Sofia Lind

February 10, 2010 | International Edition

Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) has launched a dedicated Moscow tax practice with the hire of a senior lawyer from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Andrey Shpak joined BLP's Russian arm Goltsblat BLP as a partner at the end of January and will take the title of Moscow head of tax. Goltsblat BLP already had lawyers advising on tax matters but did not have a partner dedicated to tax.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

February 10, 2010 | International Edition

Denton Wilde Sapte and Herbert Smith have advised on the rescue of inflight mobile technology company AeroMobile after five weeks in administration. AeroMobile went into administration at the end of December, with Dentons instructed in the lead role for administrator BDO.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

February 10, 2010 | International Edition

Denton Wilde Sapte is to retain just one of the seven trainees due to qualify at the firm in March. Two trainees withdrew from the qualification process, but of the five remaining, Dentons chose to offer a position to only one. The decision means the firm's retention rate stands at just 20% of those applying and 14% of the total intake.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

February 03, 2010 | International Edition

Taylor Wessing has appointed its first India group head in a bid to increase its focus on the emerging market. The firm, which already had an India desk but no dedicated leader for the group, said it has taken the step as part of a refreshed strategy to increase its focus on the growing opportunities for business in and out of India.

By Sofia Lind

1 minute read

February 03, 2010 | International Edition

CMS Cameron McKenna has set up a temporary base in Brazil to advise a number of energy clients on projects work, it has emerged. Energy partners Ted Rhodes and Ivan Londres have been working in the South American country since last autumn on behalf of clients in the firm's energy, projects and construction (EPC) practice.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

February 03, 2010 | International Edition

Denton Wilde Sapte is set to launch an office in Bahrain next month after securing its licence to practise in the country at the end of January. Dubai-based corporate partner Paul Davies and finance partner Christopher Aylward will relocate to Bahrain to spearhead the office, with Aylward taking on the managing partner role for the new office. Two associates are set to follow for the launch.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

February 03, 2010 | International Edition

CMS Cameron McKenna is considering extending the term of senior partner Richard Price. Price's second four-year term is due to expire at the end of this financial year (30 April) and there is currently a two-term cap on the position. However, the firm's management is expected to propose that he stay on for an additional year beyond the maximum term as an exceptional measure.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

January 27, 2010 | International Edition

CMS Cameron McKenna has added a partner to its Warsaw office with the hire of a senior in-house lawyer. Irek Piecuch has joined the UK top 15 firm from leading Polish telecoms operator TPSA, where he was head of strategy, a role that he took on after serving as general counsel. He also worked as regional counsel at IBM before joining TPSA.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

January 27, 2010 | International Edition

Allen & Overy (A&O) has taken a lead role as General Motors (GM) and Spyker reached an agreement for the purchase of Saab Automobile yesterday (26 January) after months of discussions. The magic circle firm advised Spyker on the deal, which has been agreed at a cut-price value of $400m (£247m) in cash and shares, but will see the small Dutch auto maker save the Saab brand from disappearing after GM announced plans to wind down operations late last year.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

January 27, 2010 | International Edition

Lovells has hired former Reed Smith partner Stephen York to head up its Middle East dispute resolution practice. York, who left Reed Smith's London office last autumn, will join Lovells next week (1 February) as a consultant, with a brief to grow the firm's regional disputes practice.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read