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.

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February 04, 2020 | The American Lawyer

The Lateral Integration Process Has Gotten a Facelift as Firms Search for a Leg Up

Law firms are scrapping old methods of lateral integration in favor of staffed-up programs designed to deliver.

By David Thomas

9 minute read

February 03, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Faegre Drinker Makes Its Debut, Pressing Size as an Advantage

Leaders of Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath are making their case to clients now that the biggest law firm merger of the year so far is official.

By David Thomas

4 minute read

February 03, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Former Ogletree Deakins Lawyer Drops $300M Gender Bias Suit

Both sides moved to drop the $300 million gender discrimination lawsuit Dawn Knepper had filed against her former firm. The lawsuit had been in arbitration for months.

By David Thomas

3 minute read

January 31, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Oasis Suit Against Kirkland, Littler in Peril After Attorney Misses Court Date

The founder of Oasis Financial will ask a judge Wednesday to vacate the dismissal of his lawsuit against the two firms.

By David Thomas

3 minute read

January 31, 2020 | National Law Journal

Carter Page Suit Puts Fresh Spotlight on Perkins Coie, Marc Elias Over Trump 'Dossier'

A Chicago lawsuit marks the second time Page has tried to sue the DNC, Perkins Coie and two of the firm's partners, Marc Elias and Michael Sussmann.

By David Thomas

5 minute read

January 30, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Orrick Pours Cash Into Reynen Court, Newly Launched 'App Store' for Legal Tech

The move makes Orrick the third law firm to invest in the platform, after Clifford Chance and Latham & Watkins helped raise $7 million.

By David Thomas

3 minute read

January 28, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Kirkland, Mayer Brown Alums Join Crowded Litigation Finance Field

The three former Gerchen Keller principals behind GLS Capital are touting their $345 million kitty, their experience, and the increasing openness to third-party litigation finance in Big Law.

By David Thomas

4 minute read

January 27, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Ex-Kirkland, Wilkinson Walsh Litigator Calls It Quits to Escape Stress and Just 'Go Home'

Brant Bishop, 50, stepped back from his high-stakes litigation career this month to embrace more time with his family. "For now the plan is to not really have much of a plan," he said.

By David Thomas

5 minute read

January 27, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Dentons Seals Double Merger Deals, Putting New US Strategy to the Test

The global megafirm is celebrating the first planned combinations under its "Golden Spike" American expansion plan.

By David Thomas

3 minute read

January 24, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Missouri Rebuffs Littler's Claims About Financial Incentives

The Am Law 100 law firm and the state are in court over how many jobs Littler was obligated to create in Kansas City. At stake is $14 million in economic incentives for Littler.

By David Thomas

4 minute read

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