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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June 10, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Deal Watch: As PE Deal Activity Ramps Up, Skadden, Paul Weiss, Latham Lead $11B Chip Deal

The relative success of the overall M&A markets can't reasonably be separated from the private equity industry.

By Patrick Smith

9 minute read

June 10, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Freshfields Recruits Davis Polk, Kirkland Lawyers, Building for 'Next Generation'

"What we are trying to build here is something that will sustain generationally," said Damien Zoubek, Freshfields co-head of U.S. corporate and mergers and acquisitions.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

June 10, 2024 | The American Lawyer

How Attorney Titles in Big Law Can Mean Everything, and Nothing, All at Once

Getting a title suggests "that the partner, and by extension his or her clients, could be prioritized and important to the firm," noted one recruiter.

By Patrick Smith

6 minute read

June 07, 2024 | Law.com

Legal Speak's 'Sidebar With Saul' Part V: Strange Days of Trump Trial Culminate in Historic Verdict

In this week's Legal Speak episode, ALM litigation reporter Emily Saul joins producers Cedra Mayfield and Patrick Smith for a roundup discussion of the first Trump criminal trial.

By Patrick Smith

1 minute read

June 04, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Finishing the Plan: Mayer Brown's Van Gorp Reelected for Second Three-Year Term

Jon Van Gorp wants the firm to press its advantage in "strength" areas, such as a strong global offering, growth in Salt Lake City and expansion in New York.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

June 04, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Employment Litigation Leader to Replace Mary Beth Hogan as Debevoise Litigation Co-Chair

Longtime partner Jyotin Hamid will join Andrew Ceresney at the helm of the unit, which brought in $546 million in revenue last year. Hogan is retiring after 33 years at the firm.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

June 03, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Deal Watch: Energy, Pharma Continue to Drive Deal Activity as Wachtell, Kirkland Lead $22.5 Billion ConocoPhillips/Marathon Oil Deal

The transaction is the latest in a series of consolidation moves in the energy sector, coming on the heels of two earlier multibillion-dollar mergers this year.

By Patrick Smith

9 minute read

June 03, 2024 | New York Law Journal

Outgoing SDNY Deputy US Attorney Lands at Skadden

Andrea Griswold had been in the U.S. Attorney's Office for more than a decade, moving from line prosecutor to chief counsel to the U.S. attorney and then to deputy U.S. attorney.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read