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 20, 2023 | The American Lawyer

Goodwin's Wait for New CFO Comes to an End

AmEx veteran Christina Wong has joined the firm in New York. Goodwin had been without a CFO since early 2022, when longtime CFO Jon Kanter left.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

June 15, 2023 | The American Lawyer

Skadden Names New Executive Partner as Eric Friedman Steps Aside After 15 Years at the Helm

Skadden has selected Jeremy London to succeed Eric Friedman as executive partner, effective April 2024.

By Patrick Smith

2 minute read

June 15, 2023 | The American Lawyer

Clifford Chance Names First Managing Partner for New York

Ness Cohen stepped into the new role Thursday as the firm continues to find ways to expand its U.S. presence.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

June 15, 2023 | The American Lawyer

Wilmer Taps NY White-Collar Partner as Next Leader for a Series of 'Firsts'

New managing partner-elect Anjan Sahni will be the firm's first 'solo' managing partner since the 2004 merger, the first firm leader to be located in New York and the first person of Sikh faith to run any Big Law firm.

By Patrick Smith

5 minute read

June 14, 2023 | The American Lawyer

From 'Neither's First Choice' to 'Substantial Benefits for Both Firms,' Big Law Leaders React to Proposed A&O-Shearman Merger

Sources predicted that despite rhetoric from both firms about the combined entity's global balance, its investment and energy will be focused on the U.S.

By Patrick Smith

5 minute read

June 12, 2023 | The American Lawyer

Deal Watch: Wachtell Has Big Week as PGA/LIV Merger Looks … Shaky

Wachtell worked on two of the four largest deals of the week, but one of them is running into a bit of scrutiny.

By Patrick Smith

10 minute read

June 12, 2023 | The American Lawyer

Simpson Thacher Again Dips into Lateral Pool, Takes Another Partner From Paul Weiss

Justin Rosenberg is the third lateral partner to join the firm in the last week.

By Patrick Smith

2 minute read

June 09, 2023 | The American Lawyer

Solve the Problem: Paul Weiss' M&A Practice Guided by Kindler and Barshay Philosophy

"Morgan Stanley has a good relationship with Paul Weiss," said Rob Kindler, noting, "I certainly expect to do more and more work with them moving forward."

By Patrick Smith

4 minute read