Charlotte Edmond

January 30, 2008 | International Edition

They say a change can be as good as a rest so, for anxious lawyers facing turbulent commercial markets, a change can start to look a lot better than the alternative. You can seen such logic in recent initiatives from three of London's leading firms that, in different ways, will promote movement of staff between teams and offices. Perhaps the most striking move has come from Allen & Overy (A&O), which has put in place a number of measures to encourage staff to move to busier areas or locations. Managing partner David Morley says: "It is about making sure we are flexible to adapt to market conditions and client needs. We have invested time in looking at how we can build up practices and overcome concerns, giving training so it is less scary. Giving people a new opportunity they can be excited about is also one of the objectives."

By Charlotte Edmond

4 minute read

January 30, 2008 | Legal Week

They say a change can be as good as a rest so, for anxious lawyers facing turbulent commercial markets, a change can start to look a lot better than the alternative. You can seen such logic in recent initiatives from three of London's leading firms that, in different ways, will promote movement of staff between teams and offices. Perhaps the most striking move has come from Allen & Overy (A&O), which has put in place a number of measures to encourage staff to move to busier areas or locations. Managing partner David Morley says: "It is about making sure we are flexible to adapt to market conditions and client needs. We have invested time in looking at how we can build up practices and overcome concerns, giving training so it is less scary. Giving people a new opportunity they can be excited about is also one of the objectives."

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11 minute read

January 30, 2008 | International Edition

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is aiming to boost its number of female partners and up its pro bono commitments by a third following the publication of the firm's latest report into its corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. According to the report - published today (30 January) and rolled out across the firm's 26-office global network for the first time - the City giant has too few female partners and there remain several longer-term issues arising from its associates' forum that need to be addressed.

By Charlotte Edmond

3 minute read

January 30, 2008 | Legal Week

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is aiming to boost its number of female partners and up its pro bono commitments by a third following the publication of the firm's latest report into its corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. According to the report - published today (30 January) and rolled out across the firm's 26-office global network for the first time - the City giant has too few female partners and there remain several longer-term issues arising from its associates' forum that need to be addressed.

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7 minute read

January 25, 2008 | International Edition

Four candidates have emerged for the senior management roles at Allen & Overy as the City giant gears up for an overhaul of its top brass. Belgian managing partner and corporate co-head Wim Dejonghe will face senior finance partner Boyan Wells in a race for the managing partner position that is set to be hotly contested.

By Charlotte Edmond

3 minute read

January 25, 2008 | Legal Week

Four candidates have emerged for the senior management roles at Allen & Overy as the City giant gears up for an overhaul of its top brass. Belgian managing partner and corporate co-head Wim Dejonghe will face senior finance partner Boyan Wells in a race for the managing partner position that is set to be hotly contested.

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7 minute read

January 24, 2008 | International Edition

Allen & Overy (A&O) is attempting to usher in a new era of flexibility among its lawyers in part to prepare for fluctuating market conditions, marking the strongest evidence yet that top UK law firms are having to adapt to the post-credit crunch environment.The magic circle firm has launched a scheme to move fee earners and staff around the firm more easily and is encouraging lawyers to gain a wider range of experience and build a more general practice.

By Charlotte Edmond

3 minute read

January 24, 2008 | Legal Week

Allen & Overy (A&O) is attempting to usher in a new era of flexibility among its lawyers in part to prepare for fluctuating market conditions, marking the strongest evidence yet that top UK law firms are having to adapt to the post-credit crunch environment.The magic circle firm has launched a scheme to move fee earners and staff around the firm more easily and is encouraging lawyers to gain a wider range of experience and build a more general practice.

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9 minute read

January 23, 2008 | International Edition

For a firm that sets great stall in maintaining the status quo, it is interesting to note that Slaughter and May has a body called the constitutional working party (CWP). The little-known group has been in action again recently, reviewing Slaughters' governance to coincide with this month's election of new senior partner Chris Saul. The process is the first review of its management since outgoing senior partner Tim Clark took up the role seven years ago. By the yardstick of most corporatised global law firms, the results of the review may seem minor but, by Slaughters' standards, the process has been substantial, examining its core leadership, practice management and the working of its 'best friends' alliance of international firms.

By Charlotte Edmond

7 minute read

January 23, 2008 | Legal Week

For a firm that sets great stall in maintaining the status quo, it is interesting to note that Slaughter and May has a body called the constitutional working party (CWP). The little-known group has been in action again recently, reviewing Slaughters' governance to coincide with this month's election of new senior partner Chris Saul. The process is the first review of its management since outgoing senior partner Tim Clark took up the role seven years ago. By the yardstick of most corporatised global law firms, the results of the review may seem minor but, by Slaughters' standards, the process has been substantial, examining its core leadership, practice management and the working of its 'best friends' alliance of international firms.

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19 minute read