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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July 12, 2022 | The American Lawyer

Kelley Drye's Private Client Practice Moves to Herrick

Kelley Drye's strategic vision "doesn't include the private client practice" anymore, said Carolyn Caufield, who is Herrick's new private client practice chair.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

July 11, 2022 | The American Lawyer

Deal Watch: Twitter Lawyers Up With Wachtell Lipton

Wachtell's William Savitt, co-chair of its litigation department, wrote in a letter that Twitter "demands that Mr. Musk" comply with his obligations under a deal agreement.

By Patrick Smith

6 minute read

July 11, 2022 | New York Law Journal

Skadden Lands EDNY Prosecutor From R. Kelly Trial

After over 10 years at EDNY, Maria Cruz Melendez is going back to where her legal career began.

By Patrick Smith

2 minute read

July 11, 2022 | The American Lawyer

'A Lot of People Are Not Busy': When M&A Slows, the Whole Firm Feels It

Ancillary practices to M&A are seeing a drop in billed hours, while fewer lawyers may be hired in these areas. "Everything that ties into deal work is off," said one law firm leader.

By Patrick Smith

6 minute read

July 06, 2022 | The American Lawyer

Former Fried Frank Partner, SEC Attorney Joins Cooley's Fund Formation Practice

Stacey Song joins a 60-plus attorney fund formation team at Cooley.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

July 06, 2022 | The American Lawyer

Paul Hastings Continues Lateral Blitz With Gibson Dunn White-Collar Partner

Avi Weitzman, one of a number of partner exits this year at Gibson Dunn, said the firm's compensation changes did not factor into his decision to move to Paul Hastings.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

July 05, 2022 | The American Lawyer

S&C and Goodwin Top M&A League Tables for 2022

The first half rankings showed many familiar faces, as the M&A market dropped 21%.

By Patrick Smith

4 minute read

July 05, 2022 | The American Lawyer

Cyber Practices Are Great for Law Firms—If They Can Find the Right People

Law firms already have an uphill climb in competing with other tech-savvy entities in the cyber space. The lack of qualified talent and increasing workloads don't help.

By Bruce Love | Patrick Smith

8 minute read