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International Edition

Desert dreams – why law firms are reassessing their Middle East strategies

In Abu Dhabi Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) has been looking in recent months to sub-let half its office space on the 23rd floor of the prestigious Al Sila Tower. The firm stresses it remains committed to the city, but its move nonetheless reflects a broader readjustment of international law firm ambitions in the UAE capital. "It's no secret that we are looking to sub-let half of the floor we originally let," says Zubair Mir, head of HSF's Middle East operations, before adding that "we are not looking to return the lease in any way". He explains: "What happened was we bought an entire floor in Dubai which became more full than we expected, so when we negotiated in Abu Dhabi we took out more space than we needed to try to avoid the situation of not having enough room." HSF is not alone in rethinking its needs in Abu Dhabi. Hogan Lovells closed its outpost there last year and transferred its work to the firm's Dubai office, having decided that it made for a stronger regional hub.
14 minute read

International Edition

Hard work has just begun: SJB and KWM chiefs outline bold plans for merged firm

When counting down the days to a holiday, that 'to do' list can often seem a little daunting. But for most, pulling off an international merger deal is not one of the tasks on the agenda. SJ Berwin management duo Stephen Kon and Rob Day (pictured, top left and centre) have been enjoying a much-needed rest since signing an agreement to merge with Sino-Australian firm King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) at the tail end of July.
5 minute read

International Edition

Herbert Smith Freehills calls off planned Guinea office launch

Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) has decided not to go ahead with its planned launch in Guinea, a move which had been expected to take place early this year. The firm announced the planned launch in the capital of Conakry in October last year, with the decision attributed to increasing interest in the West African jurisdiction from its energy and infrastructure clients.
2 minute read

International Edition

Dentons extends Kazakhstan reach with Astana office launch

Dentons has expanded its presence in Kazakhstan with the launch of an office in the capital Astana. The office will be headed by newly promoted partner Birzhan Zharasbayev, who was previously based in the firm's Almaty office.
2 minute read

International Edition

Speechly launches second Switzerland base in Geneva

Speechly Bircham has opened an office in Geneva today (2 September), ahead of the planned launch of another European office this November. The new office will be led by former Withers lawyer Michael Wells-Greco and of counsel Francis Rojas, who both left the firm in 2011 to join Luxembourg-based personal wealth outfit Maitland.
3 minute read

International Edition

Kennedys set to grow to £160m as firm seals Simpson & Marwick merger

Kennedys is to merge with Scottish law firm Simpson & Marwick later this year after partners at both firms voted in favour of the tie-up. The combined firm will be known as Kennedys, although Simpson & Marwick will be known as Kennedys Simpson & Marwick in Scotland for a period after the merger goes live on 1 November. The news follows the firm's recent union with specialist aviation and aerospace law firm, Gates and Partners, in June.
3 minute read

International Edition

Shoosmiths takes Challinors team as Midlands firm's collapse sees 46 jobs go

Shoosmiths has become the latest firm to benefit from the administration of Midlands firm Challinors with the hire of an eight-strong team including top-rated clinical negligence partner Richard Bannister. The Birmingham medical negligence team, which includes solicitors Erica Burrows, Pamela Katsionis and Sumit Morjaria, two associates and two paralegals, is joining Shoosmiths Access Legal, the firm's private client offering.
3 minute read

International Edition

Slater & Gordon takes over personal injury law firm Fentons in £32.5m deal

Slater & Gordon has announced a 37% increase in global revenues alongside the £32.5m acquisition of UK personal injury law firm Fentons Solicitors. The fast-growing Australian firm, which in 2007 became the world's first publicly listed law firm, saw revenue grow 36.7% to A$297.6m (£171.2m) in 2012-13, while net profit after tax was up 67.6% to A$41.9m (£24.1m).
4 minute read

International Edition

Baker Botts becomes latest firm to move into much-coveted Rio market

Baker Botts has opened an office in Rio de Janeiro, as it seeks to grow its energy and disputes practices throughout Latin America. The Brazilian base, which will operate as a foreign legal consultancy, is the firm's first office in South America in almost 50 years, and its ninth international branch worldwide.
3 minute read

International Edition

Charles Russell becomes latest firm to enter Qatar market with Doha launch

Charles Russell is launching a new office in Qatar as the UK top 50 firm moves to ramp up its presence in the Middle East. The firm has received its licence from the Qatar Financial Centre Authority, effective as of 29 July, and will officially open the new Doha base in early September.
2 minute read

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