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 05, 2024 | Law.com

As 'Social Inflation' Helps Fuel 'Nuclear' Verdicts, Insurers Address 'Legal System Abuse'

In this week's Legal Speak episode, James Whittle with the American Property Casualty Insurance Association dives into the impact of what the organization has dubbed "legal system abuse" as social inflation—the belief that large corporations are "bad actors with deep pockets"—helps fuel "nuclear" verdicts.

By Cedra Mayfield | Patrick Smith | Elana Ashanti Jefferson

1 minute read

April 04, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Cahill Drops 2.9% in Revenue as Firm Plans Long-Term Adjustments

Firm chair Herb Washer said Cahill is looking to diversify its practice mix to mitigate the highs and lows of a market-dependent practice.

By Patrick Smith

6 minute read

April 03, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Paul Weiss Plans Brussels Launch With Simpson Antitrust Partner

Brad Karp confirmed that having a "strong presence in Brussels" was a "strategic imperative" as the firm works on cross-border M&A work and consequential client matters.

By Patrick Smith

2 minute read

April 03, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Paul Hastings Lures Weil Partner to Co-Chair Asset-Backed Finance Group

The two-lawyer move includes Weil attorneys Shawn Kodes and Matthew Nemeth, who both join Paul Hastings as partners.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

April 02, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Deal Watch: Latham, Weil Lead Home Improvement Deal; Dealmakers Face Election Headwinds

While the previous few weeks have shown strong M&A volume, this past week underscores that nothing can be taken for granted about the deal market in 2024.

By Patrick Smith

8 minute read

April 02, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Simpson Thacher's Banking and Credit Practice Sees Leadership Change

Patrick Ryan, who has run the practice for about 15 years, will step down as Alexandra Kaplan and Brian Steinhardt step in.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

April 01, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Kramer Levin Finds 'A Good Year in a Difficult Environment,' With Revenue Rising 3.3%

While net income slid down, the firm's PEP was up by 1.2% to $2.41 million, as the equity tier shrunk by 5%.

By Patrick Smith

5 minute read

March 29, 2024 | Law.com

Promoting 'Comfortable Diversity' Can Impact Firms' Bottom Lines

In this week's Legal Speak episode, Chanel T. Rowe, of Johnson & Johnson, shares why she thinks promoting "comfortable diversity" can improve firms' bottom lines and how she's helping level the legal playing field.

By Cedra Mayfield | Lisa Willis | Patrick Smith

1 minute read