Moves:
UK & Ireland
Paul Weiss Continues London Expansion with Litigation Hire from Akin
According to a person with knowledge of the situation, the firm has added Akin partner Richard Hornshaw and established a U.K. litigation practice.
Travers Boosts Finance Team with Hire from Fried Frank
Mandip Englund joins Travers’s string of recent lateral hires. She has advised clients including boards of companies, private equity sponsors, credit funds and distressed funds, insolvency practitioners, pension trustees and clearing banks/investment banks.
Eversheds Swoops for DLA Co-Head of UK Tech Disputes
Simon Kenyon, a former senior partner at DLA Piper, has joined Eversheds Sutherland, expanding its technology, media, and telecoms practice. This calculated action is expected to increase Eversheds’ visibility in the UK tech disputes market.
Sidley Swoops for Another Latham London Partner
According to someone with knowledge of the situation, the firm has acquired about 40 attorneys from Latham & Watkins in the past year. One such partner is Jayanthi Sadanandan who is ranked Tier 1 for Baking and Finance by Chambers and Partners 2024.
Ashurst grows London Real Estate team with new partner hire
Ashurst, a worldwide law firm, has expanded its expertise in the global real estate industry by adding Lee Foxcroft as a partner in its London real estate department. With an emphasis on data centers, technology, and the senior housing industry, Lee brings a wealth of experience in real estate joint ventures and co-investment arrangements to the table.
Greenberg Traurig hits Reed Smith for London infrastructure partner
To strengthen its infrastructure bench in London, Greenberg Traurig (GT) has brought on a partner from Reed Smith. After working for his previous company for eighteen years, Richard Ceeney has joined GT as a shareholder.
APAC
Japan’s Big Four Firm Mori Hamada Secures Corporate Partner from MoFo Tokyo
The company handles some of the most well-known deals in Japan, such as Bain Capital’s $3.3 billion pharmaceutical acquisition of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma.
Bakers SG firm expands cap markets offering with hire from A&O Shearman
McKenzie Baker Alexander Stathopoulos, a seasoned capital markets attorney, was promoted from A&O Shearman to the position of principal at Wong & Leow, a Baker McKenzie member firm in Singapore. Stathopoulos specializes in cross-border equity capital markets offerings in Southeast Asia and has more than 20 years of expertise in international capital markets.
Two KCs join Singapore operation of NZ’s Bankside Chambers
Law chambers in New Zealand Bankside have designated seasoned British legal clerk David Grief as its coordinator in the city-state of Singapore and has assigned Andrew Butler KC (L) and Kelly Quinn KC to its Singapore office.
Khaitan adds real estate partner from AZB in Pune
Alpesh Parekh, a real estate lawyer from AZB & Partners, was hired by Indian law firm Khaitan & Co. to bolster its Pune office. This is the firm’s first lateral partner addition in the city since its founding in December 2023.
EMEA
Willkie Hires High-Profile Duo from Gibson Dunn’s German Antitrust Team
Willkie Farr Gallagher has strategically bolstered its European antitrust capabilities by hiring a high-profile duo from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. The team, led by prominent antitrust partner Georg Weidenbach, is set to enhance Willkie’s footprint in Germany and other significant European markets. This move underscores Willkie’s commitment to expanding its antitrust platform across Europe.
Mayer Brown taps Dechert for capital markets partner
Rafe Khokhar most recently worked as a securities and corporate attorney. Khokar advises financial institutions, sovereign entities, asset managers and sovereign wealth funds on capital markets, regulatory capital instruments, Islamic finance and Sharia-compliant products, and liability management transactions.
The Americas
Former U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema Joins Hogan Lovells in D.C.
The former senator from Arizona began her professional career as a criminal defense lawyer and went on to serve three years in the House.
Davis Polk Adds Structured Finance Partner from Cadwalader
Ryan McNaughton’s arrival gives the company’s increasing emphasis on private finance a securitization component.
Paul Hastings Adds ECVC Partner From Wilson Sonsini in NorCal
Frank Lopez the firms Chair has said that Mike Pestana’s arrival will help the firm in working with clients moving from “pre-IPO to large public company.”
Mayer Brown Adds Longtime National Security Official to Lead White Collar Practice
Wainstein spent roughly five years as a partner at Davis, Polk & Wardwell prior to his most recent government assignment.
Freshfields New York M&A Partner Exits as Firm Tackles ‘Credibility’ Issue in US Market
Along with Ethan Klingsberg and other prominent Cleary corporate figures, the partner joined the firm in 2019, which was seen as a huge U.S. team hire by the U.K.-founded legal company and a springboard for its present success in the United States.
Paul Hastings Expands Litigation Practice in Houston with King & Spalding Partner
Craig Stanfield, who started working for Paul Hastings on Monday, stated that the company’s presence, extensive procedures, and dedication to expansion in Texas drew him in.
Expanding Its Finance Practice, Haynes and Boone Adds Derivatives Partner in New York
Michele “Miki” Navazio, a partner at Seward & Kissel, joined Haynes and Boone in New York as a co-chair of the firm’s derivatives practice.
Before Locke Lord’s health care practice group merged with Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders, Tammy Woffenden, a partner at Troutman Pepper Locke, co-chaired the group.
People in the News—April 4, 2025—Marshall Dennehey, Stradley Ronon
Professional liability lawyer Kyle T. McGee has become a stakeholder in Marshall Dennehey’s Pittsburgh office.
In-House
Ex-GC of Raiders, Cardinals Becomes Packers’ Top Lawyer
When Kevin Manara takes over as CEO in July, longtime General Counsel Ed Policy will relinquish his legal responsibilities.
The GC Who Took Facebook Public Takes Legal Reins of NFL
Ted Ullyot is a well-known Republican who served as Attorney General Alberto Gonzales’ chief of staff, a clerk for Justice Antonin Scalia of the Supreme Court, and an advisor to President George W. Bush.
KFC Legal Chief Flies the Coop for Chicken Chain Bojangles
As Bojangles moves forward with aspirations to reach 1,000 stores, Kate Ward is taking over the company’s legal management.
Latham Star to Captain American Airlines Legal Team
After Priya Aiyar left for Warner Bros. Discovery in February, the biggest passenger airline in the world started looking for a new legal chief.
Year-Old Legal Technology Startup Hires Former Alphabet Lawyer as GC
John Lee, the company’s general counsel and head of strategy, stated, “Ruli’s potential for integration across workflows to solve fundamental challenges in the legal industry is unmatched.”
Diageo General Counsel Departs for US Healthcare Giant
In 2021, Tom Shropshire left Linklaters, where he was the head of the U.S. division of the law firm, to join Diageo.
Green Bay Packers sign GC from Arizona Cardinals as previous legal head named CEO
In lieu of Ed Policy, who is being elevated to the position of president and CEO, the American football franchise Green Bay Packers has appointed Kevin Manara as its general counsel.
Team Moves
Cleary Hires 5-Partner IP Lit Team from Latham
Victor Hou, co-leader of Cleary’s Americas litigation practice, described the group addition as a “game changer” for the company.
Paul Hastings, After Hiring 3 White & Case Partners, Lays Out Abu Dhabi Strategy
Paul Hastings wants to use its new Abu Dhabi base and cross-border energy and infrastructure experience to link investments from the Middle East and Europe.
Hogan Lovells Adds 4-Partner Litigation Team from Kramer Levin
The group, headed by former leader of the litigation department Gary Orseck, arrives as Kramer Levin seeks to complete its proposed merger with Herbert Smith Freehills.
Freeman Mathis & Gary Hires Three Partners in Tampa After Significant Fla. Expansion in 2024
After a year of quick growth in Florida, the Georgia-based company is expanding its Tampa office with three health care partners, with more to follow.
Fox Rothschild Loses 4 Labor Attorneys to Jackson Lewis, Pierson Ferdinand
A day prior to partner Jerry Hathaway’s relocation to Pierson Ferdinand, partner Bryn Goodman and two associates announced their move to Jackson Lewis.
Holland & Knight Snags Finance Team from Seward & Kissel in New York
Law firm Holland & Knight has poached key a maritime finance team of smaller, New York-based rival Seward & Kissel, sources told TradeWinds. The team is led by partner Michael Timpone, alongside partners Sophia Agathis and Kurt Plankl.
Macfarlanes Trio Leaves for DAC Beachcroft
All three were in Macfarlanes’ real estate department for the best part of a decade.
Financials:
Eager to Retain Legal Chief Through Merger, Shyft Group Quadruples His Pay
Joshua Sherbin received $3.2 million in shares and a $1.6 million retention incentive from the specialty vehicle manufacturer in 2024, which was five times more than his award the previous year.
DLA Piper Surpasses $4B in Revenue, nears 5K Lawyers as Firm Strives to Expand in Key Areas
In 2025, DLA Piper is focused on generating lucrative revenue in “white hot” markets and practice areas.
Faegre Drinker Hits $1 Billion in Revenue
The company’s gross sales climbed 7.1% in the sixth year following a successful merger, and its profits per partner surged 12.7% to $1.27 million.
Carlton Fields Expands Revenue Gains as Head Count Stays Flat
As its CEO continues to prioritize gradual but steady growth, the Tampa-based company is announcing its fourth consecutive year of revenue increase.
Orrick Breaks $1.5B in Revenue in Strong 2024
In 2024, the company reported a 16.7% increase in profits per equity partner.
Holland & Hart Boosted Net Income by 24% in 2024 Amid Focus on Lateral Hiring, Premium Clients
The Mountain West law practice continues to reap the benefits of a long-term strategy that emphasizes high-end client business and involves hiring upmarket partners.
Simpson Thacher Crosses $7.5M in PEP, Revenue Jumps 24% as Firm Eyes Westward Expansion
The firm, which will build an office in San Francisco early next year, will benefit from the success, according to firm chair Alden Millard.
Kilpatrick Grows Revenue, Profits Despite ‘Year of Investment’ That Boosted Expenses
The multinational company’s revenue rose by 5% as a result of spending on technology and integrating new partners.
Mayer Brown’s Revenue Grows to $1.98B, PEP Rises 14%
The company saw a 6.6% decrease in headcount overall and a roughly 10% decline in equity partners after spinning out its operations in Mexico City and Hong Kong last year.
Gibson Dunn Achieves $7.2M in PEP, 15.7% Revenue Rise Amid Continued Focus on Building Key Practices
Gross revenue is up 65% since the beginning of chair and managing partner Barbara Becker’s tenure.
Fox Rothschild Sees Over 20% Growth in Bottom Line
The gross revenue increased by 11.3% over 2023 to $773 million. In contrast, earnings per equity partner increased by more than 20% to $1.1 million.
Cuatrecasas Sees 12.2% Revenue Growth, Surpassing €436 Million
Over the last three years, the Spanish legal firm’s revenue has increased by €120 million.
In 2024, the company’s earnings per equity partner increased by almost sixteen percent. Bill Malley, the managing partner, expressed his optimism over the performance of the upcoming year.
Promotions & Appointments:
Seyfarth Appoints Longtime Staff to New C-Suite Innovator Roles
Zeynep Ersin has been named the company’s chief innovation and strategic design officer, while Byong Kim has been named chief data and AI officer.
People in the News—March 31, 2025—Barley Snyder, Duffy
Barley Snyder declared the appointment of lawyer Emily C. Watkins to the board of directors of the Lancaster County Community Foundation.
Greenberg Traurig Miami Elevates Four Attorneys
The new Miami stockholders are Jennifer Junger, Sami B. Ghneim, Joshua B. Forman, and Carlos L. Diaz.
Norton Rose Extends Chair’s Tenure in Snub to South Africa
Although there is a South African candidate in line to succeed him, Walied Soliman, the current global chair, will remain in his position.
Pinsent Masons Elevates 24 to Partner, 54% Women
This year’s total is two greater than last year’s, and the business has promoted a comparable number of partners during the previous few years.
Linklaters promotes three UAE lawyers to partner
One partner specializes in corporate law, while the other two focus on energy and infrastructure.
Wilson Nesbitt appoints Neil Cahill to lead dispute resolution team
Neil Cahill has been named a partner and head of conflict resolution at Wilson Nesbitt, a firm based in Northern Ireland. Mr. Cahill formerly served as the director of the litigation and dispute resolution team of Fieldfisher in Dublin. Before that, he was a partner at Tughans and the head of disputes for UK and EMEA at ALT at Herbert Smith Freehills in Belfast.
Neil Matheson promoted to partner at TC Young
Neil Matheson has been promoted to partner at TC Young. After beginning as a trainee at the business in 2015, Mr. Matheson has extensive experience in civil litigation cases at the Sheriff Court and Court of Session levels.
Diversity & Inclusion:
White & Case Launches ‘New Initiative’ to Replace DEI Function
White & Case acknowledged that it had “discontinued” its DEI activities and replaced them with “a new initiative focused on professional skills training and engagement for all our non-partner lawyers and business services professionals.”
Engine Maker That’s Championed Diversity for Decades Sits Out DEI Retreat
In its newly filed proxy statement, the corporation makes numerous allusions to diversity and inclusion, referring to DEI as “the heart of our culture and cornerstone of our ongoing success.”
Freshfields Removes DEI Content, Retires US Diversity Targets
One of 20 companies cited in a Trump-directed letter that voiced “concern” over practices that “may entail unlawful disparate treatment” based on “sex, race, or other protected characteristics” was the company, which has recently made large investments in its U.S. business.
Kirkland & Ellis Hides Diversity Data Required in the UK
The company has made changes to its website that make required diversity statistics difficult to see.
How Flimsy Regulation Helped Big Law Drop DEI
Emphasis is being placed on the strength of DEI policies and their implementation.
Section 1981: The Swiss Army Knife for Anti-DEI Litigation
Along with concerning enforcement threats from cabinet-level leaders, the President has recently issued several executive orders, guidelines, and other cautions pertaining to DEI, the Department of Justice, and the EEOC. The issue is that, unless they appropriately reflect current statutes, case law, and/or court rulings, these are not legally binding, and law firms are advising businesses as such.
European businesses with contracts in the United States that choose to follow the new workplace discrimination regulations of the Trump administration run the danger of facing legal and reputational issues both domestically and within the European Union. However, businesses without U.S. contracts may also encounter issues.
IBA reaffirms support for rule of law and diversity amid Trump attacks on legal profession
The International Bar Association (IBA) has joined the American Bar Association in expressing concern over what it perceives as an ongoing erosion of the rule of law in the US.
First leadership appointments to NI Law Society women’s network
Naomi White and Claire McAleer have been named to senior positions in the recently formed women’s network of the Law Society of Northern Ireland. After an eight-year hiatus, Ms. McAleer, who will chair the network, resumed her legal practice in 2022. She has experience helping women, having worked with the NI Rural Women’s Network and in community service.
Office Openings & Closing:
Brent Walker Leaves Dallas’ Aldous\Walker, Still Led by Charla Aldous, to Form New Firm
Walker founded Brent Walker Law, where he would concentrate on catastrophic personal injury claims. Aldous Walker is now Aldous Law Firm.
Holland & Knight Opens Seattle Office Led by Ex-Davis Wright Tremaine Managing Partner
16 attorneys from the local company Karr Tuttle Campbell, which closed a few days prior to the announcement, will work in the new office.
Ogletree Deakins Seeking More Collaboration, Upgrade Design in New Midtown Atlanta Office
The labour and employment-focused store will be located in the 55-story Bank of America Plaza with other Am Law 100 firms.
Chamberlain Hrdlicka Moving in 2026 to ‘Space That Supports’ Firm’s Current, Future Needs
The firm has moved its Atlanta outposts to newly renovated Midtown office towers, joining other Am Law 200 firms in doing so.
Brown Rudnick to Open LA Office with Four-Partner Hire
Daniel Rozansky, co-chair of Stubbs Alderton & Markiles’ commercial litigation practice, is one of the new partners.
Additionally, the company confirmed 2025 debuts in Bangkok, Seattle, and Kuala Lumpur.
Simmons to Relocate London Headquarters
There will be 22,000 extra square feet of space at the new location.
McDermott, Pinsent Partners Launch German Boutique with Unusual Hybrid Structure
With a team of 20 attorneys drawn from Pinsent, EY Law, and boutique firm Orka, the Düsseldorf firm is experimenting with a novel hybrid-corporate structure that hasn’t been available before 2022.
McDermott Will & Emery Relinquishes Asia Presence, Closes Singapore After 4 Years
Recently, the company’s sole Singaporean partner, who was also stationed at its London office, departed.
Mergers & Alliances:
Gunster Merges with South Florida Boutique, Adding Additional Miami Office and 14 Lawyers
South Florida-based Katz Barron and Florida-based Gunster are combining. In order to have a presence in both Brickell and Coral Gables moving forward, it plans to retain the firm’s current Miami location.
Law Firms Maintain Strong Interest in Mergers, but Economic Pressure Could Have ‘Disquieting Effect’
According to the author of a recent analysis, any economic downturn could have a “disquieting effect,” even though businesses are keen to identify suitable combinations.
Kramer Levin-HSF Merger Approved in Partner Vote
The merger will commence on June 1st, a month later than originally planned.
Phelps Dunbar Adds to Gulf Coast Presence, Practice Areas in Merger with Pensacola’s Beggs & Lane
The merger strengthens the firm’s litigation, energy, IP capabilities in a “fertile area,” according to managing partner Marshall Redmon.
Technology & Innovation:
Amend Practice Book to Require Cybersecurity CLE
Cybersecurity, privacy, and data protection should all be included in at least one credit hour of continuing education.
Criminal Defense Discovery Platform TrialKit Debuts, Announces $4.25M in Funding
With support from startup finance firm UpWest and others, the company wants to create an AI-powered discovery platform for defense lawyers.
Hugging the Boogeyman: AI Is Not a Trap, It’s a Safety Net
AI will decrease, not increase, the risk of malpractice in 2025 with appropriate lawyer training and practical implementation. The foundation of responsible adoption is a notion that is already ingrained in legal ethics and practice: the importance of use should determine how diligently information sources are verified and secured.
Supio Launches Updated Document Intelligence Platform with New AI Tools for Personal Injury Lawyers
AI-powered features in Supio’s record Intelligence platform, which will be widely accessible later this spring, are designed to help plaintiff law firms with a variety of tasks, including demand letter writing and medical record analysis.
In-House Teams Struggling to Take Legal AI Beyond the Trial Stage
Many companies’ legal departments may find it difficult to implement AI widely and show a significant return on investment, according to a recent Factor analysis.
Market Commentary:
Latham & Watkins Attorney Pulls a ‘Hat Trick,’ Winning Three Cases in One Day
Jeff Hammel, who co-leads the New York Litigation & Trial Department at Latham & Watkins, stated that it is extremely unlikely that all of the decisions will be released on the same day.
Amicus Brief Supporting Perkins Coie Gets 170 Signatures so Far, but Few Am Law 100 Firms
As of last Sunday, only a few Am Law 100 firms had signed onto the amicus brief, sources say
Mark Wasserman, who facilitated the 2017 merger of American and British companies, is replaced by Lino Mendiola.
Willkie Believes It’s the Next Target of Trump Executive Order
One of the individuals claimed that the New York legal firm had “started to make preparations” and execute the required actions, but he would not provide further details.
Willkie Reaches Deal with Trump to Avoid Executive Order
According to reports, Willkie, the office of former Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, had “started to make preparations” and perform the required actions in anticipation of a possible executive order from the White House.
Companies Veer Away from External GC Hires After Trend Loses Shine
According to a Russell Reynolds Associates analysis, “Facture 500 companies are investing more in the rising stars they already employ, as the external talent market is somewhat exhausted.”
New Distributed Firm Lucendo Offers Traditional Pathway to Equity Alongside Work Flexibility
CEO T.J. Henry was previously Rimon’s chief legal and growth officer, but he has a complaint regarding the way the initial wave of virtual enterprises were set up.
‘You’ve Got to Do Stuff Immediately’: Newly Hired GCs Feel Urgency to Fix Things Fast
Fortune 500 legal chiefs were asked by Russell Reynolds Associates to rate the degree of change they made during their first 12 to 18 months on a scale of 1 to 10. Seven was the most frequently given response.
Law Firms’ Thai and Myanmar Offices Return To ‘Business as Usual’ Following 7.7 Mw Earthquake
Such earthquakes and tectonic deformations have been known to result in dozens of fatalities and expose a sizable population to widespread risks such as landslides.
Singapore’s Sustainability Legal Service Market to Triple in Value by 2033, PwC Report Projects
PwC claimed that because of possible skills gaps in technical expertise connected to sustainability, Singapore’s legal market is ill-equipped to manage the anticipated expansion in the sustainability sphere.
African Firms Have Struggled in London, but a Nigerian Partner May Have Cracked the Code
Though most have failed, the city has been a popular location for African businesses looking to grow outside of the continent. What is Olaniwun Ajayi’s secret then?