14 December 2009
The Lawyer
2009 – what a falling off was there
There were layoffs aplenty, but then came the transatlantic launches. By Julia Berris
Africa rising
As Africa’s economies continue to grow, opportunities for collaboration have never been greater. By Nankunda Katangaza
Back to the brink
In January 2009 the downsizing began in earnest. Many of the biggest commercial firms had held off until the New Year, but Clifford Chance’s decision to make up to 80 lawyers redundant in London helped trigger a wave of layoffs around the City.
Bakers adds ‘listening ears’ to diversity facility
Baker & McKenzie has launched a diversity contact network aimed at allowing potential recruits to grill people within the firm about any diversity-related issues.
Camerons chief hints at future integration
One year after the integration of CMS Russia, CMS Cameron McKenna managing partner Duncan Weston has not ruled out exporting the model across the network.
Early kick-off
While the World Cup is still several months away, firms in South Africa have already begun to tackle the legal issues surrounding the tournament. Tom Phillips reports
Eversheds replaces A&O on French govt PPP work
Eversheds has been appointed as sole legal adviser to the French Ministry of Justice for its PPP work, as the UK-originated model expands further on the other side of the Channel.
Firms braced for flood of applicants in 2010
Selection criteria ramped up to cope with expected graduate backlog. Firms are toughening already tight graduate recruitment criteria in a bid to stem the expected flood of candidates returning from gap years following the legal market’s biggest-ever trainee deferral programme.
Get with the programme
A scheme whereby African lawyers are seconded to big City firms is paying off for all concerned. James Swift gets the lowdown from those involved
Good counsel
With the recession biting law firms right from the start of the year, 2009 has in many ways been the year of the general counsel.
Growing, growing, gone… Ten years of expansion ends with closures and layoffs
The legal sector has evolved significantly over the past 10 years, with massive expansion being the mark of the decade. Despite this, as firms and in-housers prepare for the advent of 2010, the mood is distinctly more chastened than when they embraced the year 2000.
K&L Gates equalises notice period for salaried partners
K&L Gates has changed the notice period for the majority of its international non-equity partners (NEPs), bringing all partners of this status onto a uniform 90 days.
Litigation wave finally arrives to usher in the New Year
A clear trend is emerging in litigation markets: the global recession has spawned a wave of high-value multijurisdictional disputes. It took months for the upswing to take hold, but in August - typically a quiet month for litigators - the instructions started to roll in.
Lloyd LJ emerges as favourite for Supreme Court post
Lord Justice Lloyd is tipped as the favourite to become the final judge appointed to the Supreme Court after Jonathan Sumption QC revealed last week that he had pulled out of the race.
Martineau creates deputy chief role in management revamp
Birmingham-based Martineau is to create the position of deputy managing partner to fill in for its globetrotting managing partner.
MoJ rebuffs plan to replace cab rank rule
Proposals to scrap the bar’s longstanding cab rank rule have been rejected by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).
Nabarro cash injection staves off capital woes
Nabarro averted a cashflow problem last year by asking partners to inject an extra £5m into the firm.
People moves
Reynolds Porter Chamberlain (RPC) has bolstered its banking litigation team with the hire of partner Tom Hibbert (left).
Plexus acquisition reinforces QBE ties
Plexus Law has strengthened its links with insurance giant QBE by acquiring the insurance practice of Whitfield Hallam Goodall.
Recession takes its toll on corporate mid-tier
Figures attained from Companies House filings have revealed the extent to which the financial crisis has hit partnership levels at mid-tier City firms.
SA Law
As the fifth anniversary of the launch of SA Law approaches, managing partner Steve Ryan says the firm’s investment in its employment practice has paid dividends during the downturn.
Speechly boosts IP team with Nabarro hire
Speechly Bircham has turned to Nabarro for the hire of competition partner Robert Bell.
Sussex authorities to set up joint panel
A group of 16 local authorities across Sussex are to launch a joint panel for the first time.
Testing times for future lawyers
In a year of chronicling the recession, it’s fitting that our final issue of 2009 leads on the effect of the downturn on the future members of the legal profession.
The good news: recovery is one year closer
As we stumble towards the end of 2009 we can take solace in the fact that we are a year nearer to economic recovery and the stabilisation of law firm revenues and profits.
Top spot for Skadden with $1bn litigation revenue
The Lawyer’s annual litigation top 50, as revealed in last week’s issue (7 December), is proof that, while it might not be a tidal wave, litigation is definitely on the up.
Travers’ big idea: learn a language, get clients
Fresh from a sabbatical in India, Travers Smith’s incoming managing partner Andrew Lilley is upping the firm’s focus on its international profile by providing intensive language courses for its lawyers.
Tulkinghorn: Abs heard
On 19 January 2010, the great and the good will roll up for The Lawyer’s annual Hot 100 party.
Work Life Quiz: Peter Edwards, Capsticks
What is your favourite film? Reservoir Dogs.
