Moves:
UK & Ireland
King & Spalding Hires Partner Pair in London
Both Matt Hardwick and Dan Giemajner joined from Akin, where they were partners. With a focus on project finance, Giemajner offers advice on how to plan, fund, and execute global energy infrastructure and natural resources projects. He has expertise in funding emerging markets and renewable energy projects worth billions of dollars. Similar to this, Hardwick specializes in planning, building, and managing intricate energy and infrastructure projects. The company has experience with commercial contracts in South America, Africa, and Europe.
Winston & Strawn’s London Office Makes Double Department Chair Hire
With the hiring of partner Aparna Sehgal, who will chair the firm’s structured finance and real estate finance teams in the U.K. and Europe, the U.S. firm is growing its structured finance practice in London. Additionally, Winston is expanding its practice area by hiring Adam Howard, a corporate partner from Skadden, where he served as counsel. Currently, Howard co-chairs the firm’s practice in public company transactions and U.K. capital markets.
Jones Day Advances Life Sciences Practice with Partner Hire from Brown Rudnick
Jones Day has added partner Sage Revell to strengthen its London practice. She is leaving Brown Rudnick, where she was a member of the firm’s global life sciences practice group and a partner in its international transactions practice group.
Gibson Dunn Private Equity Vet Walks to Dechert
In London, a seasoned private equity partner from Gibson Dunn & Crutcher has joined Dechert’s corporate and securities division. According to a Dechert release, Nick Tomlinson will be leaving Gibson Dunn after nearly 25 years with the New York-based company.
Brown Rudnick Plucks Fieldfisher Partner for Latest London Hire
After hiring a tax litigation partner from Fieldfisher, U.S. firm Brown Rudnick has further enhanced its London service. Fieldfisher stated on Wednesday that Matthew Sharp, who has worked there for more than six years, will be joining Brown Rudnick.
Former ICJ president Joan Donoghue joins Twenty Essex as an arbitrator
Former International Court of Justice (ICJ) president Joan Donoghue has joined the London-based chambers Twenty Essex as an arbitrator.
APAC
Kirkland and Latham Litigators Head to HSF in Hong Kong
While Latham associate Truman Mak rejoins Kirkland as a partner, experienced partner Paul Quinn has fled to HSF.
Charles Russell Speechlys Hires Investment Funds Head from PwC Legal Affiliate in Hong Kong
Gaven Cheong is the sixth lateral partner that Charles Russell Speechlys has hired in Asia in the past 12 months.
Hogan Lovells’ Singapore Office Secures Squire Partner as Regulatory Head
According to the firm, Charmian Aw will start working for Hogan Lovells on February 25. She joined Squire as a partner in 2023 from Reed Smith, where she was counsel, and leaves the firm after nearly two years. She began her career as an associate in 2007 at the Big Four Singaporean law firm Drew & Napier, where she worked for more than ten years before that.
HSF Hires Litigation Duo from Kirkland and Latham in Hong Kong
While Latham associate Truman Mak rejoins Kirkland as a partner, experienced partner Paul Quinn has fled to HSF.
Australia’s Gilbert + Tobin Takes Second Dentons Finance Partner this Year
Stanley Mok, a partner in banking and finance, joins the Australian business firm.
Hogan Lovells M&A Partner Leaves Ahead of Australian Shutdown
David Holland, who will start working at DLA’s Sydney office this week, provides advice to government agencies and large corporations about potential trade sales, acquisitions, and IPOs. M&A, corporate and securities law, capital raising, acquisitions by private and public companies, securities concerns, corporate governance, and compliance are the main areas of focus for his work.
Zaid Ibrahim partner joins DFDL-linked Robin Lynn
Caera Lee, a partner from local powerhouse Zaid Ibrahim & Co., has joined Malaysia’s Robin Lynn & Lee, which collaborates with regional law firm DFDL.
EMEA
Bird & Bird strengthens Finance Services Sector Group in France with new partner
Nicolas Mordaunt-Crook has joined Bird & Bird’s global Financial Services Sector Group in Paris as a new partner. Nicolas provides both transactional and regulatory advice. He is well-versed in the rules governing different banking and financial operations in France and abroad, as well as the processes involved in acquiring the necessary authorizations or licenses.
Pérez-Llorca incorporates Cristina Vidal as a partner
With the addition of Cristina Vidal, a former Ramón y Cajal partner, as a new partner in the financial services sector in Madrid, Pérez-Llorca is continuing its expansion strategy. She advises financial institutions, fund managers, insurance companies and companies in the fintech sector on regulatory, compliance and corporate governance matters.
Reed Smith expands Financial Industry Group with restructuring partner in Paris
Marie Crumière has been advising clients on domestic and international, pre-insolvency and insolvency processes, and M&A in a troubled setting for more than ten years. She offers assistance in a wide range of domestic and international restructuring and insolvency issues to debtors, lenders, creditors, buyers, investors, shareholders, management, or court-appointed authorities.
Hughes Hubbard Adds Alexander Marcopoulos as Arbitration Partner
Alexander Marcopoulos joined Hughes Hubbard as a partner in its international arbitration practice in Paris. Marcopoulos represents companies and states in high-stakes international projects and disputes, focusing on the construction and energy sectors.
The Americas
Paul Hastings Adds Two More from King & Spalding in D.C.
According to new partner Brian Ashin, the firm’s third addition from King & Spalding in eight months makes it “one of the largest real estate groups” in the Washington market as Brian Ashin and Alan Noskow join the firm’s Washington, DC office.
Skadden Adds 2 Lateral Partners in Areas of Growth, Demand
David Schwartz of Skadden pointed out that the company needs to expand its labour and employment department since “there aren’t as many practitioners as clients will demand over the next few years.”
McDermott Welcomes New Partners to Litigation, Private Equity Fund Practices
Allison Scher Bernbach joins McDermott Will & Emery from Schulte Roth & Zabel, while Jared Gerber joins from Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton. McDermott’s New York office will serve as the base of operations for both new partners.
Neal Katyal Leaves Hogan Lovells for Milbank
Milbank announced that Katyal, who has argued in more than 50 cases before the Supreme Court, will head the firm’s appellate practice.
Holland & Knight Loses ECVC Co-Head to Sidley Austin
With the hiring of seasoned dealmaker Enrique Conde to its Miami division, Sidley Austin is increasing the relative newcomer’s access to tech work in the South Florida market.
White & Case Environmental Partner Moves to Weil
As the laws governing environmental regulation and enforcement continue to change, Seth Kerschner stated that he anticipates being busy as he joins.
People in the News—Feb. 14, 2025—Robinson+Cole, Barley Snyder
Robert C. Seiger, a partner in Robinson+Cole’s immigration division, has joined the firm’s Philadelphia office.
Patterson + Sheridan Welcomes Patent Attorney as Counsel
The Woodall Law Firm rebrands; Austin becomes a partner for Spencer Fane; David J. Beck receives an award; and more.
Sidley Nabs Dentons Partner, Former Consumer Product Safety Chair in San Diego
After working for Dentons for more than eighteen years, Sarah Carlson joins Sidley.
Pérez-Llorca Sends Mexican M&A Partner to NY Office
José Ignacio Rivero will be joined by a team of Mexican lawyers who will practice Mexican law with the goal of forming a “bridge” for clients with economic and legal interests in both Mexico and the U.S.
In-House
Ex-Starbucks GC Exiting Latest Role, Will Get Severance
A year before the energy division of GE Vernova split off from the industrial conglomerate to become a separate public company, Rachel Gonzalez joined the company in April 2023.
White Castle Promotes Marine Corps Veteran to General Counsel
“I discovered in the Marine Corps that decisiveness, clear communication, and a strong emphasis on continuous improvement are essential components of effective leadership,” Melissa Palmisciano stated.
Walmart Global Compliance Chief Joining KPMG as General Counsel, Vice Chair
While working as a deputy assistant attorney general at the Department of Justice and as a partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius and White & Case, Matt Miner gained extensive knowledge of white-collar crime.
Munger, Tolles & Olson Lures Former Skadden Corporate Attorney Out of Retirement
Before retiring last year, Andrew Garelick spent more than 17 years as a partner in Skadden’s Los Angeles office.
Manatt Adds AI-Focused Tech Transactions Partner in New York
After working for Fenwick & West for more than six years, Vejay Lalla joins the business.
GC of World’s Largest Berry Company Retiring After Decades of Agricultural Advocacy
Prior to becoming general counsel in 2014, Tom O’Brien served as Driscoll’s outside counsel.
Pax8 Nabs Compliance Chief from Splunk Following Its $28B Sale
Marianne Wolf was referred to the Pax8 Chief Legal Officer Carrie Schiff as “a well-established leader in compliance among tech firms.”
KPMG hires Walmart chief ethics and compliance officer as GC in the US
In lieu of Tonya Robinson, who departed for US investment management Vanguard last year, KPMG, a major accounting and consulting firm, has appointed Matt Miner as general counsel of its US division.
Recently rebranded US financial data firm Octus hires GC from FactSet
Megan Jones is the first general counsel recruited by financial market data provider Octus since the company changed its name from Reorg last year.Jones previously served as corporate secretary and deputy general counsel at FactSet, another source of financial market data.
Team Moves
Morgan Lewis Adds 4 IP Partners in Orange County, 1 in Seattle
All five partners have joined from Knobbe Martens. IP litigators Ali Razai, Benjamin Anger, Benjamin Everton and Brandon Smith are joining the Orange County office of Morgan Lewis, while Jacob Peterson is joining the Seattle office.
Pinsent Masons to Cut 14 Equity Partners in Germany
All three of the German offices in Frankfurt, Munich, and Düsseldorf are anticipated to be impacted by the reduction. That represents a significant portion of Pinsent Masons team in Germany, where it has just over 100 lawyers including 41 partners and legal directors across three offices.
Clifford Chance Paris Takes Partner-Led IP Litigation Team From A&O Shearman
Partner David Stone, the former global head of IP at legacy Allen & Overy, has joined White & Case in London alongside Karla Hughes and Adrian Dykes.
Willkie Adds 3 FCPA, White-Collar Litigators from Mayer Brown in California, DC
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act practice at Willkie will be led by new partner Jason Linder. Additionally, Glenn Vanzura and Sonali D. Patel, have joined the Firm as partners.
Cadwalader Embarks on London Fund Finance Rebuild with Three Partner Hires
The business is expanding its London office by recruiting Ashurst partners Douglas Murning and Matthew Worth, as well as Reed Smith partner Bronwen Jones. Following the departure of the four-partner team led by Samantha Hutchinson to King & Spalding last year, Cadwalader took a hit.
India’s Cyril Amarchand Bolsters Real Estate Offering, Hires 7-Lawyer Team from Luthra and Luthra
The recruitment, which marks CAM’s first team addition of the year, demonstrates the company’s ongoing growth as part of its growth strategy that was introduced last year.
Cleary Gottlieb M&A Veteran Takes Team of 3 to Korea’s Legal Leader Kim & Chang
Sang Jin Han, a seasoned Korean M&A professional, has brought three colleagues to Kim & Chang.
Korea’s Kim & Chang adds four-lawyer M&A team
With the addition of seasoned partner Sang Jin Han and his team from U.S. firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, Kim & Chang, the biggest legal firm in South Korea, has strengthened its cross-border M&A expertise.
Malaysia’s ASL expands disputes offering with 6-attorney team
Adnan Sundra & Low, a prominent Malaysian law firm, has strengthened its disputes service by bringing on a team of six attorneys from Steven Thiru & Sudhar Partnership (STSP), a local boutique headed by senior partner Sudharsanan Thillainathan. Alongside Sudharsanan, who joins as an equity partner, are associates Bala Ravi Sankar and Lee Jing Long, senior associate Yee Lin Ng, and partners Dawn Wong and Tania Edward.
Haynes Boone picks up four-partner Memery Crystal capital markets team amid ongoing exits
As the London boutique continues to crumble against the backdrop of its parent firm, RBG Holdings, getting ready to go into administration, a seven-person capital markets team, including four partners, has left Memery Crystal to join Haynes Boone. Lead by partner Nick Davis, who was recently named co-head of Haynes Boone’s London office, the group joining the top 100 US firm consists of three associates and partners Edward Baker, Robert Bines-Black, and Nick Heap.
Financials:
Strong Revenue and Profitability Growth Propel Pennsylvania Firms Into 2025
A total of nine companies in the state increased their revenue by 9.1%, which was only less than the industry-wide average of 12.3%. But when it came to earnings per equity partner, they beat the national average, which increased by 17.4% as opposed to 16.5%.
Health Care, Litigation Fuel 21% Revenue Growth for Arnall Golden Gregory
Managing partner Sean Fogarty described the successful year as “actually a collection of broad-based successes across hundreds of clients.”
Associate Compensation Jumped $100K in NYC Over 5 Years, Report Finds
According to Major, Lindsey, and Africa’s analysis of seven important markets, lateral movement among senior associates is also increasing in New York and Chicago.
Southeast Firms Outpaced National Average for Demand in 2024, but Revenue Growth Lagged
Revenue, income, and PEP have increased by double digits, according to the Citi Global Wealth at Work Law Firm Group’s year-end study of 20 companies in the area. Nationally, however, the findings were much more impressive.
The Department of Justice entered the fray just weeks after the business completed its $14 billion acquisition of Juniper Networks, bringing a lawsuit to stop the deal on antitrust grounds.
Los Angeles’ Junior, Mid-Level Associates Gained a 5% Pay Bump Last Year
Data from recruitment firm Major, Lindsey & Africa indicates a possible reversal in stagnating salary trends.
‘Back to Normal’: Cadwalader Sees Revenue, PEP Surge as Equity Tier Shrinks
According to Pat Quinn, chair of the firm, the fluctuations in interest rates over the past few years have led to unanticipated outcomes. He claimed that the firm would return to normalcy in 2024.
Norton Rose Boosts NQ Pay to Match HSF and Hogan Lovells
Both Herbert Smith Freehills and Hogan Lovells presently pay their recently qualified attorneys the amount Norton Rose Fulbright announced.
Milbank’s Revenue and Profits Hit Record Highs
The record year saw a 23% increase in total revenue and a 33% increase in average earnings per equity partner. The firm reported a 40% increase in income from its London location.
Promotions & Appointments:
After $2B Sale, Tropical Smoothie Café Promotes Company Veteran to GC
Seven years ago, Karen Wickliffe started working at the sandwich and smoothie restaurant.
People in the News—Feb. 12, 2025—Mannion Prior, Galfand Berger
John F. Higgins has joined the firm as a partner, according to Mannion Prior.
Regulatory Partner Takes Over Managing Partner Role at Osler’s Calgary Office
Sander Duncanson, a longtime employee of the firm, takes over for Brian Thiessen, who intends to run for Calgary mayor.
Philip Lee partner Anna Hickey appointed to key climate finance role
Philip Lee partner Anna Hickey has been appointed to lead the M&A activities of the firm’s climate finance team.
Deirdre Cummins appointed chair of Pensions Council
Deirdre Cummins, a lawyer with Arthur Cox, has been named the Pensions Council’s chairperson. The minister of social protection receives advice on pension policy issues from the Pensions Council, which is chaired by a Pinsean.
Mark Garrett appointed to Community Law & Mediation board
Law Society of Ireland director general Mark Garrett has recently been appointed to the board of directors of Community Law & Mediation.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Black Judges Discuss Growing Up During Segregation, Efforts to Diversify the Profession
“Segregation was an impetus for me. It was my life. It’s my lived experience,” stated Ninth Circuit Judge Johnnie Rawlinson. “No one can take that away because I lived it, and it’s my story. And we can’t take it away by pretending it didn’t exist.”
Why Are Women Still Walking Out the Door: Gender Equity Study Seeks Answers from NJ Attorneys
As the years go by, the subsequent research confirms the findings. Just enough already. “We require believable suggestions that can be put into practice,” stated Christine Petruzzell, a retired shareholder of Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer.
Meta Costs Black Students Opportunities in Higher Education, New Discrimination Lawsuit Says
Law.com Radar, ALM’s source for real-time alerts on recently filed cases in state and federal courts, was the first to bring attention to this complaint. State courts around the country are now covered by Law.com Radar. Be the first to learn about new suits in your practice area, client sector, or region by registering today.
Powerful Shareholder-Advisory Firm Abandons Push to Diversify Corporate Boards
Institutional Shareholder Services’ retreat on DEI comes after Vanguard and BlackRock decided to downplay the problem.
Office Openings & Closing:
Fragomen Launches in Pittsburgh with Dentons Cohen & Grigsby Team
Under the leadership of partner Alexander Castrodale, the new office at PPG Place also has “a couple dozen” support personnel, attorneys John Brendel and Ana María Mieles, and partners Alexa Forte, Larry Lebowitz, and Matthew Phillips.
Pinsent Masons Launches Third Mainland China Office in Shenzhen, China
Kanyi Lui, the head of Pinsent Masons China, will move from Beijing to Shenzhen to oversee the company’s new organization.
Freshfields Doubles DC Office Space, Signaling US Growth Ambitions
According to reports, the company is more than doubling its space in the city.
ALN Expands into Ghana, Tapping into Booming Gold Market and West African Growth
ALN joins Dentons and DLA Piper, who are already present in the West African nation, which is a key gold hotspot in the world.
Appleby Set to Expand in China, Receives License to Operate in Shenzhen
The new full-service office will serve as Appleby’s second base in mainland China when it opens.
Kanyi Lui, the China head of Pinsent Masons, will move from Beijing to Shenzhen to oversee the company’s new venture.
Freshfields Signals US Growth Ambitions by Doubling Office Space in Washington DC
According to reports, the company is more than doubling its space in the city.
White & Case Ends Exclusive Alliance with Local Outfit in Indonesia
After completing a non-exclusive arrangement with Ali Budiardjo Nugroho Reksodiputro and an exclusive alliance with MD & Partners, this is the firm’s third split in Indonesia.
Mergers & Alliances:
LegalZoom Acquires Small Business Services Company Formation Nation
LegalZoom hopes to improve its customer service skills by acquiring Formation Nation.
Both the accounting and business consultancy firm Aprio and the law firm Radix already hold ABS licenses, which gives them an advantage against Big Four firm KPMG, which is requesting authorization to provide a comparable set of services on a larger scale.
Factor Acquires Legal Tech Design and Development Agency Theory and Principle
The goal of the action is to hasten the ALSP’s creation of AI-driven legal technology solutions for in-house clients.
As Kramer Levin Merger Vote Nears, HSF Partners Express Hopes and Fears
As management looks to meet the necessary 75% approval level in the upcoming weeks, partners around the world have diverse opinions on the upcoming partnership.
Freshfields and Slaughter and May Among Firms Teaming Up to Fund Climate Actionv
The new initiative coincides with climate activists drawing more attention to businesses for their involvement in environmentally damaging practices.
HSF Partners Express Hopes and Fears as Kramer Levin Merger Vote Nears
As management looks to meet the necessary 75% approval level in the upcoming weeks, partners around the world have diverse opinions on the upcoming partnership.
Technology & Innovation:
AI in Legal: Disruptive Potential and Practical Realities
The writer states, “We are living through a period of seismic but still unfolding business transformation relating to artificial intelligence (AI), with perspectives shifting regularly from irrational exuberance to scepticism to confusion to alarm, as this week’s reaction to DeepSeek attests.”
Elite Unveils AI Tool ‘Validate’ for Automated Outside Counsel Guideline Review
With Validate’s editing, notification, and simplification features, the law firm solutions provider hopes to assist its clients in expediting their OCG evaluation.
CLM Platform Spotdraft Announces $54 Million Series B Funding Round
This year, the contract lifecycle management platform wants to concentrate on developing its workforce and advancing artificial intelligence in its offerings.
Adobe Launches Contract Intelligence Capabilities in Its Acrobat AI Assistant
Legal experts and other users provided suggestions throughout the design of the contract intelligence tool.
UK Firm Hill Dickinson Clamps Down on ChatGPT Use
After one week of observing the company’s use of AI, the enforcement was made.
Legal Tech Startup Aracor AI Announces $4.5 Million Pre-Seed Funding Round
The business plans to utilize the money to hire more people, conduct more market research, and enhance the platform’s security and AI capabilities.
Agentic AI Startup Eudia Raises $105M, With Backing from Former Relativity CEOs
Chief legal officers and internal teams at Fortune 500 organizations can expedite a number of processes with the help of AI agents in the startup’s augmented intelligence platform.
Market Commentary:
As they close their trial practice, Hodges & Foty, Houston trial lawyer Don Foty has filed a lawsuit against his colleague David Hodges to gain access to bank accounts.
Some New Arrivals Prefer Buckhead, but Midtown Remains Tops for Atlanta Law Firms
The majority of Big Law firms choose Midtown because of its new Class A space and easy access to interstates.
Questions Grow Over Linklaters’ Future in Warsaw
Linklaters has kept its office in Poland, which now seems to be getting close to moving to Addleshaw Goddard, despite leaving four CEE locations in 2008.
Atlanta Calling: National Law Firms Flock to a ‘Hotbed for Talented Lawyers’
By attracting partners who require additional resources to support established practices, several Am Law 200 firms are establishing offices in the Georgia capital.
Lowenstein Sandler Rebounds From 2023, Invests in Future Growth
According to chairman and managing partner Gary Wingens, the firm’s strategic strategy places a strong emphasis on expansion over the next five years, with a particular goal of increasing the firm’s overall person count to between 550 and 700 lawyers.
Deputy GCs Like Their Jobs, but They Also Feel Trapped in Them
According to an Axiom analysis, overburdened legal departments prioritize completing tasks above giving deputy GCs opportunities to interact with board members and other possibilities that might prepare them for the top position.
CMS, Dentons, Addleshaw Goddard Set Sights on Oman’s New Trade Court
The Investment and Trade Court would improve the effectiveness of law firm dispute resolution procedures by lowering case backlogs and delays in Oman’s legal system.
Will Big Law’s Bet on the Middle East Pay Off?
According to The Global Lawyer, the Middle East seems to be the most competitive legal market, but geopolitical issues will be a major factor wherever businesses choose to locate their operations in 2025.
Not Every Firm Can Be Cravath, So Can’t We Have Some Variety?
According to The Global Lawyer, firms like White & Case, Herbert Smith Freehills, Linklaters, and A&O Shearman must choose between having a distinctive approach and competing for clients’ revenues.
Musk and Trump’s BEE Backlash Raise Legal Sector Challenges in South Africa
The legal industry is greatly impacted by South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) program, as businesses struggle with trade repercussions, compliance issues, and continuous discussions on its efficacy.
ALSP Market Surges, Growing 38% in Two Years
As businesses and law firms adopt new legal models, alternative legal services are growing rapidly.
Law Firm Growth in Demand and Worked Rates in Q4 Coincided with Countercyclical Dip
According to Thomson Reuters’ Q4 Law Firm Financial Index, transactional practices may face challenges in 2025 as countercyclical growth slows.