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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 02, 2020 | The American Lawyer

M&A Activity Fell Off in 2020's First Quarter—Even at Kirkland

Total deal value dropped 28% year over year globally, and M&A stalwart Kirkland & Ellis was hit especially hard, with a 74% decline from the first quarter of 2019.

By Patrick Smith

7 minute read

March 31, 2020 | The American Lawyer

As Remote Work Brings Isolation, How Can Firms Keep Lawyers in the Fold?

"The kind of interpersonal communication that people have on a coffee break or in the lunchroom is now gone," said one behavioral scientist who's also a Big Law alum. "Firms are going to have to work to keep their people committed and engaged."

By Patrick Smith

4 minute read

March 31, 2020 | The American Lawyer

With Pros and Olympics Delayed, Sports Lawyers Plot Out the Long Game for Their Practices

While some sports-related work will slow, lawyers will be called in to broker cooperation in rescheduling major athletic competitions.

By Patrick Smith

6 minute read

March 27, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Rethinking Law Firm Real Estate When the Office Is Empty

Will the sudden shift to remote working accelerate the trends that are transforming modern law offices?

By Patrick Smith

5 minute read

March 27, 2020 | The American Lawyer

How Big Law Shaped Private Equity and Rode the Wave to Record Revenue

Facilitated by the innovative lawyers who designed creative tax vehicles, corporate structures and deal incentives as the industry blossomed, private equity has become a cycle of prosperity that has helped push Big Law forward.

By Patrick Smith

13 minute read

March 26, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Hogan Lovells Raids Emergency Supplies to Get N95 Masks to Health Providers

Thanks to a grassroots mobilization effort within the firm, internal supplies designed to be used in a terrorist attack or traditional natural disaster have found a new purpose. 

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

March 24, 2020 | New York Law Journal

Gibson Dunn Nabs Paul Hastings Private Equity Partner as Crisis Calls for Client 'Triage'

"These are logistically challenging times, but it has been much easier than I thought," Stefan dePozsgay said of his move.

By Patrick Smith

4 minute read

March 23, 2020 | New York Law Journal

After 23 Years at Simpson Thacher, Veteran Tax Partner Picks Paul Weiss

Robert Holo is returning to Paul Weiss after more than two decades advising on deals with a New York rival.

By Patrick Smith

2 minute read

March 23, 2020 | National Law Journal

Ex-FDA Official Leaves Akin Gump for Arnold & Porter as Regulatory Questions Swirl

Howard Sklamberg joined Arnold & Porter on Monday and was immediately placed on his new firm's COVID-19 task force.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

March 20, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Deal Watch: COVID-19 Weighs on Deals, But a Few Big Ones Push Through

Energy drinks, health care management, and the technology sector saw deals moving forward, while other acquisitions and IPOs have been put on hold.

By Patrick Smith

5 minute read