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 12, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Skadden's Reputation Remains Sterling. So Why Are Partners Leaving?

The firm's M&A brand is as strong as any, but it has weathered a rare leadership transition and some observers say the private equity practice falls short of elite peers.

By Patrick Smith

8 minute read

August 09, 2024 | Law.com

Fighting an Employee: Here's When Brian Sutherland Says Employers Should Throw in the Towel

In this week's Legal Speak episode, Brian J. Sutherland of Beal, Sutherland, Berlin & Brown outlines his top litigation considerations for employers faced with discrimination claims.

By Cedra Mayfield | Patrick Smith

1 minute read

August 08, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Milbank Rolls Out Summer Bonuses for Associates, Counsel

First-year associates will earn an extra $6,000, while the firm's most senior associates as well as special counsel will earn an additional $25,000.

By Patrick Smith

2 minute read

August 08, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Paul Weiss Lands Skadden Co-Head of Financial Institutions Group in Two-Attorney Move

David Hepp and Matthew Collin arrive with strategic M&A expertise as well as the potential of a high-profile client roster.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

August 05, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Deal Watch: How Latham Got the Work Behind the Largest IPO of 2024

In something of a departure from Latham's traditional IPO work, the firm ushered Lineage through the full process of funding the company, scaling it, making acquisitions and, now, a public offering.

By Patrick Smith

12 minute read

August 05, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Goodwin Lures Kirkland Employment Partner

The move is the latest sign of a continuing talent battle between the two law firms, after Kirkland lured nine investment funds lawyers from Goodwin earlier this year.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

August 02, 2024 | Law.com

'Vision': How Judge David Tatel Mastered Blindness and Justice

In this week's Legal Speak episode, retired D.C. Circuit Judge David Tatel discusses how his memoir, "Vision: A Memoir of Blindness and Justice," weaves narratives about his legal career and deteriorating vision.

By Cedra Mayfield | Patrick Smith | Ross Todd

1 minute read

August 02, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Sidley Hires Joint CMOs as Role Continues Expansion in Big Law

"The legal landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and the needs of our clients continue to expand in both scale and complexity," noted Yvette Ostolaza, Sidley's management committee chair.

By Patrick Smith

5 minute read

August 01, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Paul Hastings Lures Arnold & Porter's Environmental Practice Chair

Brian Israel joins as co-chair of Paul Hastings' environmental litigation practice.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

July 31, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Parachutes Not Necessary: White & Case Sees All Global Regulatory and White Collar Work as a Home Game

The firm is betting that hiring locally in foreign offices for white-collar and regulatory work can add political, social and economic context to its clients' matters. But of course, the model has risks.

By Patrick Smith

7 minute read

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Legal Speak is a weekly podcast that makes sense of what’s happening in the legal industry.