Sofia Lind

September 28, 2011 | International Edition

Norton Rose equity partners will see their share of the firm's profits re-based as part of an overhaul of the lockstep and the introduction of a more merit-based remuneration structure. The shift, which was voted through by partners over the summer following a review by the partnership council, will see the firm extend its lockstep at the top and put greater weight on individual performance from the start of the new financial year in May 2012.

By Sofia Lind

3 minute read

September 27, 2011 | International Edition

Allen & Overy (A&O) has become the latest major law firm to actively target ethnic diversity recruitment by hiring an agency which focuses on African Caribbean graduates. The magic circle firm has signed up to work with Rare Recruitment, joining Clifford Chance (CC), Hogan Lovells, Herbert Smith and Travers Smith among law firm clients of the diversity specialist agency.

By Sofia Lind

3 minute read

September 26, 2011 | International Edition

The Law Society has been ordered to pay damages to a former employee after it was found guilty of disability discrimination by an employment tribunal. The settlement saw the plaintiff, Elizabeth Marshall, awarded an undisclosed sum of compensation following a hearing in the London Central Employment Tribunal last month (16 August).

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

September 26, 2011 | International Edition

SJ Berwin has made up four associates in its City investment funds practice outside of the firm's normal partner promotions cycle. The move, which the firm described as "client-driven", has seen Cindy Valentine, Ed Hall and Shawn D'Aguiar join the partnership alongside tax lawyer Laura Charkin.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

September 26, 2011 | International Edition

Stephenson Harwood is set to launch a dedicated employee benefits and incentives practice in London with the hire of Ashurst partner Barbara Allen. Allen, whose start date has not yet been agreed, will join as head of the team and will be the sole partner dedicated to the practice.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

September 21, 2011 | International Edition

Jones Day has made a double partner hire in London with the addition of one partner apiece from Simmons & Simmons and Addleshaw Goddard. The US firm has hired Simmons corporate partner Paul Exley for its London energy practice, while Addleshaws financial institutions regulatory partner John Ahern is joining the equivalent team at Jones Day. Exley, who joined Simmons as a trainee and became a partner in 1995, has worked with clients including the Ministry of Defence. His practice focuses on cross-border M&A and commercial work in the energy and infrastructure sector, with a particular emphasis 
on oil and gas.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

September 21, 2011 | International Edition

Clifford Chance (CC) senior partner Malcolm Sweeting is certainly no Stuart Popham. Popham, a born public speaker, who many suggest would have made a brilliant politician, ended his eight years as senior partner with a strong profile in industry that reflected the figurehead style he brought to the role. In contrast, Sweeting's electoral platform was a very different one. As a self-proclaimed "guardian of the partnership culture", Sweeting's take on the role is much more internal-facing. Indeed, one of the City finance partner's key objectives during his first nine months in office has been to ensure he is constantly visible to the partners and that they know what he is up to.

By Sofia Lind

6 minute read

September 16, 2011 | International Edition

The Law Society has criticised government proposals to limit business migration which could complicate international recruitment for UK law firms. As part of a wider review of UK immigration policy, the Government is currently considering ending the automatic right for migrants holding Tier 2 visas to apply for permanent residency after living and working in the UK for five years. The Law Society has said that these plans could negatively affect the competitiveness of UK business, as many large City firms rely on the expertise of skilled migrant workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).

By Sofia Lind

3 minute read

September 16, 2011 | International Edition

Simmons & Simmons and CMS Cameron McKenna have each seen a partner leave to join Freehills as the Australian firm moves to bulk up its IT and communications practice. Simmons' Hong Kong-based Asia head of information, communications and technology Damien Bailey is set to join the firm's Sydney office in October, while CMS City technology partner Yuban Moodley will join the Brisbane office as executive counsel.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

September 16, 2011 | International Edition

Allen & Overy (A&O) has moved to rebuild its Hong Kong banking practice with the relocation of City partner Ian Powell to the office. The transfer comes after A&O last month saw the departure of Hong Kong finance partner Ashley Young to Kirland & Ellis's local office. Young is moving to the US firm alongside senior associate Douglas Murning, who is joining as a partner.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read