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.