Billables and Bad Partners: Why Associates Are Still Not Happy

Why Arbitration Spinoffs Are 'Part Push, Part Pull' for Big Law

Ben Seal | October 19, 2023

International arbitration practitioners have been ditching large firms to branch out on their own, largely because they want to be free from law firm conflicts and bureaucracy. But as firms continue their race toward maximum profitability and higher margins, large arbitration practices have lost some of their luster for Big Law.

8 minute read

KPMG Law 'Moving Towards' £100M Target

Jack Womack | October 19, 2023

Like its rival Deloitte Legal, KPMG's legal arm is expected to land in the UK Top 50 in the next two or three years.

2 minute read

Former Senior Judge Hits Back at Politicians' Efforts to Limit Powers of the Judiciary

Charlotte Johnstone | October 19, 2023

The former President of the European Court of Human Rights said 'impartial and independent judges' are now more important than ever.

2 minute read

Herbert Smith Freehills Hits Sidley for New International PE Head

Charlotte Johnstone | October 19, 2023

The firm has also brought in a cannabis expert as a partner from DLA Piper.

2 minute read

Sainsbury's Reappoints 8 Firms to Legal Panel

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | October 19, 2023

Meanwhile, Tesco has added one extra firm to its previously single-firm legal roster.

2 minute read

Israel-Gaza: Lawyers Risk Becoming Agents of Misinformation

Krishnan Nair | October 18, 2023

False narratives, AI-generated imagery and unverified materials have proliferated amid the carnage—lawyers should be helping cut through the untruths, not promoting them.

5 minute read

Stephenson Harwood Adds Team of Eight from Ince in Greater China

Jessica Seah | October 18, 2023

The firm hopes the hire will provide opportunities to work with a greater pool of Chinese mainland clients, from shipyards to traders to LNG operators.

3 minute read

Dentons Removes Israel Social Media Post Following 'Incendiary' Fallout

Jack Womack | October 18, 2023

The firm's initial response was criticised by one lawyer for omitting any statement about Palestinians killed in the conflict with Israel.

3 minute read

Sunak in 'Legal Peril' by Aiding Gaza 'War Crimes', Warns MP-Led Lawyer Group

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | October 18, 2023

The conflict, which has sent shockwaves across the world, has drawn questions of potential infringements of international laws including the Geneva Convention.

3 minute read

Herbert Smith Freehills to Shutter Second Asian Office in 12 Months

Brian Yap | October 18, 2023

The firm announced the closure of its Seoul office in April.

3 minute read

In China's Prolonged Blip, is Shenzhen the Glimmer of Hope?

Jessica Seah | October 18, 2023

Bird & Bird, Holman Fenwick Willan and Morgan Lewis & Bockius have all launched new offices in Shenzhen this year. Lawyers say there's first mover advantage but what are the opportunities that lie within?

7 minute read

Sidley Austin, Maples Land Roles In Country Garden's $17B Offshore Debt Restructuring

Brian Yap | October 18, 2023

The distressed Chinese private property developer has been battling about $190 billion in total liabilities, coupled with nearly $11 billion in offshore debt and $6 billion in offshore loans.

2 minute read

Expert Opinion

Law Firms Must Break the Stigma Around the Menopause

Helen Hodgkinson | October 17, 2023

Employers have a duty to step up and implement practical steps to help women in their workforce, says TLT's chief people officer on World Menopause Day.

4 minute read

Kirkland Rebuilds in London with Simpson Thacher Private Equity Duo Hire

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | October 17, 2023

The pair count some of the world's largest private equity houses including KKR, Blackstone and Melrose as clients. The hires will go some way to rebuilding Kirkland's Ranks following Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison defections.

2 minute read

2 Antitrust Partners Return to Freshfields and Linklaters

Charlotte Johnstone | October 17, 2023

Both competition partners built experience in in-house and rival firm roles before making their return.

2 minute read

Hello A&O Shearman. Goodbye 'Magic Circle'

Paul Hodkinson | October 17, 2023

The grouping of what once were the biggest and best UK law firms no longer holds any meaning and should be retired for good.

4 minute read

Vinson & Elkins Swoops for Milbank Corporate Partner

Aishah Hussain | October 17, 2023

Chris Taufatofua focuses on energy and infrastructure matters and joins the firm after more than a decade at Milbank.

2 minute read

Eversheds and Addleshaws Advise on Latest Next Acquisition

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | October 17, 2023

FatFace is the fourth struggling retailer to be snapped up by the FTSE 100 retail brand.

2 minute read

What Industry Leaders Think of the A&O Shearman Result

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | October 16, 2023

Law.com spoke with a range of rivals, consultants and insiders across the city to get their views on the largest law firm merger of recent times.

7 minute read

The Sound of Silence is Getting Louder: Sometimes Law Firms Just Have to Speak Out

Lisa Shuchman | October 16, 2023

In the aftermath of last week's brutal attacks on Israel by Hamas militants, it became clear that global law firms do not operate in a bubble. They must demonstrate that they hold a set of values and stand for something beyond revenue and profits. It's what the German philosopher Immanuel Kant called "following a moral imperative." Today we call it "doing the right thing."

8 minute read

Littler Adds Counsel Trio in Asia, Covers 7 Jurisdictions from Singapore

Jessica Seah | October 16, 2023

From Singapore, the firm's first and only Asian office, it now counts 7 lawyers who are admitted in Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia, India, mainland China, U.S. and the U.K.

3 minute read

A&O Shearman Has Lift Off—99% of Partners Give Green Light

Jack Womack | October 13, 2023

The combination of Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling creates the third-largest law firm in the world, with combined revenues of approximately $3.4 billion.

4 minute read

UK Approves Microsoft's $69B Activision Purchase, Removing Deal's Final Hurdle

Greg Andrews | October 13, 2023

The companies made concessions to win the blessing of the UK's Competition and Markets Authority, capping Microsoft president Brad Smith's 21-months-long quest to shepherd the deal through a regulatory maze.

2 minute read

Why Do US Firms Feel So Confident to Buck the Trend and Take More London Office Space?

Aishah Hussain | October 13, 2023

Kirkland, Latham, Paul Weiss and others are taking on more space, but perhaps they should be cautious, writes The London Lawyer.

4 minute read

Mishcon Acts as Jewish Body Criticises BBC Over Hamas Coverage

Jack Womack | October 13, 2023

A variety of lawyers have been outspoken on the conflict with group of King's Counsel writing to the UK broadcasting regulator Ofcom earlier this week to criticise the BBC.

3 minute read

Trowers and Mishcon Cut Staff in the UK

Kasvi Sehgal | October 13, 2023

Six partners and close to 20 other lawyers have left Trowers as a result of the change, while Mishcon's cuts were in software solutions.

2 minute read

Reed Smith Faces £20 Million Claim From Sanctioned Shipping 'Client'

Jack Womack | October 13, 2023

Virgo Marine was sanctioned by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control in 2022 for arranging 'vessels for the storage and transportation of Iranian petrochemicals'.

3 minute read

Paul Weiss Settles on Soho HQ to Accommodate Growing London Office

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | October 13, 2023

The new offices at Twitter's former London HQ are set to give the firm more than 50,000 sq ft.

3 minute read

Piper Alderman, BCLP Advise on $965 million Fruit Deal

Christopher Niesche | October 13, 2023

Kirkland & Ellis, Allens and Herbert Smith Freehills are also advising on the deal.

2 minute read

National Law Firm Leader Q&A: 'Overseas Offices Are Sometimes The Difficult Second Album'

Aishah Hussain | October 13, 2023

TLT's managing partner John Wood talks about his 2025 strategy, including what has and hasn't hit the mark, why he's focused on the UK for now, and working with household names in snooker.

7 minute read

Slaughters, Kirkland Take Roles On £506M Apollo Acquisition

Kasvi Sehgal | October 12, 2023

Slaughters fielded a 10-partner team on the deal to acquire the owner of UK restaurant chain Wagamama.

2 minute read

Q&A: The State of AI Regulation

Becky Pritchard | October 12, 2023

How regulators across the US, EU and UK are addressing the rapid rise of AI.

4 minute read

'On The Fly': How In-House Lawyers are Managing AI Risk for Their Companies

Becky Pritchard | October 12, 2023

The past six months has seen an explosion in interest in AI that has left the in-house legal community rushing to develop guard rails for its ethical and compliant use at their organisations.

7 minute read

Am Law 100 Partners Push Firms To Break Silence Over Hamas Attack

Justin Henry | October 12, 2023

While some large firms were quick to affirm support for Israel, others have yet to speak out or did so only after internal or public pressure.

8 minute read

Former Deacons Partner Hired by Baker McKenzie Accused in Court of Sexual Harassment

Jessica Seah | October 12, 2023

The alleged harassment by lawyer Stefano Mariani took place while he was a partner at the Hong Kong firm Deacons. Mariani joined Baker McKenzie in June.

6 minute read

Paul Weiss Looks to Soho And Mayfair For New London Home

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | October 11, 2023

The firm is looking to buck the trend by eying up a move westwards while the rest of the legal community focus on London's Square Mile.

2 minute read

'It's Cut-Throat': What Elite Barristers Really Think About Their Instructing Solicitors

Tom Parry | October 11, 2023

Law.com International spoke with silks and senior juniors at the major London commercial sets about the 'beauty pageant' of selection, getting 'screwed' on fees, and the evolving barrister-solicitor bond.

10 minute read

Deloitte Legal Closes in on UK Top 50 as Revenue Rises Over 20%

Jack Womack | October 11, 2023

Deloitte Legal's total lawyer headcount in the UK has also increased and is now comparable with some of the country's Top 50 law firms.

3 minute read

Akerman Launches Japan Desk With Hire From Orrick

Brian Yap | October 11, 2023

The firm's Japan practice launch has been enabled, in part, by its hire of corporate M&A lawyer Hiroshi Sarumida.

3 minute read

Linklaters Hires Kirkland IP Partner in London

Kasvi Sehgal | October 10, 2023

The US-headquartered firm has seen a number of partner exits in 2023.

2 minute read

Dentons Trio Move to Pinsent Masons in Germany

James Carstensen | October 10, 2023

The hires include Dentons' Dusseldorf office managing partner Andreas Haak, with the firm appointing employment lawyer Sascha Grosjean as his replacement.

3 minute read

Kirkland, Latham to Take on More Space at New London Offices

Kasvi Sehgal | October 10, 2023

Latham's new office space will be nearly 55% bigger than its current occupancy, while Kirkland is expected to be leasing more space than Linklaters.

3 minute read

Linklaters Secures £925M Rescue Deal for Embattled Metro Bank

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | October 10, 2023

Herbert Smith Freehills and White & Case also played roles on the rescue deal.

3 minute read

Weil Gotshal London Profits Dropped Steeply Last Year Amid Economic 'Challenges'

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | October 10, 2023

The firm's recently-filed LLP accounts also show its top-earning partner took home £1.7 million in 2022, 34% less than in the previous year.

2 minute read

A&O Management Will Likely Lead Combined Firm But Who Exactly Is Not Certain

Patrick Smith | October 09, 2023

If the A&O-Shearman & Sterling merger is approved, the combined firm is targeted to be effective around May 2024, although the exact date is not clear.

4 minute read

Global Legal Industry Responds to War in Israel and Gaza, From Sheltering in Place to Offering Support

Jack Womack | Charlotte Johnstone | October 09, 2023

A handful of international law firms with local offices say their lawyers are working remotely as violence across Israel and Gaza has claimed hundreds of lives in recent days. Other firms are offering support.

4 minute read

Cuatrecasas, Uría, Ropes & Gray Behind €1B Investment in Renewable Asset Management Firm

Alex D'Elia | October 09, 2023

Switzerland-based Partners Group has agreed to invest in Exus, a European infrastructure asset management firm focused on the renewable energy sector.

2 minute read

Stephenson Harwood's Top Partners to Receive Up to £2M as Firm Increases Top of Equity by 40%

Aishah Hussain | October 09, 2023

The move means the firm's highest paid partners will receive towards the upper end of what UK Top 50 law firms tend to pay out, ahead of many other mid-market firms.

3 minute read

Macfarlanes Showed Us How it's Using Harvey AI. Here's What We Learnt

Charlotte Johnstone | October 09, 2023

Law.com International sat down with Macfarlanes' chief knowledge innovation officer to see what Harvey really brings to a law firm.

6 minute read

Holding Client Money Could Face Increased Regulatory Scrutiny

Charlotte Johnstone | October 08, 2023

Enhanced regulation of other sectors, like banking, could be a warning sign for law firms of increased scrutiny to come, one UK lawyer has warned.

2 minute read

Why Quinn, CMS and Nishimura Offices Openings are More Than They Seem

Paul Hodkinson | October 08, 2023

Law firms' international expansion efforts are sometimes part of a bigger strategy that reveals how they are positioning themselves, writes the Global Lawyer.

6 minute read

Weil Refreshes London Leadership as Mike Francies Set to Retire

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | October 06, 2023

The London managing partner is set to retire at the end of 2024 after over 20 years at the helm.

2 minute read

The Truth Behind Law's Puzzling Fascination with the Square Mile

Krishnan Nair | October 06, 2023

Firms are flocking to the heart of the City of London, in a shift that seems to have been accepted as normal—but why, asks the London Lawyer.

4 minute read

Expert Opinion

'Be the Inspiration': One of A&O's First Black London Partners on Her Role Models and the Next Generation

Jessica Kerslake, Allen | Overy | October 06, 2023

'It is clearly important for Black children to understand their history and see people who look like them achieve great things' says Jessica Kerslake, as Black History Month gets underway.

5 minute read

Japan's Biggest Law Firm Takes Steps to Ensure It Can Compete Globally

Brian Yap | October 05, 2023

Nishimura became the second Big Four Japanese law firm to adopt a foreign law joint enterprise structure, enabling it to hire and promote foreign-qualified lawyers as equity partners and attract the talent needed to expand its U.S. and European client base for Asia-bound work.

5 minute read

Optimism About Profitability Declines Among Law Firm Leaders

Dan Roe | October 05, 2023

A recent survey of managing partners, COOs, CFOs, pricing chiefs and other senior law firm professionals at 50 firms in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom and Europe showed a signifcant decline in profitablility satisfacton.

3 minute read

Inquest to Open Into Death of Pinsent Masons Partner

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | October 05, 2023

The tragedy, which occurred two weeks ago, has been referred by London's Metropolitan Police to the Coroner's Court.

2 minute read

Firms Guide Settlement Between Mozambique and Credit Suisse Over 'Tuna Bonds' Scandal

Jennigay Coetzer | October 05, 2023

The long-running $1.5bn dispute plunged one of Africa's poorest countries into deep financial crisis.

3 minute read

'Clients Want to Know Everything About How We're Using AI,' Partners Say at Legal Geek 2023

Jack Womack | October 05, 2023

GenAI was the central theme at this year's Legal Geek conference, which is being held at the Old Truman Brewery in London.

2 minute read

Travers Smith Environment Head Walks to Freshfields

Charlotte Johnstone | October 05, 2023

The departure comes after Travers Smith saw a host of exits at the beginning of the year, despite appearing to stem the flow in recent months.

2 minute read

Smaller, Nicer and More Central: How Law Firms' London Offices are Changing

Atif Ludi | October 05, 2023

An in-depth analysis of law firm office leasing transactions in London shows a focus on newer, higher-quality space with less square footage and a concentration on the Square Mile.

8 minute read

Australian Women Lawyers' Jobs Vulnerable to Automation, University Report States

Christopher Niesche | October 05, 2023

Technology can also cause overwork for female lawyers.

2 minute read

DLA Piper, Gómez-Acebo & Pombo Add Partners in Madrid

Alex D'Elia | October 04, 2023

DLA Piper brings on a new capital markets head, while Gómez-Acebo & Pombo adds a competition and EU law partner from Cuatrecasas.

2 minute read

Hong Kong Law Firm Lands Former Osborne Clarke Head

Brian Yap | October 04, 2023

Georgiou Payne Stewien's latest hire comes after the firm added a new disputes partner earlier this year.

2 minute read

How 11 Major Law Firms are Joining Forces to Maximize AI Use

Justin Henry | October 04, 2023

They are working with law firm training provider SkillBurst to develop materials that give legal professionals "the basics" on how to effectively use these emerging tools.

6 minute read

Eversheds Takes on Partners from Across KWM Europe Offices, Many to Go Elsewhere

Jack Womack | Paul Hodkinson | October 04, 2023

The firm inked an alliance with KWM China in July and had been expected to take on the vast majority of the lawyers from across five offices in Europe and the Middle East.

3 minute read

Paul Weiss Rockets Up Europe M&A Rankings, as Slaughters Slides in the UK

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | October 04, 2023

Only 3 of the top 15 law firms for European M&A in 2023 to date were firms founded in Europe

4 minute read

Kirkland, Goodwin Lead League Tables as Global M&A Down Hits 10-Year Low

Patrick Smith | October 04, 2023

Davis Polk vaulted to No. 4 in the ranking of principal advisors in deal value, while Paul Weiss had the largest jump of the top five.

5 minute read

Latham Leads as US Private Equity Firm Invests in Liverpool FC

Kasvi Sehgal | October 04, 2023

The minority investment is designed to help the seller and Liverpool's owner, Fenway, pay down bank debts incurred during the pandemic.

2 minute read

3 Firms Become Latest to Formalize AI and Tech Offerings, Naming Leaders

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | October 04, 2023

The trio join a raft of firms that have introduced more structured approaches to non-traditional sectors that have grown exponentially over the course of 2023.

2 minute read

Australia's Slater & Gordon Takes On New CEO After Buyout

Christopher Niesche | October 04, 2023

The firm was taken over by private equity investor Allegro earlier this year.

2 minute read

CMS' Expansive Burst Continues with Saudi Launch

Peter Shaw-Smith | October 04, 2023

The firm's new licence to practice in the Kingdom follows a feverish period of global expansion, with combinations and tie-ups in Mexico, Brazil and Mozambique.

2 minute read

CMS Incorporates Mexican Firm One Week After Inking Brazil Tie-Up

Amy Guthrie | October 03, 2023

The addition of boutique firm Escalante y Asociados, which specializes in tax law, foreign trade and money laundering prevention, means five more lawyers, including one partner and a certified public accountant, are now part of CMS in Mexico.

2 minute read

Selendy Gay Elsberg's Rajat Rana: Bringing Trial Lawyer Approaches to Investment Treaty Arbitration

Ross Todd | October 03, 2023

Rajat Rana, who brought his practice specializing in investment treaty arbitrations to Selendy Gay Elsberg from Alston & Bird this summer, explains why the practice is no longer just the ambit of Big Law.

9 minute read

Judges have 'Failed to Adapt' to 21st Century Norms: Litigation Lawyers React to Judicial Court Bullying Inquiry

Kasvi Sehgal | October 03, 2023

Senior UK judge Lord Justice Clive Lewis has been issued a formal warning for judicial misconduct in a hearing.

4 minute read

TfL Appoints Interim General Counsel After Retirement of Long-Time Legal Head

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | October 03, 2023

In other in-house moves, Morgan Lewis & Bockius has added the ICO head of legal as a partner in its London office.

3 minute read

Axiom Ince Seeks to Make Good on Clients' Missing £64M as Firm Shutters

Krishnan Nair | October 03, 2023

Clients have also turned to the SRA's Compensation Fund, a hardship fund with several conditions attached to it.

3 minute read

Paul Hastings Taps Clifford Chance for Private Equity Partner in Frankfurt

Cian Muenster | October 03, 2023

He is the second partner to join from Clifford Chance in recent months.

2 minute read

Legal Regulator Criticises Lawyers for Seeking Eased Rules on Russia Work

Jack Womack | October 03, 2023

General licences granted by the government, which enable firms to take on otherwise sanctioned work, have 'blinded the system', the Legal Services Board's chief executive has said.

3 minute read

Charles Russell Speechlys Hires Disputes Partner from Ince Hong Kong

Jessica Seah | October 03, 2023

The hiring of Stephen Chan follows that of Vanessa Duff, who joined the firm from Withers.

2 minute read

Google Lawyer: 'Report Any Deal or Face Catastrophic Fines'

Linda A. Thompson | October 03, 2023

A senior Google in-house counsel has warned that new EU rules and more aggressive scrutiny of small mergers mean that the tech giant will need to report any deal it concludes anywhere in the world from now on.

5 minute read

White & Case's Hugh Verrier Shares Parting Thoughts As a Global Leader

Patrick Smith | October 02, 2023

As he readies to step down as chair, Hugh Verrier reflects on how the profession has changed.

7 minute read

Kirkland Crosses 200 in Latest Record Round of Partner Promotions

Andrew Maloney | October 02, 2023

The new partner promotions represent about a 6% increase over last year's 193, a relatively smaller addition than last year's 28% jump.

3 minute read

A&O Adds to Warsaw Disputes Team With Partner Hire from Bird & Bird

Anne Bagamery | October 02, 2023

His practice focuses on general commercial litigation, white-collar crime and investigations.

2 minute read

Bird & Bird Opens Office in Shenzhen, China

Jack Womack | October 02, 2023

HFW and Morgan Lewis & Bockius have both established their own presence in the city in recent months.

2 minute read

Clifford Chance Hits Latham Again, Relocates London Partner to Build NY Leveraged Finance Practice

The firm, which hires again from Latham in the space of a week, is making a concerted effort to strengthen its US leveraged finance group.

2 minute read

Eversheds Swipes Corporate Partner from Freshfields in Saudi Arabia

Peter Shaw-Smith | October 02, 2023

In recent years, several major firms have boosted their corporate M&A practices in the Kingdom.

2 minute read

Goodwin Promotes 40 to Partnership

Meanwhile the firm has hired a Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft partner in London.

3 minute read

Magic Circle Veterans Unite to Launch Oligarch-Work Taskforce

Lawyers are 'walking a tightrope between professional obligations' and 'the ethics of representing such individuals', said one of the members of the taskforce, which hopes to help shed light on the quandary.

3 minute read

Latham Partner Exits for Covington in London

Jack Womack | October 02, 2023

Earlier this year, Latham experienced two partner departures in the space of a week.

2 minute read

Cooley Hires Jenner & Block Global Arbitration Chair

The hire was also Jenner's London managing partner for seven years.

2 minute read

7-Strong Legal Team Leaves CMS for Local Firm in Peru

Amy Guthrie | October 01, 2023

The hires by Payet, Rey, Cauvi, Pérez Abogados underscore the firm's commitment to servicing the extractive industry in a country that produces much of the world's copper.

2 minute read

The Firms Seeking Guidance in a New Legal Year

Aishah Hussain | September 29, 2023

As the new legal year beckons, many within the UK's commercial legal industry are also entering new chapters amid various pivotal developments taking place, writes The London Lawyer.

4 minute read

BCLP London Head Elevated to Global Senior Partner

Kasvi Sehgal | September 29, 2023

The firm's current co-chair, Steve Baumer, will step up to global CEO.

2 minute read

Ince & Co: 1870-2023

Krishnan Nair | September 29, 2023

After more than a century of being a top adviser to some of the world's largest shipping companies, Ince's brand began to tarnish before it all ended in inglorious fashion.

7 minute read

CMS Extends Africa Footprint with Exclusive Mozambique Firm Tie-Up

Jennigay Coetzer | September 29, 2023

The firm already has a presence in Angola, Morocco, South Africa, and Kenya, and further growth across the continent remains a strategic priority.

2 minute read

With Energy Sector Demand at 'All-Time High,' Willkie and Other Firms Add Energy Expertise

Andrew Maloney | September 28, 2023

"We are seeing big developments in the industry overall related to energy transition and more, and this has brought increasing demand from clients and also new opportunities for us to expand our practices," Eric Pogue said.

4 minute read

Met Police Launches Investigation Following Axiom Ince Scandal

Krishnan Nair | September 28, 2023

The SRA notifies the police of potential criminality at law firms as part of a referral arrangement.

2 minute read

How Travers Smith Stopped the Partner Exodus

Charlotte Johnstone | September 28, 2023

Former insiders spoke of issues around the firm's inflexible lockstep and a perceived lack of global ambition—but the firm's managing partner Edmund Reed explains how these and others matters are being addressed.

8 minute read

Clifford Chance Swoops For PwC Tax Partner in Frankfurt

James Carstensen | September 28, 2023

Stefan Herr will work in the German and European tax and funds practice of the firm.

2 minute read

Partners at A&O, Shearman Begin Merger Vote, With Approval Widely Expected

Paul Hodkinson | September 27, 2023

Insiders have spoken positively of the proposed merger, on which partners at both firms will begin casting their votes Thursday.

2 minute read

Ranking

Africa Top 50 2023: A&O, Eversheds and CMS Among Fastest Growers But ENS and DLA Still Lead

Jennigay Coetzer | September 27, 2023

International firms made up 13 of the top 50, while 15 South African firms featured in the table and 11 were from Nigeria, according to the research produced in partnership with Africa Legal.

2 minute read

Pinsent Masons Partner Dies Following 'Fatal Accident'

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | September 27, 2023

The partner was an esteemed member of the firm's banking group and previously worked at what is now Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner.

3 minute read

Skadden, Slaughters Advise on £460M Aviva Acquisition

Kasvi Sehgal | September 27, 2023

It is the latest major insurance market deal involving Skadden, which acted on a €2.3 billion deal for Liberty Mutual earlier in 2023.

2 minute read

Clifford Chance Lays Off Asia Capital Markets Lawyers

Jessica Seah | September 27, 2023

Earlier in September, Linklaters announced a 'modest reduction' to its Greater China head count, citing difficulties created by the prolonged market downturn.

3 minute read

Eversheds' Konexo Hires 3 Former GCs to Expand Alternative Legal Services Offering

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | September 27, 2023

The ex-in-house lawyers, who hail from companies including Virgin Atlantic and HSBC, are expected to add an extra dimension to Eversheds' offering in the increasingly competitive ALSP market.

3 minute read

London's Legal Industry Cannot Get Much More American

Paul Hodkinson | September 27, 2023

The British legal industry has attracted talent from all over the world, to the detriment of UK firms, but US firms may not see the gains in the region they once experienced.

4 minute read

Axiom Ince to Close Following Financial Scandal

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | Krishnan Nair | September 26, 2023

The impending closure follows a court case in which the firm's owner had been accused of misappropriating "significant sums of money" from the firm.

3 minute read

CMS Seals Exclusive Relationship With Brazilian Firm

Kasvi Sehgal | September 26, 2023

Both firms have been working together in Brazil and other jurisdictions for over four years.

2 minute read

Latham Infrastructure Partner Duo Exit for Clifford Chance

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | September 26, 2023

The partners, one of whom was co-chair of Latham's global Islamic finance practice, will be based in London and Dubai.

2 minute read

Why Major African Arbitrations Are Still Rendered Abroad

Alfred Olufemi | September 26, 2023

African arbitration is gaining traction but many disputes are still sent abroad for resolution due to factors such as too much local choice and frustration with the Common Court of Justice and Arbitration in Ivory Coast.

6 minute read

Addleshaws, Morgan Lewis Add Disputes Lawyers in Dubai

Peter Shaw-Smith | September 26, 2023

Addleshaw Goddard has tapped Clifford Chance for a construction expert as an arbitration specialist has joined Morgan Lewis from Al Tamimi.

2 minute read

Law Firms Risk Creating Culture of Exploitation, Australian Judge Warns

Christopher Niesche | September 26, 2023

High Court Judge Jayne Jaygot says young lawyers' psychological wellbeing at risk.

3 minute read

The China Dilemma: Should Law Firms Call It Quits?

Jessica Seah | September 25, 2023

U.S. leaders are finding it harder to justify a substantial presence in China.

4 minute read

Expert Opinion

How Can Global Law Firms Embrace Change?

Kayleigh Bedolla | September 25, 2023

A 'one-size-fits-all' approach won't necessarily work across offices, but one that is 'purposeful' will ensure they aren't left behind in the dust.

4 minute read

Linklaters to Move People into New London Office Early

Aishah Hussain | September 25, 2023

Linklaters is taking 17 floors of the new 27-storey building at 20 Ropemaker from 2026.

2 minute read

Clifford Chance Plans Headcount Growth in UK, India Legal Service Centres

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | September 25, 2023

Over the past decade, legal services centres have proven a popular choice for large law firms looking to transfer certain kinds of work to lower cost regions.

4 minute read

Quinn Emanuel Hits King & Wood Mallesons for UAE Launch

Charlotte Johnstone | September 25, 2023

'The UAE is without doubt one of the most exciting, energised places on Earth,' says John B. Quinn, as the firm opens two offices in the country.

2 minute read

Ranking

The Global 200's Secrets and What They Tell Us

Krishnan Nair | September 24, 2023

The top of the table reveals few truths about the future of the Global 200—it's the middle and the bottom of the table you should pay more attention to, writes The Global Lawyer.

5 minute read

Some Big Law Associates Are Raking In Six-Figure Origination Bonuses—And Others Want In

Dan Roe | September 22, 2023

With no standardized method of rewarding origination outside the partnership at most Big Law firms, associates are hoping for a change that benefits them if they manage to land a new client or two.

4 minute read

The Importance of Disagreement

Paul Hodkinson | September 22, 2023

Law firms always talk about their cohesive culture, but perhaps they should celebrate the way arguments and diversity of thought helps their decision making, writes the London Lawyer Briefing.

5 minute read

Are Law Firms Heading Into a GenAI Copyright Storm?

Jack Womack | September 22, 2023

With UK regulation around GenAI still very much in flux, questions abound over the materials law firms are using to train large language models.

5 minute read

Webcast

Video: The Global 200 Webinar

Law.com International | September 22, 2023

Discover key insights into how law firms around the world compare and what it all means.

1 minute read

Japanese Firms on Nidec's Unsolicited Takeover, Foreign Investors Target Japan Inc

Brian Yap | September 22, 2023

Unsolicited takeover bids, once rare and hardly achievable in Japan, have been on the rise in recent years.

5 minute read

From Navigating Coups to Spotting Trends in Mining, Linklaters' Africa Head Discusses Opportunities on the Continent

Jennigay Coetzer | September 21, 2023

'We continue to be involved even in countries where politically speaking there are issues,' explains Linklaters' recently-appointed head of Africa, Justin Faye.

4 minute read

Macfarlanes Joins List of Firms Adopting Harvey AI

Charlotte Johnstone | September 21, 2023

To date, five firms, including Allen & Overy, have rolled out or piloted the tool, while others, such as PwC's tax and legal arms, are also looking at the technology.

2 minute read

China's Jingsh Law Firm Launches Offices in Australia and Mexico

Brian Yap | September 20, 2023

The Chinese firm also announced plans to establish a Paris office earlier this year.

2 minute read

Addleshaws Managing Partner to Step Down a Year Early

Jack Womack | September 20, 2023

Explaining his decision, John Joyce said the 'risks have passed' in relation to the firm's position during Covid-19.

2 minute read

King & Spalding Obtains Foreign Law License to Operate in Saudi Arabia

Peter Shaw-Smith | September 20, 2023

As Bracewell appoints partner to the firm's corporate and securities practice in Dubai.

3 minute read