Moves:
UK & Ireland
Pinsents Lures Baker McKenzie’s London Banking Head
Nick Tostivin, who spent 18 years with Baker McKenzie, will serve as the team leader for Pinsent’s financial division.
Lewis Silkin swoops for Hausfeld partner to boost London disputes team
Duran Ross, a disputes partner at Hausfeld, has been brought back by Lewis Silkin to bolster the company’s London branch.
McDermott strengthens London private equity practice with partner hire from Sidley Austin
In London, McDermott Will & Emery expanded its private equity practice by bringing on Sidley Austin partner Fatema Orjela.
Two new partners at IP law firm Powell Gilbert
With the promotion of Bryce Matthewson and Peter FitzPatrick to partner at IP law firm Powell Gilbert, the total number of partners at UK and Irish businesses now stands at 15.
Pinsent Masons takes on two new Dublin partners
Dorian Rees and Karen Gallagher have been appointed to partners in the Dublin office of international law firm Pinsent Masons.
EMEA
DLA Piper Hires Veteran Africa Legal Expert for D.C. Office
Jacqueline Cooke is joining at a time when the organization is attempting to rebrand. Cooke spent over ten years at 23andMe, where she rose to the No. 2 legal position.
White & Case Expands White-Collar Practice in Germany With Partner Hire From Noerr
Sophia Habbe, a partner based in Frankfurt, has joined White & Case, expanding the firm’s white-collar practice in Germany. This is the firm’s second partner hire in Germany thus far this year.
Middle East Roundup: Trowers Builds Out Real Estate in UAE, Al Tamimi Hires Egypt Banking Head
Trowers & Hamlins has strengthened its Middle Eastern real estate presence with the addition of seasoned partner Eileen Duncan from London to their office in the United Arab Emirates.
Osborne Clarke Snags an Energy Partner in Berlin from Noerr
In April, energy expert Martin Geipel will become an equity partner of Osborne Clarke.
Stephenson Harwood expands Middle East practice with third partner hire in a month
The moves are happening at a time when the CRM industry is rapidly growing and changing this has led to the joining of disputes lawyer John Lewis from Charles Russel Speechlys.
Alston & Bird Hires Brussels Antitrust Partner to Advise on Cross-Border Transactions
According to Jens-Olrik Murach, who joins from Willkie, transatlantic cooperation among competition regulators is growing.
Freshfields Lands Another Latham Private Capital Partner
Giancarlo D’Ambrosio becomes the third partner from Latham & Watkins to join Freshfields’ global private capital practice in a timeframe of under a month.
Paul Weiss Plans Brussels Launch with Simpson Antitrust Partner
Following a record-breaking fiscal year for revenue and earnings, sources confirmed on Wednesday that Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison intends to open an office in Brussels. Ross Ferguson, an antitrust partner at Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett, will be hired to start construction.
Bowmans adds M&A team in Johannesburg from Baker McKenzie
The group includes recently appointed partner Janine Howard, a senior associate, and an associate, under the direction of seasoned partner Angela Simpson, who previously co-led Baker McKenzie’s M&A team in Johannesburg.
Arbitra adds experienced international arbitrator from Swiss firm LALIVE
Arbitration services enterprise Veijo Heiskanen, an international arbitrator from the Swiss company LALIVE, has joined Arbitra’s independent panel of arbitrators.
APAC
China Welcomes Boosted IP Player as East IP and Hong Kong SIPS Merge, Absorb Zhong Lun Team
Veteran of Zhong Lun trademarks Jimmy Huang, alongside five other partners and thirty other IP professionals, joins East IP.
K&L Gates Brings in Australian Corporate Team from Local Rival
Khilen Devani, a partner, and Carl Hinze, the head of the firm’s China practice, join K&L Gates’ Brisbane office from Holding Redlich. They are accompanied by two more Holding Redlich attorneys.
Dentons, Yang & Yang, and Drew & Napier have beefed up their portfolio of senior lawyers as they look to consolidate their market share with the addition of specialists in banking, finance, international arbitration, and litigation, in particular Drew Napier celebrated the arrival of dispute resolution partner Abhinav Bhushan.
Norton Rose Fulbright Hires Technology Partner in Australia
Lisa Fitzgerald, a technology partner, has joined Norton Rose Fulbright’s Melbourne office to assist with providing advice on artificial intelligence, cyber risks, and digital transformation.
Pinsent Masons Bets on Energy Transition and Infrastructure Build for Australia Expansion
Australia’s efforts to increase infrastructure and decarbonize its economy are helping Pinsent Masons to grow there. The company has hired teams from other firms and launched a number of new practices in the last 12 months.
The Americas
DOJ Health Care Litigator Heads to Nelson Mullins
Jillian Willis was most recently the associate chief of the DOJ’s criminal division’s healthcare fraud unit.
People in the News—March 25, 2024—Lamb McErlane, Saxton & Stump
Following her nine-year term as a Chester County Commissioner, Michelle H. Kichline has law firm Lamb McErlane as an attorney.
The firm announced that Brooke Suárez, who joined the insurance and reinsurance group from Sherman Atlas Sylvester & Stamelman, and Julien M. Baumrin, who joined the commercial litigation group from Norris McLaughlin, have joined Riker Danzig as new associates.
People in the News—March 29, 2024—Lamb McErlane, Stradley Ronon
Joelle T. Shanesy has joined Lamb McErlane in the family law department.
Midsize Moves: Saxton & Stump Hire From Troutman, Balch & Bingham Adds Bradley Arant Associate
Samuel D. Harrison, a litigator from Troutman Pepper, has joined Saxton & Stump as senior counsel. Callie Cochran, an attorney in the firm’s environmental and natural resources department, has joined Balch & Bingham’s Birmingham, Alabama, office.
Akin Grabs Another Private Credit Partner From Paul Hastings in NY
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld in New York welcomes Paul Hastings alternative lender and private credit partner Scott Colton who is joining longstanding associate Bill Brady.
DOJ Antitrust Leaders Exit for Skadden, Foley & Lardner
Mark Grundvig, who joins Foley & Lardner, was most recently assistant chief of the DOJ’s antitrust division’s Washington criminal II department. James Fredricks, a former chief of the DOJ’s antitrust division’s Washington criminal II branch, joined Skadden.
Two Fried Frank Partners Exit for Alston, Akin
In order to assist Alston in expanding its M&A practice in New York, David L. Shaw has relocated and joined their ranks, meanwhile Avi Feinberg will assist Akin’s real estate group.
Connecticut Movers: New and Recognized Faces Making News at Murtha Cullina, HSSK and Chaffin Luhana
Two new associates at Murtha Cullina, a promotion to counsel at HSSK, and the opening of Connecticut offices for expanding Chaffin Luhana are just a few of the recent advancements that are being made in Connecticut.
Sidley adds PE M&A lawyer in New York from Paul Weiss
John Godfrey is the sixth attorney from Paul Weiss to move to Sidley in the last ten months.
Pietragallo Litigator Joins Boston’s Lichten & Liss-Riordan, Launching South Jersey Office
In the initial case to reach a federal jury regarding the classification of Uber drivers as either independent contractors or employees, Jeremy Abay collaborated with the company’s founder, Shannon Liss-Riordan.
‘Right Place, Right Time’: McDermott Picks Up Tax Litigation Leader From Baker McKenzie
Susan Ryba, a former chair of the tax practice group at Baker McKenzie in Chicago, is now with McDermott Will & Emery.
Akin, MoFo and Holland & Hart Make DC Partner Hires
Akin brought on Crowell & Moring’s Jason Prince as his international trade partner, Andrew Wheeler, a former administrator of the EPA, joined Holland & Hart and a team of five attorneys from Goodwin Procter was pilfered by Morrison & Foerster.
Akin Adds Hunton Andrews Energy Transactions Leader as a Partner in Houston
Incoming Akin partner Ian Goldberg said, “I’ve been looking to kind of find the best platform for my practice, which is straddling traditional and new energy”.
People in the News—April 3, 2024—Holland & Knight, Cohen Seglias
John Grugan, a lawyer, has joined Holland & Knight as a partner in Philadelphia.
Veteran International Tax Partner Jumps to McCarthy Tétrault in Toronto and Calgary
With over twenty years of experience, Drew Morier has advised clients in Canada and abroad on intricate transactions.
Paul Hastings Lures Weil Partner to Co-Chair Asset-Backed Finance Group
Shawn Kodes and Matthew Nemeth, two Weil attorneys, are joining Paul Hastings as partners as part of this two-lawyer shift.
Judge Francis J. Orlando Jr. becomes a partner at Vaughan Baio; Pashman Stein appoints a new chair in family law
Star Startup Striving for Air Taxi Supremacy Replaces Legal Chief
The shift, which comes as the manufacturer of electric aircraft looks to outperform competitor Joby Aviation, was not disclosed by Stellantis-backed Archer Aviation.
In-House
Former Everlaw Legal Chief Takes Top Lawyer Role at Zendesk
Newly appointed Zendesk Chief Legal Officer Shana Simmons wrote on LinkedIn. “I’m excited to work alongside a team that values innovation, teamwork, and above all—connections”.
Memorial Hermann CLO Moves to Lauded Midwestern Hospital System
Deborah Gordon is departing Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston to assume legal leadership of one of the most well renowned hospitals globally.
Former Mercy Health VP Boomerangs Back to Become Chief Legal Officer
Jennifer Brown, who served as general attorney and chief administrative officer at Graphite Health, a nonprofit company that develops digital health solutions in New Mexico, is returning to Mercy in St. Louis.
In-House Moves of Month: EBay, Estee Lauder, GE, Geico Grab Headlines
A number of significant legal department changes occurred in March, including the abrupt exit of longstanding legal heads at eBay and Estee Lauder and the appointment of well-known tech figures to senior lawyer positions at both established firms like DXC Technologies and up-and-coming Abnormal Security.
Skadden Arps M&A Trio Launches Transactions Group at Morris James
As the practice’s chair, Vincent Cannizzaro was elevated to partner status from his senior associate role at Skadden. Cannizzaro is accompanied by Skadden associate Justin Larsen and lawyer Aarish Sheikh.
Hertz GC Who Settled Barrage of Lawsuits From Enraged Customers Stepping Down
Colleen Batcheler is leaving the organization to take on an unspecified role at another business. She came to a $168 million settlement with clients that the rental car business had wrongfully charged of auto theft after joining the company in 2022.
Association of Corporate Counsel Launches Brazil Chapter
More than a thousand in-house attorneys from a variety of industries in the biggest economy in Latin America will be served by the chapter.
Canadian production house Thunderbird Entertainment promotes legal SVP to GC role
Lori Massini has been elevated to general counsel by Canadian media and production business Thunderbird Entertainment, taking over for Sarah Nathanson, who is leaving this month.
Team Moves
Vinson & Elkins Finance Team Arrives at Paul Hastings
Eight global finance partners of Vinson & Elkins, who were reported to be headed to Paul Hastings last month, completed their relocation on Thursday as the Am Law 100 firm continues to aggressively grow in Texas.
12 Attorneys Have Recently Left Genova Burns, Spotlighting Succession Planning Travails
Despite sources pointing to failed discussions over how to transition beyond the leadership of founding partners Angelo Genova and James Burns, Burns said the firm has “built a brand which will continue beyond its founders.”
Charles Russell Speechlys Adds Singapore Partner Trio from Butler Snow and King & Spalding
Charles Russell Speechlys has appointed Kurt Rademacher and Ivan Lu of Butler Snow and Peter Brabant of King & Spalding as partners.
Nelson Mullins Launches in Houston, Adding 10 Lawyers From 5 Law Firms
Craig Dillard, a litigation partner at Foley & Lardner, will take on the role of managing partner for the recently formed Houston office, starting on Monday. He and Foley litigator Mike Rahmn are anticipated to move to said office later this month.
On the Move: DLA Adds Investment Team From Greenberg, Womble Names Office Leader
DLA Piper has expanded its investment funds practice in Atlanta and Miami by hiring a three-person team from Greenberg Traurig. On Thursday, Terrence “Terry” Davis, a partner in Atlanta and the head of the registered funds business, joined DLA. Previously, Davis was co-chair of Greenberg’s investment management unit. Justin Tait joined the company as a senior attorney in Miami, and Tanya Boyle relocated to Atlanta as of counsel.
Ten get the nod in Fieldfisher’s latest partner promotions
Ten attorneys have joined Fieldfisher as partners in a round of promotions that is dominated by the London headquarters of the company.
Kasowitz Litigation Partner Trio Moves to King & Spalding
After leaving Kasowitz last, Jennifer Recine, who served as the co-chair for real estate litigation, joined David Kupfer and Sarmad Khojasteh at King & Spalding. She joined on Tuesday.
Gordon Rees Expands in Pittsburgh, Adds 11 Attorneys From Burns White
Gordon Rees Pittsburgh office co-managing partner Manoj Jegasothy said this regarding the new group… “We saw that they have a clientele that is particularly suited to be serviced by a national law firm”.
Bowmans Expands in Jo’Burg with 4-Strong Baker McKenzie M&A Team Hire
Bowmans welcomes back Angela Simpson, a former partner and co-head of M&A at Baker McKenzie Johannesburg, and Janine Howard, another M&A specialist from Baker McKenzie. According to Bowmans’ announcement, they are also joined by associate Tsholofelo Mofokeng, who was previously with Baker McKenzie Johannesburg, and senior partner Dominika Pietrzak.
Fieldfisher Hires Pension Team After ‘Strategic Review’ at PwC
According to a statement, the team is still in close collaboration with the Big Four accountants and has made this decision in response to a PwC evaluation.
Midsize Moves: McNees Adds Archer Partner, Wiggin and Dana Hires Former Quinn Emmanuel Team
Wiggin and Dana’s intellectual property department announced that litigator Kate Cassidy and her team have joined the firm’s New York office, with Cassidy as a partner. McNees Wallace & Nurick announced the addition of Allen C. Tucci, a corporate and securities attorney, to the firm’s Devon, Pennsylvania, office.
Jones Day adds government regulation team in Paris from White & Case
Three associates and two trainees make up the team, which is directed by partner François-Guilhem Vaissier. The organization has a wealth of experience in the energy, projects, infrastructure, and finance sectors, having worked in both Europe and Africa.
Promotions & Appointments:
Kraft Heinz Promotes Legal Chief After Year in Which Her Pay Declined
Rashida La Lande has contributed to the development of the company’s ESG agenda, which includes the July announcement of a 30% global reduction in the usage of virgin plastic by 2030.
Macfarlanes Partner Promotions Down on Last Year
Only six attorneys were promoted to partners at the top 50 U.K. firm Macfarlanes, which is a minor decrease from the eight attorneys who were selected in the previous two years.
Simpson Thacher’s Banking and Credit Practice Sees Leadership Change
After roughly 15 years as the practice’s manager, Patrick Ryan will step down and be replaced by Alexandra Kaplan and Brian Steinhardt.
Linklaters promotes 27 to partner as gender diversity target on track for fourth year
In its most recent round of promotions, UK Magic Circle firm Linklaters advanced 27 attorneys to partner, with 11 of those attorneys being women. This means that, for the fourth year running, the business achieved its yearly goal of having at least 40% of promoted partners identifying as female.
McCay Legal appoints property lawyer Sinead Creighan as director
McCay Legal, a firm based in Northern Ireland, has named Sinead Creighan as a director, responsible for overseeing the company’s commercial property, real estate, and private client departments.
Skadden Latest to Announce Partner Promotions with 21 Making the Cut
Additionally, Pinsent Masons has revealed the names of its newest partners.
Pinsent Masons promotes 22 to its partnership
With three promotions in Asia Pacific, five in EMEA, and fourteen in the UK, the company has added new partners to its global network, bringing the total to 502 as of May 1st. With five new partners in the Technology, Science, and Industry (TSI) sector and ten in the energy industry, the firm’s practice groups and sectors have welcomed the new members.
People in the News—April 5, 2024—Marshall Dennehey, Fox Rothschild
Christopher M. Reeser, a shareholder, has been appointed managing attorney of the firm’s Harrisburg office, according to a statement released by Marshall Dennehey.
On the Move: King & Spalding Adds Capital One Counsel as Finance Partner
Following 20 years with Morris Wright, tax attorney Mark Snider joins Nelson Mullins in Cleveland, while Baker Donelson announces the addition of 13 new shareholders, more than half of whom are located in Tennessee and Georgia.
Howard Kennedy partner named next president of London Solicitors Litigation Association
Nikki Edwards, a partner at Howard Kennedy, has been named the London Solicitors Litigation Association’s (LSLA) future president.
Harbottle & Lewis name first female senior partner in firm’s history
Gerrard Tyrrell will be replaced by Catherine Bedford, who will take over the position after almost 17 years.
Mergers & Alliances:
Torys, Willkie Farr, and Stikemans Steer CA$5B Fairstone Bank and Home Trust Merger
The result of the merger will be Canada’s highest alternative lender.
Africa Deal Roundup: Major Firms Take Roles on Resources, Infrastructure, and Music Deals
On the private equity-linked merger of South African gold producer Aurous Resource with Rigel Resource Acquisition Corp, a special purpose acquisition company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Milbank, Sidley Austin, and the South African firm Bowmans are providing advice.
With Merger Near, A&O and Shearman Retain McKinsey, KPMG
The firms reported that they turned to the business consultants for advice ranging “from operational integration through to ways of working.”
With High Interest in Law Firm Acquisitions, ‘A Likely Uptick’ in Mergers Underway
At present, 400–800 lawyer firms are particularly eager to buy out smaller firms, according to Lisa Smith at Fairfax.
BCLP Acquires Seattle Trial Boutique, Capitalizing on Region’s Growing Status as Litigation Hub
An entire year after the Am Law 100 company relocated to the Emerald City, all of the lawyers and employees of Harrigan Leyh Farmer & Thomsen joined BCLP.
McCartan Turkington Breen partners with Hope House Ireland
During or after their treatment, Hope House Ireland offers free lodging to cancer patients and their caregivers for a brief period of peaceful relaxation and recovery.
Office Openings & Closing:
Weil Gotshal Shutters Beijing and Mulls Shanghai Closure
Weil is the latest in a growing list of elite American law firms to close operations in China’s mainland due to the country’s tense geopolitical relations and protracted economic depression, which are forcing the world’s best legal practices to reevaluate their China investments.
Law Firms Paid More for Less Space in 2023 as Downsizing Trend Continues
Due to the peak of law firm leasing activity in Q4 of 2023, prices per square foot increased by over 5%.
Sorrels Law, Expanding Into Dallas, Hires Lawyer/Doctor For the Launch
Founded in Houston in 2021, plaintiffs’ personal injury firm Sorrels Law recently moved into the Austin area and built an office there. A few months later, the firm launched an office in Dallas.
Allen & Overy Launches Riyadh Office
A growing number of foreign companies have chosen Riyadh as their Middle East regional headquarters, indicating Saudi Arabia’s growing significance to them.
KPMG’s Hong Kong Affiliate Law Practice Set to Shut Down
The Big Four accounting company KPMG’s Hong Kong law business, SF Lawyers, is now closing its local offices in the city.
After 47 Years, Denver’s Moye White to Wind Down After Most Lawyers Join Fennemore Craig
Fennemore CEO James Goodnow said “We’ve found this mass lateral hiring works depending on the situation… It’s a very clean way to do a transaction.”
Am Law 200 Firm, ‘Working Differently,’ Will Move to Smaller Space
Leaders of Butler Snow discovered they didn’t require as much space as the company now has in downtown Nashville’s 29-story Pinnacle at Symphony Place building. The 15th and 16th floor offices of the firm feature a conference facility spanning 13,000 square feet.
Paul Weiss Plans Brussels Launch With Simpson Antitrust Partner
Brad Karp affirmed that the firm’s “strategic imperative” is to maintain a “strong presence in Brussels” given its focus on cross-border M&A and related client problems.
DLA Piper to Open Office in Düsseldorf
The company now has five offices in Germany as a result of the opening.
Hong Kong Law Firm Co-Founder Launches New Firm
According to Phillip Georgiou, Georgiou Partnership can provide the necessary knowledge on anything from asset recovery and insolvency to tasks pertaining to regulations and compliance.
Sullivan & Cromwell, Williams & Connolly Expand DC Space, as Leasing Activity Picks Up
In Washington, D.C., Finnegan is returning a floor while S&C and Williams & Connolly each take up about a floor of additional space.
Noerr to Part Company with Four European Offices
Following a decline in Noerr’s CEE income, a deal with CEE legal company Kinstellar may result in the major German law firm parting with a large number of lawyers.
JRAP O’Meara to move to larger headquarters
The Cork law practice JRAP O’Meara Solicitors LLP is moving to the Victorian Quarter on MacCurtain Street, where it will occupy a larger office, from the South Mall.
Financials:
Diversity of Practices Helped Foley Grow Revenue by 8.1%, Profits Per Equity Partner by 11.5%
Despite maintaining a constant number of attorneys, the business reported increased income and profits in 2023.
While Latham has been progressively growing its bonus pool, other companies have achieved comparable results by reallocating the share point value.
According to Tom Fitzgerald, Winston has a large number of situations with “tremendous nuance” in pricing or that are invoiced on a fixed fee basis. Overall, the company hiked billing rates by about 7% to 8%.
Regional West Coast Firms See Modest Gross Revenue Increases, as Equity Partner Tiers Contract
Last year, Procopio, Stoel Rives, Hanson Bridgett, and all three saw improvements in gross revenue or profit; however, PEP was boosted by reductions in the equity partnerships of these companies.
Miles & Stockbridge Sees Revenue and Profits Rise as Partnership Contracts
According to CEO Nancy Greene, the company is considering locations for growth, including Wilmington and New York.
Welcoming New Chair, Ballard Spahr Boasts Steady Revenue Alongside PEP Dip
Peter Michaud said “We outperformed in M&A. “We have done that historically, where when the market sees a downturn in M&A, we’ll still do well.”
After Mass Exodus, FisherBroyles Charts Plan for Rapid Growth
The business hopes to surpass last year’s head count of about 300 lawyers in 2024, even with the mass departure in early 2024, after sales and earnings increased in 2023.
Despite Industry Declines in Real Estate, Seyfarth Grew Revenue, Net Income by 3%
Despite having fewer employees than the previous year, Seyfarth is still “actively exploring” the South Florida market and seeking to expand in its core markets.
Mintz Sees Revenue Hit All-Time High as Profits Dip Amid Office Expansion
Managing partner Robert Bodian stated that the company’s profitability per equity partner were negatively impacted by its expansion into Canada. However, he claimed that the company’s presence in Canada brought in $9.2 million last year.
Mint & Strawn Sets Firm Revenue and Profits Records
According to chair-elect Steve D’Amore, who will succeed longtime chair Tom Fitzgerad this summer, the company wants to put more of an emphasis on international markets going forward, with London and Paris being top goals.
While Latham has been progressively growing its bonus pool, other companies have achieved comparable results by reallocating the share point value.
Revenue Per Lawyer Hits New Peak at Reed Smith, as Profits Stagnate Amid Mounting Costs
Global managing partner Casey Ryan said, “We saw financial growth from top 200 clients, including significant increases in international engagements, which indicates that our global platform is working for our international clients”.
Revenue Flattens at Dechert, But Firm Sees ‘Turnaround’ in Interest Rate-Sensitive Practices
Dechert’s London practice experienced its second-strongest year, said co-chair David Forti, who noted that firmwide, the last three years as a whole “were the best three years we’ve ever had.”
Boies Schiller Flexner Bounces Back With Revenue, Head Count Gains in 2023
With the opening of a new office in Rome and the ongoing renovation of its London location, the litigation shop is expanding again after years of dwindling headcount and revenue.
Schulte Rides Private Capital Matters to 7% Revenue Growth as PEP Dips Amid Firm Investments
The company’s earnings per partner decreased 7.7% to $3.34 million in the previous year as its equity-only partnership grew 13% to 78 members.
Building on 7% Revenue Rise in 2023, Frost Brown Todd Looks to Enter New Markets, Add to Head Count
In an interview, chairman Robert Sartin stated, “We had another very good year, particularly given the sort of uncertainties around the economic environment.”
Kramer Levin Finds ‘A Good Year in a Difficult Environment,’ With Revenue Rising 3.3%
The company’s PEP increased by 1.2% to $2.41 million despite a decline in net income, as the equity tier shrank by 5%.
Boies Schiller Flexner Bounces Back With Revenue, Head Count Gains in 2023
The number is an 11.8% increase from 2022, and the firm’s full-time equivalent head count increased by three attorneys to 153. Profits per equity partner increased 1.3% to $2.5 million, while revenue per lawyer reached $1.6 million, up 9.6%.
Wachtell, Goodwin Top Q1 League Tables as Global M&A Value Jumps 38%
Although there was a notable increase in the amount of worldwide M&A disclosed in Q1, there was a 31% decrease in the number of agreements during the same period last year.
Faegre Drinker Bolsters Finance & Restructuring Team With Partner Deanna Reitman in Dallas
Reitman offers clients business, legal, and regulatory counsel about commodities. With an emphasis on energy, metals, agriculture, carbon, and other sustainable commodities, she has over 25 years of experience in the commodity markets and over 18 years in senior management.
Revenue, Profits Slip at Baker Botts as Firm Invests in Hiring, Singapore Office
Danny David, the managing partner who assumed the position on August 1st, stated that 2023 would be a year of investments with an emphasis on building on his strengths.
Moore & Van Allen Leans Into Countercyclical Practices for Revenue, Profit Growth
Although its primary specialty is banking and finance, the Am Law 200 firm also made money in real estate, IP, litigation, and restructuring.
Stinson, With Surge in Class Actions, Grew Revenue Nearly 4%
Net income dropped by 6.4%, although the company’s profits per equity partner increased by over 2%.
Cahill Drops 2.9% in Revenue as Firm Plans Long-Term Adjustments
In order to lessen the highs and lows of a market-dependent profession, Cahill is aiming to diversify its practice mix, according to firm head Herb Washer.
Wilmer Sees Growing Share of Fees From Meta, as Firm’s Total Revenue Expands
Some analysts believe that law companies suffer commercial problems if the bills from a single customer account for more than 5% of the firm’s entire revenue. Others argue that this threshold has to be significantly higher.
Spencer Fane Notches 16.5% Topline Growth as Firm Seeks Out More Markets
The head of the company pointed out that while lateral partners receive the same compensation as those in the equity tier, they are not acting as “de facto leverage” for the current equity partners.
Slaughters Bounces Back in Q1 Rankings as European M&A Shows Hints of Recovery
Slaughters soared to the top of the London Stock Exchange Group’s (LSEG) first-quarter adviser rankings, moving up from 17th place in Q1 2023 to the top spot. The company fared well in the European rankings as well, moving up from 54th to 4th.
Travers Profits Continue to Fall Amid Challenging Market, Latest LLPs Show
According to limited liability partnership documents that were recently submitted to Companies House, the UK company’s operating profit for the previous year decreased by 13%, from £75 million to £65.3 million. Up till June 2021 of last year, the profit was £78.7 million.
Technology & Innovation:
Can AI Invent? USPTO Provides Guidance on AI-Impacted Inventorship
Jeffrey Weinick and Drew Berweger of CSG Law’s patent group write “Where is the line between AI rising to the role of inventor and mere AI assistance for human inventors?”.
Education in the Age of Gen AI: Negotiating Skills Are Alive and Well
In contrast to the profession’s concerns about incoming attorneys being ill-prepared due to the emergence of generative AI, the first-ever ABA Business Law Section M&A Committee National Invitational demonstrated effective negotiation techniques.
Tech-Enabled Transactional Practice of the Year, Law Firm: Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe
Wendy Butler Curtis, Chief Innovation Officer at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe said that “The essence of innovation lies with our lawyers and their deep understanding of our clients’ objectives and challenges, coupled with an enthusiasm to think beyond convention,”.
Best Use of Emerging Technology (Non-AI), Law Firm: Reanna Martinez, Munger, Tolles & Olson
Reanna Martinez, Manager: Innovation, Systems, and Data at Munger, Tolles & Olson, said, “You have the opportunity to be a trailblazer, driving change in an industry known for its conventions.” This is true for the legal tech sector.
How to Develop Legal Tech Products That Lawyers Love
Technology solutions should not create new problems, but rather solve current ones. They should supplement and enhance the delivery of legal services.
AI Hype Needs To Come To An End
Many are now saying that AI needs to have it “come to Jesus” moment. It’s time to stop the hype, stop talking up AI as if it’s the next best thing since sliced bread and prove that it’s a useful tool and technology that can actually be used in the actual practice of law.
Winston & Strawn Launches Tech-Powered, Right-Staffing Venture for Low-Complexity Work
By offering an alternative to the market for outsourced legal providers that incorporates lawyers with firm training, well-established procedures, cutting-edge technology, and generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, Winston Legal Solutions seeks to allay client worries about cost.
How Artificial Intelligence Can Be Properly Used by In-House Counsel
Given all of AI’s potential advantages—and the likelihood that there may be more in the future that we are unaware of—it is crucial to comprehend the risks associated with employing these technologies, according to a guest columnist for the Law Journal.
Linklaters Turns to Accenture for Tech Advice
Following in the footsteps of A&O and Shearman, Linklaters hired McKinsey and KPMG to provide merger advisory services last month.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Q&As With Florida Individuals Recognized for Their Diversity Initiatives
This year, the Daily Business Review named five people as nominees for the Diversity & Inclusion award in 2024.
GSU’s Reed to Become University of Baltimore Law’s First Woman Dean
Incumbent dean LaVonda Reed said in a statement, “I am excited to join the University of Baltimore as the dean of the School of Law as the university celebrates its centennial anniversary. “The school’s commitment to excellence in teaching, impactful research and service to the legal academy and the profession is as inspiring as the people who make up this wonderful academic community.”
4 Out of Sidley’s 5 Global IP Litigation Leaders Are Women. Here’s How That’s Shaped the Practice
Aimee Fagan and Ching-Lee Fukuda, who both joined Sidley’s IP litigation team as lateral hires, talk about how they plan to develop the practice and what attracted them to the company.
People in the News—April 1, 2024—Capehart Scatchard, Funge
Attorneys from the Capehart Scatchard workers’ compensation department Aminata C. Kamara, Jaclyn M. Terranova, and Megan A. Wilson recently attended a judicial reception honoring four judges from the tri-state area who are Rutgers Law School alumni in honor of Women’s History Month.
Gwabbit Founder Todd Miller Acquires Majority Stake in CRM Provider TRĒ AI
The purchases are happening at a time when the CRM industry is rapidly growing and changing.
Assessing the Legality of DEI Programs
This article examines decisions made in cases both prior to and beyond the SFFA ruling to show how courts and employers have taken racial considerations into account when determining whether or not diversity programs are lawful. It then suggests inquiries that companies should consider to guarantee legal compliance and further diversity goals.
Market Commentary:
The Law Firms and Lawyers That Benefit Most From Private Equity Designation
The law firms and attorneys that regularly receive specified mandates on private equity transactions in the UK have been identified through an extensive examination that included interviews with a broad spectrum of industry executives.
Nonequity Partner Growth Kicks Into High Gear
In 2023, the income partner ranks of several Am Law 100 companies increased by double digit percentages. Many factors, according to analysts, are driving businesses to quickly grow this partner layer.
Freshfields the Latest to Move to 4 Days in US Offices
Starting on May 1st, U.S. partners, associates, legal assistants, and other fee earners at Freshfields will be required to work four days a week in the office.
The Law Firms and Lawyers That Benefit Most From Private Equity Designation
The law firms and attorneys that regularly receive specified mandates on private equity transactions in the UK have been identified through an extensive examination that included interviews with a broad spectrum of industry executives.
Linklaters Partner Promotions Fall Steeply on Last Year
Most of the lawyers in the campaign are based in the UK offering of the business, and they cover 14 countries in Asia, Europe, and the United States.
‘Puppy Yoga is Not a Wellbeing Strategy’: Are Law Firms Doing Enough on Mental Health?
In the month since the Vanessa Ford tragedy, the legal sector has seen a significant increase in the fight for mental health; nevertheless, very few businesses seem to be thinking about making improvements to their wellbeing programs.
General Counsel Commit to 50% Pro Bono Target to Increase In-House Involvement
The pledge has been signed by GCs from FTSE 100 firms, including as GSK, Coca-Cola, ITV, Taylor Wimpey, and Goldman Sachs.
Dentons launches shadow leadership team to nurture next generation of leaders
A shadow executive team made up of prospective future leaders has been created by Dentons’ UK, Ireland, and Middle East business to provide suggestions to the firm’s leadership on strategic and operational initiatives.
The Challenge of China: What Will Kirkland, Latham and the Rest of Big Law Do Now?
It seems that running a legal practice in Greater China is becoming more and more challenging.
Big law companies continue to spend a lot of money on high-priced management consultants like Accenture and McKinsey, but The Global Lawyer wonders what these firms aim to accomplish.
Wilmer Joins Kirkland, Sidley in Racking Up 8-Figure Fees From a Single Client
Regulations requiring SEC disclosure made Meta reveal the amount it paid Wilmer. The same guidelines caused TDS to declare how much it paid Sidley and Blackstone to report how much it paid Kirkland.
Second-Half Demand Increases Buoyed Fox Rothschild in 2023
The company’s nonequity partnership grew while its equity partnership shrank, similar to many of its peers.