Sofia Lind

April 20, 2012 | International Edition

Linklaters and Bird & Bird are among the first major firms to nominate new compliance officers, as the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has given UK law firms until 31 July to appoint someone to take responsibility for the firm's legal practice and financial administration.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

April 20, 2012 | International Edition

New measures to reduce the number of cases heard in the European Court of Human Rights have been agreed, in a bid to free the court up to focus on the most serious violations of human rights. The reforms have been agreed by the 47 member states of the Council of Europe, with the Brighton Declaration published online today (20 April).

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

April 19, 2012 | International Edition

Transport for London (TfL) has launched its first panel review in five years, with the new roster to include work for the Greater London Authority (GLA), which now sits within TfL's remit. The review, which is expected to conclude later this year, marks TfL's first panel exercise since 2007, when the public transport company appointed a 12-strong line-up covering major projects and mainstream work.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

April 18, 2012 | International Edition

Allen & Overy (A&O) is increasing associate pay levels by between £500 and £1,000, as the firm becomes the first of the magic circle to announce its 2012-13 rates. The small increases, effective as of 1 May, will see first-year post-qualification (PQE) rates increase from £68,000 to £68,500, second-year PQE rise from £74,000 to £74,500, while three-year PQE associates will see the biggest rise, from £85,000 to £86,000.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

April 17, 2012 | International Edition

Norton Rose has made up 36 new partners across its international network, including eight in London and the firm's first promotions in Canada, Latin America and Africa. Almost half of this year's promotions are in these new markets, with the round including six director promotions in South Africa - the local equivalent to partner. Ten partners have been made up in Canada and one in Venezuela.

By Sofia Lind

3 minute read

April 16, 2012 | International Edition

SNR Denton has won a claim against former India group head Gauri Advani to reimburse the firm for costs it incurred as co-defendant in her 2009 bribery case. Advani, who was struck off as a solicitor by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal earlier this month (3 April), has been ordered to pay a legal bill of almost £600,000 on behalf of legacy Denton Wilde Sapte and its insurer Travelers.

By Sofia Lind

3 minute read

April 12, 2012 | International Edition

The Law Society has elected its future president with the appointment of Andrew Caplen as the next deputy vice president (DVP). The society's council has elected Caplen, a consultant with Abels Solicitors in Southampton, to take up the role from July this year. Under the Law Society president succession system, he is due to become president of the Law Society in 2014.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

April 11, 2012 | International Edition

Allen & Overy (A&O) is advising Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) on a €838m (£692m) deal to buy the remaining 50% stake in its City-based investment management joint venture RBC Dexia Investor Services. The deal, which will see RBC take full ownership of the business, was announced last week (3 April) but is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in mid-2012.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

April 11, 2012 | International Edition

Bird & Bird is set to make up 12 new partners in its annual promotions round, marking a significant increase on last year, when just two lawyers were made up. All of the new partners are in Europe, including four in Germany, while in London, three lawyers will join the partnership as of 1 May.

By Sofia Lind

3 minute read

April 10, 2012 | International Edition

Riverview Law has added former High Court judge Sir Oliver Popplewell to its chambers arm as an associate member of its mediation and arbitration team. Popplewell, a door tenant at Brick Court Chambers, is joining the line-up of barristers associated with Riverview Chambers, the chambers arm of the fixed-price legal services business.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read