1 March 2004
The Lawyer
1 Pump Court catches Frizzby
Congratulations to 1 Pump Court for living up to its self-penned tag of being a “radical and progressive” set.
A&O partners vote in CC’s Porter
Allen & Overy (A&O) partners have voted in favour of taking on Clifford Chance’s head of real estate funds and investment banking (Refib), Robert Porter.
A&O wraps up financing for new Arsenal stadium
Allen & Overy (A&O) has completed the landmark financing for Arsenal FC’s new stadium project, having beaten Norton Rose to the banking consortium’s work in a competitive tender.
A&O, Linklaters in double swoop for Clifford Chance partners
Clifford Chance is set for a double partner departure to two rival magic circle firms.
Barclay bros link sees Finers bag Littlewoods
Finers Stephens Innocent has landed its first work for Littlewoods thanks to its close ties with entrepreneurial siblings the Barclay brothers.
Blake Lapthorn Linnell suffers triple partner departure
Blake Lapthorn Linnell has been dealt a blow with the departure of three partners in as many months.
Braveheart
Mike Collins on the McGrigors raids and why Burness should have merged with DLA. By Matt Byrne
Building society
It’s exciting but turbulent times for the construction industry in Scotland. By Lindy Patterson and Michael McAuley
Cadwalader takes axe to UK projects lawyers
US firm Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft is making a raft of redundancies in the London project finance group.
Cardiff partner leaves Morgan Cole for client
Yet another partner has been added to the long list of defections from beleaguered firm Morgan Cole. Cardiff-based Bill Witter is leaving the firm to take up an in-house role at a client, Welsh housing association Shaw Homes.
CEDR Solve shows mediations are up
Mediations handled by CEDR Solve increased by 35 per cent last year, despite widespread feelings that the process is not a viable alternative to court litigation.
Celtic cross
Investment from Irish players is helping to keep the Scottish property sector alive and kicking. By Robin Garret
Cleary Gottlieb star quits for Citigroup
Legendary Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton partner Edward Greene has quit the firm to become general counsel of Citigroup’s Global Corporate and Investment Banking Group (CGIB).
Climb every mountain
Scotland’s new Law Society president has big plans. Morton Fraser’s Duncan Murray talks to Matt Byrne
CMS France falls into line with profits shake-up
Cameron McKenna’s CMS alliance has moved closer to full integration after French member CMS Bureau Francis Lefebvre (BFL) revamped its remuneration system.
Commercial Court vies with Law Lords for Government funding
Will Falconer’s £32m Supreme Court dash investment plan for Commercial Court? By Naomi Rovnick
Courts' way to award interest is "confused, arbitrary and outdated"
The way in which the courts award interest on debts and damages was "confused, arbitrary and outdated" and gave the impression that the legal system was "living in the past", according to a report published by the Law Commission last week.
Crowell & Moring bolsters European presence
US firm Crowell & Moring has continued its slow but steady growth in the European market by tripling its office space in London and hiring new lawyers from CMS Cameron McKenna, Weil Gotshal & Manges and Jones Day.
De Wolf hires Lontings partner for tax launch
Osborne Clarke’s Belgian ally De Wolf & Partners has launched a tax department, snatching a partner from KPMG correspondent firm Lontings & Partners.
Dechert construction head quits for Duane Morris
Charles Brown, the head of Dechert’s City construction practice, has become the latest partner to exit the firm, moving to the London office of Philadelphia’s Duane Morris. Brown, who has been at Dechert since 1996, specialises in construction projects and litigation. He advised the Kingdom of Bahrain in the Sheikh Isa Airbase dispute and the architects on the London Eye. The hire brings to eight the number ...
Defamation: draft Rome II regulation to allow privacy law through the backdoor?
Media lawyers were voicing their concerns over plans for EU harmonisation this week that would allow claimants to sue for privacy using the law of any country where the material has been published.
Discrimination against pregnant women: 1,000 legal actions brought every year
Every year over 1,000 women take legal action claiming they were sacked because of their pregnancy, according to a report published by the Equal Opportunities Commission which called for more research into whether the tribunal system discriminated against expectant women.
Divestment of oil and gas group by ABB gets the okay
Competition clearance for the $925m (£491m) acquisition of ABB’s oil and gas services division by a consortium of Candover, JPMorgan and 3i was granted last Tuesday (24 February).
DLA boosts Edinburgh with CC and HBJ hires
National firm continues growth drive with additions to banking and litigation teams
DLA secures ex-Linklaters employment chief
DLA has hired Linklaters’ former Spanish head of employment Luis Peinado. A managing associate, Peinado was head of employment at Linklaters until he left in December. He has advised national and international companies in Spain and recently advised HSBC on the restructuring and downsizing of its commercial and investment branches there. Linklaters managing associate Naiara Rodríguez-Escudero took over ...
EU debates mutual recognition laws
EU member states are close to reaching an agreement on a framework directive establishing the mutual recognition principle in matters involving the confiscation of the proceeds of crime.
EU launches consultation on company transfer
An internet public consultation has been launched by the European Commission into a planned directive laying down clear rules on the transfer of a company’s registered office from one European Union (EU) country to another.
EY Law in turmoil as CEO Bignon falls on his sword
EY scrambles to salvage Continental legal network as its leader concedes defeat to Sarbanes-Oxley
Firm profile: Clark Holt
Take a look at Clark Holt’s website and one page in particular is shocking. There, for all the world to see, is a statement of the firm’s fees. “Why not?” says managing partner Richard Clark. “We’ve got nothing to be ashamed of. We regard ourselves as a straight-down-the-line, transparent firm. Clients will pay if we’ve delivered a good service, our rates are highly ...
Following fashion
Scottish finance lawyers need to be as agile as their clients, says Michael Watson
For the record...
WEIL GOTSHALIn last week’s story on US firms’ financial results, an unfortunate transposition led to errors in reporting Weil Gotshal’s figures. Turnover is $801m, up 16.5 per cent, not $730m as stated. European turnover is $150m, not $263m. It was also wrongly stated that Baker & McKenzie’s $1,134m turnover reflected a fall of 5 per cent. In fact this represents a 7 per cent rise.
Freshfields hands Cragnotti papers to prosecutors
Further law firms may be forced to hand over client documents after the Rome office of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer handed over papers to Italian state prosecutors in relation to their investigation into high-profile businessman Sergio Cragnotti.
Freshfields lobby clients to join campaign for capping of directors' liability
Magic Circle firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer last week contacted its clients as part of a campaign to persuade ministers for a change in the law to enable directors to limit their liability.
Get IT together
Collaboration is the watchword for IT innovation in Scotland, says John Salmon
Gianni wins Cisco contract
Gianni Origoni’s close association with Linklaters has helped it score Cisco Systems as a new client.
Grapevine
Two out, two in. Here's Hammonds about to hire two sports partners - Louise Quinn and Alastair Bell - from Olswang. Meanwhile, Olswang is in advanced discussions with two private equity partners - Jonathan Pittal and Perry Yam - from SJ Berwin.
Hearsay
Which media lawyer was spotted at the Erotica show at Earl’s Court showing off to his partner in a rubber gimp suit?
Herbert Smith and Stibbe displace Linklaters for work on Getronics sale
Herbert Smith and Stibbe have completed their second deal for Getronics after the IT giant instructed the alliance partners in favour of longstanding adviser Linklaters.
Howard Kennedy wins ING Real Estate with Lawrence Graham lateral
Howard Kennedy has won new client ING Real Estate Development with the hire of new partner Deborah Swanwick from Lawrence Graham.
I spy...
The Proceeds of Crime Act has created outrage among family lawyers, who may have to secretly act against the interests of their own client and breach professional privilege. By Jon Robins
ICC challenges US over anti-trust ruling
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is fighting a legal decision it fears could make United States courts de facto global anti-trust regulators, even in cases with a negligible impact on the USA.
It’s not the new DC, but there’s gold in them there bills
Where US lawyers lead, UK lawyers will follow. Naomi Rovnick on the opportunities for lobbying
Jersey firm launches in Anguilla
Jersey law practice the Sinel Group has followed the latest trend of Channel Islands firms setting up in the Caribbean by launching a practice in Anguilla.
Jumping the bus queue
Some people will do anything to get into The Lawyer. Larissa Lowe, a licensing solicitor at Horsey Lightly Fynn, was so keen to see her name in print that she not only travelled to Belgium (a stupendous effort in anyone’s book), she also jumped over the equivalent height of a double-decker bus – some 3.58m.
Latham plunders Sokolow for nine-lawyer team
Latham & Watkins’ Paris office has raided independent French firm Sokolow Dunaud Mercadier & Carreras for a nine-lawyer litigation team including name partner Patrick Dunaud.
LawZone Newswire - Issue 250
Editorial – The erosion of client confidentiality Civil libertarians were predictably and rightly outraged last week when ministers unveiled new powers for our very own version of the FBI, the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA).
Leader
Poor Patrick Bignon. Just imagine: you emerge from the wreckage of Andersen Legal, you still believe that MDPs have a future and you get steamrollered by Sarbanes-Oxley. And you still keep trying. That takes a lot of optimism.
Legal widow
A severe shortage of assistants – those new, conscience-plagued ones who keep wanting to get their life in balance and leaving to go round the world and doing other unlawyerly things such as voluntary work – has brought crisis to the Lawyer’s department. The Lawyer has been tasked with finding a few replacements, but apparently advertising for them was so expensive it would have ...
Linklaters elects new German senior partner
Linklaters has elected Michael Lappe as its new German senior partner following the decision of incumbent Rudolf Colle to step down to concentrate on client work. Colle, who had served a three-year term in the post, will officially stand down on 30 April.
Linklaters indispensable to banks on Spanish exchangeable bond work
Linklaters Spain has achieved a stranglehold on the banks representing Spanish companies issuing bonds on the equity capital markets.
Liquidators win disclosure victory in BCCI showdown
Gordon Pollock QC today won a Court of Appeal victory forcing the Bank of England to disclose certain communications with its law firm, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, that the bank had sought to keep secret.
Litigation deals round-up
Davies Arnold Cooper (John Smith) negotiated a £250,000 no-liability settlement on behalf of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Kevin Muscat for an alleged bad tackle on former Charlton Athletic Midfielder Matt Holmes. Holmes alleged the 1998 tackle ended his football career. DAC instructed Richard Davies QC (Essex Street Chambers). Collyer Bristow (Andrew Irvine) advised Holmes, instructing Michael McParland (4 Essex Court).
Lovells opens Madrid practice with new hire
Lovells has solved its Spanish problem with the recruitment of Cuatrecasas head of corporate Jose Maria Balana de Eguia, who will open a Madrid office for the firm.
Lovells tiff
Just as the Spanish have got the hang of how to pronounce Lovells (previously the whisper in Madrid was “Low Balls are coming, Low Balls are coming”), it seems the City firm may have to change its name.
Macedonia courts get EU IT boost
The EU is to pay for a new software system, computers and other IT equipment to improve the judiciary in the former Yugoslavian republic of Macedonia.
Macfarlanes’ new boy brings NIB Capital Bank
Macfarlanes’ new boy brings NIB Capital Bank" /Macfarlanes has scored a new banking client thanks to recent recruit Tom Speechley, who joined in January to bolster the firm’s acquisition finance capability.
Manzoor takes on Law Soc complaints role
Zahida Manzoor, the Legal Services Ombudsman, has been appointed as the Law Society’s legal services complaints commissioner. Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs Lord Falconer made the appointment in response to concerns that the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors (OSS), the Law Society’s complaints arm, was not effective or efficient. Manzoor will have powers to set targets for complaints, make recommendations and require the OSS to submit a plan for improved complaints ...
Mardi cars
Thanks to Finers Stephens Innocent for laying on a splendid Creole-themed Mardi Gras client bash last Thursday (26 February) and inviting Tulkinghorn along.
Masons sees off Eversheds to bag Lancashire waste management PFI
Masons has taken advantage of its recent appointment to Lancashire County Council’s panel by beating Eversheds to one of the largest waste management private finance initiative (PFI) projects to date.
Masons Thelen Reid targets Iraq with local association
US firm Masons Thelen Reid has become the latest Western law firm to develop a presence in Iraq after setting up an association with a local firm.
Mental Incapacity Bill "not about euthanasia", says minister
Ministers last week unveiled improvements to its draft Mental Incapacity Bill which would provide a new statutory framework to protect vulnerable people, carers and professionals.
Mishcons music maestro goes solo
One of Mishcon de Reya’s best-known partners, David Glick, has left to set up his own media and entertainment-focused group of companies. Glick, noted for his deal-doing abilities in the music business, counts Craig David, Fatboy Slim, Nick Cave and The Kinks among his clients. His new business will be known as the Edge Group and will feature a legal services business (Edge Legal) and a boutique management ...
Morgan Lewis publishes strong profits despite Brobeck intake
US firm Morgan Lewis & Bockius has returned strong figures for 2003, with revenues and profits rising by around 13 per cent.
NW firm Stephensons expands into Manchester
Lancashire firm Stephensons is opening in Manchester in March. The office will be headed by Mike Devlin, currently based in the firm’s Salford office. Devlin, an expert in child care and an adviser to Manchester City Council, plans to build the Manchester office on a platform of care work. The firm also hopes to break into the city’s commercial market, primarily in property.
Olswang set to raid SJ Berwin for private equity push
Olswang is poised to bulk up its private equity team with the hire of two SJ Berwin partners Jonathan Pittal and Perry Yam.
Opinion
Lawyers are preparing for Europe’s ‘big bang’ on 1 May, when, as well as the accession of 10 new member states, a package of measures intended to modernise the existing European system of competition law will be introduced. Among these measures is a revision to the special exemption from competition rules, the Technology Transfer Block Exemption Regulation, issued by the European ...
Paul Chinnery: Channel 5 Broadcasting
As Five’s head of legal, Paul Chinnery is fighting to ensure the independence and freedom of the television station post Reynolds and the Hutton Report. Alex Wade investigates
Private equity lawyers hold inaugural conference
The Private Equity Lawyers Forum, an organisation formed in May 2003 for in-house lawyers within the sector, is to hold its first conference on Friday 2 April 2004. It is believed to be the first instance of in-house lawyers grouping together on an industry basis to specify their own training needs. The forum has the support of the British Venture Capital Association and the Law Society’s commerce and industry group. For more information, contact Claire Wilkinson at Wilkinson@abingworth.com. ...
Ricksons to spin off its claimant insurance arm
North West firm Ricksons is poised to dispose of its claimant insurance arm Axis Solicitors, as part of the firm’s strategic shift towards corporate and commercial work.
Robert Muckle gains Balfour Beatty as new client
Newcastle firm Robert Muckle has picked up Balfour Beatty Construction (BBC) as a new client following the move of former MacRoberts projects partner Neil Wilson to Tyneside last year.
Scottish Law Soc’s in-house group homes in on education
The Scottish in-house lawyer’s representative group is embarking on an ambitious and expanded programme of training for its members to meet the demands of constantly changing areas of law.
Scottish Legal Awards flags up future law idols
The Lawyer features editor Matt Byrne presented two future stars of the Scottish legal market with prizes last month at the annual Scottish Legal Awards in Glasgow.
Scottish power
Scotland is in an enviable position to take advantage of renewable energies such as wave and wind power. Nick Atkins gives the lowdown
Separated at birth
You can’t keep a Dutchman down. Despite losing a hefty chunk of its tax team to rivals De Brauw recently in the shape of partner Dick Hofland, Freshfields’ Amsterdam office has already bounced back with a spanking new strategy. Apparently, office managing partner Hans Galavazi has been transformed into Major Chip Hazard, the biggest baddie from 1998 cartoon epic Small Soldiers. “When missile technology is used to enhance toy action figures, the toys soon begin to take their battle programming ..
Spain’s big three continue Iberia, Latin America drive
The three largest Spanish firms have turned in a steady set of annual results, all experiencing revenue growth around the 10 per cent mark.
Special Branch warns lawyers to carry personal attack alarms
Lawyers have been forced to take extreme measures to protect themselves against attacks from animal activists, including carrying personal attack alarms and taking alternative routes home.
Steptoe & Johnson acquires Oppenheimer’s Brussels base
US firm Steptoe & Johnson has become the first firm to benefit from the dismantling of Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly’s European network.
Sullivan beats rivals to France Telecom
Sullivan & Cromwell has elbowed aside Linklaters and Shearman & Sterling to advise France Telecom on its €3.9bn (£2.61bn) takeover of internet service provider Wanadoo.
Taylor Wessing plans shake-up of partner remuneration process
Taylor Wessing is planning to restructure its compensation process as the firm edges towards a common accounting system for the UK, Germany and France.
The Forth protocol
Forth Ports’ CEO on success, ethics, and what he wants from his lawyers. By Matt Byrne
Time for action
Scottish law firms have had plenty of challenges to deal with. Matt Byrne gives the inside track
Tods Murray posts record profits as it secures PFI work in England
The capital projects department at Tods Murray has registered its best-ever half-year figures, following the completion of four private finance initiative (PFI) projects originating in England.
Walkers’ UK lawyers lead pro bono action in the Caymans
The existence of a pro bono and legal aid programme in the Cayman Islands is largely thanks to a number of UK-qualified lawyers.
Wanadoo recruits Freeserve’s Melville
Freeserve’s high-profile general counsel David Melville has moved to a regulatory role at parent company Wanadoo International, the French service provider being bought by France Telecom.
Weil Gotshal litigation devolves power after record expansion
The management of Weil Gotshal’s global litigation practice is being decentralised following 100 per cent departmental growth in the past five years.
White & Case in two partner raid on CC Moscow
Clifford Chance Moscow co-managing partner Hermann Schmitt and tax partner Irinia Dmitrieva have moved to White & Case.
Wilkie Farr partner enters race for seat on Paris Bar
Willkie Farr & Gallagher partner Dominique Mondolini is running in the Paris Bar’s first election next week seeking to capture the vote of international firms vexed by recent tensions with the Bar.
Winston and Bingham lose staff to Shearman
Shearman & Sterling has hired a member of the executive committee from leading US litigation firm Winston & Strawn as well as a litigation partner from Bingham McCutchen.
With a little help from my firms
Balfour Beatty’s sole in-house lawyer says it’s best to be hands-on when it comes to PFIs
WTO trademarks panel gains new chair
Miguel Rodriguez Mendose, head of Van Bael & Bellis’s Geneva office and former deputy director general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has been appointed chairman of the WTO panel ‘European Communities – Protection of Trademarks and Geographical Indications’. The panel will rule on US and Australian complaints over the EU’s system of trademarks and geographical indication for agricultural products and foodstuffs. He is joined by Seung Wha Chang of Korea and Peter Kam-fai Cheung ...
