David Thomas

David Thomas

I'm a reporter covering the business of law, with an emphasis on national and global law firms for The American Lawyer, Law.com and other ALM publications.

Connect with this author

December 15, 2020 | Pro Mid Market

Market Focus Salt Lake City: Fast-Growing City Feels COVID-19 Fallout

The Salt Lake City legal market stands out from its larger counterparts in several ways. For one, the largest firms by headcount are local ones.

By David Thomas

6 minute read

July 22, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Law Firms Feel Waves Made by Bar Exam Changes

Milbank, Haynes and Boone and other big firms are adjusting to the evolving news about bar exams. Many firms are playing it by ear.

By David Thomas | Brenda Sapino Jeffreys | Christine Simmons

8 minute read

July 21, 2020 | The American Lawyer

3 Jones Day Leaders Can Overrule Others in Pay Decisions, Plaintiffs Say

According to plaintiffs in a discrimination suit, there were at least 23 instances in which Jones Day managing partner Stephen Brogan overruled the pay recommendations of local firm leaders. 

By David Thomas

4 minute read

July 20, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Down a Quarter of Its Partnership, Boies Schiller's Leaders Expect More Changes

The firm's managing partners say that the "vast majority" of the firm's 80 partner and of counsel departures since January last year have been planned, a line that several former attorneys dispute.

By Dylan Jackson | David Thomas

9 minute read

July 16, 2020 | The American Lawyer

1 Week After SCOTUS Win, Jenner Expands Native American Law Practice

Jenner & Block is bringing on a team of six lawyers and two government relations specialists, nearly all of whom are Native Americans.

By David Thomas

3 minute read

July 15, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Mintz Snatches DC/NY Insurance Team From Squire Patton Boggs

"There's a substantial overlap in our client list, with the clients Mintz currently works with in the insurance and reinsurance space," said Dierdre Johnson, who has joined Mintz's D.C. office as a member.

By David Thomas

4 minute read

July 14, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Jones Day Looks to Dislodge Equal Pay Claims in $200M Lawsuit

U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss has scheduled a phone conference on Jones Day's motion—and the plaintiffs' response to it—for July 21.

By David Thomas

3 minute read

July 14, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Hogan Lovells' Katyal, Others to Prosecute Officers Charged in Floyd Death

It's rare for such established partners as Katyal to join a prosecutor's office on a temporary basis for one case. But Floyd's violent death in police custody led to an explosion of protests across the world and to law firms reexamining their own roles in fighting racial injustice and police brutality.

By David Thomas

3 minute read

July 13, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Boies Schiller Executive Committee Member Exits as Firm Adds 2 Bankruptcy Partners

While confirming Bob Cooper's departure, Boies Schiller said it had hired two bankruptcy partners in London and New York.

By Dylan Jackson | David Thomas

4 minute read

July 10, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Don't Expect Flood of Filings Following Burford's Bid for Stock Exchange Presence

Different litigation financiers use different business models, experts say, which is why you shouldn't expect a wave of privately owned funds rushing to get on a U.S. stock exchange.

By David Thomas

4 minute read