Sofia Lind

September 07, 2011 | International Edition

Four of the magic circle are among a raft of firms to have won roles on the 
multi billion-euro debt restructuring of Endemol, the TV production company behind shows such as Big Brother and Deal or No Deal. Endemol is owned by a consortium comprising Mediacinco, Goldman Sachs Capital Partners and Cyrte Investments, which are being advised by Clifford Chance (CC), Sullivan & Cromwell and Benelux leader Stibbe respectively.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

September 07, 2011 | International Edition

Allen & Overy (A&O) has become the latest leading City firm to review its partner remuneration structure, while Clifford Chance (CC) has confirmed that it has no plans to alter its existing lockstep model. A&O currently operates a modified lockstep with a 15-year equity ladder from bottom to top, with the firm understood to be considering changes to the length of the ladder.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

September 07, 2011 | International Edition

SNR Denton's top-earning UK partner looks set to take home around £150,000 more during 2011-12 than last year under a post-merger shake-up of partner remuneration, it has emerged. An internal announcement sent to partners over the summer confirmed the spread of the equity, as well as details of the move to merit-based pay at the UK arm of the transatlantic law firm.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

September 07, 2011 | International Edition

In an increasingly competitive legal sector it is understandable that many lawyers are unwilling to admit to human weakness, but those counselling struggling legal professionals believe that the number failing to cope has risen notably in recent years. As it is, occupational psychologists often argue that lawyers are relatively prone to depression because pessimists – people able to foresee problems – do better at law. In addition, lawyers also tend to see themselves as problem-solvers, and charities such as LawCare think lawyers are therefore often unwilling to seek help.

By Sofia Lind

9 minute read

September 07, 2011 | International Edition

Taylor Wessing has added a partner to its City trademarks, copyright and media team with the hire of Field Fisher Waterhouse's France Delord. Delord, who has been a partner in Field Fisher's trademark and brand protection group since 2008, joined the firm's London office in 2003 from Norton Rose.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

September 06, 2011 | International Edition

Allen & Overy (A&O) has set aside £3m for City redundancy payouts as it overhauls its back office team in light of its new 'onshoring' arm in Belfast. The total cost towards the Northern Ireland support centre was £4m in the 2010-11 financial year, according to the magic circle firm's annual report, of which £3m will be spent on redundancy payouts. However, the firm will be able to claim back the majority of that cost through a £2.5m grant it will receive from Invest Northern Ireland for creating local jobs.

By Sofia Lind

3 minute read

September 06, 2011 | International Edition

SJ Berwin is set to lose a team of funds lawyers in addition to the two partners exiting to join Proskauer Rose. The resignation of the team of associates, who are moving to the US firm alongside departing partners Nigel van Zyl and Oliver Rochman, will be seen as a further blow to the top 20 UK firm, which is especially well-known for its heavyweight funds practice.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

September 06, 2011 | International Edition

Trowers & Hamlins has relocated the head of its telecoms practice from Bahrain to Dubai to take up the new role of United Arab Emirates (UAE) managing partner. Abdullah Mutawi has already assumed the new role, which will see him work closely with the firm's regional heads Nick White in Dubai and Andrew Rae in Abu Dhabi. The firm's Bahrain base will continue to be led by Dominic O'Neil.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

September 05, 2011 | International Edition

Clifford Chance (CC) has added to its Spanish banking practice with the hire of Garrigues' project finance head Jose Guardo. Guardo, who is known both for his work in the banking and M&A sectors, joined CC's Madrid banking and finance practice today (5 September) after heading up Garrigues' project finance team for the last eight years.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

September 02, 2011 | International Edition

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has unveiled a new suitability test to protect standards for individuals and businesses working in regulated legal fields. The SRA is set to replace its existing ''Character and Suitability Test' with a new 'Suitability Test' from 6 October, coinciding with the launch of the watchdog's much-touted new model of 'outcomes-focused regulation' (OFR).

By Sofia Lind

3 minute read