14 March 2011
The Lawyer
2Birds scores SNR Denton energy duo
Bird & Bird has hired corporate and energy partners Matt Bonass and Michael Rudd to its international energy and utilities sector group.
Bankruptcy bonanza in prospect as regulator homes in on debt policies
SEC set to call time on banks’ soft-touch approach to real estate loans. By Matt Byrne
Bupa panel to get regular check-ups
Bupa is set to launch an annual consultation process for its top legal advisers as the healthcare provider looks to monitor the performances of its panel firms on a more regular basis.
Caste analysis
Of all the excellent conferences we put on, I reckon our careers days for state school sixth-formers is the most important by far.
Dawsons and Penningtons set for imminent merger
Lincoln’s Inn firm Dawsons is close to sealing a merger with private client firm Penningtons after coming under pressure to recapitalise and keep a grip on its core partnership.
Directive action
A crucial consultation over the future of MiFID has just concluded. Damian Carolan reports on the industry’s worries over increased regulation
Duchy of Lancaster names head of legal
The Duchy of Lancaster has appointed Tim Crow as head of legal services.
Euro Car Parts installs commercial lawyer
Euro Car Parts has hired Samar Naeem as its new commercial lawyer from Manchester firm Slater Heelis.
Farewell Howrey, as Ruyak finally admits the game’s up
When the news finally came last week it took few by surprise - after a year of turmoil in which Howrey’s most high-profile partners jumped ship, the firm finally announced its dissolution.
Firm profile: Ansons
Staffordshire firm Ansons may be young in years, but it has some reassuringly old-fashioned principles.
Focus: The 2010-11 Silk Round: Raw silk
This year’s group of newly created QCs may be the largest ever, but the honour is just one step towards building a reputation
Freshfields’ home-grown celluloid heroes
The major movie awards may be out of the way this year, but Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer rolled out the red carpet last week for a night of cinematic celebration.
Herbies arbitrator in 39 Essex Street switch
Herbert Smith commercial arbitration partner David Brynmor Thomas is to join 39 Essex Street after 20 years with the firm.
Industry stars to judge The Lawyer Awards 2011
The Lawyer has assembled a stellar list of judges for The Lawyer Awards 2011 this summer.
Irwin Mitchell bags Withers risk expert
Irwin Mitchell has hired Sue Weatherson as its risk and compliance director.
McGrigors launches first overseas office in Qatar
Edinburgh-headquartered McGrigors has opened a base in Qatar, marking its first expansion into international markets.
On the move
SNR Denton has made a double partner-level swoop on HBJ Gateley Wareing’s construction team.
Opinion: Twitter is more than just a fad, so don’t miss the boat
Lawyers are joining Twitter every day. Some are seeking to promote their practices, others just want to engage on matters of special interest or follow emerging news events.
Optimism abounds as Mipimites mingle
For the third year running TheLawyer.com has played host to legal bloggers sharing their experiences of Mipim, the world’s biggest property trade show. Partners at some of the UK’s leading real estate practices share the sights and sounds of Cannes and reveal who they met and where they drank…
Osborne Clarke appoints City trainee contact
Osborne Clarke has tasked corporate partner Kalpesh Tanna with taking responsibility for the firm’s London trainees.
Partner exits down to strategy update rather than discontent, says NCTM
Italian independent NCTM is remaining defiant in the wake of a series of partner departures, arguing that it can bear the losses and is continuing to grow.
Playing the yield
With banks putting double knots on the purse strings, Jack Kantrowitz and Jamie Knox examine the rise in mid-cap businesses turning to the debt capital markets
Power sources
Energy projects have found funding hard to come by since the 2009 crisis. John Balsdon and Martin Kavanagh look at where the market stands now
Slaughters loses competition partner to Ofgem
Slaughter and May partner Sarah Cardell is to leave the firm after being appointed legal chief of energy watchdog Ofgem.
Slaughters still rules the blue-chip jungle
The latest Hemscott rankings reveal that the top companies’ legal adviser rosters have barely changed during the downturn. Gavriel Hollander reveals the swings and roundabouts since 2005
Spit and Polish
With Poland having ridden out the downturn admirably, firms are flocking there with a view to making it their CEE launch pad. James Swift reports
The legal general
The shifting world of regulation is keeping Paul Sweeney and his legal team at L&G’s investment management arm on its toes.
The tomorrow people
With mounting concerns about next year’s rise in university tuition fees, it is understandable that students from less well-off backgrounds may feel tempted to throw in the towel.
Tulkinghorn: Flair wear
The country’s leading barristers’ clerks are a dapper bunch, turning out in their Sunday best to The Lawyer’s annual clerks lunch at The Ivy recently.
Work Life Quiz: Sue Medder, Withers
What was your first-ever job? Making turbans and other hats for a fashion designer.
