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.