Moves:
UK & Ireland
Akin Loses M&A Partner While Hiring in Restructuring, as London Laterals See Busy Start to the Year
Following a recent departure, the firm has welcomed a new hire, reflecting the dynamism of London’s job market in the New Year.
Freshfields Hits Akin for London-Based Private Funds Partner
Expect to see more private funds lawyers at the firm soon. This hire is the start of a 10-person expansion across London and New York.
Osborne Clarke Drops Signature from Law Firm Climate Charter
While no longer a full-fledged participant, the firm retains an advisory role with the charter through their “dialogue partner” status.
Gibson Dunn Rehires Freshfields London Restructuring Partner
It was a short-lived tenure at Freshfields, just 18 months.
Quinn Emanuel hires restructuring partner from Paul Hastings
Veteran Paul Hastings restructuring partner David Ereira has joined Quinn Emanuel in London.
EMEA
Orrick’s International Arbitration Co-Leader Exits Firm to Launch Own Practice
‘As a partner of an international firm, you are constantly confronted with issues of conflicts of interest,’ said Michael Bühler.
CVC Ditches GC Role as it Taps A&O for Next Legal Head
The new legal chief of the private equity giant occupies a senior partner role at A&O Amsterdam.
DLA Piper Takes Disputes Partner and Counsel From Simmons in Paris
With prior experience at both Legance and Linklaters, the new partner brings a wealth of expertise in cross-border M&A and private equity to the Italian firm, further bolstering their capabilities in these key areas.
Squire Builds Out Italian M&A and Energy Practice With Partner Hire From K&L Gates
Italian firms have been strengthening their M&A, private equity, energy and infrastructure teams, anticipating an increase in transactional and reconstruction work.
Linklaters Snags Veteran HSF Partner to Co-Head Paris Corporate/M&A Practice
After an 18-year tenure at HSF, Hubert Segain joins Linklaters, having become partner at the firm in 2008, serving their global governing council, and leading their Paris corporate practice.
White & Case Launches Jo’Burg Commercial Litigation Practice with Baker McKenzie Hire
Making significant strides in Africa, the firm boasts a thriving practice of 83 lawyers, propelling them from 21st to 16th in the 2023 regional rankings.
Ashurst Expands Munich Presence With 2 Partner Hires
Following partner departures last year, the firm welcomes the new hires.
APAC
Dentons Adds Second Australian Partner this Month
Dentons welcomes Edmund Burke to their Brisbane office as he exits Holding Redlich.
Han Kun, Lewis Silkin Take Partners from Mayer Brown, Gall in Hong Kong
Lewis Silkin welcomes new joiner Kenix Yuen as Bonnie Yung welcomes Bonnie Yung.
K&L Gates Hires Projects Partner as Brisbane Prepares to Host Olympics
Previously, Justin O’Callaghan served McInnes Wilson Lawyers as principal in Australia.
K&L Gates Hires Away MoFo’s Funds Partner in Singapore, Adds Another in Sydney
Prior to joining the firm, Jason Nelms served at Morrison Foerster whereas Claudine Salameh served at Norton Rose Fulbright.
HKIAC Appoints New Secretary General, New Corporate Hires for Hong Kong, Indian Firms
New corporate partners have been appointed by both Eric Chow & Co and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas.
The Americas
Davis Polk Brings Back Former White House Lawyer, Morgan Stanley Compliance Head
Raul Yanes returns to Davis Polk to lead the firm’s investigations and white-collar defence practice, becoming the most recent lawyer transitioning between a bank and Big Law.
Ex-White House Counsel Lawyer Joins Latham; Mayer Brown Hires Ex-Counsel to McCarthy
The Capitol’s doors keep spinning this week as lawyers shuffle between Big Law and the federal government.
On the heels of a team exit including Pat Cipollone, ex-White House counsel, Thomas O’Brien’s Ellis George departure was announced.
On the Move: Moore & Van Allen Adds Atlanta Entertainment Lawyer to Financial Practice
Brett E. Moskowitz is highly experienced “in a niche, highly competitive industry” and has a client base featuring banks who had been involved in syndicating financings across the entertainment industry.
Amid Management Shuffle, Norton Rose Adds Litigation Leaders in Chicago
Following departures within Norton Rose’s management, Joshua Lee and Edward Casmere join as the firm’s new litigation leads, bringing high expectations with them for the pace of disputes and lawsuits this year.
Tammy Davies exists Paul Hastings to join MoFo as partner in their finance group.
Midsize Moves: BakerHostetler Loses Marketing Manager and Health Care Lawyer To McNees, Nossman
Christopher Strah joins McNees Wallace & Nurick as their director of marketing. Meanwhile, Mark Kadzielski joins Nossaman’s health care group.
Latin America-Focused Lawyer Rejoins Greenberg Traurig in Washington, DC
Irwin Altschuler’s return bolsters the practice’s capabilities in the region, following a Mexico City January hire.
Baker McKenzie Adds Leading Energy Litigation Team in Texas
Renowned litigators David Baay, Jack Massey, Kelsey Machado, Ian Shelton, and Matthew (Matt) Rawlinson have joined the Houston office of international law firm Baker McKenzie.
In-House
Chicago Bears General Counsel Out After 2 Decades With Team
“I never took one day for granted,” wrote Cliff Stein on LinkedIn. “I worked with 4 general managers, 6 head coaches, 2 Presidents, got to experience 1 Super Bowl, 2 NFC championships and 4 NFC North championships.”
New Year Brings Flurry of UK In-House Moves
Neil Laventure’s departure from Haleon/GSK and Belgian bike start-up Cowboy’s first GC are among the In-House moves.
Ex-GC of McAfee Takes Legal Reins at Another Big Security Player
Nell O’Donnel joins Barracuda Networks to advance its growth, having served as legal chief to some of data protection’s biggest players.
Promotions & Appointments:
Potter Anderson Elects Five New Partners
Five individuals elected to partnership, announces Potter Anderson & Corron as Rebecca E. Salko, Aaron R. Sims, Nicholas D. Mozal, Stephen McNeill, and Laura G. Readinger are set to join the Delaware law firm, effective Jan 1.
Hoagland Longo Names Esteemed Litigator as New Managing Partner
“We are thrilled to have Chad step into the role of managing partner,” stated former managing parter, Gary J. Hoagland, in latest press release. “His legal acumen, leadership skills, forward-thinking approach, and steadfast commitment to client service uniquely position him to propel our firm into a promising future.”
After ‘Banner Year’ in Growth, ArentFox Schiff Names New Leader
10% RPL increase and a 2023 12%+ increase in PEP, projects Brian Waldman, ArentFox’s new managing partner.
Pinsent Masons appoints Melanie Grimmitt as head of new Client and Markets Group
Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has appointed energy partner Melanie Grimmitt as head of the firm’s new Clients and Markets Group as it seeks to accelerate its multinational sector-led approach in the wake of rapid global expansion.
Mergers & Alliances:
Utah’s Maschoff Brennan Goes Bicoastal in Merger With Another IP Boutique
“We are certainly not resting on our laurels,” stated a leader in an interview, “We’re interested in … expanding our geographic base into markets that seem to make sense”. Newly formed Maschoff Brennan Gilmore Israelsen & Mauriel currently have offices in Utah, California and New York.
Phila. Litigation Boutiques Dailey LLP and Levan Legal Announce Merger
Under the Dailey LLP name, the combined firm boasts 14 attorneys, four of whom are from Levan.
Hill Dickinson Links Up with Former Ince Group for Cyprus Launch
The launch welcomes two ex-Ince partners as well as three associates.
Office Openings & Closing:
McCarter & English Adds Miami Real Estate Transaction Team from Now-Shuttered Boutique
Alvarez & Diaz-Silveira’s remaining lawyers considered joining McCarter alongside Alberto Delgado and Manuel Fernandez. Instead, the firm closed at the end of last year with Pedro Alvarez’s retiring and two other employees relocating to Polsinelli.
Davis Polk, Latham Engaged to Advise on Anta Spin-off and $1B IPO of Amer
If successful, Amer’s listing is set to be one of the most important IPOs in over two years, featuring a Chinese majority shareholder on Nasdaq.
Pinsent Masons Gains Licence to Operate in Abu Dhabi
The growth in Saudi Arabia and UAE’s importance to international firms is further highlighted by the latest move.
Debevoise Picks Daily Mail’s Former HQ As Next London Home
According to an inside source, the firm’s new 70,000 ft² HQ will be a 40% increase from their current premises.
Luxembourg-Based Arendt Opens Frankfurt Office
Mirroring Arendt’s existing network, the operation will function as a channel of communication for clients abroad and the Luxembourgh HQ, but local law will not be practiced.
Weil, Pillsbury Eye London Office Moves Amid US Firm Upsizing Trend
A contrast in opinions toward hybrid working have seen several U.K-led firms downsizing while their U.S.-founded counterparts take up larger spaces.
Phelps Dunbar Adds Memphis, Nashville Offices in Combination With Farris Bobango
The most recent tie-up between firms is marked by Am Law 200 Phelps Dunbar’s joining with 28-lawyer Faris Bobango as mergers are quickly becoming the 2024 trend.
Financials:
Paul Weiss, Kirkland Lead as General Atlantic Takeover Creates $96B Investor
It is anticipated that this acquisition of Actis, a company dedicated to sustainability, will establish an investing platform with around $96 billion in assets managed.
Should US Law Firms Offer 20% Less Pay for 20% Less Work?
Recently, Slaughter and May formalized a reduced-hours trial; nevertheless, in the past, American companies have usually saved these adjustments for employees with exceptional situations.
No Origination Credits in Partner Pay? Covington Sees Advantages
Covington Partners contend that the pay model is important to the company’s team-based approach to client work and has assisted in luring laterals, despite the potential dangers associated with not tracking origination credits.
Technology & Innovation:
Legal Tech’s Predictions for the Regulation of AI and Technology in 2024
Legal industry experts have made their predictions for the regulation and implementation of artificial intelligence and other technologies in 2024.
Battling Bias In Workplace Predictive A.I.: Challenges for Employers and the Bar
The use of AI in employment has taken the world by storm. AI reflects the world from which it learns and those who create it. However, employers cannot rely on AI tools alone for employee recruitment and management. Proactively mitigating algorithmic bias is not only warranted but, in some forward-thinking jurisdictions, mandatory.
The Case for the Use of E-Discovery Software in All Matters
Lawyers handling every kind of situation, regardless of size or budget, can now more easily use technology thanks to a number of effective platforms that simplify the process.
LinkSquares Announces First Gen AI Capabilities for Redlining, Project Management
AI-Assisted Redlining and AI-Suggested Subtasks are the two new features that will be made available in Q1. The rest of the year will see the release of “many” more generative AI-powered features.
LTN Startup Spotlight: Briefly Founder on Why Legal Information Tech Needs a Rebrand
Startup Briefly is attempting to evolve the way lawyers communicate legal jargon with other teams in their organization by generating legal content in the form of TikTok-like videos.
Can Artificial Intelligence Patents Survive ‘Alice’?
This is the first of a two-part series of articles. This article discusses how It is difficult for anybody trying to patent AI inventions under the existing Alice system. However, as shown by the caselaw, patent drafters and inventors can take precautions to lessen the likelihood that claims made in AI patents will be rejected for being abstract concepts.
Legal Tech’s Predictions for KM, Data Governance & AI Usage in 2024
Experts in the legal sector forecast the state of data governance, knowledge management, and artificial intelligence (AI) in 2024.
AI Adoption Likely to Spark Surge in Corporate Litigation of All Stripes in 2024
Businesses may be accused of antitrust violations if they use AI to assist in pricing decisions, or they may be accused of discriminatory practices if they use AI to screen applicants for available positions.
Legal Tech’s Predictions for Emerging Technologies, Tech Costs & Market Consolidation in 2024
The legal sector projects its expectations for 2024 in a number of areas, including the economy, market consolidation, developing technologies, and technological prices.
SEC Chief Gensler Warns of ‘AI Washing’ and Potential Conflicts of Interest
Gary Gensler has been reported to have said, “If you’re putting the robo adviser’s interest ahead of the broker dealer’s interest ahead of the investor, therein lies a conflict”.
Brazil’s Overwhelmed Judiciary, Desperate for Help, Turns to Artificial Intelligence
Several initiatives have been implemented in Brazilian courts by creative thinkers striving to improve justice in one of the world’s most congested judicial systems.
Stretching the Metaphor—Are Gen AI Copyright Lawsuits Using ‘Winning’ Language?
In copyright disputes against generative AI developers, terms like “memorization,” “generalization,” and even the unusually visceral “regurgitation” have surfaced. When these matters get to court, the use of this type of terminology will be important.
Legal Tech’s Predictions for Legal Education, Lawyer Training & Evolving Legal Roles in 2024
This article is delving into the topics of legal education, lawyer training, and the evolution of legal positions, it also highlights on the predictions that have been provided about the legal sector regarding things to be anticipated in 2024.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Top White House Lawyer Rejoins Covington, as Demand for DEI Advice Grows
Covington’s government litigation practice co-chair Stacey Grigsby will be an “integral resource” for clients dealing with workplace culture and diversity and equity problems, according to the firm.
Law School Admissions Officers Report Concerns About Diversity
Although the Kaplan study revealed that nearly all law schools agree that diversity matters to both administrators and students, an admissions officer who took part in the survey expressed concern that the court’s ruling will have a “chilling effect on applications.”
Market Commentary:
The UK’s Biggest Law Firms Need More Horsepower if They Are to Compete
Though Clifford Chance and Linklaters haven’t been as active as A&O and Freshfields in the US market lately, the Global Lawyer wonders if their most recent adjustments will be sufficient to put them in the running.
Research indicates that working mothers’ morale sharply declines after three months, despite numerous industry efforts to mitigate these effects.
EY Law Plots Sweeping Cuts, 24 UK Roles at Risk
The shocking announcement above contradicts the Big Four firms’ declared goal of more than tripling their size in the UK and Ireland by 2025 and highlights the challenges the auditing behemoths have faced in breaking into the legal sector.
As the Thai Competitive Landscape Shifts, Firms Are Testing Out New Waters
Thai domestic and regional law firms have expanded their global capabilities as a result of an increasing number of Thai enterprises purchasing abroad properties.
Dealmakers Plan to Keep Investing in Private Equity Practices Amid Higher Expectations for 2024
Leading legal firms’ private equity lawyers have made claims that innovative dealmaking could help the efforts to satisfy unmet demands and lead to an increase in transactions.
The Law Firm Disrupted: Working Harder or Working Smarter?
Putting better business” ahead of “more business,” is one thing, but however the real problem seems to be figuring out what “better business” actually entails.
The Time to Do a Transatlantic Merger is Now
According to the Global Lawyer, legal firms that want to compete with Kirkland, Latham, Skadden, and Simpson Thacher may want to think about merging with US companies as global GDP growth slows.