Camhy Karlinsky NY loses ten IT lawyers

US practice Camhy Karlinsky & Stein's future is hanging in the balance after losing the bulk of its lawyers to rival firms.

This month alone, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld and Greenberg Traurig have raided the former 50-lawyer New York and Silicon Valley firm.

The latest to quit Camhy Karlinsky is a group of 10 lawyers, including three partners. They will join Akin Gump Technology Ventures, the firm's IT practice, and will be based in New York.

Robert Matlin, Willie Dennis and Elaine Laflamme join Akin Gump as partners. Jeffrey Fessler and Michael Kupin join as senior counsel, the equivalent of salaried partner, together with five associates.

Clients of the group include start-ups, public and private companies and venture capital houses, all specialising in media and technology.

Earlier this month, Florida-based Greenberg Traurig announced plans for nearly 40 Camhy Karlinsky practitioners to join its New York office.

The final agreement between Greenberg Traurig and Camhy Karlinsky has yet to be signed. But it is understood that both partnerships have voted in favour of the move.

Those wishing to join Greenberg Traurig include the heads of the new media, litigation and real estate groups as well as the corporate practice chairman Alan Annex.

Camhy Karlinsky was initially a New York firm but has since set up an operation in Silicon Valley. It has developed a strong reputation in the technology field.

Matlin says he is quitting the firm in favour of Akin Gump because of its "commitment to the technology space".

He adds: "I was drawn to Akin Gump because of the firm's superior reputation. The depth and breadth of the firm's expertise and global resources will significantly expand the services we can offer our clients."

Camhy Karlinsky was unavailable for comment.