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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September 16, 2024 | International Edition

The Disruptors: How Paul Weiss and Freshfields are Transforming the Global Elite Race

They have starkly different backgrounds. But both firms have succeeded in ways that other firms have not when breaking into significant foreign markets. Leaders at both firms explain how.

By Patrick Smith | Krishnan Nair

11 minute read

September 16, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Deputy GC of Fed Reserve Board Returns to Sullivan & Cromwell

Charles Gray began his legal career at S&C as an associate before moving to the public sector.

By Patrick Smith

2 minute read

September 13, 2024 | Law.com

From Prep Basketball Star to Dechert Global Managing Partner, Vince Cohen Never Forgot His D.C. Roots

In this week's Legal Speak episode, Dechert global managing partner Vince Cohen discusses his D.C. roots, his time in the U.S. Attorney's Office and his decision to make Dechert his home, all while paying homage to the city that raised him.

By Patrick Smith | Cedra Mayfield

2 minute read

September 13, 2024 | The American Lawyer

COOs on the Move as Big Firms See Flurry of Business Pro Hires

The consequence of a professional "wall" is usually turnover, noted an industry observer, about the fast pace of c-suite moves.

By Patrick Smith

4 minute read

September 10, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Deal Watch: Mega M&A Bounces Back, as NY Law Firms Lead Recent Big Deals

The Wall Street firms had a good week, while the reemergence of the 'megadeal' this year has buttressed deal work.

By Patrick Smith

8 minute read

September 10, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Davis Polk Capital Markets Partner Heads to Paul Hastings

London-based Dan Hirschovits has been involved in several major IPO transactions in the last several years.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

September 09, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Fried Frank's Head of Global Finance Moves to Skadden

After over three decades at Fried Frank, partner Christian Nahr will practice at Skadden.

By Patrick Smith

2 minute read

September 09, 2024 | The American Lawyer

'Critical Mass': Paul Hastings Draws More King & Spalding Talent

Firm chair Frank Lopez said 20 partners have joined since early 2023 "that have really been foundational, but we will continue incremental growth to critical mass in M&A and PE."

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read