Suzi Ring

January 19, 2012 | International Edition

Herbert Smith has become the latest UK law firm to set its sights on the coveted Australia market, with the firm entering into merger talks with Freehills. The two firms are holding exploratory discussions about a tie-up, with all options under consideration – including a full merger, a Swiss verein-style deal or a joint venture agreement.

By Suzi Ring

4 minute read

January 19, 2012 | International Edition

Pinsent Masons and McGrigors are in merger talks over a deal that could create a combined firm with revenues of around £282m. The talks have been confirmed by both firms today (19 January) with partner votes expected to be held in February. If a deal goes ahead, the combined firm would be ranked 12th in the UK top 50, with McGrigors reporting 2010-11 turnover of £70m and Pinsents' revenues standing at £212.5m.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read

January 19, 2012 | International Edition

Linklaters, Olswang and 11 South Square have all taken roles for News Group Newspapers (NGN) on at least 20 phone-hacking cases settled today (19 January), as signs of a resolution to the ongoing scandal begin to emerge. Linklaters litigation partner Christa Band, Olswang litigation partner Dan Tench and 11 South Square's Michael Silverleaf QC have all advised NGN, with Mr Justice Vos handing out settlement payments ranging between £16,000 and £130,000 in the High Court today.

By Suzi Ring

3 minute read

January 19, 2012 | International Edition

Macfarlanes corporate partner Rachel Bond has left the firm and taken up an in-house role at financial services company Byhiras. Bond left Macfarlanes at the close of 2011 and joined Byhiras earlier this month. Her role at the company, which was launched a year ago, will cover both legal and non-legal work.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read

January 18, 2012 | International Edition

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer's highest-paid member took home £2.5m last year, a 7% decrease on the top figure of £2.7m paid out in 2010. The figure, contained within the firm's recently filed limited liability partnership accounts, is understood to have been paid to a retired partner. The sum marks the second consecutive annual decrease in the firm's top payout, after 2008-09's highest-earning member received £3.3m.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read

January 17, 2012 | International Edition

Herbert Smith is in talks to tie up with Australia's Freehills, making the firm the latest in a growing list of leading UK players attempting to enter the strategically important market. The two firms are currently holding exploratory discussions, with all options under consideration, including a full merger, a Swiss verein-style tie-up or a joint venture agreement.

By Suzi Ring

3 minute read

January 16, 2012 | International Edition

Macfarlanes has taken over specialist hedge fund law firm D Harris & Co International (DHCI) in a bid to grow the firm's footprint in the hedge fund market. All of DHCI's nine City-based employees have joined Macfarlanes' private equity practice today (16 January), with DHCI founder Daniel Harris taking a consultant role alongside five associates, two trainees and one paralegal.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read

January 16, 2012 | International Edition

LG has moved to rebuild its City finance practice with a team hire from Stephenson Harwood. Real estate finance consultant John Fox and senior associates Matthew East and Simon Elphick will all join LG as partners in March.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read

January 12, 2012 | International Edition

20 Essex Street has taken on respected South Square silk Stephen Atherton QC and counsel Blair Leahy as the chambers looks to expand into new areas of work. Atherton and Leahy, who will join 20 Essex Street on 16 January this year, have both spent the entirety of their careers at South Square, with the exception of a six-month pupillage at 7 King's Bench Walk for Atherton.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read

January 12, 2012 | International Edition

Kennedys senior partner Nick Thomas has been re-elected for his fourth term at the helm of the firm following an uncontested election at the close of last year. Thomas, who will start his new five-year term later this month, has held the role since 1996 and also stood uncontested in his last election in 2007.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read