Will Trump Boost Quinn Emanuel's Fortunes in China?

Ashurst Breaks Partner Promotions Record for Third Year Running

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | April 23, 2024

The firm has added 30 new lawyers to its partnership across 12 different offices and 14 practices.

3 minute read

Jones Day Adds Banking Partner Duo in Australia

Christopher Niesche | April 23, 2024

Firm plans to expand its transaction capability in Australia.

2 minute read

Charles Russell Speechlys Takes Hong Kong Quartet From Soon-To-Close KPMG Affiliate

Jessica Seah | April 23, 2024

The UK-based private client firm recently hired partners from the Singapore offices of Butler Snow and King & Spalding.

3 minute read

Another Chinese Beverage Company Pushes to Revive Hong Kong Market with Billion-Dollar IPO

Jessica Seah | April 23, 2024

Advised by Clifford Chance, Jingtian & Gongcheng and Harneys, China Resources Beverage has filed for a listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

3 minute read

Singapore's State-Owned Marine Unit Ordered to Pay $108M in Arbitration, Embroiled in Corruption Investigation

Jessica Seah | April 22, 2024

Seatrium will pay $108 million to MHWirth while separately embroiled in a $110 million corruption investigation.

2 minute read

Latham, Norton Rose Add Partners in Tokyo, Singapore

Jessica Seah | April 21, 2024

Yohei Nakagawa and Beelee Seah, who were both made partners last year, leave Morrison Foerster and Baker McKenzie, respectively.

4 minute read

KWM, Allen & Overy and Allens Advise on $2.2B Financing Package

Christopher Niesche | April 19, 2024

Kinetic needs funds to meet its net zero targets.

2 minute read

Allen & Overy Hires Technology Duo to Bolster Asia Pacific Offering

Christopher Niesche | April 19, 2024

Ravi de Fonseka and Daniel Thompson join from Australian firm Johnson Winter Slattery.

2 minute read

Dentons and Clyde & Co Boost Partnerships in Latest Promotion Rounds

Jack Womack | April 18, 2024

Earlier this week, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer announced its own promotions round, joining firms such as Herbert Smith Freehills and CMS.

3 minute read

Clyde & Co Australia Departures Continue as 3 Partners Leave for Kennedys

Christopher Niesche | April 18, 2024

Insurance partners Nicole Wearne, Ganga Narayanan and Mark Attard the latest senior lawyers to leave Clyde & Co.

2 minute read

Analysis

Lawyers See Positive Outlook for Mergers & Acquisitions in Australia

Christopher Niesche | April 17, 2024

They will face more hurdles, however, as Australian regulators, like their counterparts in many other countries and regions around the world, increase their scrutiny of M&A deals.

6 minute read

Singapore-founded Patent Data Unicorn Names First GC, Hiring From Another AI-Driven Unicorn

Chris O'Malley | April 17, 2024

Eric Topel joined Patsnap a company that raised $300 million from an investor group that included Japan's SoftBank at a valuation topping $1 billion in 2021.

3 minute read

Freshfields Promotes 23 to Global Partnership

Kasvi Sehgal | April 17, 2024

The latest round marks a slight decline, following the firm's largest promotion round last year, when it elevated 30 lawyers to partnership.

2 minute read

Asia Pacific Moves: K&L Gates Hires Partner in Australia, Kennedys and Campbells Add to Asia Partner Ranks

Jessica Seah | Christopher Niesche | April 16, 2024

Kennedys has added a new partner from RPC in Singapore, while K&L Gates hires an M&A partner from JWS.

3 minute read

When Big Law Buys Books of Business in Asia and Deep Pockets Backfire

Jessica Seah | April 16, 2024

McDermott, Will & Emery exited the Asia market in 2020, but a year later it set up in Singapore with some some highly extravagant team hires. Now, three years later, the firm has just one partner remaining in the city-state and he is dually based, splitting his time between Singapore and London. What led to McDermott's undoing, asks the Asia Legal Briefing.

8 minute read

Rimon Lures Restructuring Veteran from Gibson Dunn with Innovative Fee Structure, Plants Flag in Singapore

Jessica Seah | April 16, 2024

Troy Doyle is moving over, citing client demands for true flexible fee structures and experienced partner involvement on restructuring matters.

3 minute read

Indonesia's M&A and Project Finance Market Expected to Take Off in 2024

Natasha Teja | April 15, 2024

The outcome of the country's presidential election in February has restored investor confidence in Southeast Asia's largest economy, and international law firms are now getting ready for an increase in Indonesia-related work.

6 minute read

Norton Rose Fulbright Grew Revenue 8% Amid Management Exits

Dan Roe | April 15, 2024

The global law firm saw rising demand across its platform, said U.S. managing partner Jeff Cody.

5 minute read

Merger-Bound Shearman Loses Paris Tax Team to McDermott

Rick Mitchell | April 15, 2024

McDermott said its Paris tax practice now has 10 attorneys, including four partners, one counsel, and five associates.

3 minute read

Deloitte Hires Former DLA Piper Partner Melinda Upton in Australia

Christopher Niesche | April 15, 2024

The accounting firm says it aims to provide "multidisciplinary solutions".

2 minute read

Herbert Smith Freehills Promotes 27 to Global Partnership

Kasvi Sehgal | April 15, 2024

A majority of the newly-promoted partners have a focus in the firm's private capital, energy transition and ESG groups, indicative of the firm's wider strategy.

3 minute read

Freshfields, Simpson Thacher, Haiwen and Fangda on Dalian Wanda's $8.3B Mall Unit Stake Sale

Jessica Seah | April 14, 2024

Freshfields is advising Dalian Wanda while Simpson Thacher, Haiwen and Fangda are advising the investors.

2 minute read

Herbert Smith Freehills Refreshes Global Arbitration Leadership

Kasvi Sehgal | April 12, 2024

The current head retires after over 37-years at the firm.

2 minute read

Analysis

Litigation Funders' Pitch to Corporate Litigants: Turn Your Lawsuit into an Asset

Justin Henry | April 12, 2024

A $40 million agreement between Quinn Emanuel and Longford Capital illustrates how law firms are seeking to make third-party finance more appealing to their clients.

5 minute read

Singapore's Legal Disciplinary Body Hands Down 3-Year Suspension to Partner Duo

Tony Sabine | April 11, 2024

The two lawyers the lead counsel on opposite sides of a case that Singapore's Court of Appeal heard on January 20, 2021.

3 minute read

Head of Climate Change at Australia's Minter Ellison Departs for Consultancy

Christopher Niesche | April 11, 2024

Executives are increasingly grappling with emerging risks and opportunities from climate change.

2 minute read

Bearing the Flag for Hong Kong: HKEX GC Paul Chow Reflects on New Expectations and the Evolution of the Legal Market

Jessica Seah | April 10, 2024

The former Big Law partner oversees the heart of Hong Kong's financial center, which may play a huge role in Greater China's economic future.

7 minute read

Australia's Wotton + Kearney Debuts in Asia With 2 Partners From Kennedys Singapore

Christopher Niesche | April 09, 2024

The insurance firm's expansion follows a share sale to a private equity investor two years ago.

2 minute read

Tickle v Giggle: The Australian Court Case Testing the Nature of Gender

Christopher Niesche | April 09, 2024

Defendant says the case is taking a stand for women's safe spaces.

4 minute read

Veteran IP Lawyer Tapped as Managing Director for IPH Limited Canadian Member Firm

Gail J. Cohen | April 08, 2024

Dario Pietrantonio has been with Quebec-based ROBIC for 30 years in various leadership roles.

2 minute read

Indian, Australian Firms Take Top Spots on M&A League Tables as Q1 Dominated by Domestic Deals

Jessica Seah | April 08, 2024

Of the 12 largest M&A deals announced in Q1 this year, four are Greater China-based transactions.

3 minute read

A&O Shearman Announces First Partner Promotions Round Ahead of May Merger

Kasvi Sehgal | April 08, 2024

Of the 40 newly-promoted partners, A&O has elected 32 lawyers, while Shearman has elevated eight.

3 minute read

Watson Farley Adds Another From McDermott, Leaving US Firm's Singapore Fate Unknown

Jessica Seah | April 08, 2024

Until last month, McDermott had three local lawyers listed, but two no longer appear on its website and the third seems to now be based in London.

2 minute read

South Korea's Big Six Battle for Talent as Yulchon, Shin & Kim Hire from Rivals

Jessica Seah | April 08, 2024

Both Yulchon and Shin & Kim have been busy hiring this year.

3 minute read

Baker, Ashurst Advise on $1.1B Australian Convenience Store Deal

Christopher Niesche | April 08, 2024

Australia owners sell 7-Eleven back to Japanese parent.

2 minute read

Pinsent Masons Bets on Energy Transition and Infrastructure Build for Australia Expansion

Christopher Niesche | April 04, 2024

The U.K.-headquartered firm has taken several teams from other firms in Australia.

4 minute read

Norton Rose Fulbright Hires Technology Partner in Australia

Christopher Niesche | April 04, 2024

The firm says digital transformation, AI and cyber risks are changing rapidly.

1 minute read

Wachtell, Goodwin Top Q1 League Tables as Global M&A Value Jumps 38%

Brenda Sapino Jeffreys | April 03, 2024

While the value of global M&A announced during Q1 was up significantly, the number of deals declined by 31% when compared with the same period a year ago.

2 minute read

Hong Kong Law Firm Co-Founder Launches New Firm

Tony Sabine | April 03, 2024

Phillip Georgiou says Georgiou Partnership will deliver for those seeking expertise on issues ranging from insolvency and asset recovery to regulatory and compliance-related work.

2 minute read

Revenue, Profits Slip at Baker Botts as Firm Invests in Hiring, Singapore Office

Brenda Sapino Jeffreys | April 03, 2024

Managing partner Danny David, who took on the managing partner role on Aug. 1, said the London, Singapore and Middle East offices had a "truly stellar" 2023 in terms of engagements and achievements.

6 minute read

Asia-Pacific Moves: Dentons Makes Key APAC Hires while Yang & Yang Makes a Splash in Hong Kong, as Drew & Napier Strengthens its Arbitration Outreach

Tony Sabine | April 03, 2024

Dentons, Yang & Yang, and Drew & Napier have beefed up their portfolio of senior lawyers as they look to consolidate their market share with the addition of specialists in banking, finance, international arbitration, and litigation.

3 minute read

Poll

Deadline Today: Participate in This Year's Mental Health Survey

ALM Staff | April 03, 2024

Our Survey on Mental Health in the Legal Industry is still open, and we need to hear from you—lawyers and all professionals in the legal world.

1 minute read

K&L Gates Brings in Australian Corporate Team from Local Rival

Christopher Niesche | April 03, 2024

The third partner hire this year takes the Australian total to 76.

2 minute read

Law Firms Terminate Lobbying Relationships With Chinese Companies

Abigail Adcox | April 03, 2024

Akin, Brownstein and Steptoe have parted ways with Chinese lobbying clients in recent months amid increased scrutiny of China on Capitol Hill.

4 minute read

Asia Deal Digest: International Firms Have a Hand in a Number of Recent Deals Across Asia

Jessica Seah | April 02, 2024

The deals have been based in Greater China, Singapore, Japan and India.

8 minute read

KPMG's Hong Kong Affiliate Law Practice Set to Shut Down

Jessica Seah | April 02, 2024

KPMG Legal isn't the only Big Four firm to pull back investments in Hong Kong, EY did the same earlier this year.

3 minute read

Charles Russell Speechlys Adds Singapore Partner Trio from Butler Snow and King & Spalding

Jessica Seah | April 01, 2024

Butler Snow lawyers Kurt Rademacher and Ivan Lu and King & Spalding's Peter Brabant are joining Charles Russell Speechlys as partners in Singapore.

3 minute read

The Challenge of China: What Will Kirkland, Latham and the Rest of Big Law Do Now?

Lisa Shuchman | April 01, 2024

It's getting increasingly difficult to operate a law firm in Greater China, writes The Global Lawyer. How long can Big Law last?

6 minute read

China Welcomes Boosted IP Player as East IP and Hong Kong SIPS Merge, Absorb Zhong Lun Team

Jessica Seah | April 01, 2024

Zhong Lun trademark veteran Jimmy Huang joins East IP with five other partners and 30 other IP professionals.

3 minute read

Letter from Asia: In Singapore, The Americans Have a Brand Issue

Jessica Seah | March 31, 2024

American law firm brands have not penetrated the Southeast Asian market in the same way that American consumerism has. It's a brand issue. And it's also a commitment issue., writes Law.com International Asia Editor Jessica Seah in this bimonthly column.

5 minute read

Chinese Investments Pick Up in Brazil, Stoking Work for Lawyers

Amy Guthrie | March 28, 2024

With warmer diplomatic relations post-pandemic, China is poised to plow even more capital into its top destination for investment in Latin America.

4 minute read

Revenue Per Lawyer Hits New Peak at Reed Smith, as Profits Stagnate Amid Mounting Costs

Justin Henry | March 28, 2024

"We saw financial growth from top 200 clients, including significant increases in international engagements, which indicates that our global platform is working for our international clients," said global managing partner Casey Ryan.

5 minute read

From Shein to TikTok, Lawyers Say US-China Agenda Is Testing Market Resilience

Jessica Seah | March 27, 2024

Increasing regulatory scrutiny can mean more billable hours for a small group of legal advisers, but the "uninvestable" U.S.-China status is worrisome for most.

6 minute read

Weil Gotshal Shutters Beijing and Mulls Shanghai Closure

Jessica Seah | March 27, 2024

Weil joins a growing line of top U.S. law firms that have closed offices in mainland China as the fractious geopolitical relationship between the U.S. and China and the prolonged market downturn force the world's top-performing law firms to reconsider their investments in China.

3 minute read

Linklaters Partner Promotions Fall Steeply on Last Year

Kasvi Sehgal | March 27, 2024

The promotions span 14 countries across Asia, Europe and U.S., with the majority of lawyers based in the firm's UK offering.

2 minute read

Expert Opinion

Beyond Borders: Navigating Global Business Compliance With the FCPA

Cole Callihan | March 25, 2024

Companies with any international operations should ensure they have a robust written policy and compliance program focused on anti-bribery and corruption. This is especially true where companies have foreign subsidiaries or engage third parties in foreign countries for sales, consulting and other activities.

8 minute read

New Hong Kong Security Law Takes Effect

Tony Sabine | March 25, 2024

Article 23 was first introduced in 2003, but the government was forced to shelve the legislation after a public outcry.

2 minute read

How to Grow Fast Like Kirkland

Paul Hodkinson | March 24, 2024

Class actions are set for significant growth across the globe and law firms that corner the market could reap big rewards, writes the Global Lawyer.

6 minute read

Fried Frank Crosses $1B in Revenue as PEP Soars 21% and Equity Tier Declines

Patrick Smith | March 22, 2024

"There was no plan for mass de-equitization," said chair Kenneth Rosh. "We do manage it [the partnership], and there were some laterals who left and some retirements."

6 minute read

A Double Blow, Orrick Shutters Taipei and Shanghai Offices in Attempt to 'Rebalance' Regional Platform

Jessica Seah | March 21, 2024

The market downturn in Asia has forced many international firms to cut back on their operations in the region, especially in Greater China. In the past year, Latham & Watkins, Perkins Coie, Proskauer Rose, and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld have all shuttered offices in mainland China.

4 minute read

Why This Australian Gaming Company Group GC Loves Legal Tech

Christopher Niesche | March 21, 2024

Ivana Kovacevic says legal tech saves a business time and money, and frees up in-house counsel to spend time on more value-added work.

5 minute read

At Morrison & Foerster, Reduced Overhead and Steady Demand Led to 19% Profitability Gain

Dan Roe | March 21, 2024

In international markets, the firm advised the board of Toshiba in its $15 billion take-private, the largest deal of its kind in the history of Japan. It also saw strong performance from its offices in Berlin and London, the firm said.

6 minute read

8 US Firms to Battle Out Didi Global Securities Class Action in US Court

Jessica Seah | March 21, 2024

Quinn Emanuel, Skadden, Wilson Sonsini, Sullivan & Cromwell, Gibson Dunn and O'Melveny are all representing parties in the lawsuit.

3 minute read

At Goodwin, Growth Investments Scuttle Profits While Revenue Ticked Up

Patrick Smith | March 21, 2024

The firm, which saw London revenue increase 25.9% in 2023, will be moving into a new, larger location in the city. Elsewhere, Goodin has expanded its practices in Europe and Asia, the firm said.

5 minute read

Ashurst Expands Australian Disputes Practice with Partner Hire

Christopher Niesche | March 21, 2024

The U.K.-headquartered firm plans to grow its global disputes and investigations practice.

2 minute read

The Asia Market Continues to Baffle Law Firm Leaders. In Singapore, Cracks Have Emerged

Jessica Seah | March 20, 2024

Asia is no longer cheap and the region's markets are mature enough that firms scoping out opportunities must first do their homework, and do it carefully. If they don't, they may not last, Jessica Seah writes in the Asia Legal Briefing.

5 minute read

Revenue Up 6.2% at Orrick, But Profits Grew by Much More

Brenda Sapino Jeffreys | March 20, 2024

Orrick Chair Mitch Zuklie said that internationally, performance from the firm's London office was strong. He also said the firm started seeing a meaningful amount of cross-border work coming from China, where the firm has offices in Beijing and Shanghai.

5 minute read

Stephenson Harwood's China Affiliate Firm Launches New Office

Jessica Seah | March 20, 2024

Corporate partner Joanna Jiang, who joined Wei Tu last year, will be leading the firm's new outfit in Shanghai.

2 minute read

Australia's HWL Ebsworth Appoints Temporary Leader after Managing Partner Dies

Christopher Niesche | March 20, 2024

Juan Martinez died after 26 years leading the firm.

2 minute read