Samantha Stokes

Samantha Stokes, based in New York, is a staff reporter at American Lawyer covering the business of law. You can reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter: @stokessamanthaj.

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November 07, 2019 | Pro Mid Market

For Midsize Firms, Mergers are Just One Way to Grow

On the heels of another merger between two Midwestern, midsize firms, market peers are left to decide if they, too, should seek a combination—or if another growth strategy could be a better fit.

By Samantha Stokes

5 minute read

November 05, 2019 | The American Lawyer

Quinn Emanuel Says Clients Can Pay in Bitcoin

The litigation megafirm says it considered the legal ethics implications of cryptocurrency payments before joining the small group of Am Law 200 firms that have taken the leap.

By Samantha Stokes

4 minute read

November 01, 2019 | The American Lawyer

Upstart Cities Overtaking Biggest Legal Markets for Law Firm Growth, Report Finds

CBRE says legal sector employment has cooled in top legal markets like New York and Washington, making way for growth in smaller cities across the country.

By Samantha Stokes

4 minute read

October 31, 2019 | The American Lawyer

Lathrop Inks Merger With Minnesota Firm as Midwest Stays Hot

The deal with Gray Plant Mooty will create a 400-lawyer firm with 14 U.S. offices, anchored in the upper and lower Midwest and with a presence on each coast.

By Samantha Stokes

4 minute read

October 30, 2019 | National Law Journal

Steptoe Rehires Ex-CFTC Official to Co-Chair Financial Services Group

Partner Matthew Kulkin is rejoining the firm after two years in government service.

By Samantha Stokes

2 minute read

October 29, 2019 | The American Lawyer

Kirkland to Lead Coal Giant Through Chapter 11 Proceeding

While Kirkland is advising Murray Energy, Davis Polk is representing an ad hoc lender group. The Chapter 11 filing is the latest sign that troubled coal companies continue to bring big business to law firm restructuring teams this year.

By Samantha Stokes

2 minute read

October 29, 2019 | The American Lawyer

'It's Coming': Looming Recession Keeps Bankruptcy Partners on the Move

The early warnings have been hard to miss, especially compared to the last big downturn. And law firms are taking heed.

By Samantha Stokes

6 minute read

October 28, 2019 | The Recorder

Foley Deepens IP Litigation Bench, Taking Class Action Co-Leader From Winston & Strawn

Stephen Smerek, a new partner in the firm's L.A. office, has decades of experience in IP and litigation and will help bridge the gap between those two practices at Foley.

By Samantha Stokes

4 minute read