10 January 2011
The Lawyer
Bindmans
King’s Cross-based Bindmans is enjoying a market-busting boom, helped by the firm’s longstanding focus on public law, human rights and civil liberties.
Borrowed time
With sovereign debt problems sweeping Europe, is an increase in insolvencies likely? Not necessarily, says Frank Tschentscher
BPP caves in to pressure with fast-track LPC for all
BPP Law School has bowed to student demands by becoming the first LPC provider to launch a fast-track LPC to all students, beginning in August 2011.
Burying bad news on Bulgaria: why DLA Piper closed its office in Sofia
The timing of DLA Piper’s announcement that it was intending to close its Bulgaria office, which was made on Christmas Eve, seemed like a PR case study in how to bury bad news.
Camerons targets US work with Simmons hire
CMS Cameron McKenna has made a strategic hire into its capital markets practice with the appointment of Simmons & Simmons US securities partner Daniel Winterfeldt as head of its international capital markets group.
Devonshires hit by writ for poor advice on discrimination action
City firm Devonshires has been handed a professional negligence writ by former client, hedge fund manager Celia Farnon.
Ex-SJ Berwin associate wins OFT promotion
Former SJ Berwin associate Sheldon Mills has been handed a promotion at the OFT after chief economist Amelia Fletcher stood down from the role of senior director of mergers.
Fixed fees, senior service, outsourcing: is that enough to make Radiant shine?
The technology boutique that launched last week with lawyers from Barlow Lyde & Gilbert (BLG), Latham & Watkins and Morrison & Foerster (MoFo) is considering radical plans that would see its associated business take over an in-house legal function.
Focus: Simmons & Simmons: City slippers
Dawkins’ revolution from the top has made little difference to Simmons. Is merger the only option left?
Herbies, SJ Berwin get slices of Cheesegrater construction
Herbert Smith and SJ Berwin have taken the plum roles on a deal to create a joint venture (JV) that will see the construction of a new City landmark.
Herbies, Taylor Wessing win Sheffield block sale
Herbert Smith and Taylor Wessing won mandates on the sale of the Sheffield building that houses DLA Piper’s offices in the city.
Hogan Lovells’ pro bono team in legal aid project
Hogan Lovells’ pro bono team has helped develop an initiative urging law firms to release unclaimed client funds to the Access To Justice Foundation.
Hogan, Links on board in Oz container terminal deal
Hogan Lovells and Linklaters have advised on a major investment by Citi Infrastructure Investors (CII) in DP World’s Australia-based terminals business.
How the West End was lost
In business, geography is destiny. And in the legal business a flourishing West End firm looks increasingly like a contradiction in terms.
Howard Kennedy gambles on partnership revolution
Last of the West End stalwarts faces radical restructure; aims to heal equity-salaried partner divide
Howrey boss: shedding 60 partners is all part of a cunning plan
Radical downsizing and a strategic rethink as IP is spun off.
IP exits add to Mayer Brown lev fin walkouts
Mayer Brown’s London office has been hit by two more partner exits in London after the firm announced the closure of its London trademarks practice.
JMW media chief takes up Mishcon London job
JMW head of media Charlotte Harris will join Mishcon de Reya next month, as the West End firm builds its four-partner media team.
Links, Hengeler, Schoenherr act on Apax’s Takko buyout
Linklaters, Slaughter and May best friend Hengeler Mueller and Austrian duo Schoenherr and Wolf Theiss took the mandates on the e1.3bn (£1.1bn) sale of clothing retailer Takko by Advent International to Apax Partners.
Macfarlanes ups focus on flexibility
Macfarlanes has expanded its flexible working policy as it continues a push to encourage more female lawyers into the upper echelons of the firm.
Man at M&A
Barclays M&A legal chief Matthew Dobson believes his job combines the best parts of in-house and private practice, says Andrew Pugh
McGrigors boosts corporate with Links raid
McGrigors has hired Linklaters associate Mark Waegner as a partner in its corporate team in London.
Nabarro to represent Government on coalminer liabilities
Nabarro has set up a northshoring arrangement that will see it manage all strategic, legal and claims work related to sick coalminers from its Sheffield office.
On the brink
Portugal has been a market in turmoil over the past year, with the necessity of a bailout from the EU hanging over its head. James Swift looks at how the legal market is faring
On the move
Stephenson Harwood has strengthened its Hong Kong investment funds practice with the hire of Ropes & Gray partner Michael Guilday as a foreign legal consultant. Guilday joined the Hong Kong office of the US firm in 2009.
Opinion: Firms shouldn’t just talk the talk on ‘class’ diversity
As a society we like to think of ourselves as a pretty tolerant bunch.
Reed Smith lures McDermott energy partner
Reed Smith has hired project finance energy partner Stefan Schmitz for its London energy and natural resources practice.
RJW ups private client offering with hires
Russell Jones & Walker (RJW) has hired a two-lawyer team from Bury-based firm Clough & Willis Solicitors as it looks to expand its private client offering.
Simmons puts China and Germany growth ahead of US merger
Simmons & Simmons has put finding a US merger on the backburner, preferring to focus on investment in Germany and China.
Top judges to take centre stage in busy year for the Supreme Court
Keen observers of the court process are in for a treat this year, says Katy Dowell
Tulkinghorn: City kickers
Chris Howard’s return to Linklaters in November was one of the more surprising moves of last year.
UGGC increases Chinese capabilities with exclusive Concord relationship
French firm UGGC & Associés has formed an exclusive partnership with Chinese firm Concord & Partners as it ramps up its presence in the country.
Work Life Quiz: Adam Morallee, Mishcon de Reya
What was your first-ever job? Working on the phones in sales for my dad’s business.
