Suzi Ring

December 06, 2010 | International Edition

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has proposed a number of changes to law firms' insurance arrangements in the run-up to the introduction of Alternative Business Structures (ABSs) next year. Following an independent review commissioned by the SRA this summer, the regulator is now proposing to remove the single renewal date for professional indemnity insurance (PII) and allow renewal at any time of the year.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read

December 06, 2010 | International Edition

Allen & Overy (A&O) has won a mandate to advise the Treasury on the UK's £3.2bn bilateral loan agreement with Ireland. The appointment sees A&O's global banking chairman Michael Duncan and special global counsel Philip Wood take the lead role for the firm in relation to the UK's part of the Irish bailout.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read

December 02, 2010 | International Edition

Partners at top Irish law firms have voiced their support for Herbert Smith's plans to open an office in Belfast to handle volume disputes work, arguing the base will provide a further avenue for law graduates in a depressed job market. Herbert Smith announced last week that it would be opening in Belfast in April 2011, with the office set to provide support for high-volume disputes work - with staff reviewing and analysing large volumes of documents in litigation, arbitration and regulatory investigations.

By Suzi Ring

3 minute read

December 02, 2010 | International Edition

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is set to launch a Hong Kong law practice next year with the hire of Norton Rose's China corporate finance head. Freeman Chan will join Cleary to lead the new practice early next year, when the US firm intends to start practising local law. The practice will focus on Hong Kong-listed initial public offerings, capital market transactions, private equity and M&A.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read

December 01, 2010 | International Edition

Wragge & Co has launched its first office in the Middle East, with the national firm opening a new base in Abu Dhabi. The firm is making its entrance in the region via a joint venture with local lawyer Mohamed Al Mehairi and the relocation of City projects partner Jane Pittaway. The office opened yesterday (1 December) under the name Wragge & Co Legal Consultants. Al Mehairi has taken the role of chairman and senior partner in the new outfit, while Pittaway has been appointed as managing partner.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read

December 01, 2010 | International Edition

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has updated its guidance on the steps law firms are allowed to take to form alternative business structures (ABS) in the run-up to the new model's implementation next year. The SRA this week (29 November) issued an updated version of its guidance 'Preparing for ABSs' designed to explicitly set out what steps the regulator will allow ahead of the full implementation of ABS in October 2011.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read

December 01, 2010 | International Edition

Arthur Cox is advising the Irish Government on the recent bailout that has seen the country receive €85bn (£71.2bn) of financial aid. Managing partner Padraig O Riordain is leading a team from the Irish firm alongside head of finance Grainne Hennessy. Contributions to the bailout fund have been made by the Irish Republic, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the EU, including bilateral loans from the UK, Sweden and Denmark.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read

December 01, 2010 | International Edition

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert commercial and technology partner Andrew Giverin is set to leave the firm to launch a new boutique. The new practice, which will focus on commercial, technology and outsourcing advice, is due to launch early next year. Giverin, who is based in Barlows' London office, will be joined at the new boutique by partners from several other firms, with exact details as yet unconfirmed. Giverin joined Barlows as a partner in 2007 after four years at US firm Latham & Watkins, where he was a senior associate.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read

December 01, 2010 | International Edition

Gide Loyrette Nouel has added to its partnership with the promotion of the French firm's Vietnam office head. Samantha Campbell, who joined Gide in 2009 from Sullivan & Cromwell, has been made up to partner in the corporate and finance practice. Her appointment comes alongside the hire of two senior associates - Pham Bach Duong, the former head of legal for Standard Chartered Bank in Vietnam and the Mekong region, and Ha Dang Quang, who joins from Asian outfit Russin & Vecchi.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read

November 30, 2010 | International Edition

Bonelli Erede Pappalardo has recruited an Allen & Overy (A&O) project finance partner for its Rome office. Catia Tomasetti is set to join the Italian independent's banking and finance practice, with her start date yet to be confirmed. She is understood to be bringing with her a team of 20 lawyers, although this is yet to be confirmed by A&O, while Bonelli declined to comment on any further hires.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read