Billables and Bad Partners: Why Associates Are Still Not Happy

How GCs Can Get Their Team Onboard with New Tech

Saj Ali | August 15, 2023

A recent study found a majority of lawyers are 'apathetic' about lawtech, but there are ways for GCs and senior in-house lawyers to encourage a change of mindset.

4 minute read

Raid on Kirkland: 10 More US and UK Lawyers Expected to Join Paul Weiss

Patrick Smith | August 14, 2023

Following Neel Sachdev's move, sources confirmed that Paul Weiss has also hired debt finance partner Eric Wedel while M&A partner Roger Johnson will also likely join.

2 minute read

Kirkland PE Heavyweight Neel Sachdev Joins Paul Weiss with 3 Other Partners

Jack Womack | August 14, 2023

Paul Weiss' own London head moved to Kirkland earlier this month.

1 minute read

Which Top UK Law Firms Have Adopted Generative AI, Who's Waiting?

Jack Womack | August 14, 2023

Firms are evenly split on generative AI adoption, with some acting quickly, and others still exploring their options, according to Law.com International research.

3 minute read

Gender Diversity: Firms Must Jump Off the Bandwagon and Focus on What Works

Dana Denis-Smith | August 14, 2023

Next 100 Years founder and former lawyer Dana Denis-Smith calls for a more strategic look at diversity initiatives, focusing on the changes that make a real difference.

4 minute read

White & Case Doha Managing Partner Walks to Mayer Brown

Jack Womack | August 14, 2023

The partner had been with White & Case for nearly 20 years, and had been managing partner of its Doha office since 2020.

2 minute read

Freshfields Lands Schulte Litigation Co-Head in New York

Patrick Smith | August 14, 2023

Gayle Klein started her career working with Fortune 500 companies and plans to get back to that upon arrival at Freshfields, which continues to grow its U.S. deal presence.

3 minute read

Clyde & Co Cuts 10 Lawyers in Australia as Economy Slows

Christopher Niesche | August 14, 2023

In addition to the 10, the firm has also parted ways with an insurance partner of seven years.

2 minute read

How a Rupture Tore Right Through East-West Law Firms

Krishnan Nair | August 14, 2023

The East-West political rupture is particularly consequential for Dentons' brand. But this doesn't mean that other international law firms won't be thinking about China on a constitutional level, argues The Global Lawyer.

4 minute read

Research

London Legal Recruitment Market Suffering Quietest Spell For Years

Charlotte Johnstone | August 11, 2023

'M&A is down, so roles are down,' say recruiters and partners, as research shows a steep drop in hiring.

4 minute read

What's Next for the Saudi Regional Headquarters Program?

Marco De Leo | August 11, 2023

As the Saudi government looks to attract multinational groups to the Kingdom, Marco De Leo, managing partner of BonelliErede's Dubai office, considers what they should be mindful of.

4 minute read

Latham and Wachtell Lead on $8.5 Billion Fashion Mega Merger

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | August 11, 2023

The deal brings luxury brands Versace, Jimmy Choo, Michael Kors, Coach and Kate Spade under the same ownership.

2 minute read

Generative AI Harvey Lures 4 More Top Law Firms

Jack Womack | August 10, 2023

Interest in the platform has intensified since Allen & Overy integrated Harvey into its global practice earlier this year.

2 minute read

Mishcon de Reya Adds Non-Lawyer Incentives Expert to Partnership

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | August 10, 2023

The firm operates as an alternative business structure which enables it to include non-lawyers in its partnership.

2 minute read

Latest Biden Order Throws Another Wrench into Sino-US Trade, Lawyers Say

Jessica Seah | August 10, 2023

Senior legal practitioners are reacting to the latest move by the Biden Administration, which sets the stage for more restrictions on investments not just into China by American companies but in time, also from China into the U.S.

6 minute read

Vinson & Elkins Mandates Four Days in All Offices

Brenda Sapino Jeffreys | August 09, 2023

The Vinson & Elkins policy applies to most lawyers and business professionals, including at the firm's international offices in London, Dubai and Tokyo.

2 minute read

Lloyd's of London Veteran GC Steps Down

Trudy Knockless | August 09, 2023

The insurance and reinsurance marketplace has appointed a replacement as its GC of 27 years leaves.

2 minute read

Clyde & Co to Face SDT Over Alleged Breach of Money Laundering Regulations

Jack Womack | August 09, 2023

A former partner at the firm has also been referred to the UK's Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.

3 minute read

Quinn Emanuel, Hogan Lovells Face Off in Greensill Lawsuit

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | August 09, 2023

The UK-based company collapsed in 2021 after failing to secure new insurance for its assets.

2 minute read

Live Coverage

For In-House Counsel It's All About Relationships, GCs Say

Christopher Niesche | August 09, 2023

Three high-profile general counsel canvas how they help their teams have more impact outside the legal department.

5 minute read

'My Experiences Differed from My Peers': Partner Reflects on Being Asian in London's Corporate Arena

Gautam Bhattacharyya, Reed Smith | August 09, 2023

For South Asian Heritage Month, Reed Smith's Gautam Bhattacharyya talks about facing rejection after trying to enter the legal profession, and how he turned those experiences into a positive force.

4 minute read

Israel's Legal Community Braces for Impact of Government's Judicial Overhaul

Anne Bagamery | August 08, 2023

While not all in the greater Israeli legal community believe that the judicial changes will fundamentally alter Israel's democratic system, the uncertainty about stability—normally a bedrock belief about the country—is already causing ripples of worry in business.

6 minute read

Allen & Overy Hits Paul Hastings for US Energy Private Equity Head

Jack Womack | August 08, 2023

The partner joins ahead of A&O's tie-up with Shearman & Sterling.

2 minute read

Australia's Gilbert + Tobin Adds Ashurst Renewable Energy Lawyer to Partnership

Christopher Niesche | August 08, 2023

Strong demand for projects and infrastructure lawyers

2 minute read

Will Dentons' China Breakup Trigger a Domino Effect?

Jessica Seah | August 08, 2023

The country's heightened national security focus, among other geopolitical issues, could prompt the mass withdrawal of international law firms.

6 minute read

Quinn Emanuel, Fried Frank Tell UK Lawyers to WFH Throughout August

Aishah Hussain | August 08, 2023

The firms are continuing a new, mostly US-firm-led tradition of allowing staff to work remotely during the summer.

2 minute read

Mishcon Partner Exits for CMS in London

Jack Womack | August 08, 2023

Mishcon hired two partners from Withers Hong Kong in June.

2 minute read

CMS Sees Slowdown in Global Revenue Growth

Jack Womack | August 08, 2023

The firm has promoted a record number of partners globally over the past year.

2 minute read

Dentons Ends Dacheng Combination

Jessica Seah | August 07, 2023

The breakup is due to an evolving regulatory environment for Chinese law firms in China including new mandates and requirements relating to data privacy, cybersecurity, capital control and governance.

2 minute read

Q&A

Dentons Head of Innovation on Why and How the Firm Built Its Own Gen AI Chatbot

Cassandre Coyer | August 07, 2023

Joe Cohen, UKIME head of innovation at Dentons, disusses fleetAI, the firm's newly released proprietary version of ChatGPT for the firm's United Kingdom, Ireland and Middle East offices.

6 minute read

Stephenson Harwood Pays Tribute as Partner of 50 Years Dies

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | August 07, 2023

At one time, John Fordham was for more than 25 years the head of the firm's commercial litigation practice.

2 minute read

Cyber Leaks, Greenwashing and Changing Regulations Keep Australian GCs Awake

Christopher Niesche | August 07, 2023

Regulators are getting more vigilant, general counsel said at the GC Summit in Sydney, Australia.

5 minute read

Baker McKenzie Promotes London Partner to EMEA Chair

Aishah Hussain | August 07, 2023

The firm has also appointed its Stockholm managing partner to its executive committee

2 minute read

Cravath Leader Acts Alongside Top Firms on $500M Hasbro Deal

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | August 07, 2023

Mayer Brown and several Canadian firms acted opposite a Cravath team that included two lawyers on secondment from the firm's referral friends Slaughter and May and Bredin Prat.

3 minute read

One in One Out at MoFo as London Hiring Market Hots Up

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | August 07, 2023

The latest moves follow a wash of partner activity that signifies growing confidence in London's hiring market.

3 minute read

BNP Paribas' UK Disputes Head Joins Norton Rose Fulbright

Krishnan Nair | August 07, 2023

The latest hire is also the President of the UK's Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.

2 minute read

'I Faced Regular Micro-Aggressions': London Partner Shares Her Experiences for South Asian Heritage Month

Nav Sahota, Reed Smith | August 07, 2023

Reed Smith's Nav Sahota talks about the assumptions that other lawyers made about her early in her career, and offers advice to South Asian lawyers on how to excel while being yourself.

4 minute read

Reed Smith Frankfurt Founding Partner Moves to Deloitte

James Carstensen | August 07, 2023

Simon Grieser joins the Big Four giant as a partner next month.

2 minute read

GC's Approach and Personality Pivotal to Resolving Regulatory Issues, Says Australia's Financial Regulator

Christopher Niesche | August 07, 2023

ASIC deputy chair Sarah Court likes to deal directly with general counsel.

3 minute read

Norton Rose South Africa Appoints New CEO

Jennigay Coetzer | August 04, 2023

Brent Botha will take up the role in October and currently heads the firm's disputes practice group.

2 minute read

Stewarts Suffers 55% PEP Drop, Reversing Last Year's Fortunes

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | August 04, 2023

The managing partner pointed to his firm's 'non-linear' revenue, and said the firm still had 'good core income'.

2 minute read

Wilko Enlists Legal Advisers as it Faces Collapse

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | August 04, 2023

The British discount retailer filed a notice of its intention to appoint administrators on Thursday.

2 minute read

Harneys, Advised by Linklaters, Divests Fiduciary Business

Amy Guthrie | August 03, 2023

The offshore firm expects that the sale will help finance strategic growth plans for the law firm that involve more technology as well as the rollout of new service offerings.

3 minute read

Bird & Bird Continues Growth with Double-Digit Revenue

Aishah Hussain | August 03, 2023

The firm has added 11% to its top line while profit growth has eased.

2 minute read

23 Years at the Helm: Mike Francies' Trials and Triumphs of Leading Weil Gotshal's London Office

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | August 03, 2023

The firm's London managing partner sits down with Law.com International to discuss the experiences that shaped his leadership style, and puts forward his sharp defence of Weil's new four-day in-office week.

9 minute read

Addleshaws Bucks Trend and Enjoys Double Digit Revenue and Profit Boost

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | August 03, 2023

The firm enjoyed an 18% increase in revenue.

2 minute read

UK's Lawyers on Demand and SYKE to be Acquired by e-Discovery and Legal Services Provider Consilio

Stephanie Wilkins | August 02, 2023

The acquisition is expected to extend Consilio's U.K. business and expand the company's Enterprise Legal Services (ELS) operations to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia. It is the latest move in a pattern of expansion for Consilio in recent years, bolstering the company's enterprise legal services capabilities and international reach.

3 minute read

Kirkland & Ellis Swoops for Paul Weiss London Head

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | August 02, 2023

It is the latest blow for Paul Weiss' UK practice, which parted ways with two partners in May.

2 minute read

Dentons UKIME Arm Posts Modest Growth with 2% Revenue Uplift

Brian Yap | August 02, 2023

£38 million of revenue came from inbound work outside the UKIME region, an 8.6% increase.

2 minute read

DLA Piper Named as Defendant in Billionaire Fraud Case

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | August 02, 2023

A UK judge said that legal professional privilege is not applicable to certain documents which may cast light on an alleged fraud involving controversial British tycoon Harvey Boulter.

3 minute read

Research

Ranked: The Top UK Law Firms for Partner Disability Representation, 2023

Charlotte Johnstone | August 02, 2023

Law.com research shows that representation at partnership level is massively behind the national average, with some disabled lawyers calling current firm efforts "insufficient" and little more than a PR exercise.

6 minute read

Norton Rose Partner Watches Daughter Compete in FIFA Women's World Cup

Dan Roe | August 02, 2023

"You can't take this stuff for granted," Norton Rose Fulbright New York co-partner-in-charge Vincent Dunn said.

3 minute read

DAC Beachcroft Launches in Argentina with Double Hire

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | August 02, 2023

The new launch means the firm now has a Latin American presence in Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Mexico, as well as an office in Miami.

2 minute read

Ropes & Gray's Move to 4 Days in the Office Includes International Offices

Brenda Sapino Jeffreys | August 01, 2023

Ropes & Gray confirmed that the four days a week in the office also applies to lawyers in London and Dublin, and said lawyers in Asia offices have returned to pre-pandemic norms of five days a week in the office.

4 minute read

Dentons, Clifford Chance and Others in Big Law Turn to Lawyers With IP Backgrounds to Expand Tech Practices

Abigail Adcox | August 01, 2023

Dentons has hired Steptoe & Johnson's former managing partner in Beijing. He will serve as head of Dentons' China IP litigation team. Clifford Chance has hired a Ropes & Gray partner with experience advising clients in intellectual property matters. The firm says it has three other tech lawyers joining in coming weeks.

3 minute read

Clyde & Co Sees Merger-Fueled Revenue Boost as PEP Stalls

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | August 01, 2023

The results detail the firm's first full financial year since its merger with BLM.

2 minute read

Pinsent Masons Launches Australian Employment Practice with 3 Partners

Christopher Niesche | August 01, 2023

The new recruits come from two Australian law firms.

2 minute read

'Not Jumping Out of the Window Just Yet': Industry Reacts to Supreme Court's Litigation Funding Verdict

Jack Womack | August 01, 2023

Some have downplayed the implications of the UK court's ruling, while others say the fallout could be 'massive' and will hurt consumers and help corporates.

5 minute read

US Litigation Boutique Shutters in London After a Decade

Jack Womack | July 31, 2023

The move follows the exits of two teams in London over recent weeks.

2 minute read

Quinn vs. Latham: EU Opens Microsoft Antitrust Probe Following Slack Complaint

Charlotte Johnstone | July 31, 2023

The European Commission is to investigate the possibility that, by tying or bundling its products, Microsoft has acted "to the detriment of customers in the European Economic Area".

3 minute read

Norton Rose Fulbright Takes Sydney Construction Team from Clyde & Co

Christopher Niesche | July 31, 2023

Glen Warwick rejoins the firm as a partner.

2 minute read

Simpson Thacher Hires Senior Lawyer from PE Giant Blackstone in London

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | July 31, 2023

It is the US firm's latest significant hire from one of the world's largest alternative investment companies.

2 minute read

Fieldfisher Hires Eight-Strong Litigation Team from US Boutique

Jack Womack | July 31, 2023

The rare London team hire is a major boost to the firm's disputes practice.

2 minute read

NatWest Picks Travers Smith to Conduct Review into Nigel Farage Debacle

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | July 28, 2023

The UK bank has been plunged in scandal after it closed the former UKIP leader's Coutts account.

2 minute read

Harneys Lands Regulatory & Tax Partner in the Cayman Islands

Amy Guthrie | July 27, 2023

The offshore law firm lured Juan Pablo Urrutia from Walkers in a locale where competition for talent is stiff.

2 minute read

Travers Unveils Static PEP and Turnover Amid Challenging Year

Charlotte Johnstone | July 27, 2023

The firm's PEP has remained the same at £1.1 million, while turnover inched up by 1%.

3 minute read

A&O Names Interim Managing Partner Replacement for Gareth Price

Jack Womack | July 27, 2023

Price unexpectedly left the firm earlier this month, citing 'personal reasons'.

3 minute read

Clifford Chance Prevails as Prince Harry Phone Hacking Allegations Thrown Out

Jack Womack | July 27, 2023

Baker McKenzie is acting for the Daily Mail's publisher in a separate lawsuit brought by Prince Harry currently taking place in London.

2 minute read

Would Leading Partners Make it Into Law Today?

Charlotte Johnstone | July 27, 2023

We asked recruiters to assess the graduate CVs of successful London partners to see if they would be accepted into law firms if they applied now.

8 minute read

Eversheds and DLA Advise as THG Swoops for Struggling City AM

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | July 27, 2023

The acquisition will see the free London-based business newspaper's 40 editorial and commercial staff join the e-commerce retailer.

2 minute read

Poll

The 2023 LTN Law Firm Tech Survey Is Now Open

Stephanie Wilkins | July 26, 2023

The survey is open until August 4, 2023. We're looking forward to reading your responses!

1 minute read

Skadden Representing British Billionaire, Owner of Premier League's Tottenham Hotspur, on US Charges of Insider Trading

Jane Wester | July 26, 2023

Attorneys from Skadden are defense counsel to Joe Lewis, 86, founder of a private equity firm, who was charged in an indictment with 16 counts of securities fraud.

3 minute read

The 2024 Paris Olympics Are One Year Out. The Lawyers Are Getting Ready

Anne Bagamery | July 26, 2023

The Summer Olympic Games open in the City of Light one year from today and lawyers, like the athletes who will compete, need to be prepared.

9 minute read

UK's Supreme Court Strikes Blow to Litigation Funding

Jack Womack | July 26, 2023

The country's top court has ruled that damages based agreements by litigation funders in competition cases are unenforceable.

4 minute read

Freshfields Unveils Static PEP Despite Rising Revenue Amid M&A 'Shift'

Charlotte Johnstone | July 26, 2023

The firm's average profit per equity partner inched up 1% in the last financial year, putting the firm slightly ahead of its main UK rivals, which all suffered a slight drop.

3 minute read

DAC Beachcroft Sweep Up Plexus Team, as DWF Board Greenlights Firm Sale

Jack Womack | July 26, 2023

Plexus Law was acquired earlier this month by Axiom DWFM, which also took the Ince Group out of administration earlier this year.

2 minute read

Squire Patton Boggs Hires Pérez-Llorca Partner to Launch Litigation Practice in Madrid

Alex D'Elia | July 25, 2023

Some colleagues will accompany partner Javier Izquierdo to his new firm.

3 minute read

Sullivan & Cromwell Secures 'Win' For Ocado Over 'Much Larger' Kirkland Team

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | July 25, 2023

The case, involving a transatlantic intellectual property dispute over robotic patents, had been going on for almost three years.

3 minute read

Ashurst Hires DLA Piper's European Arbitration Head

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | July 25, 2023

The London-based partner had been DLA's head of international arbitration in Europe for six years.

2 minute read

Double Digit PEP Decline for Fieldfisher, Despite Strong Revenue Rise

Jack Womack | July 25, 2023

The firm's recent launch in Vienna means Fieldfisher now has 26 offices in 12 countries.

2 minute read

Dentons to Face UK Disciplinary Tribunal Over AML Regulation 'Breaches'

Jack Womack | July 25, 2023

The Solicitors Regulation Authority says Dentons acted for a 'politically exposed person or his associated entities'.

2 minute read

Clyde & Co Expands in Thailand; RPC Launches Corporate Practice in Singapore; Grandall Law Poaches Partner From Winston & Strawn's China Alliance Firm

Brian Yap | July 24, 2023

Roundup: Lateral moves in Asia continue, with recent partner hires in China, Singapore and Thailand.

5 minute read

In Leadership Shuffle, White & Case Names New Executive Committee

Patrick Smith | July 24, 2023

London is home to the firm's next vice chair and two new executive committee members.

2 minute read

Linklaters Becomes Latest Magic Circle Firm to Suffer PEP and Profits Dip

Jack Womack | July 24, 2023

Like its rivals, the firm's revenue increased but profits fell after 'material exceptional costs', which the firm attributed to the closure of its Moscow office.

3 minute read

Addleshaw Goddard Presses Ahead on Generative AI With Several Pilot Schemes

Jack Womack | July 24, 2023

Meanwhile, Clyde & Co is working with artificial intelligence firm Luminance to create an AI-powered claims handling system.

3 minute read

Baker Botts Nabs Ashurst Projects Partner For New Singapore Outfit

Brian Yap | July 24, 2023

It marks Baker Botts' fourth partner hire from Ashurst since the US firm launched in Southeast Asia.

2 minute read

Slaughter and May Becomes First Top UK Law Firm to Set Social Mobility Targets

Charlotte Johnstone | July 24, 2023

The famously blue-blooded institution is broadening the universities it works with, offering apprenticeships and starting a financial bursary scheme to help achieve its aims.

4 minute read

Macfarlanes Posts Triple Tumble Across Turnover, Profit, PEP

Charlotte Johnstone | July 24, 2023

Following a stellar year in 2022, the firm posted a downturn and is changing its financial year end.

3 minute read

Commentary

Merger Mania: Why Do Law Firms Want to Fall in Love?

Lisa Shuchman | July 23, 2023

Merger mania has seized the law firm world. But like marriage, mergers are complicated. So why are so many law firms looking for a partner?

7 minute read

Watson Farley and Shoosmiths Up on Every Metric in Financial Results

Jack Womack | July 21, 2023

Watson Farley & Williams has broken the £200 million revenue barrier, while Shoosmiths is approaching the same figure.

2 minute read

'We're Evolving to Where the Demand is Based': Lee Ranson on Eversheds' Tie-Up With KWM China

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | July 21, 2023

Eversheds Sutherland's CEO explains the rationale behind the firm's decision to secure a tie-up with Chinese giant King & Wood Mallesons.

5 minute read

Russian Sanctions Under Spotlight in UK Courts—Abramovic Ally Launches Court Action

Jack Womack | July 21, 2023

Further rulings overturning UK government sanctions may pave the way for more legal action from sanctioned individuals.

3 minute read

Q&A

Two Herbert Smith Freehills Leaders on Breaking the Glass Ceiling and into New Markets

Charlotte Johnstone | July 20, 2023

From being unheard to the current economic pressures, the duo have experienced several challenges along their way to becoming EMEA managing partner and Milan managing partner.

5 minute read

Eversheds Sutherland Seals Alliance With China's KWM

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | July 20, 2023

The exclusive referral arrangement brings together more than 6,000 lawyers and will see KWM close its operations across the UK, Europe and the Middle East.

2 minute read

Herbert Smith Freehills Joins Line of Firms Reporting Static PEP

Charlotte Johnstone | July 20, 2023

The Anglo-Australian firm's contentious practice performed well through the financial year amid demand for advice on class actions and competition disputes.

2 minute read

Hogan Lovells Mourns Death of Longtime Disputes Partner

Charlotte Johnstone | July 20, 2023

Crispin Rapinet passed away following a distinguished career with Hogan Lovells, having spent more than 35 years at the firm.

2 minute read

Sainsbury's Latest UK Company to Review Legal Panel

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | July 20, 2023

Linklaters, CMS and HSF all won places on the last panel.

2 minute read

SRA's 'Bureaucratic Ineptitude' Stifles Industry Growth, Burford CEO Says

Paul Hodkinson | July 20, 2023

Christopher Bogart says it is a 'tragedy' that the UK legal regulator has caused the country to miss the opportunities of market liberalization reforms.

4 minute read

NRF Australia Hires Litigation Partner from US Firm Perkins Coie

Christopher Niesche | July 20, 2023

The partner will return from the US to join Norton Rose's Perth office.

2 minute read

Lalive, Boies Schiller Secure Victory Against Tanzania in Mining Arbitration

Jennigay Coetzer | July 19, 2023

One of the partners involved said the case is 'bittersweet', as the project 'could have built up regional infrastructure including roads, schools and medical clinics had it been able to proceed without unlawful expropriation'.

2 minute read

Shift in EU Antitrust Enforcement Policy Will Lead to More Cases and Increase Legal Uncertainty, Lawyers Say

Linda A. Thompson | July 19, 2023

New antitrust enforcement guidelines being developed by Brussels officials are expected to result in more antitrust investigations and are being criticised.

8 minute read

Ranking

US Law Firms Take the Lead in Revenue Per UK Lawyer Rankings

Charlotte Johnstone | July 19, 2023

The top 30 law firms in the U.K., regardless of headquarters, ranked by their U.K.-only revenue per lawyer figures.

3 minute read

Clifford Chance PEP, Profits Stall as Revenue Edges Past £2B

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | July 19, 2023

The results come as the firm unveils a new four-year, core client-focused global strategy spearheaded by managing partner Charles Adams.

2 minute read

Pinsent Masons Bucks Industry Trend as PEP, Revenues Rise

Jack Womack | July 18, 2023

The results come as several other U.K.-based firms report flattening or falling profits, as firms grapple with rising wages and inflation.

2 minute read

We Now Have an Industry Standard for Legal Finance Reporting and Transparency

Christopher Bogart | Jordan Licht, Burford Capital | July 18, 2023

With input from the SEC, Burford has built a valuation approach that marries case-driven valuation to duration and the time value of money, which can be adopted by the wider legal finance sector.

5 minute read

A&O, Shearman Leaders Face Pension and Management Questions Amid Merger Roadshow

Patrick Smith | July 18, 2023

Both leaders said they remain confident a merger vote will pass.

5 minute read

Shearman & Sterling Shutters South Korea Office

Jack Womack | Brian Yap | July 18, 2023

The firm expects to regain a Seoul presence should its proposed merger with Allen & Overy proceed.

3 minute read

Research

Out by 55: Where Have All the 'Older' Magic Circle Partners Gone?

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | July 18, 2023

Data-driven research by Law.com International shows how the elite firms appear to skirt anti-ageism laws to keep their partnerships young.

5 minute read

Swathe of Law Firms Win Roles As Spanish Green Energy Deals Surge

Alex D'Elia | July 18, 2023

Several deals handled by big-name law firms highlight the country's renewable energy M&A boost.

7 minute read

A&O and Shearman Combination Would Boost Latin America Practice

Amy Guthrie | July 17, 2023

The talent and strength of the respective practices, and the synergies Latin America has with other regions where the firms are active, could make the combined firm more competitive in the region.

5 minute read

US Lawyers Hope for Longer-Term Solution in Wake of Translatlantic Privacy Framework

Brad Kutner | July 17, 2023

"This bilateral agreement worked well during the 2000s and 2010s, but this is a global world now," said Baker McKenzie partner Brian Hengesbaugh.

6 minute read

Gibson Dunn Extends Infrastructure and Energy Hiring Spree with 9-Lawyer Linklaters Team in Paris

Anne Bagamery | July 17, 2023

The hires are the latest in a series of recent moves by the firm to bolster its global firepower in a growing practice area.

2 minute read

Latham Adds Private Equity Duo From Sidley in London

Jack Womack | July 17, 2023

In June, Latham hired longtime Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer partner Mark Austin in London.

2 minute read

Video

Video: The Future of Law Firm Mergers Around the World

Law.com International | July 17, 2023

Watch here as Law.com International's senior editors joined up with a reporter from The American Lawyer and the former senior partner of a Magic Circle law firm to discuss the latest trends in law firm mergers across the world.

1 minute read

Ranking

US Firm Strength Showcased in Inaugural UK Revenue Rankings

Charlotte Johnstone | July 17, 2023

Law.com International launches the first ever ranking of the top 30 law firms in London, irrespective of where they are headquartered.

3 minute read

Cyberattacks Continue Upward Trajectory, Says New Report

Gail J. Cohen | July 16, 2023

The median ransom paid by attack targets is up 170% from two years ago, according to a study from Canadian law firm Blake Cassels & Graydon.

4 minute read

Commentary

How Gen X Is Shaping the Modern Legal Industry

Krishnan Nair | July 16, 2023

Law firm leadership roles are being handed over from the Boomer generation, but what does this mean for office attendance, mergers and culture?

5 minute read

The Credit Suisse AT1 Outrage: A Scandal or 'I Told You So'?

Fiona Huntriss, Pallas Partners | July 16, 2023

Fundamental questions remain unanswered as to how and why the equity remained largely intact yet the AT1s were written off.

5 minute read

Commentary

UK Law Firm Revenues are Up But Profits are Down. Why?

Paul Hodkinson | Krishnan Nair | July 14, 2023

A look at the reasons why this phenomenon is occurring in the early financial results suggests a rapidly rising challenge in balancing the books, The London Lawyer argues.

4 minute read

Chart

The UK's Top Law Firms for Racial Diversity, 2023

Charlotte Johnstone | July 14, 2023

US law firms continue to outperform UK rivals, with the Law Society's president pointing to a trend of minority lawyers quitting larger law firms due to a lack of progress.

5 minute read

Watson Farley Adds Former Pinsent Masons Disputes Partner in Singapore

Brian Yap | July 13, 2023

The hire comes about three months after the UK firm added Clifford Chance's international arbitration counsel Nathan Eastwood as a partner in Sydney.

2 minute read

Many UK Legal Professionals Expect Generative AI to Change Nature of Client Relationships

Rhys Dipshan | July 13, 2023

The "Generative AI and the future of the legal profession" survey from LexisNexis found that in-house teams and large law firms in the U.K. are among the early adopters of generative AI tools.

5 minute read

Simmons & Simmons Posts Double-Digit Growth as PEP Flatlines

Charlotte Johnstone | July 13, 2023

The firm's managing partner Jeremy Hoyland discussed the firm's China focus and emphasised the importance of local U.S. firm relationships in maintaining its stateside business.

2 minute read

A&O, Shearman Leaders Embark on Merger Roadshow Ahead of October Vote

Jack Womack | July 13, 2023

The two firms expect to implement a joint compensation system with no maximum cap on remuneration.

3 minute read

Allen & Overy Managing Partner Exits Ahead of Merger, as Revenue Surpasses £2 Billion

Jack Womack | July 13, 2023

Gareth Price has stepped down 'for personal reasons', the firm announced in its financial results, as the firm prepares to vote on its highly anticipated merger with Shearman & Sterling later this summer.

3 minute read

The Future of AI Regulation: How Can We Get it Right?

Eleanor Lightbody, Luminance | July 12, 2023

The EU AI Act is a sensible starting point but it is by no means the gold standard for AI regulation and there are concerns around the EU's highly prescriptive legislative framework.

5 minute read

'Rates are Getting Crazy': General Counsel Intensify Calls to Overhaul the Billable Hour

Tom Parry | July 12, 2023

As charge-out rates rocket alongside inflation and interest rates, top in-house lawyers say that the need to revolutionise the billable hour model is more urgent than ever.

9 minute read

Ashurst CEO Dampens US Merger Speculation Amid Flat Profitability

Jack Womack | July 12, 2023

Despite a 10% revenue increase, profit per equity partner remains practically unchanged.

2 minute read

Taylor Wessing and ECIJA Claim Early Wins From Strategic Alliance

Alex D'Elia | July 11, 2023

From client wins to referrals and secondments, the firms' managing partners say they have been surprised by the early success of the Anglo-Spanish relationship.

6 minute read

Japanese Companies Go on Buying Spree in Europe; Top Law Firms Act on Hong Kong-Based PE Fund's Billion-Dollar Acquisition in US

Brian Yap | July 11, 2023

An Asia Deal Digest

6 minute read

'Is the Answer to Sue?': A List of the Partners and Barristers Owed Millions by the Ince Group

Jack Womack | July 11, 2023

'I have never experienced such unprofessional behaviour,' Ince's former head of corporate said of the firm's implosion that has left many out of pocket.

4 minute read

The Key Takeaways of LCIA's Annual Report: Reflecting a World in Crisis

Kimberley Bazelais, Signature | July 11, 2023

While on the surface it is business as usual for the type of disputes referred to the LCIA, a profound shift seems to be ongoing, arising from the global geopolitical and economic situation.

4 minute read

US Law Firms Lead Rush to Join Twitter Rival 'Threads'

Jack Womack | July 11, 2023

It comes as an IP battle between Twitter owner Elon Musk and Meta's Mark Zuckerberg shapes up.

2 minute read

Perez-Llorca Hires from Clifford Chance in Madrid

Alex D'Elia | July 11, 2023

The appointment is part of Pérez-Llorca's 'Women in Corporate' program, designed to increase the number of female partners in the corporate law practice.

3 minute read

Extravagance in Asia: In Choosing Asia Over the US, What Is Mishcon's Game Plan?

Jessica Seah | July 10, 2023

"Economic hegemony" is shifting toward Asia, says Mishcon executive chair Kevin Gold.

5 minute read

Linklaters, Cleary Gottlieb Guide First Sustainable Bond With Gender Goals

Amy Guthrie | July 10, 2023

As part of the deal, Chile has pledged to convince publicly traded companies to appoint women to at least 40% of their board seats by the end of 2031. It has also committed to getting its annual greenhouse gas emissions below certain targets by the end of 2030.

2 minute read

DWF Considers Delisting With Talks Over Private Equity Sale

Jack Womack | July 10, 2023

Shares in the listed law firm have soared on the news of a possible take-private.

2 minute read

DLA Piper Global Investigations and Compliance Head Joins Rival in London

Charlotte Johnstone | July 10, 2023

Patrick Rappo is well known in the sector and had even been touted as a contender for the director role at the Serious Fraud Office.

2 minute read

Luxembourg Opens its Doors to UK Qualified Lawyers

Jack Womack | July 10, 2023

Its tax friendly status has seen the small nation rake in huge direct investment and around €5 trillion in assets under management, making it the second-largest investment fund centre after the US.

2 minute read