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
October 18, 2023 | The American Lawyer
After Davis Polk Rescinds Offers, Pressure Grows on Firms to Act, Despite 'Grey Areas' in Statements"There seems to be a pressure for firms, by their clients, staff or attorneys, to raise their voices strongly and firmly," one law professor said. "But that gets dangerous as a hair-trigger reaction."
By Patrick Smith | Justin Henry
6 minute read
October 17, 2023 | The American Lawyer
Davis Polk Rescinds Offers to 3 Students at Columbia, Harvard for Statements on IsraelFirm chair Neil Barr said the statements issued by the student organizations ran "contrary to our firm's values."
By Patrick Smith
3 minute read
October 16, 2023 | The American Lawyer
Deal Watch: Something Is Amiss in Hong KongAnemic deal activity has law firms adjusting their staff levels and strategy in the region.
By Patrick Smith
7 minute read
October 16, 2023 | The American Lawyer
Paul Hastings Lures 12 Attorneys From Goodwin, Cooley in Northern California ExpansionThe group includes four partners, with Scott Joachim slated to be global vice chair of Paul Hastings' private equity practice.
By Patrick Smith
3 minute read
October 13, 2023 | The American Lawyer
Stroock Cut Pay and Hours of Senior Staff as Merger Talks Dragged OnThe cuts in pay and hours for senior staff raise questions about Stroock's financial footing during its merger talks.
By Patrick Smith | Justin Henry
3 minute read
October 13, 2023 | The American Lawyer
A&O Shearman Has Liftoff—Partners Give Green LightThe final tally showed a 99% approval rate, according to a firm spokesperson.
By Jack Womack | Patrick Smith
4 minute read
October 11, 2023 | The American Lawyer
Big Deal in Big Oil: Davis Polk, Gibson Dunn Lead Exxon's $59.5B Buy of Pioneer Natural ResourcesIt is the largest announced M&A transaction thus far in 2023 and a massive shot in the arm to overall deal value of the market.
By Patrick Smith
2 minute read
October 10, 2023 | The American Lawyer
Deal Watch: Energy, the Largest Driver of M&A in 2023, Poised for Deal Barrage (and Maybe the Largest Deal of the Year)Energy and power sectors have usurped technology as the primary driver of M&A activity thus far in 2023. And it doesn't appear it will let up.
By Patrick Smith
8 minute read
October 10, 2023 | The American Lawyer
Paul Hastings Launches Insurance M&A Group With Partners From Sidley, Mayer Brown"We have great existing clients, and this is a way to expand our touchpoints with them," Frank Lopez, chair of Paul Hastings, said.
By Patrick Smith
3 minute read
October 09, 2023 | The American Lawyer
A&O Top Leader Will Likely Helm Combined Firm but Who Exactly Is Not CertainIf the merger is approved, the combined firm is targeted to be effective around May 2024, although the exact date is not clear.
By Patrick Smith
4 minute read
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