Legal Week

August 13, 2009 | International Edition

"I have recently completed my LPC at BPP and achieved a Distinction. However, I do not have a training contract. I have lived and studied in Manchester for the last seven years, but I am now looking to move to London. I am still applying for TCs and I am also looking to obtain some paralegal work which could hopefully turn into a TC."

By Legal Week

1 minute read

August 13, 2009 | International Edition

US tech leader Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati has named corporate rainmaker Steven Bochner as its new chief executive. The firm announced on Tuesday (11 August) that, after a unanimous partner vote, Bochner would be taking over from partner John Roos, who was confirmed as US ambassador to Japan last week.

By Legal Week

3 minute read

August 12, 2009 | International Edition

DLA Piper's Jared Genser represents a very high-profile client: Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and the face of democracy in Myanmar, also known as Burma. On Tuesday (11 August), the Myanmar Government convicted Suu Kyi of violating the terms of her house arrest, sparking international outrage and statements from world leaders including British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton calling for her release.

By Legal Week

5 minute read

August 12, 2009 | International Edition

Allen & Overy (A&O) has landed the lead role for Lloyds Banking Group on the sale of its Insight Investment Management subsidiary to Bank of New York Mellon for £235m. The magic circle firm was drafted in to advise Lloyds on the deal, which comprises Insight's external fund management operation, fielding a team led by corporate partner Alistair Asher.

By Legal Week

2 minute read

August 12, 2009 | International Edition

CMS Cameron McKenna and SJ Berwin have taken lead roles on healthcare provider Nuffield Health's £250m debt refinancing. Camerons advised Nuffield, led by City-based finance partners Andrew Ivison and Ian McGarr. SJ Berwin took the lead role for the financing banks, fielding a team led by London finance partner Stuart Brinkworth alongside real estate partner Edward Page.

By Legal Week

2 minute read

August 12, 2009 | International Edition

A landmark High Court judgment relating to the restructuring of IMO Car Wash has dealt a blow to junior lenders who invested in private equity deals that have turned sour. A raft of law firms and chambers including Latham & Watkins, Lovells and Gide Loyrette Nouel advised on the restructuring, with the court yesterday (11 August) approving schemes of arrangement which hand control of IMO to the consortium of banks - led by HBOS - which financed the £450m leveraged buyout of IMO in 2006. Hedge fund investors will lose their investment and receive no equity in the company.

By Legal Week

3 minute read

August 12, 2009 | International Edition

City firms' penchant for ever greater levels of specialisation should be cause for alarm, says former magic circle trainee Dominic Webb...Large commercial firms are rammed full of specialists. Ask them an intellectual property question and you will be introduced to lawyers who deal only with IP. Instruct them on a banking matter and they will not only use a team of banking lawyers

By Legal Week

4 minute read

August 12, 2009 | International Edition

Negligence claims against law firms are increasing, so solicitors must anticipate greater scrutiny from insurers as they seek to renew their professional indemnity cover this October, says Jonathan Davies, assistant general manager of professional risks at Travelers Insurance.

By Legal Week

1 minute read

August 11, 2009 | International Edition

Ashurst is set to lose four partners in Milan, including the local office's two leaders. Daniele Raynaud, who heads the Milan office, and Riccardo Agostinelli, Milan managing partner, are both set to leave the top 10 City firm. In addition, finance partner Lorenzo Vernetti and corporate partner Stefano Roncoroni are also departing. According to Ashurst, Agostinelli and Vernetti are leaving to join one firm, while Raynaud and Roncoroni will join another, although their destinations are unknown.

By Legal Week

2 minute read

August 11, 2009 | International Edition

Former Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer presents an introduction to the Legal Week Litigation Forum 2009, set to take place at One Whitehall Place on 17 September.

By Legal Week

1 minute read