BLP brings forward partner promotions ahead of Bryan Cave merger outcome
Firm promotes four in real estate and one in tax as merger discussions continue
January 11, 2018 at 10:48 AM
2 minute read
The original version of this story was published on Law.com
Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) has promoted five lawyers to partner in London, in an earlier than usual promotions round.
Four London lawyers have been made up in BLP's real estate team with Alan Twine, Emma Le Wita, Rashpal Soomal and Gordon McMillan all joining the partnership. One lawyer has been made up in tax: Kate Ison.
BLP managing partner Lisa Mayhew said: "Our new partners have demonstrated high performance with exceptional client handling and personal service, and commitment to BLP's strategy. I am delighted to welcome them into the partnership."
Typically, the firm's promotions round takes place annually in April or May. However, it is understood that BLP has opted to announce its new partners prior to the final decision on its merger talks with Bryan Cave. The pair have been in detailed discussions for several months, with the talks first confirmed in October last year.
In 2017, BLP added four new partners, following a bumper 17-strong promotion round in 2016.
Twine works across multidisciplinary transactions and joined the firm from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in 2014, while Le Wita specialises in the acquisition, disposal, financing and restructuring of real estate assets.
Soomal is a member of the firm's litigation and corporate risk real estate disputes team and has a focus on rights of light legal issues, while McMillan acts on real estate finance, specialising in debt financing.
The final partner promoted to the partnership is corporate tax partner Ison, a specialist in tax dispute resolution.
If successful, a merger between BLP and Bryan Cave would create a 1,500-lawyer firm with combined revenues of about £730m and 32 offices in 12 countries around the world.
It had previously been thought that a vote could take place before the new year, with partners predicting a go-live date of 1 January 2018, although both firms have declined to confirm a timeline for the deal.
Deloitte is advising BLP and Bryan Cave on the proposed structure of the combined firm, with BCLP touted as a potential name.
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