Moves:
EMEA
McDermott Expands Frankfurt Finance Practice with Gibson Dunn Hire
In order to improve its German private equity and finance capabilities, McDermott Will & Emery has hired Alexander Klein as a finance partner and expanded its Frankfurt office.
Edward Nathan Sonnenberg (ENS) lose two directors to DLA Piper and Bowmans
Director and competition expert HB Senekal, who worked for 17 years at ENS, became a partner at Bowmans while his colleague Lorica Elferink was named corporate director at DLA Piper.
Natasha Naidoo, a former member of Norton Rose’s litigation and dispute department, became a director of Fairbridges.
Spencer West add Caroline Karugu-Mwarari as partner in their commercial real estate team.
Caroline came to Spencer West’s Nairobi office after working for two years at Ashitiva Advocates. She spent eight years at Anjarwalla & Khanna before that.
Cairo-headquartered Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy has hired Imane Raouf
Raouf, a former head of capital markets and financial services at Dreny & Partners with experience at the Egyptian Competition Authority, became a partner in the finance & projects practice group.
Africa Roundup: A&O Shearman, Baker McKenzie & ENS Moves
To expand its dispute practice in South Africa, Baker McKenzie has brought on three new attorneys, including a director and senior associate from A&O Shearman. According to Baker McKenzie, on September 9th, director Michelle Porter-Wright and senior associate Rebecca Thomson became partners. Tiffany Gray, a Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) director designate, will also be joining the team in September.
APAC
Indonesia’s GHP Law Firm appoints new partner
Jakarta-headquartered GHP Law Firm have appointed Lavie Daramarezkya as a new partner.
Indonesia’s ARKO adds banking and finance veteran
Dani Indrawan, a new partner with a focus on banking and finance, has been appointed by the Indonesian legal firm ARKO, formerly known as Armila & Rako.
Saraf latest to add capital markets capabilities with JSA partner
By bringing on partner Mathew Thomas from JSA Advocates & Solicitors in New Delhi, Saraf and Partners is the most recent Indian law practice to expand its capital markets expertise.
HSF grows energy practice with W&C hire in Singapore
The international legal firm Herbert Smith Freehills has added former White & Case lawyer Ee Lynn Tan as a partner, enhancing the company’s energy skills in Singapore.
Indonesia: Fast-growing FKNK adds another partner, launches in Surabaya
As a partner at FKNK, capital markets specialist Ferry Rajagukguk has nearly two decades of experience in corporate financing, mergers and acquisitions, and initial public offerings. Prior to this, he oversaw Rakhmat Suroso Adinugraha Advocates’ corporate practice.
In house
Legal-Ops Trailblazer Mary O’Carroll Joins Goodwin Procter as COO
“I think the biggest change is currently taking place in legal companies. Mary O’Carroll, chief operating officer of Goodwin Procter, stated, “I feel like I’m coming full circle as I dive back in. My legal career started at a firm.”
Tyson Veteran to Succeed Target’s Don Liu as Legal Chief
Amy Tu is taking over the leadership of a $107 billion retail behemoth with 415,000 employees.
Longtime Lawyer Lands Front Man Role in Hard Rock’s Legal Dept.
Frank Chesky joined Hard Rock in 2017 to assist with the opening of the company’s casino in Atlantic City, and he has since climbed the ranks.
Ex-Binance General Counsel Takes Legal Reins of Rival Crypto Exchange
A year ago, Hon Ng left Binance amid rumors that the CEO’s handling of a Department of Justice money-laundering probe was not up to executive standards. Later, a $4 billion settlement was reached with the DOJ.
Veteran Legal Chief Who Quit 2 Years Ago—Declaring ‘I Need a Break’—Returns to In-House Game
As the late-stage biopharma Cytokinetic’s legal head, Brett Pletcher has assumed control.
LA Talent Agency Hires Condé Nast Exec to Lead Legal
“I’ve always been impressed by Verve’s ability to push boundaries,” stated Jennifer Jones, who will be joining the company as head of business affairs and general counsel.
UK & Ireland
Latest Kirkland Funds Partner Decamps to Paul Weiss in London
In February, David Pritchett, a former colleague of Jeremy Leggate and James King from Kirkland Funds, started the U.K. funds business. He will join the company as a partner in the corporate department within the investment funds Group, located in London.
Leading 39 Essex Chambers silk departs for new specialist arbitrator set
Former HSF partner David Brynmor Thomas KC has joined Newmans Row, which launched in March.
Edwards & Co appoints Kellie Morwood as youngest ever partner
Ms. Morwood, 28, received a first-class honours degree from Queen’s University Belfast School of Law in 2017 and a distinction from the Institute of Professional Legal Studies (IPLS) in 2019, allowing her to become a licensed solicitor.
The Americas
Gibson Dunn Adds Weil Litigator in Dallas
Elizabeth Ryan becomes a partner in the firm’s trial and litigation practice groups.
Duane Morris Adds Whiteford Hospitality Chair to ‘Litigation-Heavy’ Pittsburgh Office
The addition of Gosia Kosturek and her clientele infuses the firm with a transactional character. Kosturek manages franchise agreements, buyer-side transactions, and seller-side concerns.
Barnes & Thornburg Dallas Office Leader Rejoins Haynes and Boone
Re-joining Haynes and Boone as global chair of the trials practice group is Victor Vital, who has been managing partner of the Dallas office of Barnes & Thornburg since 2022.
K&L Gates Expands Corporate Practice with Wilmington Partner Addition
Kelly Terribile has joined the corporate practice of international law firm K&L Gates in Delaware as a partner.
People in the News—Aug. 13, 2024—Barley Snyder, Saxton & Stump
Rebecca M. Shanaman, an attorney, recently joined Barley Snyder’s York office, the company stated.
Baker Botts Adds Mayer Brown M&A, Energy Projects Partner in Houston
Rebecca Seidl, a recent addition to Baker Botts, will oversee the company’s vital minerals and metals subsector. She has mining and energy transition experience.
2 McDermott Energy M&A, Private Equity Partners Jump to Winston in Houston
By appointing McDermott Will & Emery partners Kevin Brophy and Ming Lei as transaction department partners in Houston, Winston & Strawn is expanding its energy team in Texas.
Paul Hastings Continues to Build M&A Capability with Shareholder Activism Partner from Goodwin
The practice of Andrew Goodman’s shareholder activism, with its emphasis on technology, real estate, and life sciences, adds bench depth to the field and strengthens the firm’s presence in Boston.
Recruiting From Crowell and Paul Hastings, Allen Matkins Builds in New York
Allen Matkins recently hired two lateral partners, who claimed to have full dockets because every customer they brought with them from their prior firms.
Simpson Lands Public Company Advisory Attorney from Skadden
James Rapp, who worked at Simpson from 2013 to 2021, and his newly hired former Skadden colleagues will be returning to their previous firm.
Hallett & Perrin Boosts Real Estate Practice With 2 Corporate Shareholders
In the historic Corpus Christi building, SBSB Eastham installs an office; a former Dallas City Councilman joins JAMS.
Greenberg Traurig welcomes a securities litigation shareholder; the NJSBA gives a pro bono award; and more moves.
Team Moves
Manatt Adds 3 Partners to Health Care, Life Sciences Practices Amid ‘Huge Demand’
Partners Manatt Phelps joined Erin Hertzog, Pat Cerundolo, and Ross Margulies from Foley Hoag.
Sheppard Mullin Picks Up Former Depp Lawyer in 5-Partner Trial Group from Brown Rudnick
Included in this is Camille Vasquez, who gained national attention during the trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard.
Davis Polk Adds Debevoise Fund Formation Partners in ‘Transformative Development’
Neil Barr the firm’s chair stated that, “Growing our investment management platform to scale is a top priority for our firm.”
Duane Morris Adds New York Trio From Construction Boutique
The change was made shortly after Duane Morris hired an associate general counsel from Exxon Mobil and a chair of a practice group from Whiteford, Taylor & Preston.
K&L Gates Hires Real Estate Partner and Team in Sydney
Along with his two-person team, Paul Lalich joins the Sydney-based firm from HWL Ebsworth. Lalich has over 25 years of experience advising the government, state-owned corporations, institutional investors, publicly listed Real Estate Investment Trusts, private businesses, and domestic and international transport and aviation companies on planning and environmental law.
Office Openings & Closing:
Venable’s Miami Office Moves Locations with Sights Set on Growth Mode
In an attempt to be closer to the financial area of Miami, Venable is relocating its Miami office from downtown to Brickell.
Amid 38% Head Count Growth, Pierson Ferdinand Pushing for Distributed Law Firm Model Evolution
“When we’re working for other partners, we receive transparent, consistent compensation that we know about in advance right in our partner offer package,” Joel Ferdinand, their co-chairman, stated.
Norton Rose Fulbright’s New Houston Office Features Views of Urban Park
In downtown Houston, a brand-new 28-story office skyscraper with modern facilities including high-tech conference rooms and an outdoor terrace overlooking Discovery Green urban park is home to Norton Rose Fulbright, the building’s primary tenant.
Clyde & Co to Close 1 of 2 Northern Ireland Offices
Two years ago, the firm merged with BLM, acquiring the office.
PRC firms continue HK expansion as Wang Jing & GH opens
The newest mainland Chinese legal practice to establish a foothold in the Asian financial center is Wang Jing & GH, a Chinese law firm that recently opened an office in Hong Kong.
Financials:
After Milbank Rolls Out Summer Bonuses, Big Law in ‘Waiting’ Mode While Associates Watch Eagerly
One recruiter observed that employers are under pressure to emulate Milbank’s audacious action, as many colleagues are inquiring about if their companies will offer summer bonuses.
‘Window Dressing’: How U.K. Associates Really Feel About Six-Figure Starting Salaries
A number of industry pundits, including colleagues, discuss the negative aspects of the wage war.
2024 GC Pay Report: $20M Club Shrinks, but Not Average Compensation
Restructuring its pay policies was unusual for Netflix in a year when investors were reluctant to second guess boards due to strong stock market returns.
The Law Firms with the Largest Partner Pay Spreads
The increasing partner pay ratios are a result of large organizations using several strategies to provide funding to their top achievers.
According to managing partner Stephen Millar, the firm, which have been hunting for a domestic merger for years, is considering looking at a few smaller American companies for possible joint ventures.
Addleshaws and DAC Beachcroft latest firms to post financial results
Addleshaw Goddard have reported robust expansion throughout their global network, with revenue rising by 12% to £495.6 million, while overall profit increased by 14%. Also, publishing their results were DAC Beachcroft, whose record profits were driven by a 9% revenue growth. Both businesses mentioned foreign investment as well.
Diversity & Inclusion:
An Eleventh Circuit panel of three judges decided on May 13 that companies cannot discriminate against transgender workers by outright refusing to cover gender-affirming medical care under employee health care plans.
Has there been any progress made, though, given that ethnic diversity levels in city law firms still significantly behind the national average?
Navigating Conflicting Laws, Regulations When It Comes to Implementing DEI Policies in the Workplace
Employers face a difficult path ahead full of roadblocks due to conflicting laws and regulations that differ greatly between the states. These are only a few recommended strategies to help law firms and businesses deal with the current balancing act that is workplace diversity and equity (DEI).
Promotions & Appointments:
Cahill Recruits Wilmer Partner to Lead New Congressional Investigations Practice
In order “to keep those matters and make sure we can have that offering for the clients who need them,” according to Edward O’Callaghan, the New York business wants to provide the investigative service to financial industry clients.
McGuireWoods Appoints CFO Jeffrey Connor as COO
Connor will be succeeding Richard Davis, who has served as COO since 2019.
Perkins Coie Appoints New Chief Financial Officer from Davis Wright Tremaine
After working with Davis Wright Tremaine for more than six years, David Delafield has joined Perkins.
Former Malaysian judge to lead AIAC
Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC), with its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, has named Mary Lim Thiam Suan, a recently retired Federal Court of Malaysia judge, as its next director.
Madeleine Delaney appointed CEO of Charities Regulator
Prior to arriving at the Charities Regulator, she was the head of legal at the Office of the Ombudsman and previously deputy head of compliance with the Pensions Authority.
Microsoft-Backed Startup Hires Blockchain Guru as First Legal Chief
As chief legal officer, Rika Khurdayan, a seasoned attorney with a strong background in the blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors, has joined Space and Time Labs, a decentralized data platform supported by Microsoft
Mergers & Alliances:
Garrigues, Cuatrecasas & Uría Menéndez Dominate M&A as Deal Value Surges in 2024
With the value of M&A agreements rising dramatically in the first half of 2024, Spain has seen a boom in transactional activity, which highlights the trio’s adept handling of market conditions and capacity to draw in sizable mandates.
For the secondary listing, Latham & Watkins, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, and Linklaters are providing advice, and Ashurst is providing advice for a $440 million wind farm purchase.
‘The market is dynamic and fragmented’ – Gadens’ CEO on its top tier ambitions
In the same month that its network of offices’ financial integration is finalized, Australian firm Gadens has consented to merge with Trinity Law, situated in Canberra, thereby increasing the national firm’s presence in the capital.
Rouse acquires Swedish IP consultancy firm Konsert
Konsert Strategy & IP, a Swedish management consulting firm, has been bought by specialist IP firm Rouse. A specialized IP management consulting company, Konsert is based in Gothenburg, Germany, and serves technology clients in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Technology & Innovation:
A number of planned search, integration, and product capabilities enhancements are also scheduled for this year and the first half of 2025, according to the business.
Deal Watch: AI Race Changes Deal Market, Influencing Capital Markets, Energy, Real Estate Practices
AI firms as well as those in the energy, data, infrastructure, and real estate sectors will require funding, according to Simpson Thacher partner David Azarkh. This “will mean additional capital markets offerings.”
Build, Buy or Borrow? Rise in AI Licensing Deals Prompts Windfall for Tech Transaction Lawyers
AI businesses are finding that license agreements might be their lifelines as they run out of money.
The Next Frontier: AI Agents for Law Firms
As with any new technology, artificial intelligence (AI) agents have limitations even though they are making progress in a number of fields
Market Commentary:
A Law Firm Divided: How Generational Differences Are Fracturing Firms
Examine the statistics from our series to see how legal firms are being divided by generational disparities.
Big Law Attorneys Find Flexibility, Opportunities in Own Firms
According to Gabriel Tese of Cyber Law Firm, “if you’re a small firm, you have to get comfortable doing fee sharing arrangements.”
Will Other Big Law Firms Follow Suit on Associate Hiring Delay?
Recruiter Lauren Wu stated that, “I have not seen in the market something that would make me think that we’re going to see a slowdown in new hires from law school across the market”.
Litigation, Health Care, Telecom, Antitrust Practices Fuel Lateral Hiring in DC
This week in the nation’s capital, a number of Big Law firms increased the number of partners in their ranks.
With Hours Tenuous, New Metric Looks to Baseball to Assess Lawyer Productivity
The new statistic, according to researchers, has a stronger correlation with profitability.