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 18, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Hire Up: Ex-Government Attorneys Were in Demand in This Week's Lateral Market

The former chief counsel to New Jersey's governor and former U.S. attorneys highlight a busy week of public-to-private moves.

By Patrick Smith

5 minute read

September 17, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Littler Reinstates Pre-Pandemic Pay, Joining Other Big L&E Firms

The international firm is making its lawyers and staff in the U.S., Mexico and Canada whole after months of reduced compensation.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

September 17, 2020 | The American Lawyer

New Matter Generation Back to Pre-COVID-19 Baseline, but Worries Remain, Survey Finds

The latest survey from legal software company Clio shows business steadily increasing across multiple practice areas and geographic regions, but respondents still have grave concerns about this quarter and beyond.

By Patrick Smith

5 minute read

September 16, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Quarles Splitting Leadership Role Into 2

Firms have had some time to review how their current structures are serving them and their clients, and in some cases that means a reorganization of roles.

By Patrick Smith

5 minute read

September 16, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Why Law Firms Seem to 'Eat Their Young' During Downturns

Every firm leader is aware of the potential damages inherent in focusing on short-term returns, but the legal model and the environment they work in make the decision process complicated.

By Patrick Smith

8 minute read

September 16, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Jenner Promotes 5 Women to Practice Leadership Roles

Co-managing partner Katya Jestin said the promotions were a natural extension of having made the right hires and fostering their respective growth.

By Patrick Smith

4 minute read

September 15, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Male Partner Compensation Grew at Nearly Twice the Rate of Female Partner Comp in Last 10 Years

Male equity partners saw the biggest increase, while non-equity males and female partners were left short.

By Patrick Smith

4 minute read

September 14, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Deal Watch Sunday Funday: Latham, Davis Polk, MoFo, Watchtell Primaries on $60B in Sunday Deals

It isn't the first time that some big deals have come through on Sunday evening, but the size of the two deals is encouraging for corporate practices that have been decimated by the pandemic.

By Patrick Smith

4 minute read