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 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

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