Anna Reynolds

May 30, 2013 | International Edition

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is rolling out a female associate mentoring scheme across its international offices as the firm continues its push to boost female partner numbers. The initiative, which is aimed at junior and mid-level female associates, initially launched in London in October last year and now has more than 60 associates signed up, equating to around one in three of the firm's junior to mid-level City ranks. More than 55 male and female partners, senior associates and counsel have signed up to act as mentors. Mentors and associates fill in a questionnaire to identify the areas they would like to discuss, with three suitable matches offered via an online platform. Associates can then choose which of the three individuals they would like to be mentored by over the next 12 months.

By Anna Reynolds

4 minute read

May 29, 2013 | International Edition

Ashurst has made two big-name additions to its leadership team with the appointment of its first-ever independent board members, ahead of the firm's full merger with its Australia arm. The firm has appointed Robert Gillespie, the former director general of the Takeover Panel, and Commonwealth Bank of Australia chairman David Turner to the boards of Ashurst LLP and Ashurst Australia respectively.

By Anna Reynolds

3 minute read

May 29, 2013 | International Edition

A group of around 90 QCs have united to publicly criticise proposals to limit legal aid for judicial review, claiming that such a move would "seriously undermine the rule of law". In a letter to The Daily Telegraph, signed by silks including former Attorney General Lord Goldsmith QC, the former director of Public Prosecutions Lord Macdonald and Cherie Booth QC, the group argue that legal aid cuts and the associated reforms of judicial review will undermine Britain's global reputation for justice.

By Anna Reynolds

2 minute read

May 23, 2013 | International Edition

Herbert Smith Freehills partners are expecting to receive proposals on the planned move to a single modified lockstep after the summer, as the firm gears up to introduce a combined partner remuneration structure from the start of the next financial year. Management are currently working out proposals to take to partners, with some legacy Herbert Smith partners saying they expect a vote to take place in October this year. The overhaul is expected to see the legacy UK arm move away from its rigid eight-year lockstep, shifting closer to Australian merger partner Freehills. The pair entered into a full financial union in October 2012, but are currently paying partners according to two different pay structures, with legacy Freehills' heavily linked to individual performance.

By Anna Reynolds

2 minute read

May 23, 2013 | International Edition

Charles Russell has unveiled solid financial results for 2012-13 as the firm pulls together a new management line-up in the wake of senior partner Patrick Russell's retirement. The UK top 50 firm saw fee income rise 1% during the year to almost £69m, with profits per equity partner up 7% to around £300,000. Meanwhile, private client partner Christopher Page – who has been with the firm since 1997 – has been appointed to succeed Russell as senior partner, with corporate and commercial partner Keir Gordon named deputy senior partner. Both men's terms will run for three years from 1 May.

By Anna Reynolds

2 minute read

May 23, 2013 | International Edition

Withers and Speechly Bircham have opted against a merger of the two firms, following votes at both firms earlier this week. A spokesperson for both firms said: "Following detailed discussions between the management and partnerships of Withers and Speechly Bircham, both sides have now concluded that a merger would not be in the best interests of both firms and have agreed not to pursue this further.

By Anna Reynolds

3 minute read

May 21, 2013 | International Edition

National firm Browne Jacobson has posted a record high turnover for 2012-13, with revenues rising to £45m, up 9% on last year's total of £41.3m. The firm, which opened two new bases in 2012 in Manchester and Exeter, now has five offices and saw total headcount reach 709 over the year.

By Anna Reynolds

2 minute read

May 20, 2013 | International Edition

Travers Smith has lost a discrimination case brought against it by a former trainee who claimed she was denied a permanent role at the firm after becoming pregnant during her final seat. Katie Tantum instructed law firm Leigh Day to launch the case in February after failing to gain a newly-qualified position in Travers' real estate department.

By Anna Reynolds

4 minute read

May 19, 2013 | International Edition

Ashurst, Slaughter and May and Hogan Lovells have advised on a deal which will see supermarket chain Morrisons launch an online grocery service with Ocado next year. Ashurst took the lead role for Morrisons on the deal, which includes a sale and leaseback of equipment at internet grocer Ocado's recently opened Dordon distribution centre in Warwickshire.

By Anna Reynolds

2 minute read

May 17, 2013 | International Edition

Withers and Speechly Bircham are to vote next week on a potential merger which could create a UK top 25 law firm known as Withers Speechly Bircham (WSB). Speechly's interim vote is on Tuesday (21 May) and Withers' is on Wednesday (22 May), with the news coming after the private client focused firms issued a joint statement on 25 March confirming preliminary discussions were taking place.

By Anna Reynolds

3 minute read