Financials:
AMD’s Ava Hahn Downloads $16.9M in First Year as Chipmaker’s GC
The former head of law at Lam Research was given a $2 million sign-on bonus and $13.3 million in AMD stock awards.
Growing Crypto, Media Practices Boosted Manatt’s Revenue, Profits Over 12%
The firm also saw increase in profits per equity partner, up 12.8% in 2024.
Finding Increased Transactional Momentum and IP Demand, Duane Morris Grows Revenue by $45 Million
Although the company’s total revenue climbed by 7%, its profitability only increased by 2.3%. Matthew Taylor, the CEO and chair of the company, attributed this to higher investments in personnel and technology.
O’Melveny Surpasses $3M PEP, $1B in Gross Revenue
According to chair Bradley Butwin, a diverse firmwide performance was completed by marquee litigation clients and a high deal volume.
Despite Constrained Transactional Market, Fried Frank Sets Revenue Record, Crosses $5M in PEP
Despite challenges, Chair Ken Rosh said the firm’s core practices paved the path for a “fantastic” year.
One-Time Stock Grant Drives Up Pay for BorgWarner Legal Chief by 83%
Tonit Calaway received a $4.5 million grant from the auto parts manufacturer last year as part of an executive retention initiative.
‘Very Balanced’ Practice Performance Leads to Double-Digit Increases for Nelson Mullins
According to managing partner Jim Lehman, PEP increased by over 33% and net income by 29% as the company kept strict control over spending.
With ‘Repeatable’ Performance, Dorsey & Whitney Saw ‘Solid and Consistent’ Growth in 2024
PEP increased by more than 15% to surpass $1 million for the first time, while gross income increased by about 10%.
Kirkland & Ellis Revenue Hits $8.8B, as PEP Jumps to $9.2M
According to Kirkland chair Jon Ballis, the company is still committed to gaining market share while maintaining client satisfaction and expanding the company in the appropriate sectors, such as foreign markets.
White & Case, Hogan Lovells, Garrigues Thrive in Europe Despite Sluggish Economy
Businesses are setting themselves for success by adjusting to obstacles in the face of economic uncertainty.
Diversity & Inclusion:
20 Law Firms Face DEI Probe by EEOC
The EEOC statement on Monday included the names of several of the top Am Law 100 businesses.
Latham, Hogan Lovells Remove DEI Content from Sites
Earlier this week, the EEOC contacted 20 law firms, including the two, to request information on their employment practices relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
MoFo Accused of Dropping Transgender Client Because of Trump DEI Attacks
The nonprofit organization The Good Law Project claims that Donald Trump’s recent targeting of law firms over diversity, equity, and inclusion is the reason Morrison & Foerster changed its mind after first agreeing to serve the unnamed client.
BCLP to Review Position on Diversity, Inclusion
One person with knowledge of the company claims that during a town hall meeting, BCLP lawyers were informed about revisions to the firm’s diversity and inclusion website.
Law firms must stay focused on diversity – IBA panel
Andrea de la Piedra, the keynote speaker, claims that even with more diversity policies, change isn’t occurring quickly enough.
Office Openings & Closing:
McDermott Opens San Diego Office, Appoints New IP Practice Group Leads
Three intellectual property partners are among the five employees of McDermott Will & Emery that will launch an office in San Diego.
Thompson Hine Opens Minneapolis Office with Robins Kaplan IP, Tech Litigation Team
The Cleveland-based Am Law 200 firm Thompson Hine opened an office in Minneapolis a few months after opening one in Los Angeles.
Goodwin Alums Launch Firm Focused on Plaintiffs-Side Appellate Work
Founded in 2012 by public interest lawyer Deepak Gupta, the boutique aims to build on the success of Gupta Wessler, a firm that has won cases in the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of workers and consumers.
Akin To Launch Riyadh Office with White & Case Project Finance Partner
Akin plans to open a Riyadh office in late 2025, the 25th firm to open in the competitive Saudi legal market.
Hogan Lovells to Welcome in the Public by Opening a Bakery
In order to support a social company that assists victims of domestic abuse, Café Nova will sell coffee and pastries.
Dentons Adds Turks and Caicos Islands Firm to Network
Dentons stated that it is now the first and only international legal firm in Turks and Caicos following its merger with local business Griffiths & Partners.
Travers Smith to open in Brussels
Leading independent law firm Travers Smith LLP says it will expand its international competition practice by opening a new office in Brussels, the center of the European Union.
Simpson Thacher Takes on More Space at London HQ, McDermott Mulls Move
As both U.S. organizations continue to tap into the U.K. legal industry, they have seen tremendous gains in headcount in recent years.
Simmons & Simmons Secures Saudi License as Riyadh Office Opening Nears
Amid continued scrutiny over human rights issues, including LGBTQ+ rights, more than 20 foreign law firms have obtained licenses to operate in Saudi Arabia as part of the nation’s Vision 2030 growth.
Mergers & Alliances:
Cleary Gottlieb Acquires Gen AI Solution Developer Springbok AI
After the acquisition, the company intends to establish an AI acceleration team and create its own customized AI products.
Harbor Acquires Marketing Technology Services Company CLIENTSFirst
Harbor hopes to swiftly scale and satisfy the need for data-quality services from law firms with its fourth acquisition since its founding.
Dentons In Talks to Tie Up with Local Outfit in Thailand
Dentons presently operates in Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam; the Thai office would be its eighth location in the ASEAN area.
HSF Launches Venture with Indian Business School for Corporate, Commercial Law Research
The partnership, which focuses on corporate and commercial legislation, hopes to produce results that will “contribute towards India’s legal system and policymaking” and “inspire jurisprudence to create a business-friendly environment.”
Taylor Wessing Expands European Reach with Strategic Alliance in Italy
The alliance comes two years after Taylor Wessing formed a strategic collaboration with Spain’s ECIJA.
NRF Enters into Joint Operation with Shanghai Firm After 5 Years as ‘Best Friends’
Shanghai Pacific had four attorneys in its firm when the two firms initially became best friends in 2020; today, it has 22.
Moves:
APAC
Jones Day Hires Second Corporate Partner For Hong Kong in 2 Months
After hiring M&A specialist Frank Voon as a partner from K&L Gates, where he worked for more than 11 years, the U.S. law firm Jones Day has added its second partner in roughly a month to its Hong Kong office.
PwC Legal Vietnam bolsters corporate practice with hire from A&G
With the addition of Allen & Gledhill Vietnam M&A specialist Phan Vinh Nhan as a partner, PwC Legal Vietnam has improved its corporate legal capabilities.
Luthra rainmaker Karan Mitroo to join JSA in Delhi
As JSA continues its rapid expansion, which has seen high-profile personalities join the company since early last year, Karan Mitroo, a banking and finance partner at the Indian law firm Luthra and Luthra Law Offices, is joining JSA Advocates & Solicitors together with his team of 15 attorneys, including three partners.
SAM adds Mensa Brands GC as corp partner in Bengaluru
With the appointment of partner Anant Dang in Bengaluru, Indian law firm Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas has continued to strategically grow its general corporate practice. Dang comes from his positions as general counsel and a founding member of Mensa Brands, one of the unicorns with the quickest rate of growth in India.
Dentons to expand presence in SE Asia following combination with Thailand’s Pisut
In an effort to increase its footprint in Southeast Asia, international law firm Dentons has revealed plans to merge with local firm Pisut & Partners to open a presence in Thailand.
NRF strengthens HK banking practice with DCM partner from Ashurst
Jessica Li, a debt capital markets specialist from Ashurst, has joined Norton Rose Fulbright, a global law firm, to strengthen its banking and finance operations in Hong Kong.
EMEA
O’Melveny Recruits Gibson Dunn Partner in Boomerang Hire
Earlier in his career, Stéphane Frank was a counsel at the Brussels office of O’Melveny & Myers.
White & Case Recruits Former French Prosecutor to Help Clients Face Growing White Collar Risks
Former internal chief of the French energy giant Engie, Xavier Hubert, has joined White & Case as a partner in Paris.
Bird & Bird Adds M&A, IP Partners in Sweden While Poland Loses Two Finance Partners
International law firm Bird & Bird strengthened its international Corporate team with the appointment of M&A expert Henrik Nobel as a partner in Stockholm.
Pinsent Masons appoints first employment practice head in Riyadh
Dr. Sairah Narmah-Alqasim has been appointed by international law firm Pinsent Masons to lead the employment practice for its recently opened Riyadh office in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). After receiving training at Pinsent Masons, Sairah has combined private practice experience with in-house positions in the UK and Saudi Arabia for over ten years.
MoFo hires second competition specialist from Cooley in Brussels
Alexander Israel, MoFo’s new head of EU competition, reunites with Jan Lang, who joins as a partner.
UK & Ireland
Vedder Price Taps A&O Shearman Counsel for UK Litigation Practice Launch
US law firm Vedder Price announced that it has hired Helen Biggin as the first and lead partner in its London litigation department. After joining the UK Magic Circle firm Allen & Overy (now A&O Shearman) in 2008, Biggin has worked there for her entire 17-year career, which includes nearly five years as a counsel and seven years as a senior associate.
Deloitte’s head of Trademarks joins Lewis Silkin ahead of broader Trademarks team move
Jade MacIntyre, the former Head of Trademarks at Deloitte, has joined Lewis Silkin as a partner in the company’s full-service IP360 division. Over the next few weeks, Jade will be followed by key members of Deloitte’s Trademarks team to Lewis Silkin.
Simmons Dublin hires Declan O’Sullivan as investment funds partner
Declan O’Sullivan has joined the Dublin funds practice of the international law firm Simmons & Simmons as a partner. He has advised both domestic and international clients on the creation and authorization of various investment funds, such as property funds and management firms, hedge funds, private equity funds, and UCITS.
MCM welcomes Holly McLean to employment law team
Holly McLean, a solicitor, has joined McKee Campbell Morrison Solicitors (MCM). Ms. McLean, who comes from Just Employment legal, has extensive expertise counseling firms on a range of employment legal issues, including daily HR management guidance and conflict resolution.
The Americas
Morgan Lewis Adds Former FCC, DOJ Official to Telecom Practice
Loyaan Egal’s “understanding of the dynamics of the telecom market and U.S. government policy priorities” will be advantageous to the firm’s telecom investor and operator clients, according to firm chair Jami McKeon.
King & Spalding Adds Google AI Counsel, Investment Funds Pro Joins Alston & Bird
One of the first attorneys at Google tasked with AI litigation and regulatory response was Benjamin Softness.
Haynes and Boone, Vinson & Elkins Beef Up Environmental Law Teams
During a period when the head of the Environmental Protection Agency declared that the agency would reexamine certain rules, Texas-based companies hired environmental partners.
Simpson Thacher Hires Co-Head of Vinson & Elkins Aviation Finance Practice
Additionally, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett announced the appointment of an environmental partner from Kirkland & Ellis in Washington, D.C., to serve as co-head of the firm’s environmental practice.
People in the News—March 19, 2025—McNees, Faye Riva
Daniel Hicks has joined McNees Wallace & Nurick’s litigation practice in its newly enlarged Radnor office, the firm said.
Jones Day Welcomes of Counsel to Houston’s Energy Practice
Joseph Herbster, who is based in the Houston Office, has joined the Firm as an attorney in the Energy Practice. He comes from his position as Senior Corporate Counsel at Amazon.com. Mr. Herbster has been practicing law for 15 years, both in private and corporate settings, with a concentration in logistics, transportation, and energy. For the past six years, he has held a variety of in-house counsel roles at Amazon.com.
Akin Nabs Munger Trade Secrets and Employee Mobility Co-Chair in Los Angeles
Laura Smolowe, who spent 16 years at Munger, Tolles & Olson, now joins the firm as a litigation partner.
Cuatrecasas Hires Tax Partner from Leading Mexican Firm
A few months after the head of the tax department left the Elite Mexican company for Ritch, Mueller y Nicolau, SC, Cuatrecasas (Mexico) bolstered its tax department by employing a partner from Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez SC.
In-House
Perfect Move or Risky Run? Former Timberland GC Bets on Luxury Skiwear Brand
In a daring career move, Timberland’s general counsel Kristine Marvin is now the first general counsel of Perfect Moment Ltd., a high-end skiwear company that went public last year after having a difficult time raising capital.
Former Cummins GC Who Became Chief Administrative Officer Will Retire in May
Nicole Lamb-Hale, the chief legal officer, may be able to take over if Sharon Barner leaves.
Fast-Growing Specialty Insurance Company Appoints New Legal Chief as General Counsel Retires
CEO Andrew Robinson said in a statement, “We are very happy to have Patty Ryan join the Skyward Specialty team.” “She is a valuable addition to our executive team due to her extensive legal knowledge and demonstrated leadership in the field. As we continue to promote innovation and excellence in the sector, we anticipate her contributions.
Bucking Trend, Notre Dame Fills GC Opening from Within
“Notre Dame will thrive in this transformational era by being true to its distinctive mission while simultaneously bringing its strengths and uniqueness to bear on the pressing questions of our times,” said Brandon Roach, the new general counsel of Notre Dame.
FTSE 100 Water Company Replenishes Legal Panel
On the £30 million roster, three new companies have been added, while two have been left off.
Team Moves
Foley & Lardner Poaches Team of 4, Including Miami Office Leader, From Carlton Fields
Following the addition of two associates to assist with litigation cases and two new partners, one of whom oversaw Carlton Fields’ Miami office, Foley & Lardner is expanding its Miami office.
Greenberg Traurig Hires Group from Polsinelli in Denver, as Local Legal Market Evolves
“Historically, Denver’s always been a really unique market, because we had those very strong local firms,” said new partner Stacy Carpenter. “Whether you can be that regional firm or that local firm has become more difficult these days, so you’ve seen a lot of change.”
Maynard Nexsen Deepens West Coast Labor & Employment Bench with Team from Constangy
Maynard Nexsen, a full-service law firm with 24 offices across the US, announced the addition of a five-lawyer team to the firm’s Los Angeles office, bringing decades of combined experience in management-side employment law. The group joins Maynard Nexsen from a nationwide boutique labour and employment firm and includes three Partners, one Of Counsel and one Associate.
Pillsbury Nabs 14-Member International Trade Team
Partners Along with eleven other trade attorneys and legal professionals, James Durling, Daniel Porter, and Matthew McCullough joined Pillsbury in Washington, D.C.
Bradley Adds 3 Lawyers from Chamberlain Hrdlicka in Houston
David B. Sheinbein is joining as a partner in the Corporate & Securities Practice Group, and partner Jarrod B. Martin and senior attorney Michael Riordan are joining the Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights Practice Group
Promotions & Appointments:
NJ Mass Torts Lawyer Selected to Lead Depo-Provera MDL
- Casey Rodgers, U.S. District Judge of the Northern District of Florida, appointed 28 women and 28 men to lead more than 70 lawsuits against Pfizer.
People in the News—March 21, 2025—Gross McGinley, Flaster Greenberg
Samuel E. Cohen has been appointed as Gross McGinley’s deputy managing partner, beginning January 1st.
Genova Burns; Capehart Scatchard; Brach Eichler; Carlton Fields
Genova Burns brought on Sandra Bograd to the firm as of counsel; Capehart Scatchard announced that Charles F. Holmgren was promoted to hiring shareholder; and more moves.
After Biswajit Chatterjee moves to Dubai to oversee that office, Siew Kam Boon has been named managing partner for Singapore.
CMS Elevates 56 to Partner, 48% Women
More women have been represented among the partners who have been promoted in more cities and countries.
Ashurst Re-Elects Global Chair for Second Term
Karen Davies has listed a number of crucial areas in which she intends to expand on the firm’s accomplishments during her second term as Global Chair. This entails making the most of Ashurst’s advantages and seizing new possibilities, keeping Ashurst’s clients at the forefront, utilizing innovation and technology to bring about significant change, and providing for Ashurst’s employees and communities through inclusive and sustainable practices.
Phoenix Law appoints Elaine Gormley as new COO
Elaine Gormley has been elevated to chief operating officer at Phoenix Law, located in Belfast. With more than 15 years of expertise in the legal field, Ms. Gormley joined the firm in January 2020 as a litigation manager, overseeing litigation teams and handling challenging matters.
BHSM appoints Keith Doyle as commercial real estate partner
Keith Doyle is now a partner in the commercial real estate division of BHSM LLP. After working for several years in the commercial real estate division of a large Dublin law firm, Mr. Doyle joined the firm in 2021 as a senior associate.
Technology & Innovation:
Mitratech Launches CounselConnector, an Outside Counsel Hiring Platform
In order to expedite the internal hiring process, CounselConnector offers outside counsel attorneys client evaluations and reviews.
Vorys Sater Launches Agentic AI Platform ‘AIV Labor’
According to the Am Law 200 firm, human resources specialists and labor and employment lawyers are the target users of their autonomous AI platform. It has the ability to explore 460 sources nationwide for legislative and regulatory labor and employment data.
Brave Software Seeks Judgment to Head Off Threatened AI Copyright Suit from News Corp
Brave has requested that a federal judge in California rule that using its AI-powered search engine to index content from News Corp. does not violate copyright. “That a company that bemusedly calls itself Brave should engage in content conduct that is so shiftily shameful is perverse in the extreme,” says the CEO of News Corp.
Deposely Launches Deposely LX, an AI Second Chair for Depositions
The company’s key features were formally introduced with Deposely LX, which is intended to give lawyers real-time assistance prior to, during, and following depositions.
Litera Launches Cloud-Based Legal Workflow Platform, Generative AI Tool
The cloud-based workflow platform Litera One and its generative AI tool, Litera AI+, are being unveiled by legal technology company Litera.
A World Where AI ‘Thinks’ Like a Lawyer
77% of professionals think AI will have a high or transformative impact on their work in the next five years, up 10% from just a year ago, according to Thomson Reuters’ 2024 Future of Professionals Report. It is evident from this quick uptake that the tools are effective.
Market Commentary:
Law Firms That Shun Innovation Will Likely Be Left Behind
The legal landscape is evolving, and speakers at the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Innovation in the Law Summit emphasized that attorneys must be at the forefront of innovation and the adoption and application of cutting-edge technologies.
Should You Promote from Within or Hire a Lateral Partner?
Midsize companies lack an institutional pipeline to hire outstanding personnel, unlike major companies with well-established summer associate programs. Therefore, lateral hiring is not only a choice but also a must at the associate and partner levels. However, fostering a positive company culture also requires a firm to make a commitment to the development of younger associates.
In-house lawyers say ‘empathy’, ‘soft skills’ critical as AI advances, study finds
According to a Simmons & Simmons survey, the majority of general counsel and other senior legal heads at some of the biggest corporations in the world believe that human qualities like empathy and soft skills would be crucial in the upcoming years as AI usage rises.
Effective Lateral Group Acquisition and Integration Can Spur Further Growth
When a company wants to increase its investment in talent, hiring a small group of people can spur substantial growth without the problems and the negative effects of a huge combination, which can be challenging to execute and even more so to integrate.
Attorneys are retaliating against the Trump administration’s meddling with the International Criminal Court and prosecutors, as well as the suspension of security clearances at leading U.S. law firms.
Not Enough Jobs for All Former Federal Lawyers Who Want Them in Atlanta
Attorneys with expertise in private practice or certain specialty are more likely to be employed.
How In-House Counsel Can Extract Value Out of Rising Legal Costs
Attend the webcast to see how automation and artificial intelligence are changing legal procedures and helping corporate legal teams cut expenses related to compliance, document review, and outside counsel.
Overwhelmed and Understaffed: Half of African GCs Report High Stress and Anxiety
According to a survey conducted throughout Africa, in-house attorneys are finding it difficult to manage their growing workload, scarce resources, and evolving regulations.
Three Salient Steps to Attract Private Equity Investors
Law companies require a corporatized perspective of financials, modern governance with strong leadership, and a clear growth strategy in order to draw in private equity investors.
Thriving in the First Year: How Lateral Hires Can Succeed in a New Law Firm
A lateral hire’s success is not assured; proactive work, flexibility, and strategic planning are necessary for successful integration into the new setting.