Patrick Smith

Patrick Smith, based in New York, covers the business of law, including the ways law firms compete for clients and talent, M&A and corporate work, leadership and marketing innovation. Reach him at [email protected] or on Twitter at @nycpatrickd

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October 18, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Goodwin Rebuts Layoffs Rumors Head On

In social media threads about the rumored cuts, the firm's PR looked to quell the ever-present associate layoff rumors that dog the firm.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

October 17, 2024 | The American Lawyer

John Budetti, Paul Hastings' Investment Funds Chair, Departs After 18 Months

Budetti and Paul Hastings came to a mutual and amicable separation, effectively immediately, said Veronica Jung, Budetti's attorney, in a statement Thursday.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

October 17, 2024 | The American Lawyer

As Partnerships Evolve, Law Firms See Ongoing Partner Training as Recruiting and Retention Tool

"You must have very clear objectives," observed strategy consultant Deborah Farone. "If you're producing a training session without knowing exactly what you want to get out of it, you're setting yourself up for failure."

By Patrick Smith | Brenda Sapino Jeffreys | Thomas Spigolon

6 minute read

October 16, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Skadden Lures Paul Weiss Marketing Pro Luke Ferrandino as Longtime CMO Retires

Sally Feldman, who is retiring from Skadden, is assisting with the CMO transition. She will be pursuing an opportunity in the public sector, the firm said.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

October 16, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Deal Watch: Big Week for Private Equity, Private Credit and Kirkland

Of seven announced deals in the past week that were worth more than $1 billion, four were private equity-driven, and two were driven by private lenders.

By Patrick Smith

9 minute read

October 15, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Milbank Eyes Next Generation of Regulatory Practice Leaders

"It is important for us not to wake up and find out we are all in our 60s and ready for retirement," said Milbank's George Canellos.

By Patrick Smith

4 minute read

October 14, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Are Single-Tier Partnership Law Firms Fighting the Wind?

Recruiting and retaining senior associates—that gold mine of Big Law leverage—may now be more challenging to single-tier firms.

By Patrick Smith

6 minute read

October 10, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Cleary Creates Nonequity Partner Tier, Calling for 'Innovation and Adaptation'

"We are not doing it to create a different leverage model within the firm," said managing partner Michael Gerstenzang. "We are doing it to create more opportunities in promotion and development."

By Patrick Smith

5 minute read