Pui Guan Man

April 10, 2013 | International Edition

A new online service that enables clients to access barristers in their area without the need for a solicitor is going live today (10 April), with more than 80 barristers from 12 UK sets signed up. myBARRISTER, owned and created by former Shearman & Sterling partner Ronald DeKoven, will allow direct access to the Bar through a centralised portal of barristers.

By Pui-Guan Man

3 minute read

April 08, 2013 | International Edition

Taylor Wessing has hired top-rated Harbottle & Lewis intellectual property (IP) partner Mark Owen for its technology, media and telecoms (TMT) group. Owen, who has headed up Harbottle's IP, technology and regulatory practice since he joined the firm in 1998, has advised on high-profile matters including taking a role for Lucasfilm on its 2011 copyright battle with a prop designer over the sale of the iconic Stoomtrooper helmets and armour from the Star Wars movie series.

By Pui-Guan Man

2 minute read

April 08, 2013 | International Edition

Olswang has re-elected chief executive officer David Stewart for a second three-year term at the helm of the firm. Stewart, whose second term will begin on 1 May, will continue to oversee Olswang's executive committee, which drives the firm's strategy and management.

By Pui-Guan Man

2 minute read

April 08, 2013 | International Edition

Norton Rose, Ashurst and CMS Cameron McKenna have landed lead roles on the £260m London listing of a wind farm investment fund. Greencoat UK Wind, which is believed to be the first listed fund aimed at the UK renewable energy sector, raised the maximum amount through the main market initial public offering (IPO), having initially planned to raise a minimum of £205m.

By Pui-Guan Man

2 minute read

April 05, 2013 | International Edition

Simmons & Simmons is boosting its crime, fraud and investigations team with the hire of Kingsley Napley criminal litigation partner Stephen Gentle. Gentle, who is top-ranked in Chambers and Partners for both UK cartel defence and corporate crime, joined Kingsley Napley in 1993, becoming a partner in 2001. He will join Simmons' nine-partner crime, fraud and investigations team, which is headed by Nick Benwell, in June.

By Pui-Guan Man

2 minute read

April 05, 2013 | International Edition

Irish firm Mason Hayes & Curran has seen revenues increase by 5% to €44m (£37.7m) for the 2012 financial year. The figure marks a tenth consecutive year of turnover growth for the firm, which added that it has doubled revenues and headcount figures over the past decade.

By Pui-Guan Man

2 minute read

April 04, 2013 | International Edition

Nabarro has appointed restructuring head Patricia Godfrey to the newly created role of head of international, alongside the appointment of the firm's first fixed-share partner to its board. Restructuring and insolvency chief Godfrey has taken up the head of international role for an initial three-year term, and will take responsibility for overseeing and implementing the firm's international strategy.

By Pui-Guan Man

2 minute read

April 04, 2013 | International Edition

Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) has named real estate partner Chris de Pury as the firm's new head of real estate, succeeding current postholder Robert MacGregor. BLP chairman MacGregor has led the firm's real estate department since he joined from Clifford Chance in 2004. He first outlined his intention to hand over the role when he was elected to chair the firm's board last year.

By Pui-Guan Man

2 minute read

April 03, 2013 | International Edition

Trowers & Hamlins has announced its 2013 partner promotions, making up seven new partners across its London, Dubai and Manchester offices. The new partners, which include four female lawyers, are spread across the firm's banking, employment, housing projects, disputes and construction projects practices.

By Pui-Guan Man

2 minute read

April 03, 2013 | International Edition

Bird & Bird has struck a cooperation agreement with Swiss firm BCCC Advocats, marking the firm's third recent such deal in the wake of moves into the Australia and Denmark markets. The firms signed the agreement last month. It is understood that the co-operation deal could potentially lead to a full merger in future.

By Pui-Guan Man

2 minute read