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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January 24, 2022 | The American Lawyer

Weil Gotshal Names New Litigation Co-Chair, First Woman to Lead Department

Elizabeth Stotland Weiswasser was formerly the co-head of life sciences and patent litigation practices at the firm.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

January 24, 2022 | The American Lawyer

Freshfields Hires Cravath Attorney as New Employee Benefits Co-Head

Nicole Foster is the second Cravath attorney to join Freshfields in the last six months.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

January 21, 2022 | The American Lawyer

If Data-Driven Lateral Recruiting Works, Why Aren't More Firms Doing It?

"Law firms are generally not designed to maximize profits or client satisfaction or even quality. They are designed to meet a partner's needs and demands," one consultant said.

By Patrick Smith

5 minute read

January 20, 2022 | The American Lawyer

Milbank Boosts Associate Pay Scale For The Second Time In A Year

Rising inflation, a good financial year and firm lawyers working "harder than ever" were factors in Milbank's decision, the firm said.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

January 19, 2022 | The American Lawyer

Cooley Adds 4-Lawyer Financial Services Group From Buckley

The new partners will focus on government enforcement actions and high-stakes litigation matters, the firm said.

By Patrick Smith

2 minute read

January 18, 2022 | The American Lawyer

Deal Watch: Simpson, Skadden Usher in Microsoft's $68.7B Buy of Activision Blizzard

The deal is the largest takeover in Microsoft's history and signals a bet on the metaverse for Microsoft Gaming.

By Patrick Smith

10 minute read

January 18, 2022 | New York Law Journal

Brown Rudnick Takes 8-Lawyer Group From McCarter & English in Global Tech Practice Binge

"McCarter's history is largely as a litigation firm, and we thought it was important to find, if possible, that Goldilocks firm that truly has a unique combination of characteristics," partner David Sorin said.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read