Sofia Lind

June 29, 2010 | International Edition

SJ Berwin is set to lose its co-head of arbitration David Goldberg, who is to join White & Case in the next month. Goldberg will be based in London but also spend significant time in the US law firm's Moscow office. The litigator headed SJ Berwin's London-based Russia desk and had previously looked at launching a Moscow office for the top 20 City law firm. However, the firm shelved the plans as the global financial downturn severely affected the local market.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

June 29, 2010 | International Edition

A trio of firms have secured roles on a £300m fashion deal that has seen TPG Capital acquire UK-based retailer Republic. Top 20 City law firm SJ Berwin took the lead role for Republic and the seller Change Capital Partners on the transaction, having initially advised the private equity house when it bought the fashion outlet in 2005.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

June 29, 2010 | International Edition

Olswang and Stephenson Harwood have taken lead roles as Cineworld moves to update its UK screens to be able to handle 3D films such as 2010 blockbuster Avatar. Olswang advised Cineworld Group on the deal, which closed earlier this month (11 June), while Stephenson Harwood was instructed by digital cinema technology provider Arts Alliance Media, which will implement the digital upgrade programme at 77 Cineworld cinemas.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

June 29, 2010 | International Edition

Initial indications show trainee retention rates at the UK's leading law firms are largely stable as a number of firms announce the proportion of September qualifiers to be offered places. Top performers include Slaughter and May, which has posted a 93% retention rate, with the firm set to keep 57 of a total 61 qualifiers after 60 applied for a position.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

June 29, 2010 | International Edition

Simmons & Simmons and Mayer Brown have called off merger talks, the two firms have confirmed in a joint press statement sent today (29 June).

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

June 29, 2010 | International Edition

Simmons & Simmons has finalised this year's promotions with eight new partners to be made up. The appointments, which will be back-dated to 1 May, see the firm make up two new partners in its City base, having appointed only one London partner last year.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

June 28, 2010 | International Edition

Norton Rose has hired two partners to its London litigation practice including Denton Wilde Sapte's co-head of dispute resolution.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

June 25, 2010 | International Edition

Halliwells has this week moved to appoint an administrator as the firm tries to secure a takeover by Hill Dickinson that would transfer the bulk of its business and assets.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

June 24, 2010 | International Edition

Taylor Wessing is the latest firm to post a dip in turnover for the 2009-10 financial year, with the Anglo-German firm's UK and global revenue both falling over the period. The firm's UK turnover was down by 7.3%, to £84.5m from £91.2m last year. However, average profits per equity partner (PEP) increased by 4.6% from £435,000 in 2008-09 to £455,000 in the last financial year.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

June 24, 2010 | International Edition

Kaye Scholer has taken on DLA Piper's private equity head as its new London managing partner as the New York law firm launches a drive to expand in the City. Andrew B Harris will join Kaye Scholer next month (5 July) as its new London head after spending six years with DLA Piper. Harris joined the transatlantic firm in 2004 from SJ Berwin, where he was a partner. He will replace London office founder Guilherme Brafman in the role, although Brafman will remain as a partner with the firm.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read