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Patrick Smith

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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November 24, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Sensing Opportunity With Change in Administrations, Paul Hastings Bulks Up Life Sciences Consulting Arm

Paul Hastings finds some blue ocean in consulting that complements existing practices.

By Patrick Smith

4 minute read

November 24, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Through Decades of Success, Ted Wells Has Been the Essence of a Litigator

Ted Wells, a 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award winner, has excelled while staying true to his principles and building a legacy rooted in social justice and mentorship.

By Patrick Smith

7 minute read

November 24, 2020 | The American Lawyer

More Market Leaders Line Up To Give Double Associate Bonuses

Some are tying the extra cash to a minimum billable hours requirement as they also announce year-end bonuses.

By Patrick Smith

5 minute read

November 23, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Deal Watch: BuzzFeed Buys HuffPo, Big Sale in Livestreaming in Slower Week for M&A

The mega-deals that have dotted the M&A landscape in previous weeks were largely absent, but some big deals still got done.

By Patrick Smith

6 minute read

November 20, 2020 | The American Lawyer

How Year-End Attorney Reviews Might Look a Little Different This Year

Some firms are looking at 2020 as a way to push forward on decoupling year-end reviews and compensation as well as swapping one large review for several smaller ones, while others are staying the course.

By Patrick Smith

5 minute read

November 18, 2020 | The American Lawyer

To RFP or Not to RFP? A Question All Firms Need to Answer

As clients look to drive down pricing, exert influence over team composition and evaluate potential new legal counsel, law firms have to ask themselves if the juice is worth the squeeze when it comes to many RFPs.

By Patrick Smith

7 minute read

November 16, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Deal Watch: A Double-Deal Monday for Wachtell, as Big Deals Keep on Churning

Home Depot and PNC Bank make big acquisitions, while SPACs are doing more, and larger, deals.

By Patrick Smith

8 minute read

November 12, 2020 | The American Lawyer

8 Firms Have Announced High-Level Diversity Positions in the Last Month. How Should We Feel About That?

The events of the summer and a refocus on diversity issues in law firms have spurred change in the C-suite, but not everyone is convinced it is enough to counter a lingering and complicated issue. Others think it is just window dressing.

By Patrick Smith

6 minute read

November 12, 2020 | Pro Mid Market

Why Midsize Firms Are Less Likely to Eat Their Young In A Crisis

Midsize firms, even with less room for error, may be in a better position to keep their associates busy and learning than their larger counterparts.

By Patrick Smith

6 minute read

November 11, 2020 | The American Lawyer

How to Handle an Administration Change ... at a Law Firm

While the person taking charge is of course paramount, a lot of other changes happen when power transitions, and it isn't always smooth.

By Patrick Smith

6 minute read


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