Patrick Smith

Patrick Smith, based in New York, covers the business of law, including the ways law firms compete for clients and talent, M&A and corporate work, leadership and marketing innovation. Reach him at [email protected] or on Twitter at @nycpatrickd

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October 13, 2020 | The American Lawyer

The Outsourcing Continues: Wilson Sonsini to Send Office Services Work to New 3rd Party

While the firm stated the move to a new vendor will not impact existing staff positions, firms in general continue to outsource back office functions as they rework their internal business processes.

By Patrick Smith

4 minute read

October 12, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Opportunity in Crisis: These Firms Seized on an Unusual Lateral Hiring Market in 2020

Some firms have been able to act strategically amid a pandemic and economic downturn, increasing the number and, in some cases the quality, of their lateral partners.

By Patrick Smith

6 minute read

October 09, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Law Students Protest Outside Paul Weiss's New York Office Over Firm's Exxon Representation

The group delivered more than 600 signatures of law students demanding the firm stop representing fossil fuel clients or they won't work there.

By Patrick Smith

4 minute read

October 08, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Skadden, Goodwin Pass on Fall Bonuses

Firm leaders indicated they would take into consideration other firms' fall bonuses when they pay their annual bonuses to associates.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

October 08, 2020 | The American Lawyer

'We Should Look Like the Communities Where We Work': Firms Sign on to Program to Improve Diversity in Staff

Law firms are starting to understand not just the moral imperative of treating their business professionals as equals, but the business and financial advantages of doing so as well.

By Patrick Smith

5 minute read

October 07, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Pointing to 'Pivotal Moment,' Wiley Rein Hires Its First Chief Diversity Officer

While Wiley is later to the game than some of its peers, new CDO Rashida MacMurray-Abdullah said "it was clear they didn't just start thinking about this."

By Patrick Smith

5 minute read

October 07, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Davis Polk Delivers $500,000 Grant to Columbia-Sponsored Legal Clinic in Harlem

The clinic director said the additional monies will allow the clinic to expand its scope and hire another full-time attorney to assist the students working with the community on a variety of business and entrepreneurial matters.

By Patrick Smith

4 minute read