Sofia Lind

October 07, 2011 | International Edition

Edwards Wildman Palmer has made its third London partner hire from Bird & Bird this year, as the US firm completes a rebrand in the wake of its merger with Chicago's Wildman Harrold Allen & Dixon. The firm, formerly known as Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge, has recruited Bird & Bird telecoms partner Stuart Blythe as part of an effort to grow a London telecoms practice.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

October 06, 2011 | International Edition

Premier Property Lawyers has become the first alternative business structure (ABS) in the UK as outside investment in law firms brought about through the Legal Services Act (LSA) became possible from today (6 October). The Leicester-based firm, a wholly-owned subsidiary of conveyancing services provider myhomemove, has been awarded its licence by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) - the only approved regulator gaining final approval to license ABSs in time for the implementation of the new legal services regime.

By Sofia Lind

3 minute read

October 05, 2011 | International Edition

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert is set to see a trio of partner departures ahead of its impending merger with Clyde & Co next month. The departures include the firm's head of marine, energy and trade Patrick Foss, who is joining Norton Rose on 
1 November alongside fellow marine insurance partner Chris Zavos, and financial services regulatory partner Chris Brennan, who has left to join Lloyds Banking Group. Foss and Zavos, who focus on marine and energy insurance claims and shipping disputes, had both practised at shipping boutique Hill Taylor Dickinson before joining Barlows in 2003 and 2006 respectively, with Zavos joining from a two-year stint at legacy Richards Butler.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

October 05, 2011 | International Edition

Norton Rose looks set to maintain its global growth drive after adding a second Canadian firm to its international network in a tie-up that has gifted the fast-growing firm its first presence in South America. The merger with Canada's Macleod Dixon, which is set to go live on 1 January 2012, will hand the firm an additional 250 fee earners, bringing global headcount close to 3,000, including 700 in Canada. Macleod Dixon has offices in both Calgary and Toronto, where Norton Rose already has a presence, as well as international bases in Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Kazakhstan and Russia. The South American offices will be the first in the region for Norton Rose.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

October 05, 2011 | International Edition

SNR Denton is set to ramp up the use of its Milton Keynes office for lower-cost legal services as part of a major drive to boost profitability in the UK. The firm currently has 12 partners, 41 lawyers and 10 other fee earners in Milton Keynes but hopes to grow total legal headcount in the base "by double digits" over the next 12 months. Sainsbury's, Westfield and Virgin Active are among the key clients to have been served from Milton Keynes, particularly on real estate and employment matters, with the firm now hoping to expand the offering to a wider range of clients and practices to win business.

By Sofia Lind

3 minute read

October 04, 2011 | International Edition

Norton Rose has confirmed that it is to add a second Canadian firm to its international network, with Calgary-based Macleod Dixon to merge with the firm on 1 January 2012. The move, news of which first emerged in the Canadian press yesterday (3 October), will gift the group an additional 250 fee earners, adding to its Swiss Verein-structured international network which already comprises 2,500 fee earners.

By Sofia Lind

3 minute read

October 03, 2011 | International Edition

The Bar Council of India has agreed to set out a timeline for the liberalisation of its legal market, with Law Society president John Wotton claiming that he has "never been as confident" that the long-awaited process is finally underway. The first discussions will be held between the parties at the International Bar Association's annual conference in Dubai at the end of the month, with the Law Society hoping that the discussions will conclude by January, when a delegation from the Indian Bar Council is due to visit the UK.

By Sofia Lind

3 minute read

September 30, 2011 | International Edition

Allen & Overy (A&O) is set for a headline role on Manchester United's planned $1bn (£640m) Singapore initial public offering (IPO). The magic circle firm is understood to be advising longstanding client Man Utd on the listing, with global corporate co-head and relationship partner Andrew Ballheimer leading the firm's team.

By Sofia Lind

3 minute read

September 30, 2011 | International Edition

Dewey & LeBoeuf has added a partner to its London energy practice with the hire of Stephenson Harwood partner Marc Hammerson. The hire takes energy partner headcount in Dewey's London office to seven, with the group led by oil and gas sector head John LaMaster. Hammerson's practice focuses on energy transactions including M&A, project financing, energy derivatives, private equity and listings, in particular projects in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Africa.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

September 28, 2011 | International Edition

Simmons & Simmons has overhauled its flexible working scheme to make it easier for transactional lawyers to work reduced hours. The firm is set to pilot a new scheme that will allow all fee earners, including partners, to agree a percentage reduction in their annual working hours, with the flexibility to take the time off as they choose rather than being committed to working a certain number of hours each week.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read