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 29, 2021 | The American Lawyer

Has the SPAC Spigot Finally Run Dry?

The days of 20 or 30 new SPACs each week may be behind us. And that isn't necessarily a bad thing.

By Patrick Smith

6 minute read

April 29, 2021 | The American Lawyer

When Law Firm Offices Shut, Work-Life Boundaries Crumbled. Rebuilding Them Will Be Difficult.

Three firm leaders all said they are examining the challenges of work-from-home burnout, a hybrid office model and how to handle individual situations. It hasn't been easy.

By Patrick Smith

4 minute read

April 26, 2021 | The American Lawyer

Deal Watch: A Baker's Dozen of $1B-Plus Deals Make for Another Strong Week in M&A

SPACs have slowed, but good old-fashioned deal work has picked up as four deals north of $7 billion popped up in the last week.

By Patrick Smith

10 minute read

April 22, 2021 | The American Lawyer

Akin Gump Lands Former Schulte Investment Funds Attorney, Eyes More Growth in Asia

Firms chairperson Kim Koopersmith said the hiring of Brian Daly "further solidifies" the firm's standing as a leading global hedge fund practice.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

April 21, 2021 | The American Lawyer

'Binding' to Leading Clients, Paul Hastings Posts Double Digit PEP Growth

The firm made a number of lateral hires in 2020, including several former practice leaders from other firms.

By Patrick Smith

5 minute read

April 21, 2021 | The American Lawyer

'Much More Needs to Be Done': Law Firms Reflect on Chauvin Guilty Verdict

Continuing an ongoing trend of law firms weighing in on social and political issues, several firms have publicly made statements on the highly visible trial.

By Patrick Smith | Dylan Jackson

4 minute read

April 20, 2021 | National Law Journal

Washington's Biggest Firms All Grew Revenue In 2020

The 10 D.C. firms in the Am Law 100 all saw their top line increase in 2020, but the gains varied across the group.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

April 20, 2021 | The American Lawyer

With Millions in Real Estate Savings on the Table, the Am Law 100 Are Ready to Slim Down

Eyeing millions in savings, many firms are ready to reduce their post-pandemic footprint. Elites may keep it as a differentiator. Everything is on the table.

By Patrick Smith

8 minute read