Moves:

UK & Ireland

Pinsent Masons hires Maureen Daly to lead IP team in Dublin

Pinsent Masons has enlisted Intellectual property and technology partner Maureen Daly to their Dublin office to lead their intellectual property team and expand its pan-European Technology practice.

Kirkland secures tax partner from Linklaters in London.

Not long after being raided by Paul Weiss, Kirkland & Ellis have hired a senior tax partner in their London office from Linklaters. James Morgan is set to join as a Senior Tax Partner.

Allen & Overy hires cybersecurity partner duo in London from Norton Rose Fulbright

After 20 years at Norton Rose Ffion Flockhart has been appointed Global head of Security at Allen & Overy, she is joined with partner Charlie Weston- Simons.

EMEA

Gibson Dunn Grabs 7-Partner Team from White & Case as It Opens Office in Saudi Arabia

Gibson Dunn have raided various White & Case offices to acquire a 7-Partner team for its new office in Riyadh.

Jones Day Taps Ashurst for Munich Restructuring Partner

This is the second Ashurst move specifically from their Munich office in the last month.

McDermott Will & Emery Hires Veteran White & Case Competition Partner in Brussels

Axel Schulz joins McDermott’s competition team in Brussels, he has been hailed as a veteran, having represented many high-profile clients in antitrust cases, such as the likes of GlaxoSmithKline and Toshiba.

Pinsent Masons Expands Jo’Burg team with 17 lawyers from local corporate outfit

Pinsent Masons is expanding its Johannesburg office with the hire of 17 lawyers from local boutique firm Tabacks, effective December 1.

APAC

Squire Patton Boggs Takes Shipping Disputes Team From Ince & Co

After recently losing 3 partners from UK firm Hill Dickinson, the independent Hong Kong practice Ince & Co, have had their shipping disputes team raided by Squire Patton Boggs.

K&L Gates Loses IP Partner in Tokyo

IP Partner Mitsuhiro Imamura has left K&L Gates to run the MIM Intellectual Property Office, which is also located in Tokyo.

Norton Rose Replenshes Singapore Disputes Practice with Hogan Lovells Partner

Kent Phillips, who has been a partner at Hogan Lovells since 2016 has joined Global firm, Norton Rose in Singapore. Phillips’ arrival represents the growing demand for Disputes and International Arbitration services in Southeast Asia.

Hong Kong’s Hugill & Ip Takes Team of Five from Local Boutique

Local boutique Gall has lost a team of five to Hong Kong firm Hugill & Ip. The move is set to boost Hugill’s contentious practice capabilities.

PwC Australia Exodus Continues as Two Partners Leave for Construction Boutique

Two Australian partners have left PWC for MolinoCahill a boutique construction firm.

HFW takes 5 partners, 15 lawyers from MinterEllison

Global law firm HFW has nabbed five partners from fellow BigLaw practice MinterEllison, as well as a team of 15 lawyers, as it moves to bolster its regional offerings in corporate, projects, regulatory, and restructuring. Partners Adam Handley, Matthew Knox, David Suttner, Bryn Davis, and Bi Chen have all left Minters for HFW. The group will be based across Perth and Sydney.

Australian Firm Hamilton Locke Takes Two From PwC

A partner and a director have left PwC Law as part of five-lawyer hire by growing Australian firm Hamilton Locke. Finance partner Andrew Vincent and director Kath Booth are the latest lawyers to leave PwC in the wake of the accounting giant’s tax advice scandal.

Kim & Chang Adds Former K&L Gates Korea Head in Seoul

Eric Yoon was succeeded by Tyler Won, a partner in the firm’s intellectual property, international trade and antitrust practice groups, as South Korea head earlier this year.

The Americas

Midsize Moves: Saxton & Stump Hires IP Senior Counsel, Atkinson Takes on Bullivant Partner

Micah Jacobs has left Bullivant to join Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo as a partner in its Marin office, and IP lawyer Xiaoying Zhang has been hired by Saxton & Stump to fulfil the role of Senior Counsel.

Benesch Welcomes Associate to Litigation Team in Wilmington

Andrew D. Kinsey is the latest addition to Benesch who have been growing their ranks. He is welcomed to their Wilmington office where he will be working in their litigation practice group.

Kirkland Partner Moves to Weil as NY Firm Grows Private Funds Practice in DC

Kirkland have lost private funds partner Christopher Scully to Weil’s office in Washington DC. Scully is excited about working at Weil claiming that their funds client base allows for opportunity.

Paul Weiss Hires O’Melveny Partner to Co-Chair Financial Services Group

Bank Regulatory lawyer Jarryd Anderson has left O’Melveny to help further grow Paul Weiss’ financial services regulatory group, he will be working out of their New York and Washington DC offices.

Stroock Partner Trio, including 2 Chairs, Joins Squire Patton Boggs

Stroock have suffered another loss. This time in the form of Tom Firestone, the former co-chair of their government investigations and white-collar practice. He is not the only one and he will be accompanied in his move by partners Chris Griner and Shannon Reaves.

Lewis & Clark Law Dean Stepping Down After 10-Year Tenure

Dean Jennifer Johnson is said to be stepping down after 10 years with Lewis Clark’s law school. She states that she is “very proud of the achievements of our faculty, students and staff.” And considers her time spent as dean to have been an honour.

Mayer Brown Recruits 4-Person Public Policy Team, as Law Firms Deepen Regulatory Benches

Mayer Brown have announced that they will be taking on a 4-person Public Policy Team from Dentons. The team will be led by John Merrigan and Matthew Bernstein, and they will be joined by advisors, Stephanie Jebeyli and Jessica Woolley. The team will be based in Washington DC.

Mayer Brown Adds Huntsman Global Litigation Head in Houston

Mayer Brown have added Huntsman Corp’s associate general counsel Peter Jordan as a partner in their Houston office.

Cooley Hires SDNY Public Corruption Chief as Partner in White-Collar Defense Group

Rebekah Donaleski has been hired by Cooley to their New York office. Donaleski has nearly a decade’s worth of experience in the Manhattan U.S Attorney’s Office and led their Anti-corruption unit for three years. She is looking forward to applying this high-stakes experience to the tackling of new clients for Cooley.

Tampa Bay Bucs’ Top Lawyer Quits to Take Legal Reins of Billion-Dollar, Athletics-Focused Boarding School

Dan Malasky has left his position overseeing legal proceedings with the Tampa Bay Bucs after five years to join Florida based athletics school Bradenton as their Chief of Legal proceedings.

PLW People in the News—Nov. 14, 2023—Goldberg Segalla, McGuireWoods

Jillian B. Saputelli has joined Goldberg Segalla’s Global insurance team in Philadelphia.

People in the News—Nov. 15, 2023—Sweeney & Sheehan, Babst Calland

Marcus Jones and Michael J. Reilly have been welcomed to Sweeny & Sheehan. They will be joining as associates.

Womble Bond Dickinson hires trademark duo from Cozen O’Connor in New York

Gregory Gulia and Vanessa Hew have been recruited by Womble Bond Dicksinson from Cozen O’Conner to their New York office. The pair are respected trademark partners and have been brought in with the hopes that they will bolster Wombles IP capabilities.

Herrick Feinstein Lures Restructuring Partner From Jenner & Block

Jenner & Block have lost restructuring partner Robert Gordon, who has accumulated over 30 years’ worth of experience representing clients in Bankruptcy proceedings.

In-House

Food-Waste Company Divert—Backed by $1.1B in Funding—Hires First General Counsel

Food-waste company Divert have appointed Kathleen Patton as their first General Counsel in Massachusetts, she joins from Jobcase Inc where she was also General Counsel.

Manchester United’s GC takes on interim CEO role

Patrick Stewart who has been Manchester United’s General Counsel since 2006 is set to take on the role of interim chief executive as the club expand efforts to appoint a long-term successor.

Consulting Giant Hires Ex-Voyager Attorney to Lead Digital Assets Practice

David Brill who was Deputy General Counsel for Voyager, a known cryptocurrency lender who were struggling with bankruptcy last year, has been hired by FTI Consulting as managing director.

Atlanta’s Cox Enterprises Taps In-House Veteran With ‘Vast Knowledge’ for New Role

Amber Hall has been appointed as the company’s first chief compliance and privacy officer. Prior to this appointment she has spent her entire in-house career at Cox Enterprises save for a three-year sojourn to Wells Fargo.

Around the house: Fox Corp names replacement for outgoing legal chief, Campbell’s elevates deputy to GC role

Fox Corporation has hired Adam Ciongoli as its new chief legal and policy officer, replacing Viet Dinh, who Fox announced was stepping down from the role back in August.

Promotions & Appointments:

This Lawyer Just Rose to One of the Most Visible Positions in Texas

Aaron Nielson has replaced Judd Stone as Solicitor General for Texas. Sources claim that “His talent and expertise are virtually unmatched”.

William Fry’s Myra Garrett appointed to NTMA board

Former William Fry Managing Partner Myra Garrett has been appointed to the board of the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA). She is set to hold this role for a five-year term.

Aileen Gittens appointed to lead Poe Kiely Hogan Lanigan’s immigration team

Aileen Gittens has been announced as head of the new Immigration practice at Poe Kiely Hogan Lanigan Solicitors.

White & Case promotions: Seven City lawyers make the grade

White & Case have elected 42 new partners for 2024 across 11 practices, 18 offices and 13 different countries. 14 in the Americas, 24 in EMEA and 4 in APAC.

Changing of the Guard at Bennett Jones Heralds the First Black CEO at a National Canadian Law Firm

Dominique Hussey, along with John Mercury, will take over leadership of the firm from Hugh MacKinnon, who steps down after 18 years at the helm.

Simpson Thacher Latest Partner Promotions Span US and London Offices

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett is the latest U.S. firm to announce its partner promotions for 2023, with 32 lawyers making the cut. The new partners hail from the firm’s U.S. and London offices, with a majority of 18 being made at the firm’s New York headquarters.

Mayer Brown makes up 42 to partnership in banking and finance-focused round

Top 20 US firm Mayer Brown has promoted 42 lawyers to its partnership, with a further 23 being promoted to counsel.

Mergers & Alliances:

Buchanan Announces Merger With IP Boutique RatnerPrestia

RatnerPrestia will bring two patent agents to Buchanan as well as an addition of twenty-two lawyers to strengthen Buchanan’s IP services.

Addleshaw Goddard announces charity partnership with Jigsaw

After a staff vote, Addleshaw Goddard (AG) has announced Jigsaw to be their Irish charity partner for the next three years.

Fieldfisher to part With Italian Operation

The U.K. law firm has announced the end of its seven-year arrangement with Italy’s SASPI, citing its strategic objectives no longer being closely aligned.

Office Openings & Closing:

CMS Bolts on Swedish Firm to European Network

Top 10 Swedish firm, Wistrand is the next firm to be added as part of CMS’ global growth initiative. In the last couple of months CMS have also established exclusive relationship with firms In Brazil, Mozambique and Mexico.

China’s DaHui Launches Office in Wuhan

Han Kun Law Offices and Shu Jin Law have both also recently opened in Wuhan.

McKees opens Enniskillen office

McKees has opened a new office in Enniskillen.

Kee Solicitors unveils new Glasgow office

Kee Solicitors has unveiled its new Glasgow office.

Mexico City Based Law Firm Gonzalez Calvillo Plans New Office Launch In Northern Mexico

The office slated for the industrial city of Monterrey will open in early 2024 with an eye on serving clients who are looking to relocate production to North America.

Top Insolvency Lawyer Starts Own Firm after Leaving Australia’s Gilbert + Tobin

Dominic Emmett establishes Sydney-based Emmett Law.

Financials:

Weil Advises as PAI Partners Raises Record €7.1 Billion

The firm was able to fundraise this amount despite the wider private equity market facing challenges.

Associate Pay Raises Escalate GC Fears if Billing Rate Hikes

Some GCs are voicing concerns about further rate hikes after associate pay raises. But Milbank’s chair said the salary raises wouldn’t have a material effect on its billing rate decisions in the future.

Where are the Milbank Pay Matches? Mixed Market Signals Weigh on Law Firms

“It’s a bit telling of how the overall market is kind of feeling at the moment. There’s going to be a lot of variability in how firms perform this year,” noted New York legal recruiter Scott Yaccarino.

Slaughter and May Ups NQ Pay to £125,000

The hike now puts the firm in line with other elite UK firms.

Technology & Innovation:

It’s Not Just Judges That Want Mandatory AI Disclosures

According to a new survey, which has been produced by Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner on arbitration practices, approximately 3% of legal professionals have already had the integrity of their evidence compromised as a result of the use misuse of AI tools.

California Bar Leaders to Vote on AI Guidance for Attorneys This Week

An effect of the proposed guidelines will result in attorneys who don’t fully understand the generative AI technology being at risk of possible professional discipline.

Antitrust Implications of AI Technology Remain Key Focus of U.S. Regulators

In recent times there has been a wave of conjecture about generative artificial intelligence, and many companies have begun utilizing AI throughout their business practices. However, as the technology becomes interwoven throughout commercial operations, AI could potentially risk in antitrust.

How Will AI Disrupt Legal Billing? Early Innovations Offer Some Clues

Legal analysts have stated that the legal industry has been disrupted by technology in the past but not in such a quick rate as it has with AI. There are also claims that it has disrupted the Law firm-legal department relationship.

For ‘Unhappy’ Law Firms, There’s Little Recourse From Fast Rising Legal Tech Prices

Many are becoming worried about the possibility of legal tech displacing personnel as it becomes more essential and expensive.

‘Like Pouring Rocket Fuel’: Clarkson Law Firm Attorneys on the Future of Generative AI Litigation

Ryan Clarkson, Tim Giordano and Tracey Cowan from Clarkson Law Firm have spoken to The Recorder. They discuss OpenAI’s newest features, including a Copyright Shield, and the potential AI-related litigation they envision materialising in the near future.

The Future of Generative AI in Legal Tech: Opportunities and Obstacles

Legal professionals can be empowered to improve workflows and performance by the process of strategically implementing generative AI.

Diversity & Inclusion:

The Crucial Role of Women Leaders in Driving Innovation

My 30 years of experience have shown me that any robust business strategy should include investing in female leadership. As the Head of Intellectual Property at a rapidly growing MedTech startup, I recognize the value of mentoring other women in the workplace.

Ga. County Is Fighting a Ruling Requiring It to Pay for a Transgender Deputy’s Surgery

Atlanta Georgia county has been fighting a ruling regarding the surgery of their transgender deputy.

Breaking Boundaries: Unleashing the Power of Flexibility In Law Firms for Recruitment, Retention, Diversity and Client Expansion

This article discusses how flexibility can provide law firms with competitive advantages and contribute to the growth and success of modern law firms.

‘Affirmative Recruiting’ Under Title VII

This article discusses how, diversity initiatives have been under scrutiny after ‘Students for Fair Admissions’, it is causing some to wonder whether affirmative recruiting remains permissible under Title VII.

Changing of the Guard at Bennett Jones Heralds the First Black CEO at a National Canadian Law Firm

Hugh Mackinnon is stepping down from his CEO position at Bennet Jones Heralds and is being replaced by Dominique Hussey who will be co-chair along with John Mercury and is the companies first black female managing partner.

Belonging: Unveiling the Lesser-Known Twin of Diversity and Inclusion

With the topic of diversity and inclusion being circulated more and more within legal spheres and in society at large, this article provides an opportunity to delve into a slightly different aspect of the conversation.

Market Commentary:

‘It’s Career-Ending’: How Division Over Israel-Gaza Is Tearing Through Big Law

Interviews with Am Law 100 partners and messages seen by Law.com International reveal partners fearing for their careers for disagreeing with their leaders, the policing of social media activity, and lawyers from rival firms getting involved.

What Drives Board Effectiveness?

This article discusses the importance of effective governance and how general counsels are responsible for the effectiveness of board activities.

Ex-FTX GC Can Sun Starting New Crypto Exchange

Former General Counsel Can Sun has partnered with Armani Ferrante a known crypto company found to start a new exchange. This news has been released not long after Can Sun testified against Sam Bankman-Freid.

For Big Law Profits This Year, Collections Remain the ‘Big If’

Citi’s Gretta Rusanow has been reported as stating “This could be a decent year if firms are able to speed up collections from now through year-end. So, that’s the big ‘if’,”.

Big Law Mergers: How to Catch a Falling Knife

History suggests that acquiring a “falling knife firm” can be accretive for the acquiring firm but that it requires something of the order of a 30% reduction in the equity partner ranks at the acquired firm, Hugh Simons writes.

Commentary: What Law Finance Group Looks for in a Litigant

This article discusses what makes a good litigant. Law Finance Group’s Brendan Dyer spoke to Goodwin’s Keith Zullow and Yoko Bian on this topic.

Solicitor convicted of tipping off client about money laundering probe

The first solicitor ever to have been prosecuted by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) for ‘tipping off’ a client about a money laundering investigation has been convicted in recent news.

Local Firms Lament the Advance of International Giants in Africa

Domestic firms on the continent say ‘we need to create a level playing field to allow African firms to also grow’.

Moves:

UK & Ireland

White & Case Adds Ropes Partner In London

Emily Brown joins White & Case’s global mergers & acquisitions practice and global private equity industry group after almost three years at Ropes & Gray, where she was part of the asset management group.

Paul Hastings Secures Restructuring Co-Chair With KKR Hire

William Needham will join the firm as co-chair of its European restructuring practice, working alongside London office co-head Mei Lian. He is expected to start at the firm imminently, according to a person with knowledge of the move.

Stewarts Hires From Norton Rose for Head of International Arbitration

Litigation boutique Stewarts has hired Norton Rose Fulbright’s head of EMEA international arbitration and head of India practice in London.

Sherina Petit, who is joining after almost 15 years at Norton Rose, will head up Stewarts’ own international arbitration practice from London.

Alston & Bird Hires from Pallas Partners in London

Alston & Bird has brought on Will Hooker from Pallas Partners in London, as it moves to expand its litigation and dispute resolution bench in the U.K.

Hooker joined Alston & Bird on Monday as a partner after almost two years with Pallas in London, where he also was a partner, and five years with Boies Schiller Flexner’s London office, where he rose from counsel to partner, according to his LinkedIn page.

Davidson McDonnell hires Victoria Sterritt to lead new private client team

Northern Ireland firm Davidson McDonnell has recruited former London lawyer Victoria Sterritt to lead a new private client department.

Ms Sterritt is joined in the new private client team by senior solicitors Rachael McKee and Sara Ord.

Eversheds Sutherland absorbs group of KWM lawyers in London

Eversheds Sutherland’s international arm has taken on a group of former King & Wood Mallesons’ (China) London partners and staff as part of the cooperation agreement the two firms announced back in July. The group moving across to Eversheds’ London office includes five partners, 10 lawyers and an additional eight business services staff, representing the bulk of KWM’s London office. The five London partners moving across include three from the corporate team – Greg Stonefield, Joseph Newitt and Barri Mendelsohn – and two commercial dispute resolution lawyers – James McKenzie and Wilson Antoon.

EMEA

Longtime Weil Partner Joins Major Lindsey to Advise Firms on European Expansion

A retired Weil Gotshal & Manges partner credited with establishing the majority of the firm’s offices in Europe has taken a job at global recruiting firm Major Lindsey & Africa, where he will play an advisory role to law firms seeking to grow on the continent.

Joe Tortorici, who retired from the Weil partnership in June 2020, started at Major Lindsey this month as an adviser to law firms serviced by MLA’s partner practice group, the search firm announced Thursday.

APAC

Goodwin Hires Debt Finance Partner from White & Case Hong Kong

Goodwin Procter has bolstered its debt finance practice in Asia with the partner hire of debt and leveraged finance lawyer Stephen Howard, who was most recently a local partner at White & Case in Hong Kong.

Herbert Smith Freehills Loses Aviation Partner Duo in Singapore

Herbert Smith Freehills has seen the departure of two aviation finance partners, Siva Subramanian and Samuel Kohlemainen, in Singapore.

Subramanian has already joined Singapore law firm Allen & Gledhill as the firm’s head of aviation finance and co-head of its maritime and aviation practice, while Kohlemainen is still serving out his notice at the firm but it is unclear where he is headed. Kohlemainen was unavailable for comment.

Han Kun Corporate Partner Joins Clyde & Co in Hong Kong

A former partner at Beijing firm Han Kun Law Offices, Charles Wu, has recently left the firm to join Clyde & Co as a U.S.-qualified counsel in Hong Kong.

China’s Haiwen Continues Strategic Hiring Spree with Addition from Alibaba

Beijing-brd Haiwen & Partners has hired private equity and M&A lawyer, Duan Fu, who was most recently a senior legal counsel at Chinese e-commerce behemoth Alibaba Group and the general counsel of Alibaba New Retail Fund. Fu is joining Haiwen as an international partner as the Chinese firm continues to deepen its rank of senior lawyers with international backgrounds. Just this year, the firm has already hired three partners from Herbert Smith Freehills including the firm’s former Beijing managing partner Tom Chau, and two other partners from Mayer Brown.

The Americas

Arnold & Porter Adds Johnson & Johnson Regulatory Affairs VP

Philip Desjardins’ experience will help build out the firm’s growing medical device practice, Arnold & Porter said.

Foley & Lardner Scoops Up Former Prosecutor From Carlton Fields in Tampa, Bolstering Tech Expertise

Joseph Swanson comments “[Foley’s] Tampa office is very strong, and it’s growing. The firm’s overall national footprint and platform are very attractive to me, both from a cybersecurity and privacy standpoint, as well as the white collar and government enforcement standpoint. They have very robust practices in both of those areas that I look to contributing to.”

Northern District Criminal Division Chief Heads to Goodwin in San Francisco

Katherine Wawrzyniak, the deputy chief of the criminal division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California, joined Goodwin as a partner.

A&O Partner Jumps to Sidley in Wake of Shearman Merger Vote

Greg Lavigne is one of several partners who have departed Allen & Overy and Shearman in recent months in the wake of the two firms announcing their plans to merge.

Alston, Recruiting From Pallas Partners, Expands International Arbitration Group

Will Hooker, from Pallas Partners, will “expand our international arbitration practice and increase our litigation and arbitration presence in London,” said Matt Richardson, co-chair of Alston’s litigation group.

Wachtell Appoints New Leadership, Naming Nussbaum and Savitt as Co-Chairs

Ed Herlihy and Daniel Neff will remain on the firm’s executive committee.

Attorneys ‘On the Move’: Proskauer Adds Trial Lawyer; Sidley Expands Energy and Infrastructure Practice

Proskauer has added first-chair trial lawyer Joseph (Joe) Drayton as a partner in its intellectual property group. He joins from Cooley.

Wendy LaManque has joined Pryor Cashman as counsel to the firm’s labor and employment group. She joins from The American Guild of Musical Artists, where she was counsel and director of organizational compliance.

Hogan to Welcome Fewer Than Expected Stroock Partners, but Many Were Firm Leaders

A total of 28 partners from dissolving firm Stroock & Stroock & Lavan are scheduled to join Hogan Lovells on Nov. 15, the latter firm said Wednesday. The group includes equity and nonequity partners in real estate, transactions, litigation and tax, including several who held leadership roles, such as Jeff Keitelman, Christopher Doyle and James Bernard.

With Government Investigations Rising, Blank Rome Adds White-Collar Litigator in Dallas

Katten Muchin Rosenman white-collar defense partner Barrett Howell joined Blank Rome in Dallas on Tuesday, as the firm builds out the 4-month-old office.

Longtime Syracuse Prosecutor to Return, While Several Newcomer DAs Voted Into Office Upstate

For Manny Nneji, a Nigerian American who is believed to be the first Black person to hold the post, it was his first run for public office.

On the Move and After Hours: Faegre Drinker; Post Polak; Riker Danzig; Jones Jones; Keating Law Firm

Riker Danzig announced that Liz Small joined the firm as counsel in the securities litigation, arbitration, regulation and investigations group.

After 7-Month Stint at Quinn Emanuel, Crowell Partner Returns

“I don’t think I appreciated it the way I should have when I was here my first stint,” said Michael Shaheen about Crowell.

Longtime Weil Partner Joins Major Lindsey to Advise Firms on European Expansion

Joe Tortorici helped build the New York firm’s footprint in Europe and later in the Middle East.

Sidley Hits Paul Weiss Again for 4-Strong NY Private Equity Team

Sidley Austin has hired three partners and a counsel from rival Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison in a boost to its M&A and private equity group in New York, building on its major partner additions in London earlier this year.

Jeffrey Kochian, Gerald Brant and Brittany Harrison all join the firm as new partners from Paul Weiss, Sidley said in a statement.

In-House

Ex-Legal Ops Chief at Meta and Coinbase Takes COO Post at ‘Rocket Ship’ SpotDraft

“Very quickly in the process, after they asked me whether I wanted to do this, I started asking myself why I wouldn’t do this. And I didn’t have a good answer to that question,” said Akshay Verma, SpotDraft’s newly hired COO.

Blackstone Attorney Takes Legal Reins at Atlanta’s Progress Residential

Ama Romaine has joined Progress Residential, the nation’s largest owner of single-family rental homes—a segment that has seen torrid growth.

PLW People in the News—Nov. 7, 2023—Sweeney & Sheehan, Barley Snyder

On October 27th, 2023, Partner Patrick J. Sweeney started his one-year term as President of the Defense Research Institute.   DRI is the largest international membership organization of attorneys defending the interests of businesses and individuals in civil litigation with 29 substantive law committees.

NPR Attorney for Quarter-Century Takes Legal Reins of Public TV Advocacy Group

America’s Public Television Stations COO Lonna Thompson said Michelle Shanahan “will be a great asset to our stations on a broad variety of legal and regulatory issues arising in our media industry.”

Chipotle Snags Petco’s Legal Chief to Lead HR

CEO Brian Niccol said newly hired HR chief Ilene Eskenazi “will be instrumental in growing Chipotle’s culture of people development.”

Fox Corp. Hires Campbell Soup’s Legal Chief to Succeed Viet Dinh

Fox Corp. has tapped Campbell Soup general counsel Adam Ciongoli to replace departing chief legal and policy officer Viet Dinh.

Stroock Co-Managing Partner to Lead New Labor Practice at Steptoe, Joined by 2

Alan Klinger said Thursday he is making the move with fellow partner Dina Kolker and special counsel David Kahne. Steptoe & Johnson is also assuming Stroock’s lease in Los Angeles.

Tegna Taps Vox Media Veteran for Chief Legal Officer Role

Tegna, which owns 66 TV stations in 54 markets, has filled its legal chief vacancy with Lauren Fisher, who has deep digital media experience, including stints at Hulu and AOL.

Vox Media Taps Deputy GC to Lead Legal Team After Top Lawyer Departs

CEO Jim Bankoff called newly appointed General Counsel Brian Leung “an empathetic leader who manages our risks and opportunities with a deep understanding of and care for our business and our people.”

Blackstone-Backed Music-Management Company Hires First GC

BMG veteran Jonathan Baker is taking the legal reins of Hipgnosis Song Management, which is run by former Elton John and Beyoncé manager Merck Mercuriadis.

Around the house: McKesson names GoDaddy CLO as next legal chief, US aid agency MCC hires Paul Weiss counsel as GC

US healthcare giant McKesson has hired Michele Lau as its next legal chief, replacing Lori Schechter who is retiring next year, the company said in its quarterly earnings report and first reported by Bloomberg.

Harris Beach’s Thomas Garry to Serve as Counsel to Biden’s Re-Election Campaign

Garry helped turn back false claims about former President Barack Obama’s place of birth, and Donald Trump before the businessman entered politics.

Promotions & Appointments:

Major DC-Area Hospital System Promotes Deputy GC to Top Lawyer

Ken DeStefano, Adventist HealthCare’s general counsel for the last 25 years, is retiring and passing the reins to his top deputy, Dwayne Leslie.

Two Law Firms Elect New UK Senior Partners

The incoming senior partners at both firms are set to step into their new roles early next year. At CMS, UK corporate co-head Charles Currier has been named as the successor to Penelope Warne. At Travers Smith, Andrew Gillen will succeed Siân Keall.

Herbert Smith Freehills CEO Wins Second Term

Justin D’Agostino was first elected to the CEO role in 2019, taking up the position in May 2020.

Wilmer’s Jamie Gorelick Turns Over Reins of Strategic Response Practice

As Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr seeks to enact “generational change,” Washington, D.C., litigator Jamie Gorelick is stepping back as co-chair of the firm’s prominent crisis management and strategic response group, though will remain chair of the firm’s regulatory and government affairs department, which oversees the practice.

People in the News—Nov. 9, 2023—Barley Snyder, Sweeney & Sheehan

Barley Snyder announced that partner Kevin C. Myhre has been elected vice chair of the patent law committee for the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA).

White & Case’s New Africa Leader Looks to Leverage Region’s Mining, Energy Opportunities

White & Case has appointed London partner Deji Adegoke as the head of its Africa practice to solidify the international firm’s presence on the continent and capitalise on business opportunities.

Although not announced formally, Adegoke took on the role from partner Mukund Dhar and his appointment was effective from November 1, as confirmed by a spokesperson of the firm.

Carsten Zatschler SC joins UCD as adjunct full professor

Carsten Zatschler SC has joined UCD Sutherland School of Law as an adjunct full professor.

LK Shields promotes litigation lawyer Muireann Granville to partner

LK Shields has promoted Muireann Granville to partner in the firm’s litigation team. Ms Granville joined the firm as a litigation associate in 2016, advising clients on a wide range of commercial disputes.

Carson McDowell promotes 11 across Belfast and Dublin

Carson McDowell has announced 11 promotions across its offices in Belfast and Dublin, including eight senior associates and three associates across its teams.

The new senior associates are Judith Rountree in the defence insurance litigation team, Gavin Kerr in construction, Emily Smith in NI healthcare claims, Emma Stephenson in real estate, Kathryn Laverty in corporate, Rachel Toner in commercial, Rachel Lewis in banking and finance, and Stephanie Johnston in healthcare, regulatory and professional discipline.

The new associates are Shannon Gawley in the commercial team, Andrew McWilliams in real estate and Ciara Fitzpatrick in NI and ROI healthcare claims.

Cian MacGinley to head real estate department at Eversheds Sutherland

Eversheds Sutherland Ireland has appointed partner Cian MacGinley as head of its real estate department.

Mr MacGinley, who has been with the firm for over two decades, takes over the leadership fo the department from Joseph Stanley, who will continue as a real estate partner.

BCLP adds 24 to partnership in latest promotions round

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) has elevated 24 lawyers to partnership in its 2024 promotions round.

That is a 14% increase on its 2023 intake, when 21 lawyers made partner. However, there was a significant drop off in the proportion of female promotions, with women making up 25% of the 2024 cohort, compared to 38% this year.

Hill Dickinson names successor for veteran CEO

Hill Dickinson has named business services group head Craig Scott as its next CEO, replacing long-serving leader Peter Jackson who will step down at the end of April next year.

Mergers & Alliances:

Fieldfisher to Part With Italian Operation

Fieldfisher has announced the end of its arrangement with its partner firm in Italy.

The U.K. law firm and Italy’s Studio Associato Servizi Professionali Integrati (SASPI)—made up of lawyers and tax accountants—merged in 2016 and have since operated as Fieldfisher Italy, structured as a Swiss verein.

Office Openings & Closing:

Manatt Launches in San Diego With the Southern District’s Top Prosecutor

“We have hundreds of clients in San Diego, and all of the industry sectors that are prevalent and strong in San Diego happen to be the same sectors that we are strong in,” Manatt managing partner Donna Wilson said. “You can’t get someone who is more tied to the legal and business community than Randy Grossman.”

One of China’s Biggest Law Firms Plans to Launch Trio of Offices in Japan, South and North Korea

If successful, Jingsh will be the only Chinese law firm to have an office in North Korea. It will also be the first Chinese law firm to be operating in the country.

Eversheds Sutherland absorbs group of KWM lawyers in London

The deal meant KWM would close its six offices in the UK, Europe and Middle East, with select KWM staff being invited to join Eversheds, subject to practice needs.

Financials:

Milbank Raises Associate Salaries and Announces Year-End Bonuses

The firm’s chair pointed to “a very, very busy year” across the firm—one in which productivity was “materially” increased, as well as increasing cost of living.

Cravath Adds Non-Equity Tier as Big Law Makes Structural Changes for Competitive Pay

Cravath has been approaching counsel-level attorneys about joining its non-equity tier since at least last summer, according to one Am Law 50 firm leader.

Top Performers ‘Likely’ to Raise Associate Pay After Milbank’s Move, but Broad Hesitancy Lingers

The market hesitation was underscored by the lack of immediate, similar moves. Some firms were still waiting on other market leaders to move, sources said.

Associate Pay Raises Escalate GC Fears of Billing Rate Hikes

Some GCs are voicing concerns about further rate hikes after associate pay raises. But Milbank’s chair said the salary raises wouldn’t have a material effect on its billing rate decisions in the future.

Why Concealing PEP isn’t Always the Best Idea

A few firms have omitted PEP from their most recent financial results—there’s really only one way the market will interpret this, writes The London Lawyer.

Technology & Innovation:

Artificial Intelligence: Balancing Opportunity and Antitrust Risk

While artificial intelligence is an evolving technology with promising use cases, it is also attracting regulatory scrutiny.

Is Your Company Using Artificial Intelligence Intelligently?

In this installment of our ongoing series on e-discovery and information governance, we will delve into the world of AI and discuss how organizations can mitigate legal and compliance risks and maintain an evolving approach to an equally evolving technology.

IAPP AI Governance Conference Takeaways: Job Replacement Fears, Algorithmic Audits and AI Ethics

IAPP’s first ever AI Governance Global 2023 conference in Boston discussed how AI governance can fit into today’s data privacy regime while also allowing technology to flourish.

Reinventing the Legal Department: A Roadmap to Integrating AI for Strategic Business Advancement

Previously seen as gatekeepers of compliance and risk management, corporate legal departments now play a crucial role in strategic decision-making and business innovation, including the integration of AI into legal operations.

The AI Revolution In the World of Architecture: Perils and Promises

The artificial intelligence (AI) revolution is underway in nearly every industry, including the real estate industry, but have the consequences of such use in the world of architecture been fully considered?

Are ‘End-to-End’ CLM Systems Possible? Oftentimes, It Depends on the User

Many CLM systems have added numerous capabilities to fit the “end-to-end” label. But users often find themselves disappointed—leading some to wonder if “end-to-end” is even possible.

GAI’s Promise Delivered: A Deep Dive into Real-World Productivity Gains

A recent study from Harvard Business School presents a compelling case for GAI’s transformative potential on knowledge worker productivity and quality.

Lawyers’ Main Barriers With Tech Adoption: Organizational Challenges, Lack of Skills, and Fear

While most lawyers respondents in the Future Ready Lawyer 2023 survey, conducted by Wolters Kluwer, said that they wanted to explore new technologies, some worried that organizational barriers and a lack of skills could inhibit such endeavors.

Al Tamimi Adopts Legal AI Harvey

The law firm will be one of the first in the region to enhance the platform’s Arabic-language proficiency.

A Green Pivot: Adaptive Repurposing of Vacant Office Buildings into Growth Operations

While transforming existing buildings for alternative purposes is not a new concept, this article seeks to explore the feasibility of alternative repurposing options with a focus on pre-existing New Jersey office buildings; namely, converting vacant New Jersey office space into vertical farms or cannabis growth operations.

The Evolving Role of Lawyers Navigating the AI Co-Pilot or ‘Assistant’ Era of Legal Practice

The AI Co-Pilot 4-Stage Maturity Model shows how AI can be used in law, starting with essential AI tools and ending with advanced features that give law practitioners more capabilities as their roles evolve.

Onit Launches Generative AI-Powered Contract Management Tool ‘Catalyst for Contracts’

The contract solution comes with a chat feature designed to let users have conversations with their contracts and ask questions about clauses, draft language or find inconsistent terms, among other use cases.

Diversity & Inclusion:

Discovering Dissatisfaction: Why UK Associates are Unhappy

An in-depth survey of nearly 200 UK associates at large law firms has found nearly a third feel morale has dropped over the last year, with emphasis on billable hours, salary disappointment and a ‘tough’ office culture among the factors responsible.

Integrating Nonlawyer Professionals in Law Firm DEI Initiatives

Including nonlawyer professionals in law firm DEI initiatives will result in greater engagement, a stronger firm culture, better retention, and increased opportunities for success, which will help to foster a truly diverse legal profession.

In-House Counsel Expect Diversity From Law Firms. New Research Says They Aren’t Getting It

“We’re expecting firms to find a way to get out there and find, groom and support diverse and inclusive talent. Companies are definitely watching,” Ginny Johnson, chief legal officer of Aspen Aerogels, said.

Latham’s New Partner Class Is Male-Dominated, But So Are Many of Its Peers’

The law firm’s new partner class is 38% female, an increase over last year’s 31%. Six of the new partners are based in London.

The Best Law Firms for Pro Bono in the UK, 2023

Dechert, Reed Smith and Hogan Lovells have claimed the top spots for the 2023 pro bono rankings, following months of research by Law.com International.

Having analyzed nearly 50 submissions, Law.com compiled and ranked the top 25 law firms for pro bono in the U.K., as the industry marks the 22nd annual Pro Bono Week.

Being Part of ‘a Modern-Day Miracle’: A Non-Profit’s General Counsel Sees Purpose

As general counsel of the Fred Hollows Foundation, a non-profit that aims to provide affordable eye health care and end avoidable blindness in disadvantaged communities around the world, Katrin O’Sullivan oversees seven different legal entities across 25 mostly African and Asian countries.

Is In-House Pro Bono The Next Frontier ?

There is a growing push among in-house lawyers to participate in pro bono work, despite a distinct lack of opportunity and resource available to them.

Private practice law firms have increasingly embedded pro bono work into their offerings. Indeed, a large number of law firms now count pro bono work towards utilization targets and bonuses, and also appoint designated pro bono counsel.

Most global law firms falling short on responsible business practices, study finds

Many of the world’s largest law firms are failing to properly demonstrate their responsible business commitments to clients, according to a study by Lamp House Strategy.

The inaugural Lamp House Strategy Responsible Business Annual Report showed that less than a quarter of firms (22%) publish a holistic responsible business report, with firms falling short in a wide-range of areas including diversity and sustainability.

Market Commentary:

Momentum in Big Law: Who Has It, Why and What They Do to Keep It

The leaders of Paul Weiss, Davis Polk and Paul Hastings weigh in on how they keep their firms going in the right direction, with some commonalities.

Many Large and Midsize Law Firms Are Recovering. Others Are in ‘No-Man’s Land’

There’s been a “bifurcated” recovery among the Am Law 200, but all segments have cut their first-year associate classes, according to the latest Law Firm Financial Index report.

As Domestic Transactions Stall, Dealmakers Look to LatAm Energy Market For a Charge

“In emerging markets, the needs for energy and infrastructure at reasonable prices are endless,” said Oscar Stephens, a New York-based shareholder for Greenberg Traurig focused on renewable energy and infrastructure financing.

Report Raises Security Concerns About Australian Law Firms Acting for Chinese Entities

The report singles out Ashust and King & Wood Mallesons as being lax on cybersecurity when it comes to advising Chinese clients. Both firms say the report is inaccurate.

There’s More Trust in the Market’: Inside the Rise of Law Firm Spinoffs

“People want to control their own destiny,” one spinoff leader said. “And the number of successful spinoffs makes it easier… there is more trust in the market. Corporate America is more meritorious these days. They are looking for the best.”

Deal Watch: Big Week for M&A, but Big Law Dealmakers Say It May Not Last

“The more significant challenge that leveraged M&A is facing is the breadth of available financing,” noted Ethan Klingsberg at Freshfields.

Big Law Policy Practices Prepare for Busy End of Year

D.C. law firms weigh in on how public policy practices are seeing activity pick up surrounding big agenda items.

Regulations in Latin America Are Tightening, But Deals Are Still Flowing to and from the Region

Although the patchwork of changing laws in the region is eliciting concerns and some countries are even seeing increased interest from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control, lawyers are finding opportunities from capital entering and exiting the U.S.

Report: Tort Lawsuits Stuttered in 2022, But They’re Poised to Bounce Back

The 2023 Torts Litigation Report, by Lex Machina, a division of LexisNexis, found there were 14,375 tort lawsuits filed in federal courts last year, among the lowest levels in a decade.

Antitrust Anxiety Abounds

The M&A and ESG space seem to be creating the most headaches for legal departments.

Law Firm Leaders May Be Tiring of the Job, But That’s Not Why They’ve Been Leaving

An analysis by former Big Law partner Paul Denis of leadership departures over the past few decades shows recent changes may be based less on satisfaction and more on growing tenure length.

As Office Costs Rise, Law Firms Are Unveiling ‘Hybrid’ Workspace

Leaders of Norton Rose and Lathrop GPM pointed to the pandemic as one of the catalysts for rethinking their offices, and both said they contain a mix of open and private/reserved workspaces.

Like Cash, the Days of Holding Client Data Are Numbered

Cyber-attacks on A&O and Kirkland, as well as changing regulations, may engender an age in which large firms no longer hold client data, writes The Global Lawyer.

Moves:

UK & Ireland

Paul Hastings Secures Restructuring Co-Chair With KKR Hire

William Needham is set to join the top 25 US firm after nine years at KKR and will co-chair its European restructuring practice with fellow partner Mei Lian.

Stewarts Hires From Norton Rose for Head of International Arbitration

Stewarts has poached Norton Rose Fulbright partner Sherina Petit as the latest hire for its international arbitration practice, the firm announced today (3 November). The disputes expert will also lead the firm’s India team and will assist in its expansion across the Middle East, Africa and Singapore.

White & Case Swoops for Ropes & Gray Partner in London

The partner, Emily Brown will help bolster the firm’s M&A and private equity practice.

Pinsent Masons hires Irish funds partner Conor Durkin

Pinsent Masons has hired funds partner Conor Durkin to lead its funds team in Dublin as it continues to grow its pan-European funds capabilities.

EMEA

Kirkland Lures White & Case, Latham Partners for New Saudi Arabia Office

Adding rising stars from rivals in Riyadh, Kirkland says its new office will be led by an existing corporate partner from Chicago.

McDermott Strengthens Finance Muscle in Munich With Ashurst Partner Hire

He is the fourth partner to join the firm this year, into the Finance Practice. Matthias Weissinger.

Norton Rose Continues South Africa Hiring Campaign With New Clyde & Co Partner

NRFSA’s strategy is to ensure the firm has a bank of senior but younger lawyers to enable it to service clients for decades to come, says CEO.

APAC

Reed Smith Takes Regional Investment Funds Practice Co-Head From Sidley Austin in Singapore

Reed Smith has been actively hiring for its Asia practice and now has 140 lawyers, including nearly 50 partners, across its four Asian offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Hill Dickinson Takes Team of 10 From Ince Hong Kong

The team includes three partners and ‘represents a bold step forward’ for Hill Dickinson’s marine practice.

DLA Piper Adds Real Estate Partner from BCLP In Singapore

DLA has been building its presence in the region, saying ‘Singapore is a key office in our Asia network’.

Goodwin Hires Debt Finance Partner from White & Case Hong Kong

White & Case’s debt capital markets partner Margie Chan has also recently left the firm’s Hong Kong practice.

Herbert Smith Freehills Loses Aviation Partner Duo in Singapore

Subramanian and Kohlemainen both joined HSF in 2018 as part of a four-partner defection from Watson Farley & Williams.

Freshfields Builds US M&A Advisory Capability With Latham & Mayer Brown Partner Hires In Tokyo

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has made simultaneous U.S.-qualified partner hires from Latham & Watkins and Mayer Brown in Tokyo in an effort to win U.S. work mandates from Japanese clients and inbound work from U.S. companies.

Australia’s Hamilton Locke Takes Team of Ten from Clyde & Co.

The departures come after Clyde & Co laid off 10 lawyers in August.

Han Kun Corporate Partner Joins Clyde & Co in Hong Kong

With Wu’s joining, Clyde & Co will count 32 lawyers, led by nine partners, in Hong Kong.

The Americas

Firm With Focus on Latin America Startups Hires Brown Rudnick Practice Chair in New York

The Latin America-focused law firm has recruited Argentine lawyer Alejandro Fiuza, whose cross-border experience includes private equity and venture capital deals.

Former Counsel to New York City Mayor Back at WilmerHale to Lead New Practice

Brendan McGuire advised Mayor Eric Adams as his administration grappled massive influx of more than 100,000 migrants into a city with a “right to shelter” law and a potential federal takeover of the jail complex on Rikers Island, where inmate deaths have spiked in recent years.

Debevoise Lands Goodwin Technology M&A Co-Chair Aly Love Simons

Alessandra “Aly” Simons, after close to 10 years at Goodwin Procter, where she ascended to co-chair of that firm’s technology M&A practice, is joining Debevoise & Plimpton.

With Firm Winding Down, Longtime Stroock Defense Attorney Joel Cohen Heads to Defense Boutique

The announcement of Cohen’s move comes just after Stroock announced that–following a string of grim developments for the 147-year-old firm that has included botched merger talks and mass departures of talent–the firm is forming a wind-down committee to oversee a potential dissolution or restructuring.

Proskauer Hires Cooley IP Litigator in New York

Joseph Drayton is the third first-chair trial lawyer to join Proskauer since October.

Vinson & Elkins Energy/Infrastructure Partner Moves to Simpson Thacher in New York

Vinson & Elkins partner Gabriel Silva joined Simpson Thacher & Bartlett as a partner in the energy and infrastructure practice in New York, as the firm continues to seek out Big Law partners working in that sector.

McDermott Lands Online Platform Litigator from White & Case

Jonathan Hawk has worked with many online platforms over the years and his practice seems well positioned as regulators continue to scrutinize online content such as hate speech.

Latin America-Focused PAG Law Hires Brown Rudnick’s Latin America Practice Chair

The Latin America-focused law firm has recruited Argentine lawyer Alejandro Fiuza, whose cross-border experience includes private equity and venture capital deals.

In-House

Apparel Wholesaler With an Eye on Sustainability Hires Legal Chief

“With her as our chief legal officer, our team, business, vendors and customers will all benefit,” S&S Activewear CEO Fred Meyers said of Alaina Brooks’ hiring.

Teva CLO David Stark Moving On After Two Rough-and-Tumble Decades

“My main criteria for the future will be to work with fantastic humans and to find yet another challenge that puts my experiences to their best possible use,” Stark said in a LinkedIn post.

Specialty Vehicle-Maker Hires Cooper Tire’s Top Lawyer to Replace Ousted GC

“The leadership team is committed to continuous improvement and driving shareholder growth. I look forward to working with the team to reach our goals.” General Counsel Stephen Zamansky said.

Veteran Defense Industry Attorney Lands CLO Role at Former Forcepoint Unit

Raytheon in-house veteran James Wallace is taking the legal reins of G2CI, which has hired its own management team now that it operates as a stand-alone business.

McKesson Taps Its Former Associate GC to Replace Retiring CLO

Michaele Lau is taking the reins of the health care giant, where she previously worked for 13 years.

Philadelphia Museum of Art GC Jumps to Foundation That Aids Deaf Children

Albert Suh, who started his in-house career at Aramark, will be VP of administration and general counsel for the Oberkotter Foundation.

Blackstone Attorney Takes Legal Reins at Fast-Growing Owner of Rental Homes

Ama Romaine has joined Progress Residential, the nation’s largest owner of single-family rental homes—a segment that has seen torrid growth.

Promotions & Appointments:

Morris Nichols Announces New Partners and Special Counsel Promotions

Morris Nichols Arsht & Tunnell announced that Alexandra Cumings and Kyle Pinder have been invited to join the firm partnership, effective Jan. 1, 2024, and Elizabeth Mullin will be promoted to special counsel.

‘We Know Who We Are’: Frank Ryan Reelected DLA Piper’s Americas Leader

Under Ryan’s direction, the firm saw its highest revenue year to date in 2022, growing 6.2% from a strong 2021 to $3.68 billion. The U.S. offices accounted for just over $2 billion of that tally.

CMS and Travers Smith Elect New UK Senior Partners

The incoming senior partners at both firms are set to step into their new roles early next year. Charles Currier and Andrew Gillen respectively.

Mergers & Alliances:

Allen & Overy Sells Majority Stake in Risk Management Division to Private Equity

Inflexion is investing in the £20 million-revenue A&O affiliate, but that the law firm will retain a ‘significant minority stake’.

How Big Law Mergers Succeed: The Quiet Part Out Loud

In short: mergers between healthy firms work, Hugh Simons explains, detailing data that shows adding an unhealthy firm into the mix is a recipe for multi-year declines in PEP rank.

Office Openings & Closing:

Rawle & Henderson Opens a New Wilmington Office

The law firm of Rawle & Henderson—the nation’s oldest law firm—has opened a new office in Wilmington.

As Stroock Plans Its End, Wind-Down Committee to Examine Liabilities

Whether the firm lands in bankruptcy is unknown at this point, sources said, as Stroock will be dealing with both preferred and non-preferred creditors. Its full liabilities are unclear at this point.

Epstein Becker Green Snags Eckert Seamans Employment Benefits Team to Launch Pittsburgh Office

The five new arrivals include two former members of Eckert’s board of directors.

Cooley Opens Miami Office With Sights On Local Tech, VC Community

The tech-focused firm follows Sidley Austin, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, Winston & Strawn, Kirkland & Ellis and King & Spalding in the bustling South Florida legal market.

Swiss-Korean Litigation Boutique Launches Second European Office

The firm’s latest office launch coincides with the recent hire of international dispute resolution lawyer Arie Eernisse, who was most recently a senior foreign attorney at Big Six South Korean law firm Shin & Kim.

Kirkland Officially Launches Office in Saudi Arabia with Partners from White & Case, Latham

Adding rising stars from rivals in Riyadh, Kirkland says its new office will be led by an existing corporate partner from Chicago.

Mishcon Becomes Latest Firm to Target Saudi Launch

A rule change this year has made it easier for international firms to establish a presence in Saudi, leading to a flurry of launches.

Financials:

Big Law’s Approach to Billing Rate Hikes in 2024

“There’s a lot of people trying to play a little bit of catch-up, and they’ll run out of opportunity runway if there’s a recession,” said Mark Medice, a principal at LawVision and law firm consultant.

Firms Confront Tough Questions About Single-Tier Partnerships in Wake of Surging Profits

The decision to add a non-equity tier is often a play to compete for senior associate and counsel-level talent by offering the title of partner without diluting shares of the firm’s equity, so firms can continue to pay for top-performing talent.

Higher Attorney Pay Brings Southeast Law Firms Closer to New York Scale

The majority of Am Law firms in Atlanta around 2021 “figured out” they were competing with New York firms, rather than only other Atlanta firms, for talent, noted Rebecca Glatzer of Major, Lindsey & Africa.

In Cost-Saving Bid, Legal Departments Snatching Back Work From Law Firms

A newly released survey found departments also are trying to save money by switching from large law firms to smaller ones, and by leveraging artificial intelligence.

Baker McKenzie Unveils Flat Revenue and Profit

The firm’s revenue remained flat this year, after last year’s 5.5% leap forward.

Why Concealing PEP Isn’t Always the Best Idea

A few firms have omitted PEP from their most recent financial results—there’s really only one way the market will interpret this, writes The London Lawyer.

Technology & Innovation:

ChatGPT Fall Update

As a follow up to her April article in this publication, “ChatGPT as a Legal Tool? Ethical Considerations in the Evolving Generative AI Landscape,” Kimbrilee Weber, partner with Norris McLaughlin, continues the discussion, covering some of the caselaw that has cropped up with the rise of ChatGPT, including court rules and privacy issues.

Cooley Launches Cooley D+O, an Online D&O Questionnaire Platform for Clients and Attorneys

The firm plans to soon expand the platform into Cooley D+O 2.0, which will include additional features such as scalable initial public offering filings.

The Artificial Intelligence Imperative for Lawyers

The law school curriculum has long needed an update. We propose that a training in AI be a complement to legal education, not a replacement.

For Law Firms, Will Generative AI Really Be a Major Competitive Differentiator?

Law firms will likely all be relying on a small pool of similar generative AI tools. But that doesn’t mean there will be a leveled playing field.

AI Will Promote You Now: Exploring the Implications of Artificial Intelligence in the Employment Context

In the employment discrimination context, the use of AI offers the possibility of eliminating bias from employment decisions, but the current reality may be just the opposite, according to Simpson Thacher & Bartlett’s Chet Kronenberg, Laura Lin and Rachel June-Graber.

AI-Powered App Designed to Simplify Legalese Wins Top Honors at Hofstra Law’s Innovation Tournament

The one-day innovation tournament was held virtually on Oct. 13 and was sponsored by JAMS, the American Arbitration Association and the New York State Bar Association’s Dispute Resolution Section. Nine teams of law and engineering students entered the competition this year.

Diversity & Inclusion:

Susman Godfrey Leaning In to Diversity in Response to Questions About Diversity Programs

Susman Godfrey plans to increase the number of law students participating in its 1L Diversity Fellowship and the number of winners of the Susman Godfrey Prize.

Special Section: Labor & Employment 2023

In The Legal’s Labor & Employment supplement, read about new protections for pregnant and nursing employees, evolving DEI efforts and a push for unions in the arts and culture sector.

Mid-Market Roundup: Firms Embrace Diversity, Business Development Efforts

Welcome to Mid-Market Roundup, where our team of regional editors shares the trends, challenges, opportunities and observations emerging in their markets.

California Bar Report: 77% of Lawyers Disciplined in 2022-23 Were Men

The state bar’s latest discipline report looked at gender, race and ethnicity for the first time.

How Employers Can Embrace DEI Without Inviting Lawsuits

“The way to minimize risk is the engage in conduct that promotes diversity without making decisions or limiting opportunities explicitly on the basis of race or gender,” said Rutgers Law School professor Stacy Hawkins.

DEI Litigation Trends and Risk Mitigation: More Than Semantics

Using precise, thoughtful language in communication about DEI initiatives, both internally and externally, can take the proverbial bullseye off a company. The authors of this column offer some specific examples of how this plays out in practice, identifying high-risk and low-risk alternatives in five common scenarios.

Law Firms, Big and Small, Dominate Latest UK Employer Social Mobility Rankings

Over 40 law firms, more than half the list, were included in the rankings produced annually by the Social Mobility Foundation.

Latham’s New Partner Class Is Male-Dominated, But So Are Many of Its Peers’

The law firm’s new partner class is 38% female, an increase over last year’s 31%. Six of the new partners are based in London.

Market Commentary:

Legal Departments Frustrated by Law Firms’ Lack of Transparency

In-house staffers say in a new survey that they want law firms to provide better visibility into their costs and processes. But the respondents gave the firms high marks for the quality and responsiveness of their communications and for how they collaborate on strategy.

Lateral Moves in California Slow as Firms Shift Focus to ‘Clear-Cut Growth’ Markets

Lateral partner moves in the Bay Area have especially slumped through the third quarter, according to data from two legal industry groups.

In Smaller Litigation Shops, New Partners Emphasize a Focus on Trial Skills

Four newly-minted boutique partners who participated in Law.com’s “How I Made It” series over the past year highlight the striking amount of practice diversity out there in smaller firms.

Big Law Attorneys Are Hitting the Lateral Market. Should Midsize Firms Hire Them?

It’s a buyer’s market for midsize firms across the country as Big Law associates struggle to hit hours and partners get priced out of their own practices.

Associate Support Shortages Are Driving ‘Valuable’ Partner Departures

Partners in their prime business development years, often in key transactional practice areas for the firm they’re at, are leaving for firms that can offer more robust associate teams.

Rise of Fake Lawyers Threatens Legal Practice in Africa

The sensational story of a non-lawyer allegedly masquerading as a qualified attorney in Kenya has led to growing concerns of ‘widespread’ malpractice across the continent.

Big Firms Less Bullish on Growing Leverage Than a Year Ago, Survey Finds

Pre-pandemic, large firms were reserved in making changes to their equity partner head count. “But one of the interesting trends we saw in 2022 was there was a significant jump in firms growing equity partner head count,” one researcher said.

Partners Reluctant to Merge Can Tank Firms’ Chances at Growth, Survival

Stroock & Stroock & Lavan missed its window of opportunity to find a merger partner, and now the firm is shutting down. Could leaders have done anything to secure greater support for their plans?

Moves:

UK & Ireland

Brown Rudnick secures Mishcon de Reya’s banking disputes head in London

Derval Walsh joins hot on the heels of commercial litigator Robin Pickworth’s move from Armstrong Teasdale. Brown Rudnick has hired a senior partner from Mishcon de Reya in London to bolster its disputes bench. Derval Walsh has joined the US firm’s litigation and arbitration practice as a partner after 13 years at Mishcon, where he was head of finance and banking disputes.

Pillsbury Recruits Hughes as Investment Funds Partner in London

Gawain Hughes has joined Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman as a partner in London, the firm said Tuesday. Hughes works with global institutional fund managers and investors on the structuring of an investment into unregulated investment funds. He has a focus on private equity, infrastructure, real estate, and debt investments, according to Pillsbury. He previously practiced at Morgan Lewis and led the EMEA funds practice at DLA Piper, Pillsbury said.

EMEA

Pinsent Masons expands team in South Africa with new senior hires

Pinsent Masons is expanding its Johannesburg office with the hire of new Partners, David Woodhouse and Anthony Crane, Legal Director Mark Thomas, and Senior Associates Nanri Labuschagne and Annelle Kamper. The new additions, together with other Associates from their teams, will join Pinsent Masons from the highly regarded, boutique Johannesburg law firm, Tabacks, and will help expand the firm’s client service offering in Africa, bringing in expertise in commercial and M&A law, employment and competition law, and commercial dispute resolution.

Firm strengthens Middle East practice with new Head of Disputes

Norton Rose Fulbright has bolstered its disputes offering with the appointment of top-ranked partner Nick Sharratt as its new regional Head of Dispute Resolution in the Middle East. Known for his exceptional client service, Nick has worked in the region for more than a decade, focussing primarily on litigation, international arbitration, asset recovery and multi-jurisdictional enforcement. His bluechip client base spans across a range of industry sectors including financial institutions, energy and infrastructure, construction, commodities, hospitality and transport. Nick will be based in the UAE.

APAC

HSF Turns To King & Spalding Again For Asia Energy Lateral

Anglo-Australian law firm Herbert Smith Freehills has hired a second energy-focused M&A partner from U.S. law firm King & Spalding in Asia in less than a month, as Lachlan Clancy joins the firm in Tokyo. Herbert Smith Freehills added energy pro-Anthony Patten from K&S in Singapore last month. The latest hire is part of a planned expansion of its Asian energy practice in response to growing client demand, the firm said in a statement. “At such a critical time for energy transition investment, their appointments strengthen both the firm’s energy credentials and its ability to respond to growing client demand in Asia and beyond,” said Graeme Preston, Asia managing partner.

The Americas

Bracewell expands IP practice with USPTO patent judge

Christopher Crumbley moves into private practice after long stints at the US Patent and Trademark Office and Department of Justice. A lead administrative patent judge at the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has joined Texas-headquartered firm Bracewell as a partner in its Austin office. Christopher Crumbley brings more than 20 years’ experience to his new firm.

Senior Canadian Pharma GC Joins Fasken in Montreal

Robert Quesnel was head of legal affairs at Paris-based Sanofi for 15 before joining the national law firm.

High Profile Addition from Pharma Sector for Fasken

Montreal (Canada) – Fasken is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Quesnel as a legal counsel in the Life Sciences group at our Montreal office. He was until recently the Head of Legal Affairs & General Counsel Canada for one of the largest pharmaceutical companies. With over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Robert advises his clients on issues primarily related to life sciences and intellectual property. He is recognized for his expertise in managing complex product liability class actions, as well as high-profile patent litigation.

Potter Anderson & Corroon LLP Announces Addition of Brett M. Haywood

Potter Anderson & Corroon LLP recently announced the continued growth of its bankruptcy practice with the addition of Brett M. Haywood as counsel. With the addition of Brett, the Potter Anderson bankruptcy group now includes 5 partners, 2 counsel and 8 associates dedicated to advising clients in complex restructurings. Haywood joins Potter Anderson from Bespoke Financial, Inc. where he was Vice President, Corporate Counsel.

Baker McKenzie Expands Chicago Private Equity Team with the Addition of Erika López

Firm continues to strengthen its global M&A and private equity bench. Global law firm Baker McKenzie announced today that Erika López has joined as a private equity and M&A partner in the Firm’s Chicago office. A rising star in private equity and M&A, Erika brings significant experience advising clients on all aspects of complex M&A and private equity transactions. “Erika has very strong business acumen and a legal skillset that fits squarely within our needs in North America” said Alan Zoccolillo, M&A Partner and Baker McKenzie North America Transactional Practice Chair.

Williams Mullen lures another lawyer team, this time from Hampton Roads firm

For the second time in two months, Williams Mullen has lured a group of attorneys over from a smaller competitor. The downtown Richmond-based law firm in recent days added a team from Norfolk-based Pierce McCoy. The move involves six lawyers, including Pierce McCoy co-founder and namesake Gabe McCoy, and follows Williams Mullen’s addition earlier this month of a group of 10 attorneys from Richmond firm KVCF.

Quinn Emanuel Taps DOJ Official to Co-Chair Securities Litigation and Derivatives Group

Quinn Emanuel has hired Avi Perry, the justice department official who oversaw market-rigging cases, he will co-chair Quinn Emanuel’s securities litigation group as well as its commodities and derivatives group.

In-House

Kidney Care Startup Backed by Cigna and CVS Hires First Legal Chief

Monogram Health, the nation’s leading value-based provider of in-home, evidence-based care and benefit management services for patients living with chronic kidney and end stage kidney disease, has hired Adam McAnaney as Chief Legal Officer and Secretary. Adam is a proven leader, and his extensive history of successful executive leadership roles at public companies as well as large-scale healthcare organizations demonstrates his robust capabilities. Adam served as General Counsel and Secretary for Signify Health, following its acquisition of Remedy Partners.

Locus Robotics Appoints New Executives to Support Global Growth, Expanding Global Warehouse Automation Leadership

Locus Robotics, the market leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMR) for fulfilment warehouses, today announced the appointments of Kian Sin Ng as General Manager, APAC, and Joel Collins as Chief Legal Officer. These executives join Locus Robotics’ leadership team as the company continues expanding globally to serve growing customer demand. As Chief Legal Officer, Joel Collins will lead Locus’s global legal operations.

Standard Chartered Names Next GC for Global Investment Banking

Samallie Kiyingi, who will be based in Singapore, joins the bank from the Africa Export-Import Bank and will take over the role from current group GC Sandie Okoro, according to a LinkedIn post by the latter.

Vista Outdoor recruits GC for renamed outdoor goods business

US outdoor and sporting brands giant Vista Outdoor has named Jung Choi as general counsel of its outdoor products business following the announced sale of its sporting goods division to Czechoslovak Group (CSG).

Promotions & Appointments:

Lynsey Mallon to take reins of Arthur Cox in Northern Ireland

Arthur Cox has named Lynsey Mallon as the next managing partner of its Northern Ireland practice. Ms Mallon will take up the position in April 2024 in addition to her role as head of the firm’s corporate and commercial department, succeeding Catriona Gibson who, after an eight-year tenure as managing partner, will become chair while continuing as head of litigation. Having joined Arthur Cox in 2007, Ms Mallon is among the most pre-eminent corporate lawyers in Northern Ireland and is a specialist in mergers and acquisitions, investments, and corporate reorganisation and restructuring.

White & Case names new executive partner in London

Inigo Esteve succeeds Dipen Sabharwal as head of US firm’s 500-plus lawyer London office amid wider leadership reshuffle. White & Case has named capital markets lawyer Inigo Esteve as the new executive partner of its London office. Esteve will take over on 1 November from international arbitration partner Dipen Sabharwal KC, who has led the London office since the start of last year and has recently been appointed to White & Case’s global executive committee.

Blank Rome Brings In New Chief Innovation And Value Officer

Blank Rome has brought on Ashton Batchelor, formerly chief value and analytics officer at Robins Kaplan, as the firm’s latest chief innovation and value officer. Batchelor took up the position, previously held by Linda Novosel.

Taylor Wessing names next UK senior partner

Private wealth sector head Nick Warr to succeed Dominic FitzPatrick in January. Taylor Wessing has appointed the head of its international private wealth practice, Nick Warr, as its next UK senior partner. London-based Warr will begin his three-year term in January and succeeds Dominic FitzPatrick, who completes six years in the role in December having been re-elected to serve a second term in November 2020.

Ivor Fitzpatrick & Co announce appointment of new partner

Ivor Fitzpatrick and Company Solicitors has announced the appointment of Sandra Casey, previously a senior associate, as a litigation partner with the firm. Sandra joined the firm in 2001 and has been a valued, dedicated and hardworking member of the litigation team.

Two senior appointments at McInnes Dunnes Murphy

Specialist boutique employment law firm McInnes Dunne Murphy LLP has appointed Jane Babb as a consultant and Fiona Sharkey as a senior associate. Ms Sharkey joins from one of the biggest Irish law firms, where she trained and practised as an employment solicitor for eight years.

McDermott makes up 46 to partner in latest promotions round

Cohort grows 26% from 2022 in round once again focused on US firm’s transactions team. McDermott Will & Emery has made up 46 lawyers to partner in its latest promotions round, which also saw eight lawyers become counsel. The class represents a 26% increase on the 2022 cohort, when 32 lawyers made partner and 11 became counsel, and also sees the proportion of women increase from 47% last year to 61%. Last year the firm reported that 37% of the cohort identified as racially, ethnically and/or LGBTQ+ but declined to disclose the figure this time round.

Porter Hedges Elects Joyce Soliman as Co-Managing Partner

Porter Hedges has  announced the election of Joyce Soliman as Co-Managing Partner – External Affairs. She succeeds Rob Reedy who has served in that role since July 2022 and prior to that, as the Firm’s sole Managing Partner since 2009. Joyce will lead the Firm alongside James Cowen who serves as Co-Managing Partner – Administrative Affairs. Rob will assume the role of Chair Emeritus. Joyce will prioritize lateral partner recruiting, marketing and business development, innovation, strategy and growth, and will serve as the primary external spokesperson for the Firm.

Target promotes general counsel

Target Corporation has promoted Matt Zabel, who has been executive vice president and general counsel at the company since 2022, to become chief corporate affairs officer. Matt Zabel has been with the retailer since 2010.

Mergers & Alliances:

Pillsbury Ends Merger Talks With Strook

The firm said it couldn’t reach an agreement “that adequately balanced Pillsbury’s long-term strategic objectives with the more immediate financial and other risks involved.”

A&O Shearman Merger – What’s Next?

Clients, compensation, partner exits, and regulator consent is next on the agenda for the management of the merged firm, writes one partnership expert.

Office Openings & Closing:

Mourant Set to Launch in Singapore with Funds Partner Hire from Maples

The Singapore office will start off with an initial team of five staff members consisting of associates and paralegals with Craig Luton being the first partner on the ground.

McNees Wallace & Nurick to Sell Harrisburg HQ Following Layoffs of Longtime HR Leaders

McNees Wallace is thying to modernise its approach to the business of law, by letting go of the three professionals that made up its HR team in September and putting their headquarters on the market for nearly $11 Million in August.

Financials:

Millar McCall Wylie to exceed growth target

Northern Ireland law firm Millar McCall Wylie is on track to exceed its goal of growing turnover by 50 per cent in three years, the firm has announced. Having set the three-year target in 2021, the locally-owned firm said expansion across its real estate, matrimonial and family, and employment law departments has outperformed expectations.

England: Solicitors to pay price for Axiom Ince collapse

All practising solicitors in England and Wales may have to pay up to £400 in order to cover the costs to clients following the collapse of a City law firm.  Axiom Ince was closed down by regulators last month and police are investigating allegations of a £64 million fraud. The Law Society Gazette has calculated that each of the approximately 160,000 practising solicitors south of the border will have to stump up as much as £400 in top-up fees for the profession’s compensation fund.

In Cost-Saving Bid, Legal Departments Snatching Back Work From Law Firms

Legal departments are ramping up efforts to control costs by bringing more work in-house, shifting work to smaller firms, and leaning more on technology, including artificial intelligence, a new report from the Association of Corporate Counsel and Everlaw revealed.

‘It Takes a Long-Term View’: How Mills Oakley has Kept Up its Remarkable Growth

The Australian firm, which is now a national legal brand, has enjoyed 18 years of consecutive double-digit growth.

Technology & Innovation:

Legal regulation conference tackles challenge of AI

Artificial intelligence, access to justice and ethics in the legal profession are among the issues being examined by the two-day International Conference of Legal Regulators (ICLR) which opened this morning in Dublin. Ireland’s Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA) is hosting the 12th annual event, welcoming more than 100 attendees to the Royal Marine Hotel in Dún Laoghaire to share experiences and good practices, explore trends and themes, and network. The theme of this year’s conference is ‘The Future of Legal Regulation – Navigating the Decade Ahead’.

Mexican Law Firm Von Wobeser Launches AI-Powered Chatbot

The firm plans to use the chatbot as an in-house legal assistant that can field questions and summarize content.

LexisNexis Publicly Releases Generative AI – Powered Lexis+ AI, With New Functionalities

Initially unveiled in May, Lexis+ AI is now publicly available and comes with an updated user interface, new educational resources and added capabilities.

Inflation Redux: Legal Tech Prices are Skyrocketing

While legal tech prices didn’t come out of last year’s peak inflationary period unscathed, law firms’ technology budgets are feeling even more of a pinch these days.

Diversity & Inclusion:

Mothers Still Face Disproportionate Burden in Legal Field, ABA Report Finds

“The differences that data reflects are that mothers are disproportionately not getting important assignments, not being assigned matters with travel, not having sponsors and mentors, and there’s a disparity in income particularly as income rises”, attorney Roberta Liebenberg, a co-author of the report said.

Why More Female Lawyers Should Harness the Power of Storytelling

Telling your story can inspire, help others speak out and made a great impact – something more women in law should be encouraged to do, writes the London Lawyer.

The 2023 NLJ Awards: Professional Excellence – DC Diversity Initiative

We salute these law firms and lawyers for their success in their perspective fields.

Market Commentary:

Law firm marketing and BD teams spend more time on firefighting than strategy, study finds

Law firms also lack sufficient investment in their marketing and business development teams. A majority of law firm marketing and business development (MBD) teams are spending most of their time dealing with problems rather than on strategic initiatives, according to new research, presented at the Law Firm Marketing Summit earlier this month.

Paul Weiss Said to Mull Non-Equity Partner Tier

Paul Weiss reportedly is considering tinkering with the firm’s partner compensation system, including potentially creating a non-equity tier. A move to convert bonus payments to equity shares for the firm’s top-paid partners is also said to be on the table.

‘It’s the Main Industry We’re Getting Reach Out From’: How Sports Became Big Law’s Favourite Sector

As traditional deal markets remain deathly quiet, sports has developed into its own asset class, spawning all kinds of work for Big Law firms that have their foot in the lucrative door.

‘We Got the Mandate to Grow’: Linklaters Ups Focus on Latin America

The firm is building muscle in a region that increasingly intersects with its global network, while it has also increased referrals from local law firms.

White & Case is fastest-growing law firm in Africa since 2019, study finds

US firm grew African headcount 177% between 2019 and 2022, according to Africa Legal. US firm White & Case was the fastest growing law firm by headcount in Africa between 2019 and 2022, according to new research published by Africa Legal.

Lateral Partner Moves in DC Slow, as Law Firms Show Caution in Hiring

Lateral partner moves in Washington D.C., have slowed down in 2023, according to two legal industry groups, as law firms continue to show caution in hiring. Still, organisations that track lateral moves and recruiters say they are still seeing sustained demand for laterals in antitrust, competition, and government practices. Recruiters and practice leaders have pointed to robust demand within regulatory practices in D.C. this year.

Lack of a Succession Plan Can Lead to the Death of a Law Firm

Firms with aging managing partners should develop a succession plan for transferring clients and management responsibilities (over a five-to-ten-year transition period) to the firm’s younger attorneys.

Why More Big Law Firms Are Outsourcing Associate Training

An increasing number of law firms are questioning whether senior associates and partners are the best people to train associates on foundational skills. When Abdi Shayesteh arrived at King & Spalding as a New York corporate associate in 2007, he had a scary realization: Law school didn’t teach any of the tasks he was being asked to complete.

‘US Is Calling the Shots’: The Power Shift That’s Americanizing Freshfields

Once described as Anglo-German, the 280 year old firm is steadily transforming itself into a US firm, with far-reaching consequences for partners in its former power bases, sources say.

Law Firms Doing More ‘Tyre Kicking’ Before Hiring Lateral Partners

Recruiters who place laterals at Big Law firms said firms in many cases are more focused on Due Diligence before hiring, assessing books of business of the prospective partners and talking to their clients.

Moves:

UK & Ireland

2 Antitrust Partners Return to Freshfields and Linklaters

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Linklaters have welcomed back antitrust and competition lawyers, both rejoining their previous firms as partners. At Freshfields, competition specialist Colin Raftery is set to join the firm from the Competition and Markets Authority, where he spent five years as senior director of mergers, following two years as director of mergers.

Kirkland Rebuilds in London with Simpson Thacher Private Equity Duo Hire

Kirkland & Ellis has hired two private equity partners from rival elite U.S. outfit Simpson Thacher & Bartlett in London, following a few defections at the firm to another rival, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind Wharton & Garrison. Partners Ian Barratt and Sinead O’Shea are set to be joining Kirkland’s London ranks, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The pair count some of the world’s largest private equity houses including KKR, Blackstone and Melrose as clients. The hires will go some way to rebuilding Kirkland’s Ranks following Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison defections.

Former WilmerHale Brussels partner rejoins Henderson Chambers

EU law veteran and former Wilmer Cutler Hale Pickering & Dorr partner John Ratliff has rejoined London’s Henderson Chambers. Ratliff was a door tenant with Henderson from 1986 to 1999 while also practising in Brussels with Stanbrook and Hooper, a specialist competition and trade law firm, which merged with McDermott Will & Emery in 2005. He joined WilmerHale after leaving Henderson, retiring from the partnership at the end of last year but remaining with the firm until this month.

Linklaters secures Addleshaws’ competition head in London

Linklaters has hired the head of Addleshaw Goddard’s (AG) competition team in London to bolster its antitrust and foreign investment practice. Bruce Kilpatrick brings more than 25 years’ experience advising clients on complex merger control, antitrust enforcement and foreign direct investment cases, as well as defending high stakes antitrust damages litigation and director disqualification proceedings before the Competition Appeal Tribunal. His return to Linklaters will follow more than 16 years at AG, where he had led the competition and regulatory team for more than a decade.

Senior London fraud partner quits Allen & Overy for London boutique Enyo

Senior fraud partner Andy McGregor is leaving Allen & Overy (A&O) to join London boutique Enyo just 18 months after joining the Magic Circle firm. His departure comes hard on the heels of Friday’s announcement by A&O and Shearman & Sterling that their respective partners had voted overwhelmingly to approve their landmark transatlantic merger.

HSF hires Sidley partner in London as head of international private equity

Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) has bolstered its private capital offering in the City with the hire of a private equity partner from Sidley Austin and a venture and growth capital specialist from DLA Piper. Eleanor Shanks will join HSF from Sidley to serve in the new role of head of international private equity in London, while Dylan Doran Kennett is leaving DLA Piper to co-lead the firm’s UK venture capital and growth capital practice with partner Michael Jacobs.

EMEA

Norton Rose adds Stephenson Harwood partner to lead Middle East disputes team

Norton Rose Fulbright (NRF) has hired a partner from Stephenson Harwood to lead its dispute resolution team in the Middle East. Nick Sharratt has joined the firm in Dubai after four years as a partner at Stephenson Harwood, prior to which he was counsel at Winston & Strawn. He replaces NRF’s former Middle East disputes head Paul Stothard, who recently relocated to the UK and remains with the firm.

APAC

Littler Adds Counsel Trio in Asia, Covers 7 Jurisdictions from Singapore

From Singapore, the firm’s first and only Asian office, it now counts 7 lawyers who are admitted in Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia, India, mainland China, U.S. and the U.K. Littler Mendelson, the world’s largest employment-law focused firm, has added a trio of counsel-level lawyers to its four-year old Singapore office. Furthermore, joining the firm are Soowon Hong, Betty Lee and Shiau Sang Tee. Their additions will give Littler a total count of seven lawyers in Singapore, from where the team will advise on matters related to the U.S., South Korea, Hong Kong, Indian, mainland China, Malaysia and the U.K.

M&A Partner Leaves Australia’s Corrs Chambers Following Plane Incident

A high-profile mergers and acquisitions partner has left Australian firm Corrs Chambers Westgarth following an incident on a domestic flight. Chris Allen, one of six top corporate and banking partners poached by Corrs in a raid on rival ‘MinterEllison’ in 2021, has left the firm.

Morrison & Foerster Adds Veteran M&A Partner From Jones Day in Tokyo

Morrison & Foerster has expanded its mergers and acquisitions practice in Tokyo with the hire of highly experienced corporate M&A lawyer Stephen DeCosse from Jones Day. DeCosse, most recently of counsel in Jones Day’s Tokyo office, joins Morrison & Foerster as a partner. The move marks a return to the firm for the veteran lawyer. He was a partner at Morrison & Foerster in Tokyo before leaving in 2006 for Jones Day, where he was also a partner. He moved to of counsel last year.

Stephenson Harwood Adds Team of Eight from Ince in Greater China

Stephenson Harwood has added a team of seven lawyers plus shipping partner Paul Ho to its Hong Kong and Shanghai offices. Ho was the chief representative of Ince’s Shanghai office and the firm’s head of Greater China. The firm hopes the hire will provide opportunities to work with a greater pool of Chinese mainland clients, from shipyards to traders to LNG operators.

Nishimura & Asahi Adds Watson Farley Thailand Corporate Head In Bangkok

Nishimura & Asahi, Japan’s largest law firm by headcount, has expanded its corporate offering in Thailand with the hire of M&A lawyer Christopher Osborne. Osborne was most recently a partner and head of the Thai corporate practice at Watson Farley & Williams in Bangkok, he joins the Big Four Japanese firm as a partner. Osborne specializes in advising international and Thai companies on the development, sale and acquisition of renewable energy projects in Thailand and across Asia. He advises on onshore wind, solar and waste-to-energy projects, and provides legal advice related to power purchase agreements, project finance to post-commissioning exits and acquisitions. He also advises on mergers and and acquisitions in the region and has previously acted on deals involving the manufacturing, logistics, and technology, media and telecommunications sectors.

The Americas

Cuatrecasas Hires Government Lawyer to Lead Competition Practice in Chile

Cuatrecasas has hired the former head of mergers at Chile’s antitrust authority to lead a new practice area for the Spanish firm. Francisca Levin joins Cuatrecasas as a partner and head of its newly formed competition practice in Santiago, joining a team of nine partners and 28 lawyers in the country.

Vinson & Elkins Swoops for Milbank Corporate Partner

Vinson & Elkins has expanded its corporate and finance practices in London with the hire of a partner from Milbank. Chris Taufatofua joins the U.S.-headquartered firm after more than a decade at Milbank, where he was most recently a partner.

Cleary’s Bay Area Growth Continues With Hire of Ex-Cooley Litigator

Continuing its growth in the Bay Area, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton has hired litigation partner Angela Dunning from Cooley. Dunning joined the firm as a partner in its Bay Area offices in San Francisco and Silicon Valley, marking Cleary Gottlieb’s fifth lateral partner hire since it opened in the market in late 2021. It has about 20 lawyers in the Bay Area now, according to its website. After   hiring Angela Dunning, who spent 23 years at Cooley, Cleary Gottlieb now has roughly 20 attorneys in Silicon Valley and San Francisco.

Clifford Chance Adds Kirkland Partner, Simpson Thacher Counsel, Continuing Houston Energy Team Buildout

U.K. firm Clifford Chance continues to expand the energy and infrastructure team in its new Houston office by adding Kirkland & Ellis M&A partner Cephas Sekhar as a partner and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett M&A counsel Kyle Kreshover as counsel. Sekhar is the 11th partner to join Clifford Chance in Houston since the office opened in early June. The others include a total of seven lateral partners hires from Big Law firms Latham & Watkins, Jones Day, Kirkland, Baker Botts and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, and three Clifford Chance partners who transferred to Houston from New York and Paris.

Gunster Expands Corporate Litigation and Tax Capabilities With 2 New Hires in South Florida

Florida-based Gunster is bringing in two corporate lawyers to handle issues surrounding products liability, real estate and tax matters. Devin Moss is coming to the firm’s Miami office and joining the business litigation group as a shareholder from Shook, Hardy & Bacon, where he focused on products liability work. Meanwhile, David Sawyer is joining the firm’s tax group in Fort Lauderdale as of counsel after coming from an in-house job.

Day Pitney Expands Health Care Practice in Miami as it Prepares to Focus on Palm Beach Growth

After a year of growth at Day Pitney’s Miami office, it’s adding another health care-focused lawyer before the firm pivots to grow its West Palm Beach outpost. Magda Rodriguez is joining the East Coast-based Am Law 200 firm as a partner focused on health care clients out of the Miami office. Rodriguez is at least the firm’s fifth hire in Miami this year.

Paul Hastings adds partners from Cooley, Goodwin in Northern California growth push

Paul Hastings has hired partners from Goodwin Procter and Cooley as it moves to build its private equity and capital markets practices in Northern California. Scott Joachim has joined the firm as global vice chair of its private equity practice in Palo Alto from Goodwin Procter. Paul Hastings said he will be joined by two additional partners with extensive experience advising on tech-focused transactions, strategic investments, M&A and growth equity and venture financings.  Meantime David Ambler, a partner specialising in capital markets, public company advisory and venture capital, has joined the firm from Cooley, also in Palo Alto.

In-House

Sainsbury’s Reappoints 8 Firms to Legal Panel

U.K. supermarket giant Sainsbury’s has completed a review of its legal panel, opting to reappoint all of its current advisors for at least the next three years.

Promotions & Appointments:

Brazil’s Mattos Filho Selects New Resident Partner for New York Office

Mattos Filho has selected a longtime mergers and acquisitions partner to represent the Brazilian legal powerhouse in the U.S. as the firm’s resident partner in charge of the New York office. Paula Vieira takes on the role following the departure of Amadeu Ribeiro, an antitrust specialist who left Mattos Filho in September to join DLA Piper.

Dentons Appoints New Head of Office for Papua New Guinea

International law firm Dentons has appointed a new leader for its office in Papua New Guinea, where mining, oil and gas are major industries.  Wavie Kendino Leki, who is currently head of legal and company secretary for Australian bank ANZ in Papua New Guinea, will start with Dentons in January of next year. It will be her second stint at the firm, having worked there as an associate for nearly a decade until September last year.

On the Move: Eversheds Sutherland Creates Worldwide Marketing Position

Eversheds Sutherland has promoted one of its longtime business professionals to a new position as global business development and marketing officer— the firm’s first administrative position in its history that covers all of its offices. Erin Meszaros’ move, announced on Wednesday, highlights the firm’s intent to “collaborate” more closely across offices on developing new business.

Mergers & Alliances:

$240M Verdict: Law Firms Join Forces for Massive Victory

Attorneys with the Winstead law firm and at Irell & Manella secured a $240 million Texas jury verdict on three patent infringement claims against California-based Cloudera Inc., a major cloud data management software company.

“It was a success story of two firms working together. I think this is a top five verdict in the State of Texas for this year,” said plaintiff counsel Jamie H. McDole of Winstead.

Office Openings & Closing:

Wilson Elser Opens in Portland With 4-Partner Lewis Brisbois Team, as Am Law 200 Pursues West Coast Growth

Am Law Second Hundred defense firm Wilson Elser has launched in Portland, Oregon, as Am Law 200 firms continue to plot geographic expansion on the West Coast. The Portland office is led by partner George Pitcher, who is joined by partners Michael Belisle, Dmitriy Golosinskiy and Ross Van Ness. All arriving from Lewis Brisbois, the team is focused on medical malpractice, professional liability, products liability and toxic tort work. Additionally, Wilson Elser hired six Lewis Brisbois partners in the Pacific Northwest.

Herbert Smith Freehills to Shutter Second Asian Office in 12 Months

Herbert Smith Freehills has announced that it will shutter its Kuala Lumpur office by the end of April next year, making it the firm’s second Asia office closure in 12 months. The firm counts a total 38 staff members in its Kuala Lumpur office, around 40% of those are legal practitioners, the rest are business professionals, a firm spokesperson told Law.com International. Two of its lawyers are partners including head of office Peter Godwin, who had relocated from the firm’s Tokyo office in 2017, and disputes lawyer Craig Shepherd.

Financials:

GC Pay Is Improving, But It’s Still Mission Impossible

Whatever job the GC did before, the transition to GC is an unfathomable leap for which there is no training. Many of the job specs which boards give to recruiters now look like mission impossible. f this was an easy job, anyone could do it. That’s the adage. But for lawyers, it understates the true picture. The levels of complexity and challenge faced by lawyers are not at a steady state. Nor do they grow evenly. They spike without warning or preparation. Yes, of course the job gets harder every year for a host of reasons, but then there are these big “transitioning moments” when the skills gap can be enormous. Transition training, or rather the lack of it, is one of our big themes at Lean Adviser.

Technology & Innovation:

Kirkland & Ellis Announces SideTrack, a Lawyer-Built Platform for Investment Funds Attorneys

Kirkland & Ellis launched SideTrack, a proprietary enterprise software platform for its investment fund attorneys. The development of the solution, publicly disclosed for the first time to Legaltech News, was led by James Desjardins, a partner in the firm’s Investment Funds Practice Group, as well as other members of the group. The development didn’t involve third-party vendors or even the firm’s own information technology department.

With the Rise of Generative AI, Legal Departments Lean on Law Firms as ‘Business Partners’ More Than Ever

Legal departments are starting to embrace generative AI to drive legal and business efficiencies. And just as in-house lawyers are under pressure to adopt new technologies, they’re placing similar expectations on their outside counsel. Certainly, caution reigns supreme in the ongoing dialogue between legal departments and law firms concerning the adoption of generative AI. Yet, in-house leaders are increasingly looking to outside counsel to at the very least understand the technology, if not use it to drive their own business efficiencies.

With Legal Tech Blockchain Experimentation, US Is Lagging Behind

New technologies, regardless of how advertisements and marketing campaigns may present them, are more often a part of a larger puzzle rather than the end-all-and-be-all of a finished product. For example, ChatGPT, which initially seemed to be a magic bullet to many, is slowly being broken down into its various elements beyond the tool itself, with many leveraging the underlying generative AI Model in new ways.

Can Standards, Guidelines Be Enough to Regulate the AI Industry?

A panel at the Soft Law Summit in Arlington, Virginia, on Tuesday looked at the drawbacks and advantages of having a light touch when it comes to AI regulation. In the U.S., efforts to regulate AI technologies have very much been ubiquitous. Just this year, state legislators have introduced almost 200 AI-focused bills, a 440% increase compared to the previous year, according to a report from the Software Alliance. Out of those, 14 became law.

NY Lawmakers Eyeing Rules for Admitting AI-Based Evidence

A New York lawmaker has introduced a bill that aims to set a series of parameters regarding the admission of evidence arising from artificial intelligence, relative to criminal and civil court proceedings. The proposed rules of the bill state that the AI-based evidence must be supported by something other than artificially created evidence, and the independent evidence must be admissible under the existing rules of evidence. It is still seeking a sponsor in the Senate.

Private Equity Firm Consello Capital Acquires Majority Stake in ProSearch

Today, the private equity firm Consello Capital, itself part of The Consello Group, announced it has acquired a majority stake in the e-discovery and compliance provider ProSearch.

Diversity & Inclusion:

Law Firms Tapping Resource Management for DEI and Talent Development

For law firms investing in resource management, the technology streamlines operations and increases transparency. It can also assist with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and career development programs, which boost talent recruitment and retention. DEI efforts and a well-functioning legal staff also demonstrate to clients that the firmday is keeping up with their interests and concerns.

Munsch Hardt Welcomes Largest-Ever, All-Women Associate Class

With nine female first-year associates at Dallas-based Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, women now account for half of the firm’s associates.

Women and Diversity in Law Awards unveil roster of 250-plus nominees

Top UK legal awards now accepting entry submissions for glittering ceremony in March 2024. More than 250 individuals, law firms, legal teams and not-for-profit groups are unveiled today as nominees for the Women and Diversity in Law Awards. The publication of the roster of contenders completes a crucial stage of the awards process in the run up to a glittering awards ceremony, to be held in London on 13 March 2024. All nominees are now invited to submit entries for consideration by a high-level judging panel comprising some of the legal profession’s leading DE&I campaigners, role models and experts.

Menopause in the legal profession: how senior managers can help

For World Menopause Day, Moore Barlow’s Sarah Andrews discusses how senior managers can help women continue to thrive in their legal careers as she describes her own menopause story. When I started my role at Moore Barlow three years ago, I was excited to work in the legal sector, but just six months in, I started to feel massive imposter syndrome. My concentration, focus, memory and sleep all began to change suddenly, and I stopped contributing to meetings in case I forgot what I would say. I started having high and low, dark moods. I regularly hid in the toilet, berating myself for being useless and feeling shame walking back into the office, my internal critical voice in overdrive. I wanted to make a good start at the firm, but instead, I felt like a failure in the workplace and that my career may be over. My relationship with my husband was strained, and parenting my six-year-old son became more challenging. I couldn’t work out what was happening to me.

Market Commentary:

Hello A&O Shearman. Goodbye ‘Magic Circle’

The grouping of what once were the biggest and best UK law firms no longer holds any meaning and should be retired for good.

Moves:

UK & Ireland

Linklaters secures Addleshaws’ competition head in London

Bruce Kilpatrick to rejoin Magic Circle firm’s leading antitrust practice after 16 years at AG. Linklaters has hired the head of Addleshaw Goddard’s (AG) competition team in London to bolster its antitrust and foreign investment practice. Bruce Kilpatrick brings more than 25 years’ experience advising clients on complex merger control, antitrust enforcement and foreign direct investment cases, as well as defending high stakes antitrust damages litigation and director disqualification proceedings before the Competition Appeal Tribunal. His return to Linklaters will follow more than 16 years at AG, where he had led the competition and regulatory team for more than a decade.

Restructuring lawyer Kat Burke joins Maples

Kathlene Burke has joined Maples and Calder’s dispute resolution and insolvency practice as an of counsel in Dublin. Ms Burke will provide Irish restructuring advice to the firm’s European and global clients from Dublin and will work closely with the firm’s global dispute resolution and insolvency practices on cross-border matters.

Four senior appointments at Holmes

Ed Kelly has re-joined Holmes as a senior solicitor specialising in commercial litigation and dispute resolution, while Isabel Treacy has joined as a senior associate solicitor specialising in the areas of commercial property and public and administrative law. The firm’s Dublin office has also been bolstered with the appointment of Susan O’Reilly as of counsel in Holmes’ corporate unit and Rachel Naughton BL as legal counsel specialising in data protection.

Power Law appoints Billy Casserly to dispute resolution team

Power Law LLP has welcomed Billy Casserly to the firm as a senior associate in its dispute resolution team. Mr Casserly is an experienced corporate lawyer with a decade of experience working in-house and in large Dublin law firms. He will be based in the firm’s Galway office.

Linklaters Hires Kirkland IP Partner in London

The US-headquartered firm has seen a number of partner exits in 2023. Linklaters has hired a Kirkland & Ellis partner to boost its intellectual property litigation team in London. IP litigator Katie Coltart will join at the end of October after five years at Kirkland, according to LinkedIn. She previously worked at Allen & Overy for six years.

EMEA

Pinsent Masons adds partner trio in Germany from Dentons in Europe growth push

Public sector and EU law duo join in Dusseldorf alongside corporate partner and team of associates. Pinsent Masons has bolstered its bench in Germany with the hire of a trio of partners from Dentons. Public sector and EU law partners Andreas Haak and Dr Lars Hettich have joined the firm in Dusseldorf alongside corporate partner Dr Michael Krömker. The trio is joined by EU and state aid legal director Dr Barbara Thiemann and a team of associates.

Bowmans Boosts Private Equity Practice with Partner Hire

Zingisa Motloba brings 20 years’ experience to Bowmans, having previously worked at Mercedes, Eskom and the South African Bureau of Standards. Bowmans has enhanced its private equity skills-base with the appointment of Zingisa Motloba as a partner in its Johannesburg practice. She is joining from the South African Bureau of Standards where she was an executive for standards development.

APAC

Southeast Asian Firms Amp Up Hiring, White & Case, CMS Add to Partner Ranks

Dentons LuatViet, AZB & Partners and Tilleke & Gibbins have all hired new partners. CMS has hired a partner for its Hong Kong office, less than a month since the firm brought on a team of four lawyers including former Hauzen partner Anthony Woo as a senior consultant and DLA Piper of counsel Adrian Elms as a partner. This time around, joining CMS is shipping and insurance partner Richard Oakley from the Hong Kong office of Ince & Co. Ince recently also lost its litigation partner Stephen Chan to U.K. firm Charles Russell Speechlys.

Shin & Kim’s Senior Disputes Lawyer Joins Swiss-Korean Boutique

With Arie Eernisse joining, Peter & Kim, which has offices in Korea, Switzerland, Australia and Singapore, now counts 21 lawyers in Seoul. Swiss-Korean international arbitration boutique Peter & Kim has strengthened its cross-border dispute resolution capability with the hire of Arie Eernisse, who was most recently a senior foreign attorney at Big Six South Korean law firm Shin & Kim. At Peter & Kim, Eernisse will take on the title as senior foreign attorney.

Akerman Launches Japan Desk With Hire From Orrick

The firm’s Japan practice launch has been enabled, in part, by its hire of corporate M&A lawyer Hiroshi Sarumida. U.S. law firm Akerman has launched a Japan sector team focusing on Japanese businesses operating globally. The firm’s sector launch has been enabled, in part, by its hire of corporate M&A lawyer Hiroshi Sarumida, who was most recently the U.S. chair of Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe’s Japan transactional practice. Sarumida is joining Akerman as a partner. Sarumida will serve as a co-leader of the Japan sector transactional team alongside corporate partner and co-leader Michael Doherty, with litigation partner Richard Brosnick acting as the Japan litigation team leader. The Japan sector team, which consists of 10 lawyers, covers transactional, litigation, regulatory, commercial and operational matters. Akerman currently has no offices based in Asia.

The Americas

Proskauer makes double litigation hire from MoFo in New York

Duo include first-chair trial veterans Grant Esposito and David Fioccola. Top 50 US firm Proskauer Rose has made a twin litigation partner hire from Morrison & Foerster (MoFo) as it seeks to expand its disputes coverage in New York. The duo include first-chair trial lawyers Grant Esposito and David Fioccola, who will join the firm’s commercial litigation and trial strategies groups respectively. Esposito brings experience across commercial and class action litigation in areas such as antitrust, mass torts, product liability, healthcare, environmental, securities and transactional disputes. Fioccola defends clients in complex commercial disputes and consumer class actions, including ‘bet the company’ litigation.

Paul Hastings targets US insurance M&A with trio of partner hires from Sidley Austin, Mayer Brown

M&A and regulatory partners join in New York and Chicago. Paul Hastings has added three partners from Sidley Austin and Mayer Brown to expand its insurance industry work. Insurance M&A partners Kirk Lipsey and Chad Vance have joined from Sidley in New York and Chicago respectively, while insurance regulatory partner Sanjiv Tata has joined in New York from Mayer Brown.

Family Law Boutique Expands into Miami Headed by Two South Florida Litigators

Rottenstreich Farley Bronstein Fisher Potter Hodas, focused solely on high net-worth family law matters, is already in West Palm Beach and New York. Family law litigation boutique firm Rottenstreich Farley Bronstein Fisher Potter Hodas is expanding into Miami with a new office, adding to its outposts in West Palm Beach and New York. The firm tapped Miami-based Richard Segal as co-managing partner along with Zachary Potter, who was already at the firm in its West Palm Beach office. Segal joins from Segal Zuckerman, a boutique he helped found with his lifelong friend Jamie Zuckerman.

Foley Hoag completes hire of all-female patent team from Cooley

Quartet of patent experts joins recent Cooley hire Amy Baker Mandragouras to boost Foley’s life sciences IP practice. Boston-based law firm Foley Hoag has put the finishing touches to a team hire from rival Cooley to bolster its life sciences and IP offerings. The all-female team is led by partner Amy Baker Mandragouras, who moved over from Cooley in August, and includes counsel Erika Wallace and Maya Elbert, an associate, a patent agent and a number of patent administrative professionals who have since joined the firm. Technology specialist Lillian Schmaltz has also joined the group; she was previously a graduate research and teaching assistant at the University of Texas. All the team members are based in Boston except Elbert, who will work out of Foley’s New York offices.

Baker & Hostetler Boosts Energy Team in Houston With Frost Brown M&A Partner

Frost Brown Todd M&A partner Cleve Glenn, who joined Baker & Hostetler as a partner in Houston, is also a former general counsel and chief financial officer at an energy company. Baker & Hostetler expanded its energy team in Houston by adding Frost Brown Todd M&A partner Cleve Glenn, who earlier in his career was an energy services company general counsel and chief financial officer. Glenn joined Baker & Hostetler as a partner on Monday in the business practice group and as a member of the M&A team and the energy team.

Troutman Pepper Launches Corporate Espionage Response Team

Legacy firms Troutman Sanders and Pepper Hamilton both had similar capabilities in the area, according to partner Will Taylor, one of the two founders of the group. Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders has announced the creation of a new corporate espionage response team, which looks to help clients combat third-party theft or use of confidential or proprietary information for their own commercial advantage. The group, founded by national labor and employment practice partner Evan Gibbs and commercial litigation partner Will Taylor, is comprised of attorneys scattered across Troutman Pepper’s Atlanta, Philadelphia, Chicago, New York, Boston and Richmond, Virginia, offices, including 14 partners, one counsel and two associates.

Cooley Hires Foley & Lardner Health Care Transactions Leader

Alexis Bortniker, who spent more than a decade at Foley & Lardner, joined Cooley as a partner in San Diego. Cooley has hired Alexis Finkelberg Bortniker, the co-chair of the health care transaction group at Foley & Lardner, as a partner in San Diego. Bortniker joined Cooley in its global life sciences and health care regulatory practice group. Previously, Bortniker spent more than a decade at Foley & Lardner, where she also led its health care and life sciences sector’s payer/provider convergence area of focus.

Willkie Adds Kirkland Private Equity Partner With Energy Focus in Texas

Kirkland & Ellis corporate partner Tony Johnston joined Willkie Farr & Gallagher as a partner in Dallas as the firm, like others, expands its energy and infrastructure team due to activity in the sectors. With energy and infrastructure a standout sector this year, Willkie Farr & Gallagher continues to hire lawyers with that focus by adding Kirkland & Ellis private equity partner Tony Johnston as a partner in Texas. Johnston practices in Dallas, but will be based in the firm’s Houston office. He joined the firm on Wednesday as a partner in the corporate and financial services department.

 

In-House

Kim Kardashian’s underwear brand gets first GC

Skims Body, the underwear and fashion label co-founded by US reality TV star Kim Kardashian, has hired Colin Bennett as its first general counsel, Bloomberg reported this week.Bennett joined in July from meal-kit company Hello Fresh, where he was GC. At Skims, he will also serve as chief compliance officer. He told Bloomberg that he expects to grow the company’s in-house legal team and will report directly to Skims’ co-founder and CEO Jens Grede.

Charter Communications raids Madison Square Garden for GC replacement

US broadband and cable operator Charter Communications has named Jamal Haughton as its new general counsel, replacing Rick Dykhouse, who announced his retirement plans earlier this year. Haughton joins from Madison Square Garden (MSG) Entertainment, where he was GC, corporate secretary and executive vice president. At Charter, he will also serve as corporate secretary and executive vice president. As head of the company’s legal department, he will oversee all legal and regulatory matters.

Seeker Music hires experienced entertainment lawyer as GC

Music publishing and management business Seeker Music has hired veteran music lawyer Dan Stuart as general counsel. Stuart joins from Sony Music’s AWAL US, where he was senior vice president of business affairs. At Seeker, he will be responsible for handling all of the label’s legal matters.

Digital ID startup Prove Identity hires first CLO

Digital verification and ID platform Prove Identity has hired Mitch Bompey as its inaugural chief legal officer, taking over from interim general counsel Lesley O’Neill. Bompey joins from fintech data platform Addepar, where he was general counsel and chief risk officer, overseeing all legal matters and helping grow the company’s international presence. At Prove, he will assume a similar mandate.

New York community bank lands finance veteran as GC

US financial services group Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp has named Frederick Erikson as its new general counsel, replacing Michael Guarino who is retiring from the business next year. Erikson arrives from Liberty Bank, where he was deputy GC. In his new role, he will also oversee all legal matters for Metropolitan Commercial Bank (MCB), a community-focused bank in New York City and surrounding areas.

Barton Malow hires Honigman partner as CLO

US commercial and residential construction company Barton Malow has hired Brandon Booth as its chief legal officer, returning to the company after almost 14 years working in private practice. Booth joins from Honigman, where he has spent the past two years as a partner. He originally left Barton Malow as a project engineer in 2009 before going to law school. He will now lead all legal matters for its construction business and report directly to president and CEO Ryan Maibach.

GoDaddy Legal Chief Going to New Gig

GoDaddy is seeking a successor to Michele Lau, who made a splash at the internet domain registrar immediately on joining in July 2021. The chief legal officer of one of the world’s largest internet domain registrars will soon be changing her own web address. Michele Lau, CLO and corporate secretary of GoDaddy, will step down effective Nov. 17, the company said in a securities filing.

Bain-Backed Software Firm Hires Startup Veteran as Legal Chief

“With her expertise in M&A, technology licensing, and corporate governance, Liz [Fischer] emphasizes our commitment to upholding top-tier legal standards,” Rocket Software CEO Milan Shetti said. Rocket Software, an enterprise software development firm owned by Bain Capital, is building up its executive ranks to help boost growth, hiring seasoned tech industry lawyer Liz Fischer as its first chief legal officer. Fischer will report to Rocket Software CEO Milan Shetti. She joins Rocket Software from Perch, a venture-backed e-commerce platform that sells direct-to-consumer products made by its more than 100 brands. Fischer handled all legal functions as Perch’s general counsel, including managing litigation, negotiating mergers and acquisitions and debt transactions, and overseeing its intellectual property portfolio.

Promotions & Appointments:

Martin Kelleher to lead corporate department at Mason Hayes & Curran

Business law firm Mason Hayes & Curran has announced the appointment of Martin Kelleher as its new head of corporate. Mr Kelleher is a senior corporate partner with significant experience in international transactions, particularly in the technology and life science sectors.

Double partner appointment at MHP Sellors

Mid-West law firm MHP Sellors has announced the appointment of Caroline Meaney and Marina Keane as partners. Ms Meaney, a solicitor with 23 years of experience, now leads the commercial department at MHP Sellors. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in commercial law, commercial property transactions, and banking to clients. Ms Keane, with over 20 years of legal experience, is an experienced litigator with significant experience advising clients across a broad spectrum of contentious and non‐contentious matters. Her focus areas include public administrative law, judicial review, and regulatory law.

BCLP finalises leadership changes

New global department leaders and chief marketing officer named amid wider leadership shuffle. Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) has finalised the changes to its leadership team, following up the appointment of its first CEO and senior partner with new leaders for its transactions and real estate teams, among others. Earlier this week the transatlantic firm said it had appointed Carol Osborne as global leader for its corporate and finance transactions practice, Nazir Dewji as global leader of its real estate team and Joel Lander as regional leader for corporate and finance transactions. Today the firm also said that it had appointed Alessandra Almeida Jones as global chief marketing officer, with responsibility for leading the firm’s business development, marketing and communications function. Almeida Jones, who is based in London, joined the firm in the role of global marketing and communications director from Baker McKenzie in January.

Perkins Coie Names New COO, With Sights Set on ‘Strategic Growth’ Alongside Emerging Tech Innovation

Roger Wilkes, the former chief operating officer for U.S. marketing and sales at PwC, joined Perkins Coie as COO in New York. Perkins Coie has hired Roger Wilkes, the former chief operating officer for U.S. marketing and sales at PwC, as its new COO, based in New York. “Roger is a high-performing and collaborative business leader who will help further elevate our position as a trusted advisor to the world’s most innovative companies and industry leaders,” Bill Malley, Perkins Coie’s managing partner, said in a statement.

Bayard Welcomes New Chair of Restructuring Group

Bayard announced that Ericka F. Johnson has joined the firm as a director and chair of the business restructuring and liquidations practice. Bayard announced that Ericka F. Johnson has joined the firm as a director and chair of the business restructuring and liquidations practice. Johnson brings over 15 years of local and national corporate bankruptcy and restructuring experience to Bayard. She is versed in bankruptcy litigation matters, including preference, fraudulent transfer, turnover, and breaches of contract and fiduciary duty actions.

Canada’s Fasken Elects Its First New Managing Partner in 9 Years

Martin Denyes takes over the lead management role in January after 13 years as a regional managing partner. Fasken Martineau DuMoulin’s longtime managing partner for the region that includes Toronto and Canada’s capital, Ottawa, will take on the leadership of the entire firm in the new year. For the last 13 years, Martin Denyes has been managing partner of the firm’s Ontario region, a member of its management board. He also played a management role in the U.K. office in 2015-16. He will take over the firmwide managing partner role on Jan. 1 from Peter Feldberg, who has led the firm since 2015.

Mergers & Alliances:

Partners vote through merger to create A&O Shearman

Deal will create transatlantic law firm with revenue of around $3.5bn. Partners at UK Magic Circle firm Allen & Overy (A&O) and New York’s Shearman & Sterling have voted through a landmark merger deal to create a transatlantic law firm with revenue of around $3.5bn, housing 3,950 lawyers across 48 offices. A partner vote on the planned merger began in late September and was completed today. The merger required approval from 75% of each firm’s partnership, however the firms said in a statement that more than 99% of the votes cast at each firm were in favour of the merger. It said that was “a powerful testament to the strength of the combination and partner support for it”. The merged firm will be called A&O Shearman and will have approximately 800 partners working across 29 countries. Its combined revenues will catapault the firm ahead of its three global Magic Circle rivals: Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Linklaters.

Baker McKenzie launches Korean joint venture

Bakers to offer Korean law advice through partnership with 20-lawyer KL Partners. Baker McKenzie is set to significantly expand its offering in Korea after forming a joint venture with high-profile Korean corporate and disputes firm KL Partners. Known as Baker McKenzie & KL Partners Joint Venture Law Firm (Baker McKenzie KLP JV), the JV will officially launch later this month and will be Korea’s largest international law firm by partner bench strength according to Bakers. Its 20-plus lawyer team will offer clients international and Korean legal advice spanning areas including energy and infrastructure, cross-border arbitration and litigation, and corporate/M&A.

Dentons Affiliate in Turkey Absorbs 23-Lawyer Istanbul Firm

The arrivals, including two partners, will establish a practice in life sciences and strengthen the firm’s force in regulatory compliance, energy, technology and insurance. A Dentons affiliate firm in Turkey has acquired a 23-lawyer firm in Istanbul to establish a practice in life sciences and strengthen its force in regulatory compliance, energy, technology and insurance. Balcıoğlu Selçuk Ardıyok Keki Attorney Partnership (BASEAK), the Istanbul-based firm that collaborates with Dentons in Turkey, has absorbed Bozoğlu İzgi Attorney Partnership (BI Legal).

Office Openings & Closing:

Venezuelan-born solicitor Yuli O’Grady launches Co Cork practice

Yuli O’Grady, the first Venezuelan-born solicitor to qualify in Ireland, has launched a new practice based in Kildorrery, Co Cork. O’Grady Solicitors & Co will provide services throughout the north Cork region in areas such as family law matters, property matters, succession planning including wills, probate and inheritance, power of attorney, personal injuries, employment law and immigration.

With Free Rent on the Table, Law Firm Leasing in San Francisco May Ramp Up

Gibson Dunn, Willkie and Gunderson Dettmer are among the firms that signed new office leases in San Francisco in the first half of 2023. Law firm leasing activity in San Francisco appears to be headed up, as firms regain confidence in the office market and look to take advantage of soft market fundamentals and increased concessions, according to a new report from Cushman & Wakefield. In fact, it’s not uncommon to receive an offer with greater than a year of free rent and over $200 per square foot in tenant improvements on a 10-year lease, the report said. “Legal occupiers are taking landlords up on those deals,” it said.

Dilworth Looking to Downsize Because of Hybrid Work

With its lease at 1500 Market St. expiring in the next year, the firm is looking to shrink from 80,000 square feet over four floors to 50,000 square feet spread over two. Philadelphia firm Dilworth Paxson is the latest law firm in the region looking to downsize its physical footprint, with chairman Lawrence McMichael indicating the firm was looking to shrink from 80,000 square feet over four floors to 50,000 square feet spread over two. “Like most law firms we expect to shrink the size of our footprint, largely because people work from home,” McMichael explained. “Most of our senior lawyers are here five days per week. … We have some people who are permanently working from home for personal reasons, and we accommodate that, others are in 2-3 days per week.”

New Zealand’s K3 Launches Legal Service Offering in Hong Kong

The firm is looking to build on opportunities presented by the Greater Bay Area projects. New Zealand firm K3 Legal has launched its debut international presence in Hong Kong via an association with local practice, Fred Kan & Co. The firm attributes its launch in the city to the synergies with its existing clientele in mainland China, Hong Kong and Australia, as well as the desire to build on opportunities presented by the Greater Bay Area projects.

Kirkland, Latham to Take on More Space at New London Offices

Latham’s new office space will be nearly 55% bigger than its current occupancy, while Kirkland is expected to be leasing more space than Linklaters. Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins have opted to take on additional office space at their new London offices, as U.S.-headquartered firms continue to grow their U.K. footprint. Kirkland & Ellis, whose new home is currently under construction at London office development 40 Leadenhall Street, will add space to the original minimum 215,000 sq ft it agreed to lease, according to one person close to the process.

Financials:

Trowers & Hamlins, Mishcon de Reya latest UK firms to cut jobs

Trowers to shed around 25 lawyers, including six partners, as Mishcon axes software solutions team. UK law firms Trowers & Hamlins and Mishcon de Reya have become the latest law firms to cut jobs. Trowers has begun a redundancy consultation, which is understood to affect around 25 UK lawyers including six partners, with most of those impacted working in the firm’s real estate department. Meantime, Mishcon de Reya is understood to have cut a team from its business services arm, making an 11-strong software solutions team redundant as its needs for lawtech change.

Stroock Cut Pay and Hours of Senior Staff as Merger Talks Dragged On

The cuts in pay and hours for senior staff raise questions about Stroock’s financial footing during its merger talks. Amid Stroock & Stroock & Lavan’s protracted pursuit of a merger, the law firm cut pay and hours for senior business professionals at the beginning of July, according to sources familiar with the moves. The cuts in pay and hours raise questions about Stroock’s financial footing during its merger talks with Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman.

Pay Gap Between GCs and CEOs Narrowing, as Legal Chiefs Become Jacks-of-All-Trades

General counsel compensation is rising partly because companies want their legal chief to have a slate of skills that is difficult to find in one person, according to a new report from Equilar. General counsel compensation is growing faster than CEO compensation, narrowing the pay gap for the two C-suite roles, a new study from the research firm Equilar found. The study found that median compensation for CEOs was 4.1 times that of general counsel in 2022. That compares with 4.3 times in 2018. The study included the 500 largest public companies by revenue that included GC pay in their proxy statements—179 firms in 2022.

Deloitte Legal Closes in on UK Top 50 as Revenue Grows

Deloitte Legal’s total lawyer headcount in the UK has also increased and is now comparable with some of the country’s Top 50 law firms. The legal arm of Deloitte has boosted its revenue in the U.K. by over a fifth, according to people with knowledge of the professional services firm. In its U.K. firmwide results announced last week, revenue for Deloitte’s wider tax and legal business was given as £1.21 billion in the 12 months to May 2023—which represents growth of 9% on last year. However, Deloitte Legal has seen revenue growth of over twice this percentage, at a rate that is higher than the vast majority of U.K. Top 50 firms in the last financial year.

How Law Firms Are Still Losing Millions, Even After Hiring Pricing Specialists

“We call it ‘change slipping through the back of the sofa,'” Steven Manton, part of a group of senior pricing professionals, said. ‘It’s millions and millions across a large law firm, when you add it all up.” Law firms have been increasing their investments in pricing and financial professionals. Yet, Big Law has still lost out on revenue over the last couple of years, due significantly to “self-inflicted” damage during the billing process. Why? It’s not that the pricing teams and firms’ own billing analysis aren’t working, analysts and consultants say. But a confluence of factors is holding firms back in realization.

With Collections Push Underway, Some DC Law Firms Remain Optimistic About 2023 Profits

Still, other law firm leaders are expressing concerns to partners about meeting budget, according to area legal recruiters. With the fourth quarter now underway, some law firm leaders in the Washington, D.C., region are optimistic about 2023 profits, citing sustained demand in large litigation and regulatory practices, despite slowdowns in transactional work.Firms in D.C., however, are still putting a greater emphasis on billing hygiene, as seen industrywide, according to the LawVision/BigHand report. Compared with last year, more law firms reported a focus on financial hygiene in billing and timekeeping and conducting profit education and training, according to the report.

Texas GC Compensation Report: Cash Drops Off While Total Compensation Rises

An updated ranking based on 2022 data has revealed shifts in the compensation structure among the highest paid general counsel in Texas, with notably less cash among the top 20 than last year but an increase in total compensation. Texas’ top-earning general counsel saw a notable decrease in cash earnings but an uptick in overall compensation, according to Texas Lawyer rankings based on 2022 U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Several familiar names remained within the top 10 by total cash, including AT&T legal chief David McAtee, who held the No. 1 spot for the third year in a row. Several people also moved higher within the top 10, including Lori Schechter, with health care wholesaler McKesson; Sean N. Markowitz, with oil and gas companies Cheniere Energy; and Marcia Backus, who recently retired from Occidental Petroleum.

Technology & Innovation:

Behind the Prices: Is Generative AI Legal Tech Cheaper to Buy or Build?

The costs to run or buy generative AI-powered tools can be considerable, but there are no easy ways of getting around them. There are many questions still left unanswered about generative artificial intelligence: How will it be leveraged by the legal industry? How will it transform the delivery of legal services? But perhaps most interestingly, how much will it really cost?

Macfarlanes Showed Us How it’s Using Harvey AI. Here’s What We Learned

Law.com International sat down with Macfarlanes’ chief knowledge innovation officer to see what Harvey really brings to a law firm. Harvey has quickly become one of the most recognizable names in legal AI. Major law firms, including Allen & Overy, adopted the tech to leverage the newfangled generative technology where they could. So popular is the technology that you need to join a waiting list to start the Harvey journey. But, last month, following a pilot programme which involved more than 70 fee earners and knowledge lawyers, Macfarlanes became one of the fortunate few to have joined the ‘Harvey’ pack.

Clio Announces Gen AI Assistant, E-Filing Solution and More at ClioCon 2023

Clio will roll out over a dozen product updates and new tools through the early months of 2024, including a solution tailored to personal injury firms that is already available. On the first day of ClioCon 2023, Clio announced that it will be rolling out a bundle of new tools in the coming months. In total, the company is releasing 15 upgrades or new solutions from now through the early months of 2024. Hemant Kashyap, the chief product officer at Clio, told Legaltech News that many of the add-ons to the company’s offerings are a result of client demand, an effort to adopt new innovations within their tools, and a move to centralize capabilities and allow more personalization.

Cybersecurity—What Law Firms Need to Know Now, From a CISO in the Know

The White House’s National Cybersecurity Strategy rests on five pillars, all of which will affect law firms. So, it’s time for law firms to double check their cyber sophistication and cyber readiness. Their clients and the federal government are starting to demand much more from everyone—including law firms. And I can vouch for the seriousness of these demands—earlier this summer, I was invited to the White House by the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD), the executive office which advises the president on cybersecurity and policy, to participate in the Technical Workshop on Space Systems Cybersecurity. The ONCD workshop is part of the White House’s ongoing efforts to identify gaps in U.S. cybersecurity policies and systems and prepare plans for tangible next steps to remedy those gaps in support of their National Cybersecurity Strategy. The report, released in March 2023 as a continuation of efforts started by previous administrations, aims to coordinate cybersecurity strategy and usher in a concentrated and centralized approach to cybersecurity.

Addressing the Abuses of Generative AI in the Legal Profession

Much has been written about the impact of generative AI on the legal profession, including in this column. This week we asked ChatGPT to compose an editorial on the issue and this is what we got.In an era where technology is rapidly reshaping industries, the legal profession finds itself at a crossroads, facing both incredible opportunities and pressing challenges. One such challenge that demands our immediate attention is the growing concern surrounding the misuse and abuse of generative AI in the legal field.

Three AI Trends in Intellectual Property

If your firm or organization has yet to explore AI for intellectual property processes, now is the time to begin exploring its capabilities and how AI can help your IP teams streamline operations and save time on manual tasks. The conversation around artificial intelligence (AI) in the intellectual property (IP) space is constantly evolving, and it is crucial to actively evaluate its potential. We often think of AI as a new technology because of its increased daily use and widespread media attention; however, while AI was once considered a novelty reserved for experts, it has now become a valuable tool for individuals and businesses alike, with increasing daily use and media attention. Law firms are recognizing the potential of generative AI, an AI system capable of generating, text, images or other media in response to prompts. A recent survey reported that 82% of law firm lawyers believe generative AI can be readily applied to legal work, and 51% said generative AI should be applied to legal work.

Diversity & Inclusion:

Sofiya Kalinova makes Irish legal history as first Deaf barrister

Sofiya Kalinova has become the first Deaf person to qualify as a barrister in Ireland and the first to practice law in Irish Sign Language (ISL). A graduate of University College Dublin and the King’s Inns, Ms Kalinova was called to the Bar by Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell.

Cooley Hires First Chief Diversity Officer From Deloitte

Kelly Batts will work with firm management and various diversity teams to develop and implement DEI objectives at Cooley. Cooley has hired Kelly Batts, a managing director focused on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategy and workforce transformation at Deloitte, as its first chief diversity officer. In an email, Batts said he was drawn to “the opportunity to further DEI objectives at one firm, as opposed to the varied clients that I would be advising on the consultancy side.”

TLT commits to ethnic diversity target by 2030

UK law firm TLT, which operates in Northern Ireland, has announced a new ethnic diversity target designed to eliminate barriers to entry into the legal profession for aspiring ethnic minority lawyers and to improve diversity.

Diverse Attorneys of the Year Selected

After receiving nomination from across the New Jersey legal community, the Law Journal is pleased to announce the 2023 Diverse Attorneys of the Year.

Moving the Needle on Outside Counsel Team Diversity

The Diversity Dividends Collective shares in this article five “lessons learned” for legal departments that wish to influence inclusion with their outside counsel. The current profusion of outside counsel DEI surveys that law firms receive from their clients has hit an all-time high. While well intended, these surveys haven’t moved the needle at a rate commensurate with the work involved. And, at their worst, they can actually work at cross-purposes with legal departments’ objective of fostering a culture of diversity and inclusivity by diverting valuable time from diversity leaders to repeatedly define the problem rather than working on solutions. This need not be the case. Most legal departments have neither the resources nor the scientific expertise to craft and conduct an effective assessment of their outside counsel DEI that produces more inclusive teams. Many have told us they don’t know where to start other than perhaps the raft of firmwide data produced annually by dozens of reputable third-party organizations. And even then, it takes substantial time and ability to analyze the data and successfully operationalize the findings to align with organizational values.

How the Pandemic Highlighted the Importance of DEI

While law firms are prudent to view remote and hybrid work arrangements as an important recruiting and retention tool, the reason why some candidates prefer remote work illustrates the importance of robust and effective DEI programs. Some three years after the pandemic we are in a new world—and the workplace, like so many other spaces, has drastically changed. Of course, one of the most debated topics in the changing workplace is the long-term adoption of hybrid or fully remote working arrangements. While law firms are prudent to view remote and hybrid work arrangements as an important recruiting and retention tool, the reason why some candidates prefer remote work illustrates the importance of robust and effective DEI programs. The Desire for Flexible Work: Though hybrid and remote work arrangements were around before the pandemic, they were generally the exception, with only 2% of pre-pandemic job listings offering remote or hybrid work schedules. See Ella Ceron, “Escaping Discrimination by Working from Home,” L.A. Times, Nov. 3, 2022. Today, the number of positions offering remote work arrangements is trending at 15% of all job listings on LinkedIn, down from a peak of 20% in the early part of the pandemic. Though a seemingly low figure, it’s important to keep in mind that only about 39% of American jobs are capable of being performed remotely. See Kim Parker, “About a Third of U.S. Workers Who Can Work From Home Now Do So All the Time,” Pew Research Center, Mar. 30, 2023.

Market Commentary:

Among Am Law 50 Firms, a Growing Appetite to Share Risk With Clients on Plaintiff-Side Matters

In a roundtable published by litigation funder Burford Capital, leaders at Morgan Lewis, Gibson Dunn, Mayer Brown and Proskauer discuss the client- and firm-side motivations behind the growth in Big Law contingency practices.

Misaligned Compensation Drivers Are at Odds With Future Law Firm Leaders

Law firms risk missing out on an already-short list of leadership candidates without rewards and incentives that are directly linked to leadership goals. Law firms are tweaking partner compensation in response to competitive pressures. And certainly, some firms have taken steps to recognize nontraditional compensation criteria such as collaboration. But on the whole, compensation drivers have largely remained unchanged since comp plans were first developed. Many comp plans still in use today were created as early as the ’80s, when firms had fewer competitors, more regional work, and not many LPOs or other ancillary businesses. As a result, “compensation plans for yesteryear often fail to recognize what is required of lawyers today,” said Tim Corcoran, a law firm consultant at Corcoran Consulting Group.

Moves:

UK & Ireland

Cooley Hires Jenner & Block Global Arbitration Chair

Cooley’s London office has been given a significant boost with the addition of Jenner & Block’s international arbitration practice chair and former London head, Charlie Lightfoot. Lightfoot, who joins Cooley after eight years at fellow U.S. outfit Jenner & Block, was originally brought in by the U.S. litigation specialists in 2015 to launch and subsequently lead the new London office.

Clifford Chance Hits Latham Again, Relocates London Partner to Build NY Leveraged Finance Practice

The firm, which hires again from Latham in the space of a week, is making a concerted effort to strengthen its US leveraged finance group. Clifford Chance has added another Latham partner, less than one week after it hired an infrastructure duo in London, in a significant boost to its U.S. leveraged finance and capital markets capabilities. New York-based debt finance partner Jason C. Ewart is to join Clifford Chance’s U.S. leveraged finance team, alongside current CC partner Thomas Critchley, who relocates from the firm’s London office.

Latham Partner Exits for Covington in London

Earlier this year, Latham experienced two partner departures in the space of a week. David Berman joined Latham as a partner in 2017, having previously been head of financial services regulation at Macfarlanes.

Travers Smith Environment Head Walks to Freshfields

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has hired a partner to join its global ESG and sustainability practice in London, the firm announced on Thursday. Doug Bryden is set to join the firm from Travers Smith, where he spent more than 13 years as partner, most recently as head of its environment and operational regulatory practice, as well as co-heading the firm’s ESG and Impact group.

EMEA

A&O Adds to Warsaw Disputes Team With Partner Hire from Bird & Bird

Adam Kowalczyk had practiced as a partner at Bird & Bird since 2018. Prior to that he was head of litigation, regulatory disputes, and white-collar crime at PwC Law in Warsaw, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Eversheds Swipes Corporate Partner from Freshfields in Saudi Arabia

Dhabaan & Partners, the associated firm with Eversheds Sutherland, has poached corporate partner Walid Salib as head of M&A in Saudi Arabia from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, where he spent nearly 13 years, latterly as head of its Saudi M&A practice. In recent years, several major firms have boosted their corporate M&A practices in the Kingdom.

Paul Hastings Taps Clifford Chance for Private Equity Partner in Frankfurt

He is the second partner to join from Clifford Chance in recent months. Gerd Hegele joins the firm after nearly a decade at Clifford Chance, where he was most recently a counsel, according to his LinkedIn profile.

DLA Piper, Gómez-Acebo & Pombo Add Partners in Madrid

DLA Piper brings on a new capital markets head, while Gómez-Acebo & Pombo adds a competition and EU law partner from Cuatrecasas.

APAC

Greenberg Traurig Lands Senior Financial Regulatory Counsel From MoFo In Tokyo

Greenberg Traurig has expanded its banking and financial markets regulatory offering in Japan with the hire of Akihiro Wani, who was most recently a senior counselor at Morrison Foerster and a former joint managing partner of Linklaters in Tokyo, as a senior counsel. The latest lateral hire comes less than three months after the U.S. firm added Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe’s Japan real estate practice head Yuko Ino.

Hong Kong Law Firm Lands Former Osborne Clarke Head

Hong Kong-based law firm Georgiou Payne Stewien has bolstered its corporate and commercial practice with the addition of a partner from Asia Pacific law firm FitzGerald Lawyers. John Koh was previously the managing partner of U.K.-headquartered Osborne Clarke’s Hong Kong office, and a Hong Kong-based partner at Bird & Bird.

Charles Russell Speechlys Hires Disputes Partner from Ince Hong Kong

The hiring of Stephen Chan follows that of Vanessa Duff, who joined the firm from Withers.

Baker McKenzie, Clayton Utz Add Real Estate Partners in Australia

Adam Peppinck joins Clayton Utz and Emily Peverill joins Baker.

Dentons Adds Planning Partner as Brisbane Prepares to Host Olympic Games

Mitchell Osborne has over 15 years of experience in environment and planning law, and is also a qualified town planner.

The Americas

Milbank, Continuing to Poach From Dechert, Adds Another Private Equity Partner

Paul Bennett IV has represented clients such as The Blackstone Group, Rockwood Holdings Inc. and Pantheon N.V.

Haynes and Boone Grabs Mexico City Finance Partner From Baker McKenzie

The hiring of Diego Sánchez complements recent promotions and a move into a new office in the Mexican capital as the Texas-founded Am Law 100 firm bets big on Mexico.

Big Law in DC Continues to Invest in Litigation Lateral Partners

Life sciences patent litigators Howard Levine and Jennifer Swan from Dechert have joined Hogan Lovells as partners in its regulatory and IP, media, and technology practice.

McDermott Expands Tax Team in Houston With Mayer Brown Partner

Shawn O’Brien, who joined McDermott Will & Emery on Monday as a partner in Houston in the tax practice group, had been global co-head of the tax-energy group.

Defying Convention, US-Based Mintz Levin Grows Again in Toronto

The addition of Anthony De Fazekas and Mervyn Allen means that, since March, the firm has brought its Canadian contingent to 24 lawyers.

Feldman Shepherd Lands 3 Laterals to Fortify Core Practices

Philadelphia Board of Education President Reginald Streater, formerly of Berger Montague, Daniel Klaproth of Murray, Stone & Wilson and Samuel Mukiibi of Grant & Eisenhofer will also continue their individual niches in civil rights and nursing home neglect cases.

Latham Adds Partner From Simpson Thacher Amid Demand for Tech Transactions Talent

Latham is the latest firm to enhance its bench to support technology-related transactions. Jessica Cohen, the firm’s new partner, regularly counsels on IP and tech-related M&A, spinoffs and other ventures.

Manatt Hires New York’s Leading Cannabis Regulator as the Industry Hits an Inflection Point

Axel Bernabe, who developed and implemented all the regulations for New York’s cannabis industry, has joined Manatt as a partner in New York.

With ‘Renewed Focus’ in Silicon Valley, Hogan Lovells Hires Paul Hastings Private Equity Partner

Todd Schwartz brings a new private equity capability to Hogan Lovells in Silicon Valley, as well as a restructuring practice that aligns with the firm’s broader California team.

Womble Bond Dickinson Hires 6-Attorney Team to Kickstart West Coast Mass Torts Practice

The products liability team includes partners Claire Weglarz, Macy Chan and Thomas Remillard in Los Angeles, and partner Mirna Scheffy in San Francisco, all of whom are arriving from Hawkins Parnell.

In-House

Chief Legal Officer Joins Exodus From Fallen Star Flexport

The supply-chain-software company Flexport—not long ago one of the nation’s hottest startups, with a valuation of $8 billion—has shed an estimated 80% of its value and is seeing an exodus of executives, including chief legal officer Chris Ferro.

Goodwin Hong Kong Partner Takes on GC Role at Healthcare Investor

Philip Culhane had previously spent two decades at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett.

4 Longtime Netflix Legal Execs Out in Restructuring

“Parting ways with these valued leaders—all of whom have been at the company for many years—is very hard,” chief legal officer David Hyman said in a statement to Law.com.

TfL Appoints Interim General Counsel After Retirement of Long-Time Legal Head

London’s governmental transportation body, TfL, has appointed an interim general counsel for the next 12 months following the retirement of its former long-time general counsel. Andrea Clarke has taken over the top legal job from Howard Carter, who is stepping away after 17 years in the role.

Promotions & Appointments:

Fried Frank Leadership Sees Structural Shifts

While the leadership structure is in line with a trend of law firms spreading out management duties, new leadership may lack the diversity of some Big Law peers, especially those with recent changes. Fried Frank named as its upcoming chair Kenneth Rosh, a longtime member of the firm and chair of its private equity funds group, a position he will maintain in addition to his role as chair. He succeeds longtime chair David Greenwald on March 1, 2024

Australia’s Slater & Gordon Takes On New CEO After Buyout

The firm was taken over by private equity investor Allegro earlier this year. Dina Tutungi, Slater & Gordon’s  chief client officer, will take over from current CEO John Sumerville when he retires in March next year.

Kirkland Crosses 200 in Latest Record Round of Partner Promotions

The new partner promotions represent about a 6% increase over last year’s 193, a relatively smaller addition than last year’s 28% jump.

Goodwin Promotes 40 to Partnership

Goodwin & Procter has promoted 40 lawyers to its partnership, a drop from last year’s record figure of 58, but still its second largest cohort on record. The majority of the promotions were concentrated at the Boston office, where the firm was first founded, which saw 15 lawyers make the cut. About a sixth of the promotions were at its Europe and Asia offices, with one in Munich, and one at the Paris, Singapore and Luxembourg.

Weil Refreshes London Leadership as Mike Francies Set to Retire

The London managing partner is set to retire at the end of 2024 after over 20 years at the helm. As Francies winds down his tenure, he will be joined in the leadership by private equity partner Jonathan Wood, and head of London M&A partner David Avery-Gee, who will both step up to co-managing partner, the person added.

Mergers & Alliances:

A&O Top Leader Will Take Charge If Shearman Merger Vote Approved

Allen & Overy’s current senior leadership will head the combined operation of A&O Shearman & Sterling, if the deal is approved. Senior partner Wim Dejonghe and managing partner Khalid Garousha will lead the newly combined firm in their current roles, according to several people with knowledge of the situation. Current Shearman senior partner Adam Hakki is expected to play a senior role in the new firm’s leadership, including sitting on its executive committee, according to two people with knowledge of the matter.

Midsize Firms Are Making Mergers Happen, Despite the Growing Odds

Rimon and Ligris & Associates are among the midsize firms that have completed mergers in the past week, finding commonality across culture and business objectives that set them up for the future.

CMS Incorporates Mexican Firm One Week After Inking Brazil Tie-Up

The addition of boutique firm Escalante y Asociados, which specializes in tax law, foreign trade and money laundering prevention, means five more lawyers, including one partner and a certified public accountant, are now part of CMS in Mexico.

Baker McKenzie Establishes Korea Joint Venture 10 Years After Office Launch

The global firm’s joint venture partner in Korea, KL Partners, specializes in international dispute resolution and corporate M&A.

Office Openings & Closing:

Quinn Emanuel Moves to Launch in Singapore, Says ‘Lots of Cases Veering That Way’

The firm’s two Asian office launches, taking place just months apart, are an indication of increased client demand and needs around complex, high profile commercial litigation and investigations in the region.

Bird & Bird Opens Office in Shenzhen, China

HFW and Morgan Lewis & Bockius have both established their own presence in the city in recent months.

Squire Patton Boggs Opens Office in Beirut

The move represents a bold step as Lebanon is still in the grip of a major political and economic crisis.

2 Former King & Spalding Lawyers Found Singapore Boutique

Several leading disputes lawyers have set out to lead their own practices in Singapore over the past two years.

Japan’s Biggest Law Firm Changes Management Structure With Aim to Compete Globally

Nishimura became the second Big Four Japanese law firm to adopt a foreign law joint enterprise structure, enabling it to hire and promote foreign-qualified lawyers as equity partners and attract the talent needed to expand its U.S. and European client base for Asia-bound work.

CMS’ Expansive Burst Continues with Saudi Launch

The firm’s new licence to practice in the Kingdom follows a feverish period of global expansion, with combinations and tie-ups in Mexico, Brazil and Mozambique.

Anderson Mori Doubles Down on European Market with Brussels Launch

Earlier in the year, the firm also announced new openings in London and Hanoi.

Financials:

Stephenson Harwood’s Top Partners to Receive Up to £2M as Firm Increases Top of Equity by 40%

The move means the firm’s highest paid partners will receive towards the upper end of what UK Top 50 law firms tend to pay out, ahead of many other mid-market firms.

Optimism About Profitability Declines Among Law Firm Leaders

Law firms are emphasizing billing hygiene, conducting profit education and improving utilization levels to shore up profits by the end of 2023.

Inside Track: Is Long-Anticipated Recession Finally on Horizon?

In-house attorneys are embracing “a mindset of staying put and appreciating ‘the devil you know’ job security,” according to legal department recruiter Mike Evers.

Technology & Innovation:

3 Firms Become Latest to Formalize AI and Tech Offerings, Naming Leaders

Eversheds Sutherland, Bird & Bird and Baker Botts join a raft of firms that have introduced more structured approaches to non-traditional sectors that have grown exponentially over the course of 2023.

4 Catalysts That Have Solidified Law Firms’ Cloud Transitions

Law firms, as a whole, haven’t been keen on swift cloud adoption. But like implementation of many technologies, external factors have done much to twist legal’s arm.

Norton Rose, Hogan Lovells, Other Global Law Firms Join Gen AI Training Consortium

They are working with law firm training provider SkillBurst to develop materials that give legal professionals “the basics” on how to effectively use these emerging tools.

Diversity & Inclusion:

Less Than 1% of Law Firm Partners Are Latina, According to Data. Why Mentorship and Support Might Be a Key to Closing the Gap

“The issue that’s so egregious is that the number has only increased by about 0.5% in 15 years,” said Jill Lynch Cruz, a coach for young lawyers and researcher in career development for Latinas in law.

Mirroring MoFo, Perkins Coie Opens Diversity Fellowship to All Applicants

Edward Blum’s lawsuits against the two law firms were successful in opening diversity fellowships to all applicants, although firms are still asking for diversity of background and experience.

Bridging the Generational Gap of the Modern Legal Workplace

As the legal landscape continues to change shape and find its footing among its corporate counterparts, it’s essential that those of us in this environment work to remain competitive while expanding our identity to become more inclusive.

DEI Legal Pipelining: Understanding the Phrase ‘If You Can See It, You Can Be It’

Early and ongoing exposure to the legal profession is important given that attorneys often hold positions of influence in education, justice, legislation, business, regulations and global trade. The path begins early and starts with basic needs—particularly important in communities such as ours, where resources are lacking on so many levels: employment, housing, food security, and markedly personal safety.

A Push for More Progress: Increased Diversity in the Legal Profession

While diversity within the legal profession has improved over the last few years, progress has been slow, and law firm leadership must be further educated on the importance of diversity and inclusion so they will take greater steps toward enhancing diversity among leadership and increasing transparency of their firm’s diversity, equity and inclusion practices.

Market Commentary:

Paul Weiss Rockets Up Europe M&A Rankings, as Slaughters Slides in the UK

Only 3 of the top 15 law firms for European M&A in 2023 to date were firms founded in Europe.

Kirkland, Goodwin Lead League Tables as Global M&A Hits 10-Year Low

Davis Polk vaulted to No. 4 in the ranking of principal advisers in deal value, while Paul Weiss had the largest jump of the top five.

‘You’re Going to Hit a Wall’: Why Legal Wizards Aren’t Wise About Managing Stress

“This stuff about skipping lunch; I’m not going to stop—that has to go. We have to prioritize and make some decisions,” said Sheila Robinson-Kiss, CEO of Rebalancing America and Beyond.

Moves:

UK & Ireland

Greenwoods snaps up nine-strong private client team from Ince & Co as exits continue

The team is led by Ince’s former head of private client and tax Matthew Biles and follows the arrival of former Ince tax lawyer Roger Harding, who joined Greenwoods earlier this month as head of tax and trusts.

Orrick hires first chief digital officer from Pinsent Masons

Nigel Tranter will head up the firm’s data and business transformation team in Birmingham. Tranter joins the firm’s Birmingham, UK office alongside a team of five, including head of data Chad Schuessler and director of business transformation Adam Marsland. The team will work closely with the firm’s innovation and IT teams, as they seek to use data, AI and other tools to improve productivity and client service.

Axiom Ince suffers further partner defections as future of firm in doubt

Latest losses include exits to Birketts, HF and Wikborg Rein. The team of 17 lawyers joining Wikborg Rein’s London office bring expertise across international dispute resolution and finance. They include a team of seven shipping disputes experts (Michael Volikas, Ian Chetwood, Charles O’Connor, Amanda Urwin, Sophie Henniker-Major, Jack Maxted, Alice Hoare), a team of three finance lawyers (Beatrice Russ, Sian Sanders and Ben Orchard) and a team of seven commercial disputes and international arbitration lawyers (Gillie Belsham, Ben Ogden, Chris Crane, Daniel Boden, Tim Wright, Iain Preston and Ellie Jones).

Clifford Chance makes twin energy partner hire from Latham & Watkins

The pair include Craig Nethercott and Chirag Sanghrajka who join in London and Dubai respectively. Nethercott brings with him almost three decades of experience in banking, capital markets and Islamic finance, advising energy and infrastructure companies on a range of project financings. Sanghrajka adds 16 years of experience advising on energy and infrastructure projects and complex financings, including export credit agency-led deals.

EMEA

Quinn Emanuel secures King & Wood Mallesons partner duo for UAE launch

Litigation giant hires KWM Dubai office head plus another partner to set up shop in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The litigation heavyweight has hired a pair of partners from King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) for the launch – current Dubai managing partner Joanne Strain and Parnika Chaturvedi, who will join Quinn Emanuel later this year.

Morgan Lewis and Addleshaw Goddard bolster Dubai disputes offerings with partner hires from Al Tamimi, Clifford Chance

Sara Aranjo joins Morgan Lewis to lead arbitration practice in Africa and Middle East as Arun Visweswaran moves over to Addleshaw Goddard from Clifford Chance.

Proskauer raids Shearman for 19-strong corporate team in Paris

Team includes Shearman’s former Paris office head Xavier Norlain and three other partners. The partners include Xavier Norlain, Jeremy Scemama, Maud Manon and Matthieu Lampel alongside a team of 15, who all bring extensive experience in private and public M&A, leveraged finance and restructuring. They regularly advise private equity firms, banks and alternative lenders, services groups and management teams.

Paula Fallon joins Gartlan Furey after merger

Gartlan Furey LLP has welcomed Paula Fallon to its private client team following a merger with Paula Fallon & Associates. Ms Fallon brings nearly four decades of experience in the law, having qualified in 1986 and run her own specialist practice in the area of wills and administration of estates since 2001. Her areas of practice include wills and estate tax planning, powers of attorney, probate and administration of estates and trust management.

Clifford Chance Swoops For PwC Tax Partner in Frankfurt

Stefan Herr will work in the German and European tax and funds practice of the firm.

Squire Patton Boggs Taps McDermott For Corporate Duo in Frankfurt

The hires are the latest development in the firm’s corporate and private equity expansion strategy across Europe and the UK.

APAC

Australia’s Mills Oakley Takes Public Law Team from MinterEllison

Partner Julian Pinder will join the firm in Sydney, while MinterEllison associate David McLaren also joins as a partner. Five other lawyers will also join Mills Oakley from MinterEllison.

PwC Australia Exodus Continues, Corporate Partner Joins Squire Patton Boggs in Perth

Samantha Smart becomes at least the seventh partner to depart the global accounting giant in the wake of its tax advice scandal.

The Americas

Akin Hires Space Industry Executive in Light of ‘Rapidly Expanding’ Commercial Space Industry

The firm has hired former government official and space industry executive Michael Mineiro to build out its space capabilities.

Winston Corporate Partner Duo Reunites With Colleagues at Holland & Knight

Winston & Strawn partners Douglas Lionberger and James Brown joined Holland & Knight as partners in the corporate, M&A and securities practice group in Houston, rejoining former Thompson & Knight colleagues.

Weil Continues Private Equity-Fueled Houston Energy Expansion With Pillsbury Hire

Irina Tsveklova is the fourth partner hired to the firm’s Houston energy team since April.

New Partners Added to Nelson Mullins’ Rapidly Expanding Office Footprint

“We find our growth curve to be very significant and we don’t see that diminishing,” said Michael Snyder, partner in charge of the firm’s five-office Midwest region.

With Sector Demand at ‘All-Time High,’ Willkie Adds Renewable Energy Deal Team

“We are seeing big developments in the industry overall related to energy transition and more, and this has brought increasing demand from clients and also new opportunities for us to expand our practices,” Eric Pogue said. Eric Pogue is joining as Willkie’s global chair of power and renewable energy; Samantha Leavitt and Amanda Rosenberg are joining as partners.

Arnold & Porter Lands Latin America-focused Finance Partner in New York

Carlos Lobo, who has worked at top firms in New York and Brazil, joins from Hughes Hubbard & Reed.

White and Williams Expands ‘Backbone’ Insurance Practice With 4 Additions

Victoria Fuller, Daniel Bryer and Dirk Haarhoff join the firm as partners in Boston, Newark and New York, respectively.

Schulte Hires Experienced Perkins Coie Regulatory Partner as SEC Gets Tougher on Private Equity

Schulte Roth & Zabel has hired Perkins Coie’s Michael Didiuk, who brings to the firm deep experience on both sides of the financial regulation coin as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission prepares to enforce new rules for private equity and asset management.

Mayer Brown Adds King & Spalding International Arbitration Partner in Houston

David Weiss, who joined Mayer Brown on Monday, said the firm is a good fit for his international arbitration practice, because of its global reach, and the caliber of its arbitration and energy practices.

Mintz’s Toronto Office Nabs Another Partner From Dentons, Continuing Its Canadian Expansion

Alex North is the 21st lawyer to join Mintz’s Canadian office since it opened six months ago.

Latham & Watkins Hires M&A, Private Equity Partner Duo From Fried Frank

Latham & Watkins has hired mergers & acquisitions and private equity partners Brian Mangino and Amber Banks from Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson, as the firm continues to bolster its M&A practice.

In-House

Around the house: LGBTQ social app Grindr hires first GC, ONEOK replaces retired GC with energy industry veteran

LGBTQ social network Grindr has appointed Zac Katz as general counsel, a newly created position. Katz joins from digital education provider Age of Learning, where he was head of legal and corporate affairs. At Grindr, in addition to his legal responsibilities, he will also serve as head of global affairs where he will be responsible for building the department and providing support to its Grindr for Equality initiative. He will report directly to CEO George Arison. The legal team was previously led by Bill Shafton, vice president for business and legal affairs, who remains in that role.

EV Startup Faraday Future Fills GC Seat

Scott Graziano will try to help Faraday Future Intelligent Electric stay on track after years of struggle. Last month, the company began delivering its $300,000 crossover, the FF 91.

Atlanta Children’s Hospital In-House Chief Moves to New All-Female Health Care Boutique

“You draw on the expertise of the team,” Rachel King, previously the chief compliance officer for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, said of the model at Health Law Strategists.

Payment-Processing Unicorn Taps Fintech Veteran as Legal Chief

Lisa Roberts joins Stax from NCR, where she was chief counsel of payments.

AIG Hires Legal Chief at Star Startup as General Counsel

Patricia “Trish” Walsh is taking the legal reins of American International Group, returning to a corporate giant after four years in the startup sphere.

Fast-Growing Lazy Dog Restaurant Chain Hires Ex-Bloomin’ Brands VP as Legal Chief

Veteran restaurant lawyer Mark Heilig has exchanged the Bloomin’ Onion for BBQ bison meatloaf as the new general counsel of the fast-growing Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar chain.

Promotions & Appointments:

BCLP names Segun Osuntokun as new global senior partner

Leading litigator to step up from UK managing partner role in January to work alongside new global CEO Steve Baumer. Osuntokun, currently UK managing partner, also leads the firm’s Africa and civil fraud litigation practices, with deep experience of such disputes in that continent’s key industries. He will work alongside the firm’s global chief executive officer, Steve Baumer, from 1 January 2024.

Jeanne Kelly elected president of British Irish Chamber of Commerce

Browne Jacobson partner Jeanne Kelly has been elected as president of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce (BICC). Ms Kelly, a founding partner of Browne Jacobson’s Dublin office, has spent the last year as vice-president of the Chamber and is also outgoing chair of its ICT committee. She will now lead the organisation alongside vice-president Marie Doyle, president at Deloitte Northern Ireland.

BCLP London Head Elevated to Global Senior Partner

The firm’s current co-chair, Steve Baumer, will step up to global CEO.

Mergers & Alliances:

Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling partners start voting on merger approval

Voting will be completed on Friday 13 October, with the outcome to be announced shortly after. If partners approve the deal, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling will – subject to customary closing conditions – come together to create a transatlantic behemoth with just under 4,000 lawyers and about $3.4bn in annual revenue. The combined firm will be known as A&O Shearman.

CMS enters alliance with Brazilian firm FAS Advogados

Agreement adds to CMS’s Latin America presence in Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. São Paulo-based FAS has 11 partners and more than 120 professionals, covering a full range of services including M&A, tax, banking and corporate law. It is also active in sectors with cross-border advisory and transaction work opportunities with CMS, including renewables, infrastructure, technology, consumer products, life sciences and healthcare, manufacturing, automotive and agribusiness.

Drew & Napier’s Regional Network Expands with Thai Firm Tilleke & Gibbins

The network’s member firms are preferred local advisors to each other, though the arrangement is not an exclusive one.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman … & Stroock? Market Observers Are Bullish on Merger Talks

Firm leaders with fresh experience of acquisitions said the non-exclusive nature of Pillsbury and Stroock’s letter of intent is unusual. But other market watchers find evidence of compatibility.

Office Openings & Closing:

Private client quartet launch MEUM Group in London to cater for the ultra wealthy

Firm will provide legal advisory and financial management services under one roof. The founders include Keystone Law partners Sofia Syed and Gregor Kleinknecht, Spencer West family law specialist Julie Taylor and former Mishcon de Reya lawyer Gray Smith. The team will focus on law but with a range of advisory services bolted on, including financial management and support.

Axiom Ince set to close as departures intensify

Partner exits continue apace from troubled firm as SRA says it has told regulator it cannot continue “in its current format”.

Ince & Co: 1870-2023

After more than a century of being a top adviser to some of the world’s largest shipping companies, Ince’s brand began to tarnish before it ended in inglorious fashion.

CMS Extends Africa Footprint with Exclusive Mozambique Firm Tie-Up

The firm already has a presence in Angola, Morocco, South Africa, and Kenya, and further growth across the continent remains a strategic priority.

Linklaters Plans to Move People Into New London Office Early

Linklaters is taking 17 floors of the new 27-storey building at 20 Ropemaker from 2026.

Financials:

How Much? Law Firms Grappling With Cost of Leveraging Generative AI in E-Discovery

While a powerful technology, generative AI can also come with a hefty price tag. While some law firms are hopeful of lower bills down the line when using the technology in e-discovery, others aren’t so sure yet.

Ka-Ching: What’s Behind Legal Tech Providers’ Spike in Prices?

Many legal technology companies are under pressure from their venture capitalist and private equity founders, which some say has led to a surge in prices across the industry.

2023 GC Compensation

In The Legal’s GC Compensation supplement, find out how general counsel fare across the state and take a look at how the SEC’s new disclosure rule has held up one year in.

Technology & Innovation:

In-House Counsel: Big Law’s Clear and Present Danger

Hugh Simons looks at the growth of in-house counsel, the future impact of Gen AI and what it will really take to be an equity partner in Big Law moving forward.

The New Frontier: AI in Arbitral Decision Making

As AI technology evolves at a rapid pace, so do the opportunities that it will present to substitute human decision-making. As we approach this threshold, we must carefully consider and determine whether the lack of a human element in decision-making is acceptable to all those involved and whether AI might undermine trust in the process.

Cuatrecasas Deploys Harvey Artificial Intelligence Tool

The Spanish firm plans to use the technology across its 27 offices in 13 countries to dramatically cut turnaround time for drafting documents and other legal needs.

AI Study Reveals How Employers Are Using the Tools, and With What Safeguards

“Corporate adoption, while swift, is never breakneck speed, especially when the regulations are not finalized and the tech itself is not stabilized,” Niloy Ray, a Littler Mendelson shareholder, said.

Diversity & Inclusion:

We Cannot Relent: The Need to Remain Resilient in Your Firm’s DEI Efforts

The most recent threats to dismantle DEI in the United States are now aimed at the legal industry, but we cannot relent against these attacks and instead must remain resilient with our DEI efforts now and well into the future.

Market Commentary:

AI, Cybersecurity, and the Economy: Three Predictions for the Last Few Months of 2023

The author revisits three predictions made at the beginning of the year regarding AI, cybersecurity and the economy, and see where things are headed as 2023 winds down.

Lewis Silkin doubles Belfast workforce in first 24 months

UK-based employment law firm Lewis Silkin has more than doubled its Belfast footprint since expanding into Northern Ireland in 2021, the firm has announced.

With Consolidation Still Hot, What Should Small Firms Looking to Merge Keep in Mind?

“We learn how to be lawyers in law school, but law school doesn’t teach you how to run a business,” said Kristen Corpion, founder of CORPlaw, which recently merged with Trembly Law.

How Travers Smith Stopped the Partner Exodus

Former insiders spoke of issues around the firm’s inflexible lockstep and a perceived lack of global ambition—but the firm’s managing partner Edmund Reed explains how these and others matters are being addressed.

How Can Global Law Firms Embrace Change?

A ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach won’t necessarily work across offices, but one that is ‘purposeful’ will ensure they aren’t left behind in the dust.

Africa Top 50 2023: A&O, Eversheds and CMS Among Fastest Growers But ENS and DLA Still Lead

International firms made up 13 of the top 50, while 15 South African firms featured in the table and 11 were from Nigeria, according to the research produced in partnership with Africa Legal.

Asian Law Firms Seek Mergers as ‘Critical Mass’ Takes On New Meaning

Law firms across Asia are feeling pressure from both foreign and domestic players, prompting them to seek out mergers. Smaller firms fear they could end up missing out on a share of the pie, or worse, become irrelevant.

London’s Legal Industry Cannot Get Much More American

That means U.S. firms may not see the gains in the region they once experienced.

The China Dilemma: Should Law Firms Call It Quits?

U.S. leaders are finding it harder to justify substantia

Moves:

UK & Ireland

Bellevue Law adds Slaughter and May senior manager as first chief operating officer

London disputes boutique Bellevue Law has hired a senior manager from Slaughter and May as its first chief operating officer. Kay Osborne has joined Bellevue after nearly six years at Slaughters, where she was most recently a senior manager in the firm’s partnership and executive office, working with outgoing senior partner, Steve Cook, who will retire in May 2024.

Stewarts adds Norton Rose Fulbright partner in London to head international arbitration team

Leading disputes boutique confirms arrival of Sherina Petit after nearly 15 years at NRF.

Italian firm BonelliErede builds UK base with London counsel hire

Experienced barrister Richard Samuel adds disputes capabilities as part of international growth push.

Quinn Emanuel boosts London partner ranks with raid on Cadwalader

Hire of arbitration specialist Melis Acuner brings litigation firm’s UK partner count to 28.

Arbitration partner exits Kirkland & Ellis in London for disputes boutique

Signature Litigation announces 20% revenue hike as Philipp Kurek joins after 14 years at US giant.

Allen & Overy bolsters London arbitration practice with White & Case partner hire

Construction specialist Daniel Garton adds to Magic Circle firm’s ranks ahead of Shearman merger

RWK Goodman hires employment team from Ince & Co in latest round of exits.

At least 15 lawyers have quit the troubled Axiom Ince group over the past week. The outgoing lawyers joining RWK Goodman include Marta Mendiondo, Martin Pratt, Holly Freuchen and Sudipta Dey. Mendiondo joins as head of immigration London and employment lawyer Pratt joins as a partner. Freuchen joins as a senior associate in the employment team and Dey joins as an associate and a senior immigration advisor.

8 London Associates Leave Kirkland to Follow Partners to Paul Weiss

Paul Weiss’ raid on Kirkland is ongoing, with 13 partners making the move in recent weeks.

EMEA

Squire Patton Boggs adds senior corporate partner in Dubai from Baker McKenzie

Omar Momany joins having led Bakers’ UAE corporate/M&A practice

ECIJA Makes Second Partner Hire in Madrid in as Many Weeks

Álvaro Rodríguez de la Calle joins the Spanish law firm after more than two years directing KPMG Spain’s labor area.

APAC

HSF Takes Singapore Project Finance Partner from King & Spalding

Herbert Smith Freehills counts 56 lawyers in its Singapore office while King & Spalding now has 29. King & Spalding project finance partner Antony Patten has left the firm to join Herbert Smith Freehills as a partner in Singapore.

The Americas

Duane Morris Lands Longtime Fox Rothschild Corporate Leader

Michael Harrington spent 26 years at Fox Rothschild and roughly a dozen as chair of its corporate department.

Baker Donelson, Jackson Lewis Among Firms Adding Partners in Southeast

“There’s a culture of congeniality here that’s very palpable. But they also hold each other accountable,” said new Baker Donelson shareholder Scott Bowers.

Brazil-Based Mattos Filho New York Office Head Jumps to DLA Piper

Antitrust specialist Amadeu Ribeiro, who is licensed to practice in Brazil and the U.S., has been the face of a leading Brazilian firm in the U.S. for more than a decade.

Commercial Litigation Partner Joins Hunton Andrews Kurth; Paul, Weiss Adds Infrastructure Adviser

Susan Shin has joined Hunton Andrews Kurth as a partner in its commercial litigation group. She joins from Weil, Gotshal & Manges, where she was a partner in that firm’s complex litigation practice. Brown Rudnick has hired Kevin Brown as a partner in the firm’s tax group. He was previously counsel at Davis Polk & Wardwell.

Greenberg Traurig Continues Expanding in Fast-Growing Phoenix With 2 More Former DLA Piper Litigators

The firm just added two litigation shareholders in Phoenix, after adding another one in July. Laura Sixkiller’s practice mainly revolves around securities and M&A litigation while Kate Benveniste is focused more on real estate litigation, particularly in the property tech space. Both are rejoining Greenberg Traurig after leaving the firm for DLA Piper a number of years ago.

Foley & Lardner Adds 4-Lawyer Husch Blackwell Real Estate Team in Texas

Foley & Lardner hired a four-lawyer Husch Blackwell real estate team in Texas because of the Lone Star State’s robust economy.

In-House

Around the house: Microsoft announces legal leadership change, Hilton names former Molson Coors CLO as GC

This week’s roundup of top in-house moves also includes appointments at Disney Parks, Alcoa, Webster Financial Corporation and Cogeco. Global software giant Microsoft has promoted Hossein Nowbar to chief legal officer, replacing Lisa Tanzi, who announced her departure from the tech company earlier this month. Nowbar is elevated from general counsel, with former deputy GC and head of litigation Jonathan Palmer moved up to the GC role, Bloomberg reported. Cynthia Randall will take over Palmer’s previous role.

Alcoa Taps Canadian Exec for GC Role

Andrew Hastings is taking the legal reins of Alcoa, which has 15,000 employees and $12.5 billion in annual revenue.

Former Molson Coors GC Takes Legal Reins at Hilton

“I am honored to be joining Hilton, a company I have long respected for its history, innovation and award-winning workplace culture,” said Anne-Marie D’Angelo, who started Friday as general counsel.

Promotions & Appointments:

Addleshaw Goddard begins search for successor as managing partner opts to step down early

John Joyce to stand down next April a year before end of third term. The managing partner of UK law firm Addleshaw Goddard (AG), John Joyce, has announced he will stand down a year ahead of the end of his third term.  Joyce will step down as managing partner 30 April 2024 at the end of the current financial year, 10 years after he was first elected and at the end of his 25th anniversary as a partner in the business.

Cooley appoints first woman CEO as Conroy prepares to stand down after 16 years

San Francisco corporate head Rachel Proffitt to take over in 2024; Conroy to stay on as chair

Winston & Strawn names new chairman after almost two decades

Global litigation co-chair Steve D’Amore to succeed veteran chair Tom Fitzgerald in June 2024

Longtime Red Lobster GC Claws His Way to the Top

“I am looking forward to working with my teams to address the challenges we face in light of industry headwinds and to execute on our plans and deliver results,” newly appointed CEO Horace Dawson said.

Mergers & Alliances:

Irwin Mitchell acquires leading family law boutique

UK firm absorbs North East-based Silk Family Law just a few weeks after snapping up 95-strong Scottish firm.

Pillsbury Becomes Latest Firm to Begin Merger Dance With Stroock

The firms have signed a non-exclusive letter of intent to combine, sources confirmed.

DC Civil Rights Boutique Expands to San Francisco Via Merger

Katz Banks Kumin, a civil rights boutique known for its work representing victims of sexual harassment by Harvey Weinstein and others, launched in San Francisco via a merger with another boutique with wage-and-hour class action expertise.

A&O, Shearman Partners to Begin Merger Vote Later This Month

The partnership votes to approve the tie-up will start on September 28 and will be completed by October 13.

Office Openings & Closing:

Arnold & Porter adds senior Foley Hoag partner for Boston debut

Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer has become the latest law firm to open an office in Boston, securing a co-leader of Foley Hoag’s life sciences industry group for the launch. Hemmie Chang has left Foley after nearly 13 years to lead Arnold & Porter’s new office, which the Washington DC-based firm said would focus on life sciences and health care transactions, litigation, regulatory counselling and government investigations.

Osborne Clarke to open in Miami to boost US arbitration and tech law strategy

Firm hires Samaniego Law’s Javier Fernández-Samaniego to head Miami office

With ‘Lots of Client Ties’ to Dallas, Seyfarth Launches Office With Bryan Cave Team

Seyfarth Shaw has opened an office in Dallas, with real estate lawyers and litigators, nearly three decades after it moved into Texas with an office in Houston. A Bryan Cave real estate partner in Charlotte, North Carolina, also made the move to Seyfarth.

King & Spalding Gets Foreign Law License to Operate in Saudi Arabia

As Bracewell appoints partner to the firm’s corporate and securities practice in Dubai.

Financials:

Lockdowns, Crackdowns and Tensions With US Hit China’s Once-Soaring Law Firms Hard

Chinese firm revenue plummeted despite growth in head count.

Showered With Stock, Tech GCs Incentivized to ‘Knock It Out of the Park’

“Base salary and bonus cash compensation isn’t something I’ve spent a lot of time discussing with my peers, because at some point it tops out. What we talk about is equity,” said Danielle Sheer, general counsel of Commvault.

UK Top 50 Ranked by Revenue per Lawyer: Average Down 2%

Like their U.S. counterparts, lawyers at the U.K.’s top commercial firms on average brought in less this year, with notable exceptions.

The 2023 Global 200 Ranked by Revenue

The 200 largest law firms in the world, made up mainly of U.S. firms, saw growth slow in the latest fiscal year, with some regions out-performing others.

The 2023 Global 100 Ranked by Profits Per Equity Partner

The 100 largest law firms in the world saw profit decline on the back of several boom years.

Technology & Innovation:

What Generative AI Can—and Can’t—Do for Contract Review

LLMs and generative AI are still under development, but they have the potential to revolutionize the way lawyers work, including automating the drafting of contracts, translating legal documents, and identifying potential risks in contracts.

Data Hygiene: Critical in Building Firm Connectivity and Leveraging AI

The firms with a decided advantage in the AI arms race will be those who are operating from a place of “connectivity,” meaning that their internal operational teams are empowered to interact seamlessly. And this starts with an overlooked but crucial practice: good data hygiene.

Generative AI Captured Lawyers’ Attention. But What Ever Happened to Blockchain?

While blockchain-related law firm practices are still expanding, blockchain may have lost some of its development potential in the eyes of some lawyers.

Doing More With Less: A Disciplined Use of Legal Tech

Legal leaders can no longer be distracted by bells, whistles and gimmicks, and instead must be focused on identifying and implementing meaningful tools that enable in-house teams to be true catalysts for change across the business.

Diversity & Inclusion:

Law Firm Leaders, GCs and Bar Leaders Outline DEI Recommendations in Wake of Affirmative Action Ruling

A New York State Bar report from a group of Big Law partners, corporate lawyers and academics focuses on methods of enhancing diversity that won’t leave organizations vulnerable to legal risks.

Generative AI Conversations Are a Peek Into the Legal Tech ‘Boys’ Club’

Many legal tech panels on generative artificial intelligence are still dominated by a homogenous group: white men. It’s a glimpse into the more insidious barriers that stand in the way of women tech founders fighting to make it in the industry.

Market Commentary:

The Flight to Quality and Workplace Experience

That the pace of change is “accelerating” is surely an understatement. What seemed almost a near certainty a year ago — that law firms would fully and permanently embrace work-from-home — is experiencing a seeming reversal. While many firms have, in fact, embraced hybrid operations, the meaning of hybrid has evolved from “office optional,” to an average required 2 days a week, to now many firms coming out with four-day work week mandates — this time, with teeth.

Moves:

UK & Ireland

Allen & Overy Swoops on Akin for Corporate Partner Hire

The hire represents a rare corporate lateral partner addition for A&O in London. Sophie Jermine will join the firm’s London office as a partner in the firm’s corporate practice—leaving Akin after nine years with the firm. She has been a partner since 2006.

Allen & Overy Hits White & Case For Second Lateral Hire of the Week

Daniel Garton has joined the firm from White & Case, leaving after over 16 years with the U.S. firm. He has joined A&O’s international arbitration practice, and specialises in construction arbitration.

13th Kirkland Partner Quits for Paul Weiss

The dramatic team departure started in mid-August when Neel Sachdev quit the world’s largest law firm alongside several others. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison has hired its 13th partner from Kirkland & Ellis in the space of a month with the appointment of London debt finance partner Stefan Arnold-Soulby. Arnold-Soulby, who has acted for private equity firms including Warburg Pincus, Investindustrial, Carlyle, Bain Capital and Partners Group, joins Neel Sachdev and eight other London partners making the move from Kirkland in addition to four partners in the U.S., according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

EMEA

Freshfields Adds White & Case Veteran Partner to White-Collar Defense Team in Paris

Firms in Europe are bulking up their teams in anticipation of more compliance work. Ludovic Malgrain joins Freshfields as a partner in the litigation team within the firm’s dispute resolution department.

Hogan Lovells Hires Energy M&A Team From Dentons in Germany

The team, led by two partners, will be based in Berlin and bring Hogan Lovells’ broader infrastructure and energy team to more than 40 lawyers, the firm said.

ECIJA and Andersen Make New Partner Hires in Spain

ECIJA adds to its urban planning and public law areas, whilst Andersen brings on a former CMS banking and finance partner. For ECIJA, the rapidly growing law firm brought on two partners: Ignasi Subirachs joined the firm’s urban planning, administrative and public law practice in Barcelona, while Jorge González Cortade joined to lead the public and regulatory law area in Madrid.

Clyde & Co Swoops for Tax Expert as UAE Implements New Corporate Tax Regime

The tax will be effective in financial years starting on or after June 1, 2023. Rachel Fox joins the firm from William Fry in Ireland, where she was made partner in 2019, and will lead the firm’s Middle East tax offering in its global corporate and advisory practice.

APAC

Proskauer Rose Greater China Partner Duo Finds New Home at Stephenson Harwood

The two partners are joining Stephenson Harwood with two other counsel. Two former Proskauer Rose partners, Jay Tai and Yong Ren, have joined Stephenson Harwood in Asia. Tai has relocated from Hong Kong to Singapore while Ren has moved to Hong Kong from Beijing for their new roles.

CMS Grows Hong Kong Offering with Team of Four Lawyers

The firm now has 16 fee-earners in its dispute resolution, shipping and insurance practice. CMS has expanded its Hong Kong offering with a team of four lawyers including partner, Adrian Elms.

Mayer Brown Adds New Corporate Partner in Hong Kong

Allison Lee was most recently an international counsel at Debevoise & Plimpton, where she had spent 15 years.

Australia’s Gadens Hires Data Partner from Allens

Michael Morris joins Gadens Brisbane office. Morris, who joins Gadens’ corporate advisory practice in Brisbane, has over 23 years of legal experience and is “a well-recognised legal expert” in data, intellectual property, information technology and telecoms, Gadens said.

The Americas

Fox Rothschild Adds Trust and Estate Partner in Wilmington

Fox Rothschild welcomed Denise D. Nordheimer to the firm’s Wilmington office as a partner in the taxation and wealth planning department.

Kirkland Private Equity Departures Continue, as Goodwin Picks Up Partner in San Francisco

Leon Johnson’s hiring is a signal that Goodwin is seeking to be a more comprehensive partner with its private equity clients as those firms diversify how they are investing their capital.

Potter Anderson Hires New Del. Partner

Potter Anderson & Corroon announced that Lauren E.M. Russell has joined the firm as a partner in the labor and employment group.

Trio of Pillsbury Partners Exits for Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance has hired three tech transaction partners from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, as the firm focuses on regional expansion in the Americas in several practices.New York-based Vipul Nishawala and Washington, D.C.-based Meighan O’Reardon and James McPhillips have all joined Clifford Chance’s global tech group.

Meta Associate GC Heads to Squire

Marty Mackowski has joined Squire as law firm demand for antitrust partners stays high. The “antitrust stakes have never been higher” for clients, Squire’s Diarmuid Ryan said.

Former Schnader Chair Moves to Welsh & Recker

Dennis Suplee led the now defunct firm from 1992 to 1998. Former Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis chairman Dennis Suplee has moved to Welsh & Recker as of counsel, following former Schnader partners Bruce Merenstein and Sam Silver who jumped to the Philadelphia litigation boutique prior to Schnader’s dissolution.

In Latest Exit, Stroock Litigation Partner Heads to Crowell

As “Stroock was going through its challenges, and I decided to make a move again,” Eric Aronson said, he contacted Crowell. “This was the only place that I really wanted to go.”

In Latest Exit, Stroock Litigation Partner Heads to Crowell

As “Stroock was going through its challenges, and I decided to make a move again,” Eric Aronson said, he contacted Crowell. “This was the only place that I really wanted to go.”

Kirkland Partner Jumps to McDermott to Lead Exec Comp Practice in New York

Kate Vera did most of her work at Kirkland with private equity clients and now looks to grow the practice at McDermott.

Duane Morris Lands 2 Securities Litigators From Maynard Nexsen in Atlanta

Terry Weiss and Stefanie Wayco arrive at the firm as it pursues growth in Texas, New York, California, Chicago and South Florida, as well as Georgia.

Hogan Lovells Picks Up Pryor Cashman Media Entertainment Partner in Miami

“I’ve been watching what they’ve been doing in sports, entertainment and media, and high-stakes litigation, and thought it’d be exciting to go back to the bigger global platform,” Hans Hertell said. “When I thought, in my career, I’d be going more boutique, I found that as I’ve grown my practice I’ve needed a more global platform to grow my own career and my client base.”

In-House

US Foods Goes Outside to Fill Legal Chief Vacancy

Martha Ha is jumping into the food-supply business after a legal career spent mostly in health care.

Ex-Facebook Lawyer Takes Legal Reins of GM-Backed Battery Startup

Mitra Future Technologies is focusing on North American production and distribution, believing it can overcome the stronghold China currently has in the lithium-ion battery market.

Banged-Up Airbnb Competitor Appoints General Counsel

Katherine Potter is taking the legal reins of Sonder after more than a decade at the senior living firm AlerisLife, where she rose to CEO.

Urgent Care Giant Taps Health Care Veteran for GC Role

Allison Kirk Griffiths has taken the legal reins of NextCare after rapidly ascending the legal leadership rungs at her last employer.

Taylor English, Seeing ‘Strong’ Demand in GC Practice, Adds Former Tesla Lawyer

The firm’s practice provides in-house counsel to about 50 clients that range from startups to 30-year-old companies. “There are certain entities that love this model,” Taylor English’s Allen Nelson said.

Promotions & Appointments:

UnitedLex Announces James Schellhase as New CEO in ‘Seminal Moment’ for the ALSP

The company’s previous CEO will stay on as UnitedLex’s chairman of the board of directors.

Microsoft CLO’s Retirement Sparks Chain Reaction of Promotions

A 26-year Microsoft veteran is taking over for chief legal officer Lisa Tanzi, who joined the company just before Windows 95 came out, thinking she’d get a few years of tech experience and move on.

In Transition to Next-Gen Leaders, Thompson Coburn Taps Litigator as New Chair

Chris Hohn, a Thompson Coburn partner in St. Louis who is on the management and executive committees, will become chair in August 2024.

After Nearly 2 Decades, Winston & Strawn Will Have a New Chair

Steve D’Amore, currently global co-leader of Winston & Strawn’s litigation department, has spent his entire career at the firm, starting more than 30 years ago. Outside of the U.S., Winston & Strawn has offices in Brussels, Paris, London, Hong Kong, Shanghai and São Paulo.

Irwin Mitchell Names Group CEO Following Predecessor’s Passing

In August, Irwin Mitchell said that Andrew Tucker had passed away after an ‘unexpected illness’. The U.K. Top 50 firm has named Craig Marshall as Tucker’s successor. Marshall has been with the firm since 2007, becoming group chief operating officer in 2021.

Norton Rose Names Class Action Litigator as New Canadian Managing Partner

Jennifer Teskey takes over the role Jan. 1 from incumbent Charles Hurdon.

Mergers & Alliances:

Indian Firm JSA Revives Chennai Office with Merger

Indian firms have been bulking up significantly over the past few years.

Office Openings & Closing:

Ex-FTX GC Launches Law Firm, Says His ‘Hugely Disappointing Experience’ Will Be Asset for Clients

“The difference between something that’s illegal and something that needs your advice and counsel to get corrected is usually pretty stark,” said Ryne Miller, who left FTX after CEO Sam Bankman-Fried was charged with carrying out a massive fraud.

Denver Sees More Big Law Competition as Womble Plants Flag With Hogan Lovells Laterals

Citing a boom in energy and natural resources work and opportunities for an Am Law 100 firm focused on the upper middle market, Womble Bond Dickinson is launching an office in Denver with two laterals from Hogan Lovells.

US Patent Boutique Hires Partner from McDermott to Launch Debut International Office in Tokyo

Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone, founded by four former Paul, Weiss partners last November, now has three offices in New York, Washington D.C. and Tokyo. Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone, a U.S. patent litigation boutique established late last year, has launched its debut international office in Tokyo with the hire of partner Maxwell Fox from McDermott, Will & Emery.

Osborne Clarke Opens Third US Office in Miami

The firm also has offices in New York and San Francisco, but does not practise US law.

Financials:

Perkins Coie, McGuireWoods Among Top-Paid Counsel for DNC, RNC

Several Big Law firms and prominent boutiques have received large sums this year from the RNC and DNC. Legal spending by the parties has ballooned, as complex election laws have led to more litigation.

Paul Weiss’ Trio of Kirkland Hires Could Each Score $20M Yearly

Their potential pay may not be the highest for partners at high-end Am Law 25 firms, where annual compensation for a handful is more than $25 million.

2023 GC Compensation Survey: Find Out Who’s Atop New York’s Rankings

Legal chiefs for private equity giants snagged three of the top 10 spots. “Their GCs have gold-plated resumes, and those resumes command a lot of gold,” said Jason Winmill, an in-house consultant.

Are Cuts Looming for UK Law Firms? The Devil is in the Detail

This year’s ranking contains several warnings—chief among them being the need for further corrective measures to address the shrinking profit margins.

UK Top 50 Results: Are Cuts Looming? The Devil is in the Detail

This year’s ranking contains several warnings—chief among them being the need for further corrective measures to address the shrinking profit margins.

UK Top 50 Ranked by PEP: Biggest Drop Since the Financial Crisis

Many of the astronomical rises of the past couple of years have been ‘corrected’, with PEP at some firms dropping by as much as 55%.

Technology & Innovation:

Death of SEO? Nope, It Still Heavily Relies on Thought Leaders

In this article, Ioana Good presents a brief discussion on whether artificial intelligence will eventually replace the human element involved in SEO strategy and practices—and why that may not be the case.

Legal Tech’s Problem: Generative AI Is Readily Available, But Not Legal Data

While legal tech vendors are launching a host of generative AI-powered tools, clients are often prohibiting them from using their data for training purposes.

Legal Tech Vendors Are Taking On Generative AI Education. Are Attorneys Welcoming It?

While legal technology providers have often coupled their products with educational or training resources in the past, such offerings seem to be gaining traction in the age of generative artificial intelligence.

Diversity & Inclusion:

Littler Mendelson’s Newest Trial Lawyer Sees ‘Positive’ Signs in the DEI Landscape

Matt Stephens, one of the few openly transgender trial lawyers in California, joined Littler Mendelson as a partner in San Diego.

Big Law Sees Growing Client Demand for DEI Advice as Law Firms Also Face Scrutiny

McGuireWoods’ new DEI team was partly driven by the “onslaught of questions” from clients, said partner Amy Morrissey Turk.

Market Commentary:

Are Law Firms’ Real Estate and Tech Spending Invariably at Odds? It’s Not That Simple

The second and third largest capital expenses for most law firms can both compete for resources and be utterly dependent upon each other.

Top GCs Call for Role to be Formalised in UK Corporate Governance Code

A letter on behalf of nearly 80 GCs criticises the code’s ‘extraordinary’ lack of reference to the role of general counsel.

How Paul Weiss’ ‘Shocking’ Raid on Kirkland Unfolded—and What It Means for the London Market

The firm’s aggressive hiring strategy has so far seen 12 arrivals from Kirkland & Ellis, and one from Linklaters.

Remote GC Revolution Fizzles Out as Employers Flock to ‘Hard Hybrid’

“It has now moved to where, in most cases, you do need to work where the job is,” said Mike Evers, a Chicago-based in-house recruiter.

Will Lateral Battle Between Kirkland and Paul Weiss Create ‘Ripple Effects’?

If your firm is in the Am Law 100, the odds are good that the moves affect you and your firm, according to some veteran recruiters.

Slaughter and May Agrees to Meet Lawyer Climate Pressure Group

Slaughter is first large U.K. firm to engage with the climate group, which asks lawyers to pledge to withhold their services on matters that could support ‘new fossil fuel projects’.

Top GCs Call for Role to be Formalised in UK Corporate Governance Code

A letter on behalf of nearly 80 GCs criticises the code’s ‘extraordinary’ lack of reference to the role of general counsel.

‘A Remarkable Comeback’: Australia’s Legal Sector Has Coped Well With Softening Demand, Report States

Demand dropped in the first half of the year but counter-cyclical practices offset the decline, resulting in an increase in demand in the second half of the year.

Law Firms’ Herd Mentality is (Sometimes) a Force for Good

Law firms have the habit of following one another, which has sometimes resulted in inertia on the most serious social issues—but this week has shown that it could have positive effects, writes The London Lawyer.

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