoria has joined as a partner in the Restructuring and Insolvency practice. They both join from Darrois Villey Mailot Brochier.
Simmons strengthens its Real Estate practice in Paris
Simmons Paris is expanding its Real Estate department and launching its Environmental department with the arrival partners, Michaël Lévy and Laure Nguyen. Both join from Hogan Lovells.
Milbank hires private equity M&A rising star in Germany
Milbank has hired an up-and-coming M&A and private equity partner Jan Haller from German law firm Hengeler Mueller.
Litigation partner moves back to Bird & Bird
Bird & Bird has strengthened its patent practice in Hamburg with the return of Anna Wolters – Hohne, an experienced litigation partner, who joins from A&O Shearman.
Orrick Adds European Competition Advisor in Paris
Chimène Faurant joins Orrick’s Antitrust & Competition practice in Paris as a partner.
She joins from De Pardieu Brocas Maffei.
APAC
CMS boosts APAC offering with Sydney hire
CMS has hired former Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) partner Ilan Freiman as a partner in its energy, projects and construction (EPC) practice. He will be based in its Sydney arm while also maintaining a “substantial presence” in Hong Kong.
Ex-Kirkland, Sidley partners join Alvarez & Marsal-linked firm
Broadfield has hired disputes resolution and restructuring Partners from Sidley Austin and Kirkland & Ellis. Gordon Davidson joins from Sidley Austin and Fergus Saurin joins from Kirkland & Ellis.
In-House
Derek Smith, who previously served as General Counsel at Sonar, has been hired by Ancestry as Chief Legal Officer in Utah.
CUBE has hired a new General Counsel
Lisa ING joins CUBE as GC, having previously served at Audley Travel as General Counsel.
Diversity Lab Welcomes New CEO Angela Kelley July 2025
Diversity Lab has announced Angela Kelley as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Promotions & Appointments:
McGuireWoods Names New Office Managing Partners in Four Cities
McGuireWoods has appointed new office managing partners in Atlanta, Houston, Baltimore, and San Francisco effective July 1, 2025. Ryan Buchanan will succeed Chris Greene as managing partner of the Atlanta office. Tyler VanHoutan will take over from Yasser Madriz as managing partner of the Houston office. Melissa Martinez will become managing partner of the Baltimore office, succeeding Elena Marcuss. Todd Dressel will serve as managing partner of the San Francisco office, taking over from Dave Powell.
K&L Gates Announces German Leadership Transition
Global law firm K&L Gates has announced a leadership change in Germany: Dr. Martina Ortner has joined the firm’s global Management Committee and, together with Dr. Thilo Winkeler, assumes the role of Co-Managing Partner of the firm’s German offices in Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich.
Withers promotes 16 partners in global round as US dominates
The Promoted are:
Luca Denora and Jordan Garman, New York; Wonchi Ju and Michael Steffany, New Haven; Jessica Kaplan, San Francisco; Leslie Evans, San Diego; Kevin Jackson, Craig Weinstein, Susanna Kim and Erika Scheideman; Los Angeles.
Kohei Kobayashi and Chantal Matin-Lewis, Japan; Gary Leung and Alex Ye, Hong Kong
Joshua Swift and Emma Cooper-Hedges in London.
Osbornes Law appoints three partners
London law firm Osbornes Law has promoted Jonathan Jonas, Patricia McCaffrey and Amber Krishnan-Bird to partner.
Jude Copeland to chair NI Law Society group on data protection and AI
Jude Copeland, a lawyer at Cleaver Fulton Rankin, will play a key role in assisting Northern Ireland solicitors navigate the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and data protection, with a special focus on AI. His work will aim to provide guidance as legal professionals adapt to these increasingly complex areas.
Mergers & Alliances:
PPO Indacochea: Two Leading Firms Unite to Redefine the Legal Standard in Bolivia
PPO Abogados and Indacochea & Asociados, historic leaders in Bolivian business law, have joined forces to form PPO Indacochea—the first major full-service law firm in the country.
PPO Indacochea positions itself as the strategic legal partner for companies committed to transforming Bolivia through investment, innovation, and sustainable, responsible development.
Moray & Agnew absorbs Greenwoods Law in Cairns
Moray & Agnew in Queensland has announced its acquisition of commercial law firm Greenwoods Law in Cairns, effective 1 July 2025.
Office Openings & Closing:
Powell Gilbert launches in Düsseldorf to grow its UPC practice
Specialist IP firm Powell Gilbert is set to launch a new office in Düsseldorf, to be headed by prominent German patent litigator and former Vossius partner Andreas Kramer. He will be joined by two fellow Vossius alumni: Hannes Obex, who comes on board as of counsel, and associate Andreas Ditler.
Macfarlanes Takes on Additional Office Space on Fetter Lane
Macfarlanes has signed a lease for an extra 11,000 square feet of office space located just around the corner from its headquarters at 20 Cursitor Street, near Chancery Lane in London.
Financials:
Bird & Bird reports 6% revenue increase against flat PEP
Bird & Bird achieved a 6% revenue increase to €672.6m for the year ending 30 April 2025, marking its 33rd consecutive year of growth. However, this was a slowdown from the 10% growth seen in FY24. Net profit rose 3%, while profit per equity partner (PEP) declined slightly by 0.7% to €831k, after an 8% increase the previous year. These results reflect a solid start to the firm’s five-year strategy to reach €1bn in revenue by 2029.
HFW revenue climbs 8% to £270m against 3% dip in PEP
HFW posted record results in the third year of its sector-focused strategy, with revenue rising 8% to £270.8m for the year ending 31 March 2025, and total profit increasing by 2% to £77.2m. Despite this growth, profit per equity partner (PEP) declined from £855k in FY24 to £828k. However, revenue per lawyer (RPL) saw a strong 12% increase, reaching £465k.
Since the launch of its current strategy at the start of FY23, HFW’s revenue has grown by 36%, profit by 42%, and PEP by 24%, while RPL is up 12%.
Technology & Innovation:
A&O Shearman and Harvey to roll out agentic AI agents targeting complex legal workflows
A&O Shearman and Harvey are launching AI agents for complex legal tasks, integrating A&O Shearman’s expertise into systems for antitrust, cybersecurity, fund formation, and loan review. These agents perform multi-step reasoning, conducting research and delivering actionable, transparent legal outputs. Available to corporations, law firms, and financial services on a subscription or usage basis, A&O Shearman will share in the software revenue.
‘Blistering’ EU report calls for copyright reform to combat large-scale AI data training
A new study commissioned by the European Parliament has warned that EU copyright law is ill-equipped to deal with AI models that rely on large-scale data training and called for targeted reforms to strengthen legal protections for copyright holders. The report, published by the European Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI), argues that generative AI systems operate at a “scale and opacity” that existing copyright frameworks were “never designed to address”.
AI boom fuelling surge in intangible asset investment, says WIPO
A new report from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) reveals a sharp increase in investment in intangible assets, driven primarily by funding for software and databases amid the ongoing AI boom.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Navigating DEI Compliance: How Employers Can Take Action
In a shifting legal and cultural landscape, employers must align their DEI efforts with compliance standards while fostering inclusive workplaces. This article outlines practical steps—like policy reviews and targeted training—to help organisations navigate DEI responsibly and effectively.
Under pressure, U.S. companies back off DEI pay metrics
Compensation consulting firm Farient Advisors found the share of S&P 500 companies who said they used diversity, equity and inclusion measures in their executive compensation plans fell to 22%, according to proxy statements filed this year. The figure was 52% last year and hit a peak of 57% in 2023.Brian Bueno, Farient’s Sustainability Practice Leader, said the decline reflected the pressure companies have faced from conservative activists who say the practices encourage discrimination. He expects more companies will follow as executives worry about their exposure to government pressure if they are seen as embracing diversity measures.
Market Commentary:
Eversheds Among Top Firms Globally for M&A Deals in First Half of 2025
According to the latest report by the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), the firm ranked ninth globally for the number of announced and completed deals, reaffirming its position as a leading advisor in the M&A sector.
Law Society strikes deal with Italian National Bar in ‘post-Brexit breakthrough’
The Law Society of England and Wales has signed an agreement with the Italian National Bar aimed at supporting UK lawyers practising in Italy. Announced on the 9th of July, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was described by Law Society president Richard Atkinson as a “post-Brexit breakthrough.”
Court of Appeal endorses revised litigation funding agreements in ‘emphatic boost for funders’
The UK litigation funding sector has received a significant boost after the Court of Appeal upheld the validity of revised litigation funding agreements (LFAs) designed to comply with the Supreme Court’s 2023 PACCAR ruling, which had previously rendered traditional LFAs unenforceable.
How Outside Counsel Can Bridge the Corporate Legal-Comms Divide in High-Stakes Litigation
Effective messaging is essential for maintaining control of the narrative during high-stakes legal disputes, both inside and outside the courtroom. Yet more than 80% of the in-house counsel we surveyed for Greentarget’s 2025 litigation communications survey say their companies act too conservatively during high-profile litigation.
Top Biglaw Firm Increases Office Attendance Demands For Attorneys
It’s a scorching summer, and Biglaw firms seem to have found their own way to help attorneys “cool off”—by rolling out mandatory office attendance policies. The latest firm to extend this frosty invitation? Covington & Burling. With $1.75 billion in gross revenue in 2024 and a No. 31 spot on the Am Law 100, the firm is now requiring lawyers to be in the office four days a week, including those based in London.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Weil boosts funds bench with A&O Shearman hire
Phil Baynes, who was previously a counsel in Weil’s private funds group before leaving for A&O in 2022, returns as a partner in London.
EY loses energy duo to Jones Day as exits continue
Energy partners Michelle T. Davies and Rob McNabb have left EY Law to join Jones Day’s London energy team.
Crowell hires 18-strong Dentons IP team in London
An 18-strong patent team led by renowned patent lawyer Justin Hill has moved from Dentons to Crowell & Moring’s London office. Hill, who was head of Dentons’ European patent prosecution and opposition practices, is joined by Marie Jansson Heeks, who was a senior associate at Dentons. The team is completed by six patent attorneys, four paralegals and six professional staff members.
Thorntons strengthens real estate and construction teams
Leading Scottish law firm Thorntons has appointed Simone Young as partner and Stephanie Zak as commercial real estate consultant, bolstering its commercial real estate team in Edinburgh. Simone joins from Davidson Chalmers Stewart while Stephnie joins from Balfour + Mason.
Taylor Wessing announces new real estate head
Taylor Wessing strengthens its real estate group with the appointment of Emma Chadwick as partner. She joins from Winckworth Sherwood.
Osborne Clarke expands its corporate team
Richard Porter, formerly with A&O Shearman, has joined Osborne Clarke as a partner in London. A specialist in cross-border M&A across the tech, media, and energy sectors, Porter brings deep experience advising global corporations and financial institutions. His hire strengthens Osborne Clarke’s corporate offering as the firm continues to grow its presence in key sectors.
The Americas
Sidley Grows San Diego Office With Global Finance Partner Parker Zangoei
Sidley has welcomed Parker Zangoei as a partner in the firm’s Global Finance group, based in the San Diego office. He joins Sidley from DLA Piper, where he served as co-head of the Private Credit practice and was a partner in the Finance/Venture and Growth Lending group.
Willkie Adds Leading Energy and Infrastructure Partner Blake Winburne in Houston
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP announced that Blake Winburne has joined the Firm as a partner in the Corporate & Financial Services Department in Houston. Winburne joins from Orrick.
Restructuring Partners Ingrid Bagby and Michele Maman Join Haynes Boone’s Expanding New York Office
Ingrid Bagby and Michele Maman have joined Haynes Boone’s New York Office as partners in the Restructuring team. Both join from Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft.
WilmerHale Adds Adrian Percer to IP Practice in California
Adrian Percer has joined WilmerHale as a partner in its intellectual property practice in Palo Alto, Calif. He joins from Weil Gotshal and Manges.
Jenner & Block adds Partner duo in Chicago from Mayer Brown
Jenner & Block has hired two partners, Richard Bulger and Daniel Ring in Chicago from Mayer Brown.
Former FTC General Counsel Anisha Dasgupta Joins Orrick’s Supreme Court & Appellate Practice
Anisha Dasgupta, former General Counsel of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, has joined Orrick as a partner in the firm’s Supreme Court & Appellate and Antitrust Litigation practices. She will be based in New York.
Former Microsoft Assistant General Counsel Scott Wise Joins Crowell & Moring
Scott Wise, who most recently served as assistant general counsel for global trade at Microsoft, has joined Crowell & Moring as a partner in the firm’s International Trade Group in Denver.
EMEA
Paul Hastings adds another partner from White & Case in energy and infra-focused buildout
Paul Hastings has hired finance partner William Watson in Abu Dhabi, he joins from White & Case.
Dentons bolsters Belgian Corporate and M&A team with hire of Erwin Simons
Global law firm Dentons has strengthened its Corporate and M&A practice in Brussels with the addition of partner Erwin Simons. Simons joins from DLA Piper.
Dentons welcomes Joost Elsenburg as financial regulatory partner in the Netherlands
Dentons has strengthened its Banking and Finance practice with the hire of Joost Elsenburg as a financial regulatory partner in the Amsterdam office He joins from HVG Law.
Clyde & Co continues to expand its global energy practice with Partner in Abu Dhabi
Clyde & Co has announced the growth of its energy practice in Abu Dhabi with the hire of two market-leading partners, Josh McFadzen and Bryan Wilson.
Covington Boosts European Life Sciences Practice with Spiros Drosos
Spiros Drosos has joined Covington’s Life Sciences Practice based in the firm’s Brussels office. He joins from European Medicines Agency.
Eversheds Sutherland Strengthens European Reach with Latham Partner Acquisition in Germany
Eversheds Sutherland has added Torsten Volkholz, a former partner at Latham, to enhance its German operations. He joins from Latham & Watkins.
Linklaters announced the expansion of its Global Litigation, Arbitration & Investigations practice in the Middle East. The Middle East practice will be led by Sean Cameron. Sean was previously the Head of Disputes & Litigation for NEOM Company.
APAC
Singapore’s Helmsman grows banking practice with hire from Gateway
Singapore law firm Helmsman has hired Teoh Su Yin as a director in its corporate, banking and finance practice group. She joins from Gateway Law.
SAM partner duo returns to firm after year at JSA
Indian law firm Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co (SAM) has reappointed partners Ambarish and Tanavi Mohanty to its Mumbai office, following their recent tenure at rival firm JSA Advocates & Solicitors.
Eversheds SG alliance firm adds first lateral partner with hire from Eng
GT Law, the Singapore alliance firm of Eversheds Sutherland, has appointed Yuh Huey Khoo as a partner to head its financial services, regulatory, and private client practices. She joins from PwC member firm Eng & Co, where she was a director.
Mills Oakley takes 3 partners from rival firms
Mills Oakley has promoted Jason Salman, Sarah Pick, and Yannis Vrodos to partner, highlighting their expertise in key sectors. Salman, with 27 years in financial restructuring and insolvency, joins the Perth office from Ashurst. Pick, formerly at MinterEllison, brings extensive experience in electricity and renewables. Vrodos, from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, specialises in major infrastructure, energy, and resources projects. CEO John Nerurker emphasised these moves strengthen the firm’s national capabilities and client service.
In-House
Bill Castner named new Rutgers general counsel
Bill Castner has been named Rutgers University’s Executive Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel. He joins from Connell Foley where he served as Partner.
US nuclear innovator NuScale Power appoints CLO from Centrus Energy
US nuclear energy innovator NuScale Power has hired Shahram Ghasemian as chief legal officer, a newly created position. Ghasemian joins from US nuclear fuel business Centrus Energy, where he was general counsel and chief compliance officer.
Promotions & Appointments:
New leadership at Uría Menéndez
Salvador Sánchez-Terán and Antonio Herrera appointed senior partner and managing partner.
Singapore’s WongPartnership announces leadership changes
Sean Yu has been elected managing partner, replacing Wai King Ng, who will become senior partner alongside his existing role as chair
Walkers elevates 20 to partner in largest overall promotions round in 60-year history
The Promotions are as follows:
Michael Beck – Corporate, Cayman Islands
Sam Francis – Investment Funds, Cayman Islands
Joe Healey – Finance, Cayman Islands
Siobhan Sheridan – Insolvency & Dispute Resolution, Cayman Islands
Daniel Walford – Investment Funds, Cayman Islands
Jenna Wong – Investment Funds, Cayman Islands
Jamie Bookless – Regulatory & Risk Advisory, Guernsey
Eimear Burbridge – Tax, Dublin
Kirsten Faichnie – Investment Funds & Corporate, Jersey
Louise Hamilton – Banking & Finance, Jersey
Sian Langley – Regulatory & Risk Advisory, Jersey
Helena Lavin – Insolvency & Dispute Resolution, Guernsey
Gemma Palmer – Regulatory & Risk Advisory, Jersey
Laurent Thibeault – Insolvency & Dispute Resolution, Guernsey
Benjamin Twidle – Regulatory & Risk Advisory, London
Claire Winrow – Asset Management & Investment Funds, Dublin
Wei Ching Teo – Investment Funds & Corporate, Hong Kong
Kevin Ho – Investment Funds & Corporate, Hong Kong
Michael Kenny – Investment Funds & Corporate, Singapore
Reghard Smith – Corporate, Dubai
Dentons promotes 18, including 3 partners
The Partner Promotions are as follows:
Kurt Tiam – Corporate, Melbourne
Ryan Lennon – Recovery and Restructuring, Perth
Tamara Strack –Recovery and Restructuring, Perth
Mergers & Alliances:
Legal costs firms merge to form £3m business
Liverpool’s KE Costs and Carlisle’s Paramount Legal Costs are merging to form Peak Costs, a £3 million firm with 40+ staff. Martin Walsh will lead as managing director, with Kevin Fasting retaining a major stake. Peak Costs will offer full legal cost services, aiming to expand while maintaining quality.
Cairns boutique acquired by Moray & Agnew
Moray & Agnew has acquired Cairns-based Greenwoods Law, which has served the community for over 44 years. The firms share expertise in property, commercial, and estate law. Paralegal Danika Walker joins Moray & Agnew as part of the deal, effective July 1. Andrew Kerr confirmed efforts to ensure a smooth transition for clients.
Office Openings & Closing:
Willkie Launches in Hamburg, Its Third Office in Germany
On 2 July 2025, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP announced a new Hamburg office—its third in Germany and 16th worldwide. Launching with 25 lawyers, the office boosts the firm’s restructuring, litigation, and private equity capabilities, supporting its European growth strategy. Willkie’s German team has nearly tripled in five years, now totalling 90 lawyers.
Fieldfisher launches in Portugal with offices in Lisbon and Porto
Fieldfisher is launching in Portugal on 1 July 2025 with offices in Lisbon and Porto, integrating 68 professionals from André Miranda Associados. Led by joint Managing Partners André Miranda and João André Antunes, the team will offer full legal services. The move expands Fieldfisher’s Southern European presence, following recent growth in Austria, Poland, and Italy.
Addleshaw Goddard grows Scottish footprint as international expansion accelerates
Addleshaw Goddard is expanding its Scottish footprint with new offices in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Financials:
HSF Kramer and HFW Become Latest to Boost NQ Lawyer Pay
HFW has raised its newly qualified solicitor salary by 3.5%, from £100,000 to £103,500, effective immediately. This follows similar moves by firms like Bird & Bird and places HFW ahead of Dentons and Stephenson Harwood, but just below Pinsent Masons and BCLP (£105,000). The increase reflects growing competition and a wider trend of summer salary hikes across major firms.
Ashurst Revenue Grows 8% to Hit £1B
Ashurst posted record revenue of £1.034 billion for FY25, up 8%, with profit per equity partner at £1.39 million—its ninth straight year of growth. Key regions like Hong Kong, Australia, and the Middle East saw double-digit gains, while U.S. growth was strong in Disputes and Energy. Real Estate led sector performance with nearly 50% growth. The firm also expanded AI use with the rollout of “Harvey” and boosted pro bono work by 16%.
Bird & Bird bumps NQ solicitor pay to £102k
Bird & Bird will raise newly qualified solicitor salaries to £102,000 from September – its first time crossing the six-figure mark. The 4% boost brings it in line with Watson Farley & Williams and ahead of firms like Dentons, HFW, and Stephenson Harwood. The firm takes on about 18 trainees a year, currently paid £47,000. This move follows similar salary hikes at Eversheds Sutherland, Pinsent Masons, Ashurst, DLA Piper, and CMS.
Top-50 financial results table 2025: updated live
In the 2024/25 financial year, Ashurst’s revenue grew by 8% to £1.034 billion, with profit per equity partner (PEP) reaching £1.39 million. Stephenson Harwood saw a 17% rise in revenue to £309 million, a 29% increase in PEP to around £1 million, and a 33% jump in reported profit to £130 million. Shoosmiths reported a 5% revenue increase to £217.2 million, a 30% rise in PEP to about £1 million, and a 16% growth in profit to £76.6 million. Fladgate did not disclose revenue or profit figures but recorded a 20% increase in PEP, also to roughly £1 million.
Boodle Hatfield announces record growth as revenue reaches £43m
Boodle Hatfield has posted record revenue of £43.1 million for 2024–25, up around 20%. Over five years, revenue has climbed over 45%, with net profit rising more than 50% and PEP expected to exceed £900,000. This is the firm’s first full financial year since adjusting its year-end to match the tax year.
Technology & Innovation:
Will you embrace AI or risk being left behind?
The UK legal industry is slowly adopting AI for tasks like research and contract review, spurred by digital change and client expectations. Though it improves efficiency, it also brings ethical and security challenges, leading to increased regulatory attention. Viewed as a tool to assist rather than replace lawyers, AI’s use must be strategic, with human judgment and client connections staying central.
AI dooms the billable hour – and Big Law earning
AI’s efficiency threatens the traditional hourly billing model used by law and audit firms, where most revenue still depends on time-tracking. As automation reduces time spent on tasks, firms may need to rethink pricing structures to stay competitive.
How Your Firm Can Have Efficiency *And* Compliance With AI-Powered Legal Tools
Lawyers are under pressure to use AI for efficiency, but concerns over accuracy and confidentiality remain. Tools like MyCase IQ integrate AI into workflows without replacing human judgment, offering features like editing and summarisation to save time while supporting secure, ethical practice.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Lawyers come out for Dublin Pride 2025
Lawyers joined over 280 groups in Dublin’s 2025 Pride Parade, including LGBTQ+ legal advocacy group OUTLaw. The group held a pre-Pride event with speakers like Attorney General Rossa Fanning SC and Bar Council chair Seán Guerin SC. Co-chairs Miah Phelan-Sweeney and Orla Hubbard stressed the need for continued advocacy, especially for trans rights and LGBTQ+ families. OUTLaw will next take part in the Trans and Intersex Pride march on July 12.
EXCLUSIVE Doubt cast on Freshfields’ DEI claims
Data from RollOnFriday reveals Freshfields faces scrutiny over inconsistent diversity figures, questioning its DEI progress. Despite a 2021 five-year plan promising transparency and targets, the firm rebranded its efforts in 2024, ended annual reviews, and dropped U.S. targets, claiming success. However, the 2024 report shows some goals unmet and declines in key areas. Freshfields refused to share updated data, raising doubts about its transparency commitment.
Gender and ethnicity pay gap among barristers widens
The Bar Standards Board reports that gender and ethnicity pay gaps among barristers remain significant and have slightly widened. In 2023/24, women earned 70% and minority ethnic barristers 69% of White male peers’ median income, with minority ethnic women earning just 47%. On average, women earned £148,276 (57% of men’s £258,558), and minority ethnic barristers earned £167,741 (74% of White barristers’ £227,084).
Diversity report suggests solicitors still being barred from bench
Ministry of Justice data shows a decline in solicitors joining the judiciary, with their representation falling from 48% to 40% over the past decade. In 2024/25, non-barristers made up only 11% of new appointments but 36% of those leaving. Female representation has improved, with women holding 39% of court roles and 60% of new appointments, though only 28% of senior court roles. Ethnic minorities make up 11% of court and 14% of tribunal judges, with Black candidates seeing the least progress. Lower socio-economic background applicants remain underrepresented. Judicial leaders acknowledge the slow pace and vow to improve diversity.
Market Commentary:
Law Firm Mergers Up 21% in First Half of 2025
Law firm mergers in the U.S. jumped 21% in early 2025, with 35 deals by June. The biggest was Herbert Smith Freehills acquiring Kramer Levin, creating a 2,600-lawyer transatlantic firm. New York remains a hotspot as smaller firms struggle to compete in size and profitability. Other major deals include Schulte Roth & Zabel merging with McDermott Will & Emery. The trend reflects a growing need for scale and resilience amid intense competition for legal talent.
US Firms Dominate UK M&A Rankings for First Half of 2025
Kirkland & Ellis, the world’s largest law firm and originally founded in Chicago, has led the U.K. rankings for the first time, handling 34 U.K. deals totaling $37.4 billion in value between January 1 and June 30, 2025.
Major Biglaw Firm Ups Their In-Office Requirement For Attorneys
The push for a four-day in-office workweek is gaining traction in Biglaw, with A&O Shearman becoming the latest firm to implement the policy. Starting 2 September, lawyers will be expected to work in the office four days per week, up from the previous three. The firm cited the importance of in-person collaboration for mentorship, training, and maintaining a strong workplace culture, while still supporting some flexibility. This shift reflects a wider trend across the legal sector, with firms like Latham, Skadden, Davis Polk, and WilmerHale already enforcing similar policies, and Sullivan & Cromwell requiring five days in-office.
Ongoing coaching is increasingly valuable for in-house lawyers, not just during the transition from private practice but throughout their careers. As in-house roles evolve to include leadership and strategic influence, lawyers must develop skills beyond legal expertise, such as emotional intelligence, executive presence, and effective communication. Coaches help address challenges like burnout, imposter syndrome, and isolation by offering guidance, structure, and mindset shifts. Investing in coaching can boost both individual growth and organisational success, providing in-house counsel with tools to thrive professionally and personally.
HSF Kramer Sets Sights on U.S. Talent Market Post-Merger
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer intends to grow quickly in the U.S. following its June merger, aiming to bring on as many as 20 partners within the next 12 to 18 months.
City lawyer hiring hits record high: ‘There is a hyper-focus on London’
Partner hiring across London law firms reached record levels in the first half of 2025, with 349 partners changing firms, a 30% increase compared to the same period last year and 25% above the five-year average, according to data from legal recruitment firm Edwards Gibson.
Moves:
UK & Ireland
Ashurst grows corporate team with private equity hire in London
Ashurst adds Christy O’Connell as a partner in the Private Equity team. She joins from Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, where she served as Counsel.
White & Case takes Ashurst global antitrust head
White & Case welcomes the appointment of former Ashurst global antitrust, trade and regulation lead, Euan Burrows.
Baker Botts bolsters capital markets team
Baker Botts has hired Patrick Lyons and Jennifer Rees as partners in its London office. They both join from Dechert.
White & Case picks up two more Ropes & Gray lawyers in PE expansion
White & Case has hired private equity lawyers Laura Kayani and Nick Matthew as Partners from Ropes & Gray, where they were both counsel.
Dechert adds senior PE lawyer in London from GIC
Dechert has strengthened its private equity and infrastructure practice in London with the addition of Jarlath Pratt, who previously served as the assistant general counsel at Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, GIC.
BCLP strengthens London corporate team further
International law firm BCLP has strengthened its UK Corporate & Finance Transactions Department by appointing Sean Scanlon. Prior to joining BCLP, Sean was a partner at Arnold & Porter.
Shoosmiths welcomes new partner Wei Wu
Shoosmiths has announced the appointment of Wei Wu as a partner in its Corporate team. She joins the firm from Dentons.
DMH Stallard strengthens team with new partner
DMH Stallard has welcomed Jeff Elway as a partner in its London corporate team. He joins the firm from Gowling WLG.
The Americas
Skadden Hires Two M&A Partners from White & Case
Mingda Zhao and Emery Choi will advise energy and infrastructure clients, as well as private equity funds on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, investments and other energy transactions. Joining from White & Case, both Zhao and Choi will be based in Houston.
Fox Rothschild Adds Real Estate Veteran
Veteran attorney Thomas A. Bartolozzi has joined Fox Rothschild in Atlanta as a partner from Morris, Manning & Martin.
Perkins Coie Expands Private Client Services With Sarah Bowman
Sarah Bowman joins Perkins Coie’s Seattle office from K&L Gates, where she served as co-practice group coordinator for the firm’s global tax practice.
Founding Partner Leaves Kasowitz Benson Torres to Launch New Firm
Three former partners from the firm founded by prominent litigator Marc Kasowitz, including one of its original co-founders, have launched their own law firm. Eric Herschmann, Dan Benson and Michael Bowen have established a new practice named Herschmann Benson Bowen; the office will be based in New York.
Davis Polk Hires Willkie Partner to Co-Head Firm’s T&E Practice
Jillian Mernes, who had been at Willkie for 14 years, has joined Davis Polk in New York.
Litigation Partner Clayton Falls Joins Holland & Knight in Dallas
Holland & Knight has strengthened its Texas litigation practice by adding Clayton Falls as a partner in its Dallas office. Falls joins from K&L Gates.
Adams, Duerk & Kamenstein LLP Deepens Litigation Bench with Dual Partner Hire
Los Angeles-based firm Adams, Duerk & Kamenstein LLP (ADK) has welcomed two new partners, Anthony Pacheco and M. Anthony (Tony) Brown, both of whom are former federal prosecutors.
EMEA
Hogan Lovells strengthens IP capabilities with Paris hires
Alexandre Rudoni and Andrea Dufaure have joined the firm’s Paris office as partners, arriving from A&O Shearman.
Weil to Welcome Ning-Ly Seng as New Antitrust Partner in Paris
International law firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP has announced that Ning-Ly Seng will join the firm as a partner to lead its Paris Antitrust practice, bringing her team with her. She joins from Peltier Juvigny Marpeau & Associés.
DLA’s former Middle East disputes head goes solo
Henry Quinlan has departed DLA Piper in Dubai, where he led the Middle East litigation, arbitration, and investigations practice for nearly ten years, to pursue a full-time role as an independent arbitrator.
Ampersand bolsters patent litigation team with Klaka partner hire
Munich-based IP boutique Ampersand is set to bolster its patent litigation practice with the addition of Stefan Eck, who will be joining as a partner from Klaka. He will be accompanied by associate Maximilian Reif.
CMS strengthens team with two UPC and SEP litigators from Klaka and Freshfields
CMS Hasche Sigle, the German arm of international law firm CMS, has added two new partners to its ranks. Stephan Dorn joins from Freshfields, while Constantin Kurtz arrives from Klaka.
APAC
Four partners leave Indonesia’s GHP to launch new firm Corra Legal
Yohanes Masengi, Mohamad Kadri, Nur Eka Pradata, and Dirgantara Adi Nugroho, formerly partners of Indonesian law firm Corra Legal, have exited to establish a new Jakarta-based law firm called Corra Legal
PRC’s Haiwen expands cap markets practice in HK with ex-Linklaters duo
PRC law firm Haiwen & Partners has expanded its capital markets practice in Hong Kong with the addition of two former Linklaters lawyers: partner Sherry Cui and counsel Leeza Lee.
CRS beefs up Singapore team with Mishcon disputes duo
Charles Russell Speechlys (CRS) has bolstered its rapidly expanding Singapore office with the addition of commercial dispute resolution specialists Henry Winter and Gavin Margetson, both former partners at Mishcon de Reya.
Duane Morris hires from Bird & Bird in Singapore
Akshay Kishore has left Bird & Bird to become the new head of India disputes at the Singapore arm of US-headquartered firm Duane Morris.
In-House
CapVest hires new General Counsel
Peter Schaffer joins CapVest as General Counsel. He joins from Oakley Capital, where he served as Head of Legal.
PAI Partners Appoints Pimco Lawyer as First General Counsel
Susannah Lindenberg joins PAI Partners as GC after a year at Pimco.
Promotions & Appointments:
Travers Smith promotes 9 to partner
Promotions are as follows:
James Barnard, Adam Burk, Jaryd Davidson, Elissavet Grout, Nick Glynn, Tom Margesson, Michael O’Brien Kelly, Richard Offord and Ella Sharpley.
Baker McKenzie completes 2025 partner promotions with 41-strong international round
Baker McKenzie has promoted 41 new partners across its international network in its annual summer promotions, adding to the 18 partners appointed in North and Latin America earlier this January.This year’s total of 59 promotions represents the smallest group in the past decade, a period during which the firm has typically promoted more than 80 partners annually.
IP specialist Fish & Richardson promotes chief legal risk officer to GC role
Elham Dehbozorgi is replacing Roger Feldman, who is retiring after more than two decades at the firm.
Ian Denham takes over as Moray & Agnew’s new national and NSW managing partner
Ian Denham will step into the roles of national managing partner and NSW managing partner at Moray & Agnew, effective 1 July, succeeding Geoff Connellan.
A member of the firm’s national executive, Denham has been a partner at Moray & Agnew since 2003.
Fieldfisher appoints Barry Fagan as head of public and regulatory team
Fieldfisher Ireland has named Barry Fagan as the new head of its public and regulatory department. A partner at the firm since 2017, Mr Fagan will assume the role on 1 July 2025.
MKB Law appoints Kelly Shaw as head of family law
Belfast-based MKB Law has appointed Kelly Shaw as its new head of family law, succeeding director Anne Marie Kelly who has retired.
Darren Maher picked as Matheson’s next managing partner
Matheson partners have unanimously elected Darren Maher to succeed Michael Jackson as managing partner next year.
Mergers & Alliances:
McDermott, Schulte agree $2.8bn merger
Chicago-based McDermott Will & Emery and New York firm Schulte Roth & Zabel have agreed to merge, forming a combined entity that will rank among the top 20 U.S. law firms by revenue.
Office Openings & Closing:
US law firm Michelman & Robinson launches in London
US law firm Michelman & Robinson has opened an office in London and plans to hire a “significant number” of lawyers as it makes its European debut.
Addleshaw Goddard opens Abu Dhabi office
International law firm Addleshaw Goddard today announced it has opened an office in Abu Dhabi after securing a licence to operate in the UAE capital.
Arbitration-focused Peter & Kim opens Perth office to expand Oz presence
International arbitration specialist firm Peter & Kim has opened a new office in Perth, Western Australia, marking its latest expansion as it strengthens its presence across the Asia-Pacific region.
PCL Lawyers opens Adelaide office
PCL Lawyers has announced the opening of its new Adelaide office, as part of the firm’s strategy to strengthen its presence in South Australia and build lasting relationships with the local legal community, businesses, and residents.
Akin announced today that it has obtained a license from the Ministry of Justice of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), marking the final approval needed to launch its Riyadh office. The new office is scheduled to open later this summer.
Financials:
Stephenson Harwood PEP Hits £1M, Posts Record Revenue Growth
Stephenson Harwood has broken through the £300 million revenue mark for the first time.
Firms must reveal profit and loss figures from 2027
Starting in April 2027, every law firm structured as a limited company or LLP will be required to disclose profit and loss figures, under new government measures aimed at tackling fraud.
The Biggest Partner Compensation Gap In Biglaw
Am Law 100 firms leaped to a 12.3-to-1 equity partner pay ratio on average last year, according to ALM survey data.
Shoosmiths smashes £1m PEP milestone – hands out £3.5m in bonuses
Shoosmiths has surpassed the £1 million profit per equity partner (PEP) threshold for the first time, following an outstanding performance in FY25. PEP jumped 30% to hit seven figures, with net profit increasing 16% to £76.6 million. Revenue grew 5% to £217.2 million. To celebrate this achievement, the firm is awarding a £3.5 million bonus pool to its 1,300 eligible employees, equivalent to 5% of their salaries next month.
Technology & Innovation:
New research explores judicial attitudes to AI
Researchers from Ireland and the United States have released findings from a series of focus group discussions with senior UK judges on the use of AI in the courtroom.
Dentons Partners with AI Venture Studio AXL
Global law firm Dentons has entered into a strategic partnership with AXL, a Canada-based group specializing in creating and launching AI companies, aiming to deliver exponential value to clients through innovation.
Diversity & Inclusion:
UK legal regulator introduces updated diversity toolkit to boost talent retention in large firms
The toolkit recommends actions to improve retention rates, including confidential feedback mechanisms and a senior leader-sponsored equity, diversity, and inclusion committee that addresses staff concerns like work allocation regularly.
Mastercard Stakeholders Reject Anti-DEI Proposal
At its annual meeting on June 24, 2025, Mastercard delivered a clear message as stakeholders overwhelmingly voted down an anti-DEI proposal submitted by the conservative shareholder activist group, the National Centre for Public Policy Research.
‘We’re all nervous right now’ – how a subdued Pride month got caught in the DEI backlash
Amid a Pride Month that has been more ‘fraught’ than ever, Alex Ryan and Amy Ulliott spoke to LGBTQ+ lawyers about the current state of the legal profession in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling on the definition of ‘woman’ and Trump’s crackdown on DEI.
Market Commentary:
Why Are Cleary, Goodwin Procter and Other Top Law Firms Abandoning Frankfurt?
“In Frankfurt there’s not enough to go around anymore,” said Ina Steidl, senior partner at legal recruiter Schollmeyer & Steidl. “The big transactions used to be there but it’s not the case nowadays, so at some point U.S. firms decide it isn’t worth keeping an office open.”
It’s also difficult for American firms who expect to bill New York rates in a German market where the economy has been struggling for years.
Perkins Coie Confirms Layoffs Following Fallout From Trump-Linked Executive Order
Perkins Coie lays off 5% of staff, citing operational strategy, amid lingering effects of Trump-era executive order and internal morale concerns.
The beginner’s guide to law firm mergers – a managing partner’s perspective
Following the addition of two former law firm managing partners to 3Kites, Paul Longhurst draws on their extensive experience to develop a checklist for firms exploring a potential merger.
How lawyers can turn climate ambitions into enforceable action
As the climate crisis accelerates amid growing investor scrutiny and evolving regulations, companies can no longer rely on vague pledges. To meet the moment, they must develop transition plans that are not only credible but legally binding, transforming ambition into enforceable action.
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