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Patrick Smith

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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April 13, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Without Leverage, Private Equity Firms Missing Out on Stimulus Funds

Portfolio companies have thus far been excluded from the CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program, leaving private equity firms to lobby for a life raft.

By Patrick Smith

7 minute read

April 13, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Boston Firms Make Cuts, Program Changes as COVID-19 Continues to Rattle Industry

Goodwin Procter; Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo; and Nixon Peabody are among large Boston-founded firms looking to cut costs.

By Patrick Smith

6 minute read

April 10, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Fried Frank, Lowenstein Sandler Add Big Law Vets to Lead Ops, Diversity, Recruiting

The pros taking on operations at Fried Frank, and diversity and talent roles at Lowenstein, are not strangers to the law firm C-suite.

By Patrick Smith

6 minute read

April 09, 2020 | The Recorder

O'Melveny Takes Longtime Ropes & Gray Partner in Quest to Grow Private Equity Practice

San Francisco lawyer C. Todd Boes, who spent 25 years at Ropes & Gray, said he sees opportunity in the private equity space despite the current economic conditions.

By Patrick Smith

5 minute read

April 09, 2020 | Pro Mid Market

Due Diligence and A Personal Touch: How Midsize Firms Make Laterals Stick

Midsize firms might see opportunities to recruit, even in a challenging economy, but they should be choosy and do the hard work upfront to avoid disappointment.

By Patrick Smith

7 minute read

April 07, 2020 | The American Lawyer

'There Isn't Going To Be a Magic Formula': How One Am Law 200 Firm Is Calibrating Cuts

Sullivan & Worcester managing partner Joel Carpenter said the firm's actions—including temporary pay cuts and some furloughs—is based on a 40% drop in revenue that he hopes won't come to pass.

By Patrick Smith

4 minute read

April 06, 2020 | The American Lawyer

How Perkins Coie Went Fully Virtual in 10 Days

"The opportunity here is that we can come back with a social fabric that is just as strong if not stronger than it was before," CIO Rick Howell said.

By Patrick Smith

5 minute read

April 06, 2020 | The Recorder

Goodwin Hires Duane Morris Cannabis Group Lead as Industry Faces COVID-19 Questions

Questions about curbside delivery of cannabis, the "essential business" label and state deregulation are weighing on the industry. Now Goodwin is projecting an increase in demand for its cannabis practice.

By Patrick Smith

4 minute read

April 06, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Amid Industrywide Uncertainty, Skadden Moves Forward With New Partner Promotions

In keeping with firm tradition, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom stayed on course in selecting its new partner class for 2020, despite unprecedented conditions.

By Patrick Smith

4 minute read

April 03, 2020 | The American Lawyer

As US Unemployment Soars, Legal Industry Hopes to Avoid Widespread Layoffs

Law firm job losses will be unavoidable, but some see hopeful differences between the COVID-19 crisis and the Great Recession.

By Patrick Smith

6 minute read