Moves:
In-House
Former CIA General Counsel Joining Hilton Worldwide as Legal Chief
After serving in important positions in the federal government for 25 years, Caroline Krass joins the massive lodging company. According to Hilton CEO Christopher Nassetta, Krass has “spent her career leading large global teams through complex legal matters in high-stakes, fast-paced environments.”
President Trump Hires Sullivan & Cromwell to Handle Manhattan Criminal Appeal
On Wednesday, the official notice of appeal was sent. Robert Giuffra, James McDonald, Morgan Ratner, Jeff Wall, and Matthew Schwartz are among Trump’s new legal team members.
Startup Bringing AI to Doctors’ Offices Hires First GC
Aden Fine, Suki’s general counsel, stated that the legal issues surrounding the application of AI in healthcare are both fascinating and very difficult.
US private equity firm AE Industrial hires McDermott partner as first GC
The newly created position of general counsel at US private equity firm AE Industrial Partners was filled by Matthew Friendly. He was a partner in the Miami office of McDermott Will & Emery before joining the company.
Spotify to seek new legal head after GC announces plan to step down
Eve Konstan, general counsel at Spotify, a Swedish music streaming service, has declared her intention to leave full-time legal practice. She joined Spotify as GC in May 2020 after serving as GC at WarnerMedia Entertainment for a short time.
UK & Ireland
Perkins Coie Builds in London with Ex-Norton Rose Fulbright Brussels Head
The former head of Norton Rose Fulbright’s Brussels office has joined Perkins Coie to support its recently opened London branch. Miranda Cole joins the company to head its antitrust activities in the UK and the EU. Prior to joining Norton Rose in 2022 to lead its Brussels office, she spent 13 years as a partner at Covington & Burling.
McDermott Continues UK Growth with Another Partner Hire in London
After serving as a partner at Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle, a London and Milan-based business since 2020, Milo Molfa has joined the U.S. firm in London. In the past year, McDermott has hired eleven lateral partners in London, including Molfa.
McDermott’s Onetime London Leader Headed to Pillsbury
Less than a year after resigning from his leadership position due to a management change, Hamid Yunis, who has been with McDermott since 2016, is set to depart the company.
Reed Smith Bolsters Corporate Team with Markets Partner Hire in London
With the hiring of equity capital markets partner Samantha Myers, Reed Smith has increased its corporate firepower in London. She was a partner in the capital markets and public businesses unit at Gowling WLG before joining.
Bird & Bird hires Susan Battye to head Irish employment practice
Susan Battye has been named head of Bird & Bird’s employment practice in Ireland. With more than 20 years of expertise, Ms. Battye can advise both domestic and foreign customers on all aspects of employment law. Ms. Battye founded and oversaw the employment practice at Walkers in Ireland before joining Bird & Bird.
Róisín Culligan joins London office of Orrick
Róisín Culligan, an Irish attorney, has become a managing associate in the technology transactions group of the international law firm Orrick’s London office.
CM Murray launches regulatory practice with London partner hire
Nick Leale, a former managing partner at Armstrong Teasdale London, has been appointed by London boutique CM Murray to head the company’s new regulatory division. Leale brings with him almost twenty years of experience in regulatory law and professional discipline.
APAC
Trinity International Expands with Singapore Office, Eyes Growth in Infrastructure and Energy
Fiona Gulliford, a London partner of the firm, has moved to Singapore. Additionally, Trinity hired George Williams as its city counsel and named Maxime Damphousse as its managing director.
Morgan Lewis Grows Tokyo Partner Bench with Senior Duo from Withers
Real estate attorneys Gerald Fujii and Naoki Ueyama, both of whom have over 20 years of expertise, have joined the U.S. company.
Singapore’s Providence Law Asia hires Duxton Hill advocate as international litigation head
Colin Liew from Duxton Hill Chambers, a Singapore Group Practice, has been appointed by Singapore-based Providence Law Asia to head the firm’s global litigation practice. Liew contributes a wealth of experience in situations pertaining to international arbitration, legal privilege, and commercial fraud.
Linklaters corporate counsel joins Withers as partner
Gary Beh, a former Linklaters lawyer, has joined Withers KhattarWong, the Singapore alliance of multinational legal firm Withers, as a partner in the city-state, broadening its corporate portfolio.
Indonesia’s Sarvasūkṣma hires M&A partner from White & Case affiliate
Witara Cakra Advocates (WCA), the local association firm of White & Case, has recruited Rika Rusman as a corporate and M&A partner for the Indonesian law firm Sarvasūkṣma. With 15 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, and infrastructure, Rusman’s hiring is expected to bolster Sarvasūkṣma’s transactional services skills in response to the expanding demand in the largest economy in Southeast Asia.
EMEA
Clifford Chance Loses Two More Key German Real Estate Partners as Focus Shifts to Cross-Border Deals
Only a few months after DLA Piper hired German real estate associate Gerold Jaeger, Clifford Chance’s longtime colleagues Christian Keilich and Thomas Reischauer are leaving at the end of April.
Eversheds Sutherland Outgoing Co-CEO to Move to Dubai to Spur Regional Growth
Lee Ranson will have a broader focus to bring in the firm’s Asia business, while Tawfiq Tabbaa, the current Middle East managing partner, will continue in his position.
The Americas
Treasury GC Returns to Davis Polk to Co-Chair White-Collar Defence and Investigations Practice
Neil MacBride was the head of Davis Polk’s D.C. office and co-leader of its white-collar defense and investigations practice prior to joining the government in 2022.
Doug Emhoff, Husband of Former VP Harris, Lands at Willkie
Before taking on his position in the White House, Emhoff worked as a litigator at DLA Piper.
Corporate Litigator Joins BakerHostetler from Fish & Richardson
In Wilmington, Jeremy Anderson has become a partner in the commercial litigation team and litigation practice group of BakerHostetler.
Cuneo Gilbert & LaDuca Establishes Tennessee Presence with Litigation Partner Charles Barrett
Cuneo Gilbert & LaDuca, a firm based in Washington, D.C., is opening an office in Nashville to increase its footprint in the Southeast.
Kirkland & Ellis Taps Former Co-Chair of Greenberg Traurig’s Digital Infrastructure Practice
Kemal Hawa has joined the Firm as a partner in the Corporate Practice Group with a focus on digital infrastructure. He counsels clients in complex transactions across the digital infrastructure and telecommunications space and has extensive experience providing advice on commercial agreements.
DLA Piper Hires Former FAA Chief Counsel as Transportation Practice Co-Chair
Marc Nichols held senior positions at Saab and Rolls-Royce before spending almost three years at the FAA.
Milbank Lures Skadden Restructuring Partner
Before relocating to Milbank, Lisa Laukitis had worked at Skadden for more than eight years.
ArentFox Schiff Adds Global Complex Litigation Partner in Los Angeles
After more than two years at Reed Smith, Andrew Wong joins the firm.
People in the News—Jan. 29, 2025—Galfand Berger, Blank Rome
Bradley Smith received a promotion to senior partner at Galfand Berger.
Orrick Hires Longtime Weil Partner as New Head of Antitrust Litigation
Eric Hochstadt also joins Orrick as a member of its management committee.
People in the News—Jan. 30, 2025—Rubin Glickman, Goldberg Segalla
Joseph P. Birmingham, a trial lawyer, just became a senior counsel with Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg, and Gifford.
Stevens & Lee Hires Ex-Middle District of Pennsylvania U.S. Attorney as White-Collar Co-Chair
Gerald Kram spent more than 35 years working at a Scranton boutique until becoming the managing partner of the business before becoming a U.S. attorney.
People in the News—Jan. 30, 2025—Rubin Glickman
Joseph P. Birmingham, a trial lawyer, just became a senior counsel with Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg, and Gifford.
O’Melveny Hires Former NBA Vice President
Benjamin Aronson, a former vice president and assistant general counsel for the National Basketball Association, has joined O’Melveny & Myers LLP as a partner in the company’s Entertainment, Sports & Media Industry Group and General Litigation Practice Group.
In the technology, healthcare, and life sciences industries, Nevarez has over 15 years of experience advising founders, startups, venture capitalists, underwriters, and publicly traded companies on a range of topics, such as formations, pre-seed, seed, venture, and growth equity financings, M&A, capital markets, and SEC compliance.
Fried Frank Partner Leaves for Paul Hastings to Start Tech Transactions Practice
At Fried Frank, Amir Ghavi co-led the IT transactions practice and was the company’s “foremost AI counsel.”
Weil Adds Acting Director of SEC Enforcement, Continuing Government Hiring Streak
At least six partners with extensive government experience have joined the New York business in the past year. Most recently Andrew Dean has joined the Firm as a partner in the nationwide Securities Litigation and White Collar Defense, Regulatory and Investigations practices, based in the New York office.
Osler Hires Cross-border Banking Partner from Torys
Osler’s Toronto and New York-based financial institution transaction group will have Ricco Bhasin as a co-chair.
Team Moves
New York-Based Skadden Team Joins White & Case Group in Mexico City for Citigroup Demerger
As the banking behemoth gets ready for an initial public offering (IPO) of its retail banking division in Mexico, Citi separated its extremely successful but scandal-plagued Mexican division.
Orrick Loses 10-Lawyer Team to Herbert Smith in Germany
Herbert Smith Freehills is strengthening cross-border practice, and the full Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe corporate staff of ten will be situated in Düsseldorf.
Fried Frank Trio Joining Sidley in NY
Sidley’s hiring efforts are extended well into the new year by the most recent lateral partners.
Robinson & Cole Adds to Immigration Team in Philly
Former Fox Rothschild partner Robert Seiger joins the company, bringing with him paralegal Alexis Rudisel and associate Ashley Rotchford.
Stevens & Lee Hires Ex-Middle District of Pennsylvania U.S. Attorney as White-Collar Co-Chair
Gerald Kram spent more than 35 years working at a Scranton boutique until becoming the managing partner of the business before becoming a U.S. attorney.
Hogan Lovells Hires White & Case Corporate and Finance Team in Italy
The new team enhances the company’s transactional capabilities in Italy and EMEA by concentrating on private equity, capital markets, leveraged financing, private credit, and mergers & acquisitions.
Linklaters Hires Four Partners from Patterson Belknap
The company, which has been bolstering its U.S. presence in recent years, is sending a message with these recruits.
A&O Shearman to Lose Another 5 Lawyers
As hundreds of A&O Shearman partners leave after last year’s transatlantic merger, a 25-year legal veteran is joining EY Abogados to manage its corporate development and labour department in Madrid.
Stradley Ronon Welcomes Insurance Team from Mintz
The team, which consists of one senior counsel, one managing counsel, and two new partners, strengthens the firm’s presence in Washington, D.C., and New York.
Clyde & Co Faces Significant Partner Departures Amid Financial Struggles
All six members of the once-thriving cybersecurity practice at London-based Clyde & Co. are leaving, along with one-third of the local partners. The departure occurs as the company struggles financially and keeps looking for a merger partner.
Financials:
Starbucks Hands New CLO Hefty Raise, Says He Fosters ‘Environment of Courage and Joy’
Brad Lerman has assisted the company in resolving a number of difficult issues, including as the CEO’s termination, a proxy conflict with activist investors, and conflicts with employees over their national unionization campaign.
Law Firms Are ‘Struggling’ With Partner Pay Segmentation, as Top Rainmakers Bring in More Revenuev
According to Blane Prescott, two partners “doubled their book of business, and not just from $20 to $40 million, but $60 to $120 million,” last year. “More businesses are having trouble deciding what should be at the top.”
Law Firms Report Wide Growth, Successful Billing Rate Increases and Less Merger Interest
The majority of respondents to ALM’s managing partner survey were midsize law firms. The study revealed that although many firms are increasing their revenue and headcount as a result of higher billing rates, many are choosing not to grow through mergers.
Steptoe Grows Revenue 7.5%, Hitting Record-High $530 Million
In 2024, the company’s earnings per equity partner increased by over 5% to $2.1 million, as per early financial reports.
Profits Surge Across Big Law Tiers; Am Law 50 Segmentation Accelerates
According to Wells Fargo, PEP increased by 16.9% due to strict control over the amount of equity partnerships, while revenue across law firm categories increased by 12.5%.
Canadian In-House Counsel Saw Salary Bumps Across the Board in 2024
According to a recent wage survey, the difference between men’s and women’s pay decreased from 12% to 8% in the previous year.
Promotions & Appointments
People in the News—Jan. 28, 2025—Buchanan Ingersoll, Kleinbard
Two of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney’s lawyers have been appointed to the board of directors of the South Asian Bar Association of Philadelphia (SABA-Philly).
Chamberlain Hrdlicka Taps a New Leader as Firm Follows Succession Planning Path
On January 1, 2026, Houston litigation shareholder Larry Carbo will take over as managing shareholder of Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Aughtry, replacing Larry Campagna.
Class Action Litigator Tapped to Lead Shook, Hardy & Bacon’s Houston Office
In order to supplement the office’s 30-year-old intellectual property and big products liability practices, Stephanie McGraw hopes to grow the corporate and commercial litigation teams.
Perkins Coie Hires Anthony Shannon as Chief People Officer
Shannon’s main goals for Perkins Coie will include lateral partner recruitment.
Littler Kicks Off New Year with the Elevation of 28 Attorneys to Shareholder
In its U.S., Mexico, and Singapore offices, Littler, the biggest employment and labour law firm in the world that represents management, promoted 28 lawyers to shareholder status at the start of the new year. More than 40% of this class of recently promoted shareholders belong to one or more of the company’s affinity groups, and more than 50% of them are women.
Al Tamimi & Co. Appoints New COO to Help Drive Sub-Saharan Africa Expansion
To bolster its regional leadership in the Middle East and expedite its expansion into sub-Saharan Africa, Al Tamimi & Co. appoints Rob Ashing, a graduate of Howard Kennedy, as COO.
Kobre & Kim Hires Regional Managing Director for Latin America
As litigation and other problems increase throughout the region, Renata Ramalhosa will concentrate on business development by strengthening her connections with local law firms and clients.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Big Law Aims to Make DEI Less Divisive in Trump’s Second Term
Law firms are thinking about how to make sure that inclusion-focused initiatives don’t come out as exclusionary to some after an executive order foreshadowed a crackdown on the DEI principle itself.
Diversity Lab Alters DEI-Centered Verbiage on Mansfield Certification Websitev
The creator and CEO of Diversity Lab stated that the criteria are still in effect despite other recent modifications to the website’s DEI language.
Office Openings & Closing:
IP Firm Fish & Richardson to Open Chicago Office
For the firm’s specialized intellectual property lawyers, the 4,300-square-foot office in Chicago’s West Loop district is anticipated to be a place of creativity and cooperation.
Holland & Knight Debuts Defence Industry Group Amid High Demand
Following an increase in opportunities related to the U.S. Défense industry, the Am Law 50 firm is establishing a new practice area specifically focused on working in that sector.
Margolis Edelstein Broadens Leadership with New Co-Managing Partner
Longtime managing partner Michael McKenna will be joined by labour and employment litigator Christopher Tinari, who is expected to eventually succeed him.
AXS Launches New DC Office to Go Global
After the battle is done, they will try to put Ukraine in a position for reconstruction. They will assist Ukrainians who have been defrauded in armament deals with American corporations, said Jeff Gutchess of AXS LAW. “We expect to file some lawsuits against U.S. companies that made promises and failed to deliver,” Gutchess stated.
Ex-Appellate Court Judges Launch Boutique Focused on Plaintiffs Appeals
Along with Dallas appellate attorney Morgan McPheeters, former Texas appellate judges Beth Watkins of San Antonio and Peter Kelly of Houston have established a civil appeals and trial strategy business.
Reed Smith Opening Atlanta Office with 37 Lawyers from Two Firms
In addition to a previously known group of attorneys from Morris, Manning & Martin, the international company is also hiring attorneys from Greenberg Traurig.
Greenberg Traurig Launches Munich Office with Eight Hires, Including McDermott Group
With eight new hires, including a former McDermott M&A and private equity partner, Greenberg Traurig is opening its second office in Germany.
Gunderson Dettmer Opens Atlanta Office with 3 Partners from Morris Manning
The second group to relocate from the Atlanta company to launch a law firm’s first Atlanta office this week are venture capital and IT attorneys.
Bass Berry & Sims Relocates to Nashville Office Designed to Encourage Collaboration, Inclusion
Chief administrative officer Craig Bingham stated, “This ability to connect and collaborate more effectively fits into our ongoing focus on growing a workplace where everyone feels included and empowered to deliver the best results possible for our clients.”
Rosenblatt Breaks Away From RBG, Becomes 40-Strong Standalone Firm
According to the company’s founder, Rosenblatt will carry on without the “distractions” of its prior listing. The move effectively secures the future of the Rosenblatt branded part of RBG’s business although it would appear the AIM-listed company’s other legal arm, Memery Crystal, is splintering.
New Legal Player Broadfield Hires Sidley Trio and Launches in Hong Kong with Local Alliance
To spearhead its aggressive expansion aspirations in Asia Pacific, Broadfield has engaged Effie Vasilopoulos, a seasoned partner and investment funds specialist from Sidley Austin, along with two additional individuals.
Mergers & Alliances:
Midsize Firm Bressler Amery Absorbs Austin Boutique, Gaining Four Lawyers
Four attorneys from Pearce Shambach relocated to the Austin office of Bressler, Amery & Ross, they will be contributing their corporate and transactional expertise to the firm.
Elevate Acquires Intellectual Property Research Provider Sagacious IP
The acquisition, Elevate’s third in nine months, gives the legal services provider access to additional intellectual property capabilities.
Morgan Lewis Says Global Clients Are Noticing ‘Expanded Capacity’ After Kramer Merger in Paris
Earlier this month, group managing partner Steven Wall and firm chair Jami McKeon visited the new office and discussed the future.
Latest Boutique Combination in Florida Continues Am Law 200 Merger Activity
As merger discussions in the market as a whole are anticipated to reach or surpass 2024 levels, Dinsmore & Shohl is merging with a Tampa boutique with ten attorneys.
Pearl Cohen Enters San Francisco Market Via Combination with IP Boutique
The Israeli law firm gains a foothold in Northern California as a result of the deal.
2 Middle East Regional Firms to Merge in the UAE
Matouk Bassiouny and Balfaqeeh Advocates, two regional Middle Eastern law firms, have declared their intention to combine their UAE offices. The partnership, which will function as Matouk Bassiouny & Balfaqeeh, will bring together the staff and resources of the companies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Technology & Innovation:
LexisNexis Announces Public Availability of Personalized AI Assistant Protégé
The assistant was created using technologies from Henchman, an acquired business, and has been in a commercial preview since August 2024.
E-Discovery Provider Casepoint Merges with Government Software Company OPEXUS
In addition to the corporate sector, the merger will expose Casepoint to over 80% of the federal agency market, which is a rising clientele for the e-discovery service.
Legal Departments, Firms Expect Gen AI to Boost ALSP Usage
The Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSP) market is expanding at a faster rate than the traditional legal services market, according to Thomson Reuters’ 2025 Report.
Onit Acquires Case and Matter Management Software Provider Legal Files Software
The acquisition comes soon after the private equity-backed company partnered with Swiftwater and Co.
Cornell Tech Expands Law, Technology and Entrepreneurship Master of Law Program to Part Time Format
The goal of Cornell Tech’s part-time program is to provide law students who work for a legal organization with the opportunity to further their education.
Legal Research Startup Paxton AI Announces $22 Million Series A Funding Round
After the most recent funding round, Paxton AI plans to expand its legal research products.
Canadian Private Equity Firms Are Eyeing the Tech Sector
Canadian legal firms predict a busy 2025 despite unclear trade headwinds, reduced interest rates, and plenty of available money.
Portuguese Law Firm Launches Tech Arm, Becoming Multidisciplinary Operation
After businesses were allowed to provide interdisciplinary services in the nation, Morais Leitão made the decision to introduce a technology-based offering.
Market Commentary:
Stuart Fuller explains why KPMG has pushed to join the competitive U.S. market, what it intends to achieve there, and why he thinks it will succeed while the firm’s legal department waits for a ruling on whether it can function as an alternative company structure in Arizona.
Smaller Firms in ‘Growth Mode’ as Competition, Rates Heat Up
At least three midsize law firms in the Philadelphia and South Jersey areas have announced plans to expand their clientele by bringing on smaller, one- to three-attorney businesses since the year began.
King & Spalding, Weil, Gotshal & Manges Launch Pro Bono Legal Initiative for Tennis Players
British tennis player Tara Moore, who was exonerated of an anti-doping infraction following protracted legal proceedings, started the effort.
Is It Time for Large UK Law Firms to Begin Taking Private Equity Investment?
The topic of private equity investment in law firms is making a comeback, leading to fresh conjecture that the trend may pick up steam in the years to come.
Companies’ Obsession with Soft Skills Has Made Prized GC Posts Even Harder to Land
John Gilmore, managing partner of the legal search firm BarkerGilmore said “If you come in showing any sign of ego, poor communication or weak relationship-building skills, you’re not getting the job.”
In-House AI Adoption Stalls Despite Rising Business Pressures
Tom Dunlop, CEO of Summize, a maker of AI contract-review software said, “There’s a real opportunity for legal to step into a leadership role here, advising the business on the safe and effective use of AI rather than just serving as the final checkpoint before approval.”
How Some Elite Law Firms Are Growing Equity Partner Ranks Faster Than Others
In order to expand their wallet, share with their current, important clients, elite law firms are focusing on lateral partner groupings.
Navigating Partner Exits During Law Firm Mergers
The challenges of keeping top talent while firing partners whose performance, approach, or outlook do not fit the new course of the combined business must be balanced by merging organizations.