Suzanna Ring

November 09, 2012 | International Edition

Thirty Nine Essex Street and 4-5 Gray's Inn Square are in "advanced discussions" about a possible combination that could see the two sets come together under one brand. Should the tie-up go ahead it would create one of the largest civil sets in London with around 140 members including more than 40 silks and would be a rare example of consolidation at the bar. It is unclear whether the combination would include all barristers from both sets.

By Suzanna Ring

2 minute read

November 08, 2012 | International Edition

Tesco is set to review its external advisers in the new year as part of a shake-up of the retail giant's in-house legal function led by its new general counsel (GC). Adrian Morris – who joined Tesco as GC in September this year from BP, where he was assistant GC – will review the company's external law firm relationships in early 2013, with the creation of a law firm panel one option under consideration.

By Suzanna Ring

3 minute read

November 08, 2012 | International Edition

Allen & Overy (A&O) is to increase the number of partners in its global dispute resolution practice by 50% over the next four years, as the group continues to grow its contribution to firmwide revenues.

By Suzanna Ring

2 minute read

November 08, 2012 | International Edition

RBS listens to advisers as Lloyds pushes for value but outlook will challenge banks' position, writes Suzanna Ring

By Suzanna Ring

7 minute read

November 08, 2012 | International Edition

As I arrive to interview Lord Falconer at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher on London's Victoria Embankment, I am hit with the sudden realisation that this is one of those rare professional occasions when I really don't know what to expect.

By Suzanna Ring

11 minute read

November 08, 2012 | International Edition

Allen & Overy (A&O) global private equity co-head Derek Baird has resigned to join Simpson Thacher & Bartlett in London. Baird will join the elite US firm as a partner in the City corporate group, taking the total number of partners in the local practice to 12.

By Suzanna Ring

2 minute read

November 07, 2012 | International Edition

Olswang and Taylor Wessing are advising on the £400m merger between accountancy firms BDO and PKF, news of which was confirmed today (7 November). The merger, which is planned to go live in early 2013, will create an accountancy firm with combined revenues of almost £400m and around 3,500 staff in the UK.

By Suzanna Ring

2 minute read

November 07, 2012 | International Edition

A three-partner Allen & Overy (A&O) team has moved out of the firm's associated office in Saudi Arabia, following the end of its five-year agreement with local outfit Abdulaziz AlGasim Law Firm. The team, which according to A&O's website comprises nine lawyers, has left Abdulaziz AlGasim's premises in Riyadh, where A&O has been based in the region.

By Suzanna Ring

2 minute read

November 06, 2012 | International Edition

CPA Global has appointed its first-ever general counsel with the hire of Ancestry.com legal vice president Ruth Daniels. Daniels joined the legal service outsourcer (LSO) in September this year as part of CPA's expansion plans, following its acquisition by private equity house Cinven in March.

By Suzanna Ring

2 minute read

November 06, 2012 | International Edition

The high-profile case between insurance company Prudential and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) over an attempt to allow accountants to benefit from legal professional privilege (LPP) has reached the Supreme Court this week.

By Suzanna Ring

3 minute read