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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August 14, 2023 | The American Lawyer

Deal Watch: Wachtell Leads on Week's Big Deal Talks; And Will Protectionism Alter the Global Deal Landscape?

The New York firm kept busy, with three announced mega-deal discussions in the last week.

By Patrick Smith

9 minute read

August 14, 2023 | The American Lawyer

Paul Weiss Raid on Kirkland Encompasses More Corporate Partners in US and UK

Sources confirmed that Paul Weiss has also hired debt finance partner Eric Wedel while M&A partner Roger Johnson will also likely join.

By Patrick Smith

2 minute read

August 14, 2023 | The American Lawyer

Freshfields Lands Schulte Litigation Co-Head

Gayle Klein had been at Schulte for about two-and-a-half years, following an eight-and-a-half-year stint at Weil.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

August 11, 2023 | New York Law Journal

Kirkland Is Now the Largest 'New York' Law Firm by Attorney Count as Big Apple Offices Saw Head Count Gains

Even in a down year for cap markets and M&A, Big Law in New York still added head count.

By Patrick Smith

5 minute read

August 10, 2023 | The American Lawyer

Big Law Associate Deferrals 'Bleed Into East Coast'

"The largest driver of cost savings would stem from a reduction in the size of a firm's new associate class," Decipher's Greg Hamman said.

By Patrick Smith

5 minute read

August 08, 2023 | The American Lawyer

Shearman, Simpson Guide KKR's $1.6B Buy of Simon & Schuster

While most of the chatter around Shearman has been around its pending merger with A&O, the firm is still doing the good work while the vote looms.

By Patrick Smith

2 minute read

August 07, 2023 | The American Lawyer

Deal Watch: Latham, Goodwin, Covington Steer Life Sciences Deals. And Is It Time for an M&A Rebound?

Near-record highs of private equity dry powder and corporate cash reserves are paired with high interest rates and other factors. Which will win out?

By Patrick Smith

10 minute read

August 07, 2023 | The American Lawyer

As More Partners Leave, Stroock Votes to End Pension Obligation

A five-partner restructuring team is the latest to leave Stroock for Morgan Lewis. Meanwhile, the New York firm said it has secured the votes needed to end its pension obligation, removing an obstacle for a merger.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read