Moves:
UK & Ireland
Freshfields adds London PE real estate duo from Ropes & Gray
Partners David Seymour and Will Bryant join Freshfields from Ropes & Gray in London. Both will join the firms Private Equity Real Estate team.
Vinson & Elkins Poaches Upcott From A&O Shearman
Harry Upcott joined Vinson & Elkins as a partner in its finance practice in London. He joins from A&O Shearman, where he had served as Partner since 2009.
Simmons & Simmons snaps up employment talent
Simmons & Simmons has expanded its employment practice in the UK and Ireland, announcing the hire of two employment partners, Vicky Wickremeratne and Colleen Cleary, to its London and Dublin offices, respectively. Wickremeratne joins from an in-house stint at Millennium Capital Partners, while Cleary joins from CC solicitors after its acquisition by Simmons & Simmons.
Leading Structured Finance Partner Joins in London
Squire Patton Boggs is pleased to announce that Ranajoy Basu will join the firm’s London office as partner in the Financial Services Practice Group where, he will serve as Global Head of Structured Finance and Head of the firm’s India practice. He joins from McDermott Will & Emery.
Nishimura grows new London office with return of alum as partner
Leading Japanese law firm Nishimura & Asahi has welcomed back Shingo Ito as a partner in its recently launched London office after nearly a decade at international firms including Bird & Bird, where he most recently served as legal director.
The Americas
McDermott attracts elite private client talent with the addition of David Pratt
International law firm McDermott Will & Emery has announced that David Pratt, one of the nation’s most respected private client lawyers, has joined the firm as a partner based in Boca Raton, Florida. David previously chaired the nationally ranked Private Client Services group at Proskauer.
Global law firm Freshfields has announced that Agnès Dunogué joined as a partner and co-head of the U.S. Securities and Shareholder Litigation practice. Leaving A&O Shearman, she’ll join co-head Meredith Kotler in leading the practice group.
Paul Hastings Boosts Global Tax Team With Rising-Star Partner in New York
Paul Hastings LLP announced today that Sherry Xie has joined the firm as a partner in New York, bolstering its global tax practice. Sherry joins from Kirkland & Ellis.
Ex-US Attorney Leaves Holland & Knight for Dallas Boutique
Richard B. Roper has joined Vartabedian Hester & Haynes in Texas after having served as Partner at Holland & Knight since 2008.
Bradley Adds Allison Cook to Banking & Financial Services Team in Atlanta
Allison Cook joins Bradley as Partner in the Atlanta office, having previously worked at Arnall Golden Gregory.
Greenspoon Marder Bolsters Atlanta Office with Strategic Hire in Sports and Entertainment Law
Greenspoon Marder has announced the addition of partner Cathy Hampton in the Atlanta office, expanding the firm’s Entertainment and Sports and Corporate practice groups. She joins from The Hampton Firm.
EMEA
Greenberg Traurig expands Middle East hospitality group with Squire Patton Boggs partner addition
Greenberg Traurig has strengthened its global hospitality group with the addition of Elias Hayek who joins from Squire Patton Boggs, where he led the firm’s global hospitality and leisure group for close to a decade.
Mayer Brown’s PE practice grows with Hogan Lovells partner
Mayer Brown is strengthening its private equity practice with another partner. Nikolai Sokolov will move from Hogan Lovells to Mayer Brown’s Frankfurt office in August.
Norton Rose Fulbright boosts Brussels competition offering with new partner duo
Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has further strengthened its GCR Global Elite antitrust and competition practice with the appointment of two new partners in Brussels. Jean-Nicolas Maillard and Yves Botteman, who both join from Dentons, have worked together since 2014.
APAC
Covenant expands further with addition from Dentons Rodyk
Singapore boutique law firm Covenant Chambers has hired disputes specialist Chia Huai Yuan as a director from Dentons Rodyk & Davidson,
Singapore firm Tang Thomas makes 2nd partner hire in less than a month
Singapore boutique law firm Tang Thomas has appointed Ammar Lulla as partner and co-head of its disputes and healthcare practices. He joins from Cairnhill Law.
Reed Smith hires Haitong International director as debt finance partner
Reed Smith has strengthened its Asia corporate practice with the appointment of Evelyn Wang as a partner in its Hong Kong office. She joins from Haitong International Securities group.
Hong Kong’s Georgiou Partnership hires IP partner from PwC-linked Tiang
Hong Kong law firm Georgiou Partnership, which was launched last year, has hired intellectual property and data protection specialist Chiang Ling Li as a partner from PwC-linked firm Tiang & Partners.
Singapore’s JTJB launches construction, infra practice with WFW hire
Singapore-headquartered Joseph Tan Jude Benny (JTJB) has launched a construction and infrastructure practice with the hire of Boon Tat Yeo as a senior partner from Watson Farley & Williams.
In-House
Adtech business MiQ hires group GC from Stagwell Brand Performance amid AI push
AI-powered adtech business MiQ has hired Matt Speiser as group general counsel, a newly created role at the company as it plans for its next phase of growth. Speiser joined from marketing company Stagwell Brand Performance Network, where he was also GC.
Away Resorts Ltd. Adds new General Counsel
Shauneen Kelly has joined Away Resorts as General Counsel after serving as Legal Director as Belmond.
Team Moves
‘Doubling down on private capital’: Mayer Brown adds three partners from Dechert
Mayer Brown has hired three senior partners from Dechert in London, adding firepower to its private capital practice across both leveraged finance and M&A. The hires include leveraged finance duo Philip Butler and David Miles, who previously co-led Dechert’s global leveraged finance practice, and private equity partner Mark Evans.
Promotions & Appointments:
Macfarlanes Senior Partner update
When Sebastian Prichard Jones’ current second term as Senior Partner expires on 31 March 2026, Damien Crossley will succeed him in the role.
Freshfields’ Dawson elected to serve a second term as senior partner
Freshfields’ senior partner, Georgia Dawson, has been elected to serve a second term as senior partner alongside a trimmed-down team of co-managing partners.
Colm Kincaid appointed deputy governor in Central Bank of Ireland
The Central Bank of Ireland has appointed Colm Kincaid as deputy governor for consumer and investor protection.
Laura Koller is the new chief financial officer at global firm Kennedys
Laura Koller has been named the new chief financial officer at global litigation and dispute resolution firm Kennedys, where she will head up its global financial strategy from New Jersey.
Clyde & Co names Steven Lurie as insurance partner in Sydney
Clyde & Co has announced Steven Lurie’s promotion to partner in its insurance team in Sydney.
LoopMe promotes new General Counsel
Paolo Cerroni has been promoted to General Counsel at LoopMe in London.
Mergers & Alliances:
Simmons & Simmons absorbs Dublin employment boutique
Dedicated Irish employment practice launched via acquisition of boutique CC.
Maynard Nexsen Doubles Atlanta Footprint by Adding Real Estate Boutique Miller Lavoie
Maynard Nexsen is set to merge with Atlanta real estate boutique Miller Lavoie on July 31, doubling its local headcount. The deal brings in highly sought-after talent and expands the firm’s real estate capabilities in Georgia.
Fennemore Acquires Denver-Based Galvanize Law for Construction
Fennemore Craig is set to acquire Denver boutique Galvanize Law as part of a strategic push to grow its construction and infrastructure offering across the Western US. The firms will officially combine on October 1, further anchoring Fennemore’s regional footprint.
McLaughlin & Stern grows with T&E boutique pickup
Krass, Snow & Schmutter merges into McLaughlin & Stern, adding four senior lawyers to its T&E bench. Founders Stephen Krass and Lee Snow join as partners, with two others as counsel. The move marks another step in New York’s ongoing boutique consolidation trend.
Office Openings & Closing:
Eversheds Sutherland opens in Silicon Valley
The firm has boosted its West Coast capabilities, opening a new office in California and welcoming a senior Baker McKenzie lawyer as head of its complex tech disputes practice.
Simmons marks second Middle East launch in two months with Abu Dhabi move
Simmons & Simmons to open in Abu Dhabi Global Market, its second Middle East launch in two months. The move responds to rising client demand in AMIF and TMT sectors across the region.
Orrick Launches Miami Office With 3 Akerman Partners
Orrick enters Miami with trio of partner hires from Akerman, marking its first Florida office.
The new outpost will be led by Ken Wiggins, former head of Akerman’s PE and M&A team.
Bird & Bird moves to new Dublin HQ
Bird & Bird has relocated to new Irish HQ at 124 St Stephen’s Green, in central Dublin. Launched in 2022, the Dublin office serves as a strategic EU hub for global clients.
Indonesia’s ARMA Law has entered a strategic partnership with China’s Fidelity Law Firm
The tie-up aims to support growing Chinese investment in Indonesia amid record $148bn trade volumes. It marks a step toward deeper cross-border legal integration across the region.
Financials:
Clifford Chance flags US push as global revenue climbs 9% to £2.4bn
Clifford Chance reports £2.4bn revenue, up 9% on strong US and Middle East growth. US revenue rose 50% over two years, while PEP edged up to £2.11m. Partnership profit increased 11% to £944m.
Linklaters points to US growth as turnover climbs 11% to exceed £2.3bn
Linklaters posts record results with revenue up 11% to £2.32bn and pre-tax profit topping £1bn. PEP jumped 15% to £2.2m, driven by strong global performance and 57% US profit growth.
Macfarlanes’ PEP tops £3m as new senior partner is unveiled
Macfarlanes reports record PEP of over £3m as it names next senior partner. Tax head Damien Crossley will succeed Sebastian Prichard Jones in March 2026. The announcement caps another standout year for the firm.
Charles Russell Speechlys grows revenue 11% as PEP exceeds £680k
Charles Russell Speechlys posts £242.3m revenue, up 11% amid continued private capital expansion. PEP rose above £680k, though growth slowed slightly from last year’s 13% jump.
DAC Beachcroft unveils leadership change alongside 6.4% increase in revenue to £348m
DAC Beachcroft appoints Helen Faulkner as managing partner, succeeding David Pollitt after two terms. The firm reports 6.4% revenue growth to £348.1m and a 7.1% rise in gross profit to £76m. PEP increased in line, reaching £750,000 for the year ended 30 April.
Legacy HSF grew revenue by 4% to £1.36bn in final pre-merger year
Herbert Smith Freehills posts 4% revenue growth to a record £1.36bn ahead of merger with Kramer Levin. Profit hits a new high of £486.9m, with PEP rising 8.6% to £1.4m for the year ended 30 April.
Brodies reports 15th consecutive year of revenue growth as PEP hits £885k
Brodies marks 15th straight year of revenue growth, with turnover rising 11% to £126.7m. Operating profit surpassed £50m, while PEP increased 4.6% to £885k after flatlining last year.
HSF revenue and PEP hit new heights in last results before US merger
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer posts final legacy HSF results with revenue up 4% to £1.36bn. Partner profits also reached record highs ahead of the firm’s June 1 merger with Kramer.
Technology & Innovation:
EU publishes general-purpose AI code of practice
Developed through a multi-stakeholder process, it covers transparency, copyright, and safety. Formal guidelines on general-purpose AI models are set to follow later this month.
US Courts Split on Fair Use in AI Training Cases
Recent rulings in Anthropic and Meta cases show differing judicial views on copyright and market harm in AI model training. While both upheld fair use for training on copyrighted books, judges diverged on piracy issues and how to assess market dilution. Experts say future plaintiffs may need stronger evidence of market harm to succeed.
Law Firms Integrate Generative AI into Summer Associate Programs
Honigman wraps up a “Shark Tank”-style AI workflow contest, engaging 11 summer associates across six teams. The competition capped an AI training program designed to give future lawyers hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools. Firms are increasingly using such initiatives to prepare new talent for the AI-driven future of legal practice.
Is AI the Biggest Threat to Big Law?
Microsoft’s recent layoffs included lawyers, raising questions about AI’s impact on legal roles even at major firms. Though legal teams have traditionally been seen as indispensable, AI-driven efficiencies may be reshaping that landscape. The legal industry now faces uncertainty over how technology will redefine the value and security of in-house counsel.
‘A New and Emerging Threat’: Covington on AI-Driven Cybersecurity Risks
Since 2020, insider and digital risks have surged with remote work, says Covington’s Fein and McMurrough. The rise of AI and advanced technologies is intensifying these cybersecurity challenges. Companies must proactively brace for evolving threats in this increasingly complex landscape.
The Masters Conference Day 1: Tackling Deepfakes and E-Discovery’s Next Phase
Experts explored how to detect deepfakes and AI-manipulated media in legal investigations. Discussions focused on evolving e-discovery tools and the future shape of legal teams. Advanced tech promises to transform how data is analysed and verified in litigation.
The Masters Conference Day 2: Gen AI’s Impact on Law Firm Costs and Operations
Lawyers and legal ops leaders explored how analytics reveal organizational value amid AI adoption. Discussions focused on early strategies for integrating generative AI into legal workflows. The session highlighted AI’s potential to reshape costs and efficiency in law firms.
Litera Unveils Lito, AI Agent for Legal Workflows
Litera launches Lito, an AI agent within its Litera One platform, to streamline drafting, review, and analytics tasks. Tested with select customers, Lito will be available for early access in August and general release October 1. It handles multi-step workflows, from document analysis and comparisons to natural language searches and drafting support.
Law Firms Boost Insurance Amid Rising AI Risks
Nearly half of legal professionals surveyed plan to expand coverage as AI use grows. Concerns shift from inflation to reputational and emerging tech-related risks. Firms are proactively managing risk in an increasingly tech-driven legal landscape.
Diversity & Inclusion:
The Americans With Disabilities Act at 35: A Promise in Peril
Marking 35 years since its enactment, the ADA set a historic standard for disability rights as civil rights. The law aimed to ensure full inclusion in schools, workplaces, and public life. Despite progress, ongoing challenges threaten to undermine this foundational promise.
Brinkley Morgan marks 50 years with a strong commitment to diversity and community impact.
The 20-attorney firm handles family, business, real estate, and trusts matters, with a history of LGBTQ+ rights litigation.Its Brinkley Cares initiative actively supports nonprofits across Broward and Palm Beach Counties.
Mastercard shareholders this week resoundingly voted down a pro-DEI proposal and an anti-DEI proposal, but the former mustered 30 times the support of the latter.
Market Commentary:
A&O Shearman delays start dates for some US first-years
A&O Shearman has pushed back the start dates for a group of its incoming first-year associates in the US to January. The move affects part of the 2025 first-year class – equivalent to NQs in the UK – who are also being offered a salary advance. First-years have historically had two start dates across the year and, in line with market norms, the firm has always offered incoming associates the option of a salary advance, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Litigation Strategy in a Slower Economy: What In-House Counsel Should Rethink Now.
Felicello Law managing partner Rosanne Felicello discusses potential scrutiny of legal spend during economic uncertainty. She notes, “depending on the nature of the dispute, it may be financially prudent to aggressively pursue certain claims that may have greater relative value in financially uncertain times.” She adds, “The challenge is determining how and when to allocate resources for litigation to maximize the value achieved for your company.”
Biglaw Surrender Firms Hoping Trump Just Forgets About Them
Three months after the deals were made, firms are staying quiet about how they plan to fulfill their pro bono commitments to President Donald Trump and his administration. None of the nine firms that made deals responded to questions from The American Lawyer about pro bono work they’ve done that counts toward their financial commitments.
Attention on mental health seems more focused on crisis intervention: Jackson Allen
For Jackson Allen, the profession’s biggest challenges are caused by external pressures in the areas of tech and geopolitics. Agility and flexibility are necessary to address these challenges in the present with an eye on the future, he says.
GCs Take the Lead in Asia’s Fintech Future
Legal chiefs at digital finance firms are redefining their roles as strategic architects, not just risk managers. From crypto convergence to cross-border compliance, they’re turning regulatory complexity into competitive edge. Operating with a startup mindset, today’s GC is a key driver of innovation in Asia’s financial ecosystem.