Online December 2012
The Lawyer
EU/ EC imposes fines for cathode ray tube cartels
The European Commission (EC) recently fined seven international company groups with a total fine of around €1.47bn for two distinct cartels related to cathode ray tubes (CRTs) used in colour television sets and computer monitors.
Goodman Derrick — a review of 2012 download
Goodman Derrick looks back at its achievements over the past year.
Goodman Derrick's head of employment chairs Law Society forum
Goodman Derrick’s Alison Downie is chairing the Law Society Law Management Section HR Forum 2012.
Karanovic & Nikolic supports IPR conference in Serbia
Amcham, with the support of Karanovic & Nikolic, held its 10th Annual Intellectual Property Rights Conference (IPR) in Arandjelovac, Serbia on 5–6 December 2012.
Patrick Swaffer leaves Goodman Derrick to take up role of BBFC president
The BBFC has appointed Patrick Swaffer — a former senior and managing partner of Goodman Derrick — as president.
11KBW dominates JR into GCSE English marking fiasco
11KBW barristers are going head to head as a judicial review into the GCSE English controversy begins this morning.
20 Essex Street and Macfarlanes lead on cycling's doping probe
Macfarlanes and 20 Essex Street have secured lead roles on a review of cycling’s governing body in the wake of the Lance Armstrong scandal.
2Birds' LLPs reveal firm's 'very healthy' debt position
Bird & Bird’s LLP accounts show that the firm is carrying a “very healthy” amount of debt, according to CEO David Kerr.
A&L Goodbody sets up German group to target investment
Irish firm A&L Goodbody has established a team of lawyers dedicated to advising German clients on doing business in Ireland, as well as Irish clients doing business in Germany.
A&O and Allens land roles on mammoth Australian LNG project financing
Allen & Overy (A&O) and Allens Linklaters both landed roles helping secure the $20bn (£12.3bn) project financing for the Ichthys liquified natural gas project in Australia’s Northern Territory.
A&O bolsters German disputes practice with Hogan Lovells hires
Allen & Overy (A&O) has hired two litigation partners and a team of associates from Hogan Lovells in Germany.
A&O counts the cost of office banter
The holiday season and new year are a favourite time for law firm marketers capitalising on people’s misery. At around this time every year, email inboxes at The Lawyer fill with messages from divorce specialists reminding us that more couples split in January than at any other time – the seventh of the month is expected to be the busiest for divorce filings, in case you’re interested – and offering their musings on the subject.
A&O partner and Locog GC lead legal honours in New Year's list
Allen & Overy partner David Wootton received a knighthood for services to legal business in the New Year’s honours list.
A&O seals Saudi alliance after former sponsor ties up with Linklaters
Allen & Overy (A&O) has tied up with a Saudi Arabian firm led by one of its own partners, days after news broke that the magic circle firm’s previous sponsor in the country had signed a deal with Linklaters.
A&O, Kirkland, Links clinch deal to end European Directories restructure
Allen & Overy (A&O), Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP), Kirkland & Ellis and Linklaters have secured a deal to end the long-running debt restructuring of European Directories that sees private equity group Triton take control of the company.
ABS-olutely manic
In what must surely be the last ABS story of the year, Knights Solicitors has been given the all clear by the SRA for its capital injection from Dragons’ Den star James Caan.
Akin Gump and Dechert win roles as Kazakh oil group restructures debt
US firms Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld and Dechert won roles on the debt restructuring of Kazakhstan-focused oil and gas group Max Petroleum through a new $90m (£56m) credit facility.
Akin Gump and Linklaters lead on ExxonMobil-Rosneft Siberian JV
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld and Linklaters have landed mandates as Russian state-owned oil giant Rosneft and America’s ExxonMobil sign an agreement to jointly explore tight oil reserves in the far reaches of western Siberia.
Akin Gump, Hogan Lovells, Linklaters lead on $1.2bn MegaFon mobile deal
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, Hogan Lovells and Linklaters have taken the lead roles as Russian telephone giant MegaFon acquires an indirect 50 per cent stake in Russian mobile retailer Euroset for $1.2bn (£750m).
Akshay Jaitly, Trilegal, India
The biggest challenge for our firm is to keep the engine of growth running well while making progress inclusive for a larger number of people.
All I want for Christmas: law firm leaders share their Christmas wish-lists
With Christmas just around the corner, we asked a host of law firm chiefs what they were hoping for this year.
Allen & Overy turns to leading local firm for hire of Hanoi head
Allen & Overy (A&O) has appointed VILAF managing partner Tran Anh Duc as head of its Hanoi branch and co-head of its banking and corporate practice in Vietnam.
An honourable new year for A&O
There we all were thinking Wim Dejonghe was Allen & Overy’s most illustrious public figure, but the New Year’s honours list appears to disagree. Its compilers have awarded A&O partner David Wootton with a knighthood for services to legal business, presumably in recognition of his service as the 684th Lord Mayor of London and, earlier, as the capital’s
Andrew Lumsden, Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Sydney
The biggest challenge facing M&A lawyers in Australia is the growing demand from clients for a more hands-on approach from senior lawyers in the team.
Apathetic solicitors costing firms millions
Indifferent lawyers are costing firms and the environment millions a year by showing a lack of interest in green practices in the office, according to research from Banner Business Services, one of the UK’s largest stationery suppliers.Banner surveyed 1,000 lawyers about their environmentally friendly habits at work. The results showed there is still work to do in convincing them to make green choices in the workplace.The survey has revealed:· ...
Ashurst and Dechert land roles on Kazakh bond as banks switch adviser
Ashurst and Dechert have scooped lead roles advising on a €1.1bn (£890m) bond issued by the finance arm of Kazakh national rail company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy.
Ashurst cuts staff from Australian arm in response to 'challenging market'
Ashurst has made an undisclosed number of job cuts in Australia as it reacts to market conditions in the country.
Ashurst defers partner payouts after first-half turnover slump
Ashurst partners will not receive distributions this quarter after the firm decided to defer profit payments.
Ashurst loses senior Sydney litigation partner to Jones Day
Ashurst Australia has seen the exit of senior litigation partner John Emmerig, who has joined Jones Day’s Sydney office.
Australian mid-tier firm forges ties with China's Dacheng
Brisbane-based Australian firm HopgoodGanim has strengthened its ties with China by signing cooperation agreements with two Chinese firms, Dacheng and Zhejiang T&C law firm.
Austria's CHSH forms Czech alliance
Austrian firm CHSH Cerha Hempel Spiegelfeld Hlawati is expanding into the Czech Republic through an association with Prague firm Kalis Opletal & Partners.
Autonomy founder turns to Clifford Chance over HP controversy
Clifford Chance has been instructed by Autonomy founder Mike Lynch amid allegations of accounting irregularities prior to the UK software group’s takeover by Hewlett-Packard (HP) last year.
Autonomy, an HP Company, delivers legal and compliance performance suite
Aviva launches court action over Dewey & LeBoeuf bond
Leaders at Dewey & LeBoeuf have been sued by UK insurance group Aviva in connection with a bond issued by the now-defunct US firm in 2010.
Baker & McKenzie remains leading law firm brand among in-housers
Baker & McKenzie has retained its crown as the top law firm brand as the magic circle comes under pressure from global players like DLA Piper and Norton Rose.
Bakers bolts on Johannesburg litigation boutique
Baker & McKenzie has added niche Johannesburg firm Rudolph Bernstein & Associates to its growing South African presence.
Barclays to revamp in-house team after hire of ex-FSA chief Sants
Barclays is set to undergo a minor restructuring of its in-house legal team following the appointment of former FSA CEO Hector Sants as head of the bank’s compliance function.
BBC confounded as Sports Personality calls connect to Clifford Chance
A handful of sports fans attempting to vote by mobile phone for their choice of BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Sunday night (16 December) were surprised to find that their calls were directed to Clifford Chance.
Bevan Brittan hires SRA expert from Capsticks
Bevan Brittan has hired a regulatory partner with experience acting for the SRA as the regulator gears up to announce the results of its latest prosecution panel.
Bond Dickinson to target international growth post-merger
Bond Pearce and Dickinson Dees are aiming to produce an international strategy within the next 12-18 months following the firms’ decision to merge.
Bond Pearce and Dickie Dees agree to combine as Bond Dickinson
Partners at Bond Pearce and Dickinson Dees have voted in favour of a merger, creating a £95m firm.
Bond Pearce picks up Maclays quartet ahead of Dickinson Dees tie-up
Bond Pearce has announced the hire of four oil and gas partners in Aberdeen from Scottish firm Maclay Murray & Spens as it prepares for its merger with Dickinson Dees.
Bond Pearce prepares for vote on Dickie Dees merger
Bond Pearce partners are set to vote tomorrow (7 December) on a planned merger with Dickinson Dees, nearly three months after the two firms announced they were in talks over a combination.
BPP plans apprentice scheme to bypass university in path to legal career
The Government is set to roll out a legal apprenticeship scheme in conjunction with BPP Law School from next year, enabling budding lawyers to qualify as solicitors without going to university.
Brick Court expands clerking team with Monckton hire
Brick Court Chambers has expanded its clerking team after poaching deputy senior clerk Tony Burgess from rival set Monckton Chambers.
Brodies makes second hire in two days with addition of Dundas partner
Scottish firm Brodies has announced its second lateral hire in as many days, bringing on board Dundas & Wilson’s non-contentious construction head Alistair McLean.
Brodies re-elects Drummond for sixth term as managing partner
Brodies partners have re-elected managing partner Bill Drummond for a sixth term in the role following an uncontested election.
Burness Paull & Williamsons secures first post-merger partner hire
Burness Paull & Williamsons has made its first post-merger hire, adding a partner to its oil and gas team in Aberdeen.
Can you deliver great results in 101 days – or less?
Are you fully prepared for the challenge of promotion or a new job? Alan Denton, MD of executive coaching company The Results Centre has advice to help you achieve great results in 101 days (or less).
Carter-Ruck instructed for Bercow as McAlpine launches libel claim
Media firm Carter-Ruck has been instructed by Sally Bercow, the wife of House of Commons Speaker John Bercow MP, as she faces libel proceedings from former Conservative Party treasurer Lord Alistair McAlpine.
CC and Freshfields steer major European acquisition for China's Jinsheng
Clifford Chance and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer have advised on Chinese company Jinsheng Industry’s SFr650m (£436m) acquisition of business units from Swiss-based Oerlikon, one of the largest outbound Chinese investments in the German-speaking market in 2012.
CC, Freshfields and Links among firms on call for Kazakh mobile IPO
Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Linklaters have all clinched roles as Kazakh mobile operator Kcell looks to list in London and Kazakhstan.
Clarks Shoes legal chief returns to Veale Wasbrough for City push
Veale Wasbrough Vizards has rehired former partner Sue Malthouse, who returns to the firm after 18 months at Clarks Shoes as group director of legal and company secretary.
Clifford Chance forms Singapore alliance with litigation boutique
Clifford Chance has teamed up with Singapore litigation boutique Cavenagh Law to form an integrated full service offering in the jurisidiction under the banner ‘Clifford Chance Asia’.
Clifford Chance India M&A co-head to join Jones Day in London
Clifford Chance London partner Sumesh Sawhney, who focuses on the Indian market, will join Jones Day’s London office as a partner in the coming months.
Clifford Chance to slash 2015 trainee intake
Clifford Chance has confirmed that it will be cutting its trainee intake for 2015 from up to 120 to a maximum of 100.
Clifford Chance U-turn will see NQs announced before Christmas
Clifford Chance has reversed a decision to delay its announcement of newly qualified (NQ) lawyer appointments until January after concern from trainees forced management into a U-turn.
Clifford Chance, King & Wood among firms on HK$3.9bn Hong Kong IPO
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, Clifford Chance, King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) and Shearman & Sterling were among the advisers on China Machinery Engineering Corporation’s (CMEC) HK$3.9bn (£240m) IPO in Hong Kong.
Clifford Chance's fight for Chagos Islanders fails in ECHR
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that claims against the UK Government by Chagos Islanders are inadmissible, seven years after the case was filed.
Clyde & Co to form Singapore joint venture with local alliance firm
Clyde & Co has submitted an application to form a joint law venture (JLV) with its Singaporean association firm Clasis and intends to use its Singapore base as a regional headquarters for Asia Pacific.
Clydes senior partner Payton to step down after three decades at the helm
Clyde & Co senior partner Michael Payton is to stand down next year after leading the firm for 28 years, triggering senior partner elections at the firm.
CMS's long-haul US journey
‘Who motivates the motivator?’
Coleridge J cleared of misconduct on pro-marriage stance
Mr Justice Coleridge has been cleared of judicial misconduct over his involvement with pro-marriage charity the Marriage Foundation, but said he would take a “lower profile” position.
Collyer Bristow launches fixed-fee family service
Collyer Bristow is the latest firm to embrace fixed fees with the launch of a fixed-fee divorce package.
Collyer Bristow to face £50m InnovatorOne claim in CoA
Collyer Bristow is expected to face two major professional negligence claims next year after the Court of Appeal (CoA) ruled last week that the £50m Innovator One claim could proceed to appeal.
Comet administrators' filings show quintet of legal advisers as fees unveiled
Documents published by Deloitte have revealed that five law firms were instructed to advise the administrators of high-street electricals chain Comet, with legal fees since the company filed for administration on 2 November hitting £100,000.
Comic Jim Davidson turns to Henri Brandman & Co after sex offences arrest
Henri Brandman is representing comedian Jim Davidson after the latter’s arrest on suspicion of sexual offences.
Competition Commission investigation into Ryanair given green light
The Court of Appeal (CoA) has cleared the way for the Competition Commission (CC) to continue its investigation into Ryanair’s minority stake in rival airline Aer Lingus.
Control Risks publishes annual risk report
Cuatrecasas chief cleared of tax fraud as judge dismisses case
A judge in Barcelona has dismissed allegations that the chair of Iberian firm Cuatrecasas Gonçalves Pereira, Emilio Cuatrecasas, committed tax fraud totalling an estimated €3.7m (£2.9m).
DAC Beachcroft in motor claims tie-up with Innovation Group
DAC Beachcroft has joined forces with business process services provider Innovation Group in a bid to boost its motor claims practice.
Davis Polk picks up CC litigation heavyweights for Hong Kong push
Davis Polk is launching a Hong Kong litigation practice with the hire of Clifford Chance’s Asian litigation head Martin Rogers and partner James Wadham.
Davis Polk takes a punt
In the same way that it took a while for people to get used to the idea that you could buy stamps from newsagents, clothes from Tesco and grills from George Foreman, it may take some time before people associate Davis Polk & Wardwell with anything except US law. But, the New York headquartered firm isn’t doing this branching out business by halves.
Dewey bankruptcy firm Togut Segal & Segal bills £3m since firm's collapse
Advisers working on the US bankruptcy of Dewey & LeBoeuf have racked up fees of more than $14m (£8.6m), according to new filings.
DLA Piper makes double German hire from Salans
DLA Piper has hired two partners from Salans in Frankfurt, just months before Salans’ merger with SNR Denton and Fraser Milner Casgrain takes effect.
DLA Piper tops global litigation ranking with turnover of $1bn
DLA Piper billed more than $1bn on litigation and international arbitration matters last year, data published in this year’s The Lawyer Global Litigation Top 50 reveals.
DLA Piper UK win launches Shepherd FM legal sector division
Shepherd FM has further enhanced its reputation in the professional services sector with the award of a £4m, five year contract for M&E and maintenance services from DLA Piper, one of the world’s largest law firms.
Duane Morris launches in Silicon Valley with K&L Gates hire
Duane Morris has opened in Palo Alto, California with the addition of former K&L Gates IP litigation partner Karineh Khachatourian, who becomes managing partner of the new office.
Dundas loses head of pensions to Maclays
Dundas & Wilson’s head of pensions is leaving the firm to join Maclay Murray & Spens to lead its UK pensions law team.
Eclipse Legal Systems cements position as Government Portal leader
PRESS INFORMATION:November 2012
Edwards Wildman gains Hong Kong capability via local merger
US firm Edwards Wildman Palmer has obtained approval to fully integrate its associated Hong Kong firm Lister Lo Lui & Choy and has added local litigation capability by hiring partner John Yiu from Hong Kong firm ONC Lawyers.
Erskine Chambers welcomes back ex-Bar Council chairman as full-time head
Outgoing Bar Council chairman Michael Todd QC has returned to full-time practice as head of Erskine Chambers.
European moves: 20 December 2012
All the latest partner hires and other appointments within Continental European firms and offices.
European moves: 6 December 2012
All the latest partner hires and other appointments within Continental European firms and offices.
Firms suffer worst quarter in nearly two years, says Deloitte
The second quarter of the 2012/13 financial year was the worst in almost two years for law firms, with the UK top 100 seeing fee income grow 3.4 per cent compared with the same period in 2011.
First year of Prime deemed 'extremely positive' as firms exceed targets
Social mobility initiative Prime, which launched with 22 firms in September 2011, has found that 20 of the firms involved have exceeded their targets by 10 percentage points.
Fladgate misses budget but sees turnover rise 3 per cent at half year
Fladgate has posted a 3 per cent increase in turnover at the half-year stage, slightly below expectations at the start of the year.
Focus on talent not diversity to increase female partner numbers, says 30% Club
Diversity programmes should be changed for “talent strategies” to increase women partner numbers, according to a group of law firms.
Former client drops negligence claim against Shackleton
A claim of negligence against celebrity divorce solicitor Fiona Shackleton’s firm Payne Hicks Beach has been dropped.
Former Clydes COO Jabbari joins Pannone to build consumer brand Connect2Law
Former Clyde & Co chief operating officer David Jabbari has joined national firm Pannone as a partner with specific responsibility for building the firm’s UK-wide referral network Connect2Law.
Former Minster CEO launches ABS Brilliant Law
The former chief executive of volume firm Minster Law is behind the latest ABS start-up to gain SRA approval.
France's Lefèvre Pelletier signs German alliance
French firm Lefèvre Pelletier & Associés is boosting its German presence with the hire of a new partner for its Frankfurt office and a partnership agreement with German boutique Lachner Graf von Westphalen Spamer (LWS).
Freshfields advises HSBC over $1.9bn money-laundering fine
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has scored a key appointment from HSBC to advise the banking giant on its record $1.921bn (£1.19bn) fine from the US authorities over its failure to comply with money laundering and sanctions laws.
Freshfields and Linklaters clinch roles as Rosneft issues debut €3bn eurobond
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Linklaters have won advisory roles on a eurobond issued by Rosneft raising €3bn (£1.87bn), as the Russian oil group seeks to finance its $55bn buyout of TNK-BP.
Freshfields and Slaughters lead as Malaysian tycoon bids to take HK's Guoco private
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Linklaters and Slaughter and May have won advisory roles on a $1.1bn (£657m) offer to take private Hong Kong-listed investment holding company Guoco Group.
Freshfields could face scrutiny over advice on 2010 Bumi deal
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer could be dragged into an investigation of the deal that created the controversial multibillion coal group Bumi.
Freshfields secures partial victory in Tesco dairy price-fixing case
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has secured a partial victory for grocery giant Tesco in a long-running OFT dairy price-fixing case.
Frontrunners emerge for Clyde & Co senior partner role
Insurance partner James Burns and disputes partner Simon Konsta are believed to be the frontrunners to lead Clyde & Co when senior partner Michael Payton steps aside next year.
Gateley to cut 19 fee-earner positions from English offices
Gateley is embarking upon its first redundancy round since the economic slowdown began, with up to 19 fee-earners facing the axe.
Germany's CBH defeats WilmerHale in gummy bear court battle
CBH Rechtsanwälte has won a German court case for Haribo against WilmerHale client Lindt & Sprüngli after the confectionery company claimed that the Swiss chocolatier had infringed its trademark on golden bears.
Germany's Görg picks up five lawyers from White & Case
German firm Görg is strengthening its new Hamburg office with a team of three partners and two associates from White & Case.
Gibson Dunn advises UBS on Libor settlements
US firm Gibson Dunn & Crutcher has advised UBS on settlements with UK, US and Swiss regulators totalling SFr1.4bn (£940m) concerning allegations that figures at the bank manipulated the key Libor interest rate.
Gibson Dunn faces sex discrimination claim from former employee
Gibson Dunn & Crutcher is appearing in the London Central Employment Tribunal this week in an attempt to fight off a sex discrimination claim brought by a former employee.
Gowlings turns to Osborne Clarke to strengthen City restructuring team
Canadian firm Gowlings has made a double hire in its London restructuring team, with the move including the recruitment of former Osborne Clarke practice co-head David Wright.
Greenberg Traurig is "boys club", says ex-partner in $200m class action claim
A former partner of US firm Greenberg Traurig has filed a proposed $200m class action lawsuit against the firm claiming that it encourages a “boys club” in which female lawyers are underpaid and treated “less favorably” than male counterparts in a similar role.
Half-year figures down at Addleshaw Goddard
Addleshaw Goddard’s turnover for the first six months of 2012/13 was down 3 per cent on the same period last year at £84m.
Hawksmoor Air Street. Surf and Turf.
Nicky Richmond discovers a Hawksmoor branch that does fish, and she’s rather impressed
Herbert Smith and Norton Rose join US firms on Virgin Atlantic stake sale
Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) and Norton Rose have won advisory roles alongside American firms on an agreement that sees US carrier Delta Air Lines buy a 49 per cent stake in Virgin Atlantic Airways from Singapore Airlines for $360m (£224m).
Herbert Smith and Skadden lead as Abramovich buys into Russian metal maker
Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) and US firm Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom were among the lead advisers on a deal that sees Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich’s investment company acquire a stake in Russian metal producer Norilsk Nickel.
Herbert Smith Freehills hires Thai partner in boost to Asia litigation
Herbert Smith Freehills has boosted its Asia dispute resolution practice with a partner from Thai firm Weerawong Chinnavat & Peangpanor.
Herbies and Hogan Lovells lead on BlackRock-Deutsche property fund merger
Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) and Hogan Lovells have taken the lead roles as global asset manager BlackRock merges its UK property fund with Deutsche Bank’s real estate fund group RREEF to form what the parties describe as the UK’s largest property unit trust.
Herbies named as defendant in London Underground's negligence claim against Freshfields
Legacy Herbert Smith has been joined as a defendant with Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in a £140m professional negligence claim being pursued by London Underground (LUL).
Herbies to send corporate and property due diligence work to Belfast
Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) is set to expand its Belfast-based legal support unit to include corporate due diligence and real estate work.
Heuking Kühn mourns death of founding partner
Germany’s Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek has announced the death of its founder and senior partner Hans Günter Heuking.
Hillsborough lawyers welcome new inquests and police investigation
Lawyers for the Hillsborough victims’ families will lobby for a top prosecutor to work on the new police inquiry into the 1989 disaster.
HM Treasury appoints Bloxham to lead special administration review
HM Treasury has appointed former Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer partner Peter Bloxham to lead a review of the special administration regime for investment banks (SAR).
Hogan Lovells promotes 24 to its global partnership
Hogan Lovells has promoted 24 new partners in offices across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the US.
Hogan Lovells seeks $2bn enforcement against Addleshaws client Ablyazov
Hogan Lovells has entered judgment in the High Court against the former chairman of Kazakhstan’s JSC BTA Bank, Muktar Ablyazov, after successfully debarring him from defending a $6bn claim.
Ince & Co hits Clydes for corporate insurance partner
Ince & Co has appointed former Clyde & Co partner Richard Britain as head of its newly formed corporate insurance practice.
Irwin Mitchell takes on non-legal CFO after gaining five ABS licences
Irwin Mitchell has turned to AIM-listed airline and logistics company Dart Group for the hire of its new chief financial officer.
Is Irwin Mitchell making a list(ing) and checking it twice?
Irwin Mitchell has become the poster child for the Legal Services Act, having long spoken about the legislation with wide-eyed enthusiasm.
Italy's Lablaw moves into Naples via local association
Italian employment boutique Lablaw is entering the Neapolitan market through an association with local firm Fontana Studio Legale.
Jabbari connects to the law
You can’t accuse David Jabbari of lacking vision. The man with the plan has reappeared on the executive board at Pannone with his latest intriguing remit - to drive the growth of the firm’s referral network Connect2Law.
Jefferies Solicitors prepares to go live with personal injury network
A national marketing network for personal injury specialists will launch in January, with 12 firms agreeing to pay £10,000 a month to join its roster.
Jones Day partner among Paris bar candidates
Elections for the Paris bar council kick off today, with lawyers including a Jones Day partner in the running for the position of chairman.
Jones Day partner successful in Paris bar elections
Jones Day litigation partner Laurent Martinet and his running-mate Pierre Olivier Sur of Fischer Tandeau de Marsac Sur & Associés have triumphed in the Paris bar council elections this week.
Jones Day promotes six City lawyers with 50-50 gender split
Jones Day has become the latest US firm to announce a round of partner promotions, naming six new partners in London and 45 globally.
Jones Lang LaSalle highlights real estate pressures for top firms
A growing number of ‘squeezed middle’ firms are looking to cut their real estate costs through sub-letting, double occupancy or mergers, the annual report from property services provider Jones Lang LaSalle has confirmed.
K&L Gates joins Aussie rush with Middletons merger
K&L Gates has confirmed it is merging with Australian firm Middletons in a tie-up creating a 2,000 lawyer firm with 46 offices globally.
K2 Intelligence unveils K2 Analytics to UK legal industry
A data mining tool originally developed for counter-terrorism and subsequently used to track funds lost by investors in the Madoff Ponzi scheme was unveiled this month in front of seven major law firms in the UK.
Keep calm, Herbies
This morning’s news is full of warnings that for those in distress, things could be about to get a little bit worse.
Kennedys expands in Hong Kong with MetLife hire
Kennedys has hired MetLife Asia Pacific legal head Peter Cashin as a partner in its Hong Kong office.
King & Spalding adds project finance team in Singapore
US firm King & Spalding has added four lawyers, including partner Kelly Malone, to its energy practice in Singapore.
Latham and Linklaters lead as Philip Green sells stake in Topshop
Latham & Watkins and Linklaters have advised as Arcadia Group owner Philip Green agrees to sell a 25 per cent stake in Topshop and Topman to US private equity group Leonard Green and Partners.
Latham and Ropes broker $1.1bn deal to refinance Israeli telecoms group
Latham & Watkins and Ropes & Gray have fielded London teams to advise on a deal that sees a consortium led by Goldman Sachs invest $1.1bn (£680m) to restructure the debt of Israeli telecoms group HOT-Telecommunications Systems as the company’s owner takes the business private.
Law firm trio advises as British Land fills up West End development
Bircham Dyson Bell (BDB), SJ Berwin and White & Case all landed roles as British Land secured the first two pre-lets on its 10 Portman Square development.
Lawrence Graham departures continue as 16 made redundant
Lawrence Graham has axed 16 jobs after a month-long redundancy consultation.
Legal fees hit £1.4m on real estate merger as Nabarro, Travers lead
Nabarro and Travers Smith were the main beneficiaries of the near £1.4m in legal fees spent by London & Stamford Property and Metric Property Investments ahead of their £800m merger.
LG looks to grow in Singapore with private client hire
Lawrence Graham has hired a private client partner from Ogier in a bid to boost its Singapore office.
Linklaters' Aussie alliance partner names new chairman
Linklaters’ Australian ally Allens has elected Ian Wallace as the firm’s new chairman of partners, succeeding incumbent Ewen Crouch who is stepping down when his current term expires at the end of 2012.
Linklaters ditches Brazil ally in light of stringent local bar rules
Linklaters has ended its cooperation agreement with Brazil’s Lefosse Advogados in response to the Brazilian bar’s decision to uphold rules preventing foreign firms from practising local law.
Linklaters gets itself another Allens
The news that Linklaters has tied-up with Allen & Overy’s (A&O) former local sponsor in Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz AlGasim is best read with a little bit of context.
Linklaters joins Norton Rose and new SA ally on £1.3bn Barclays Africa sale
Linklaters and Norton Rose have advised alongside the magic circle firm’s new South African ally Webber Wentzel as Johannesburg bank Absa Group buys Barclays’ African operations for £1.3bn.
Linklaters keeps top spot for UK M&A as US firms climb up rankings
Linklaters has held onto its position as the most prolific adviser on UK M&A, as annual deals data for 2012 shows US firms stealing a march on their City competitors.
Linklaters seals alliance with South Africa's Webber Wentzel
Linklaters has agreed an exclusive alliance with South African law firm Webber Wentzel, with the deal set to go live early next year.
Linklaters signs deal with A&O's sponsor firm in Saudi
Linklaters has signed a cooperation deal with Allen & Overy’s (A&O) local sponsor in Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz AlGasim Law Firm.
Liverpool Victoria promotes general counsel to company secretary
Bournemouth-based insurance company Liverpool Victoria (LV) has promoted general counsel Rachel Small to group company secretary.
Lloyds hires FSA's Whittaker as new group general counsel
Lloyds Banking Group has announced the hire of FSA general counsel Andrew Whittaker as its new group general counsel.
Lord Phillips to challenge government on Supreme Court admin appointments
The former president of the Supreme Court, Lord Phillips, will challenge the right of the government to appoint the court’s chief executive in a proposed amendment to the Crime and Courts Bill this week.
Magic circle trio advises as HSBC sells stake in Chinese insurer
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has advised HSBC on the $9.4bn (£5.8bn) sale of its entire shareholding in China’s Ping An Insurance Group to Thai conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Group, which was represented by Linklaters.
Maples ex-chief Travers returns to law with move to offshore boutique
Maples and Calder’s former managing and senior partner Anthony Travers is returning to legal practice after a six-year break, joining offshore boutique Thorp Alberga.
Matrix silk overturns Stringfellows stripper decision
Matrix Chambers’ Tom Linden QC has helped strip-club owner Peter Stringfellow win his appeal over whether a £200,000-a-year stripper was an employee of his club.
Max Clifford turns to BCL Burton Copeland on advice of Al Fayed
BCL Burton Copeland partner Ian Burton is representing Max Clifford over sexual offences claims after the firm’s senior partner came recommended by Mohammed Al Fayed.
Media lawyers predict changes to reputation management in wake of Leveson
Reputation management practices will have to change focus if Leveson’s recommendations are imposed, according to a number of leading media lawyers.
Mergers can be effective in moving partners out of their comfort zones
By Andrew Hedley, director, Hedley ConsultingAndrew Hedley
Merrill Corporation meets the needs of security and transparency for the Leveson Inquiry
Midlands firm Knights gets SRA backing for Dragons' Den investment
Midlands firm Knights Solicitors has been granted SRA approval for its capital injection from Dragons’ Den star James Caan.
Morton Fraser finds merger partner in Glasgow's Macdonalds
Scottish firms Morton Fraser and Macdonalds are set to merge creating a firm with turnover of more than £17m.
Nabarro heads east with City HQ move confirmed
Nabarro has confirmed its move into new offices at 125 London Wall for November 2014.
New director at Taylor Wessing prompts reshuffle
Taylor Wessing has appointed Keith Barnett as its new business group director.
Nixon Peabody closes Paris office to focus on US business
US firm Nixon Peabody is shutting down its Paris office as it moves to focus on managing its US operations.
Nixon Peabody won't always have Paris
It is not just quintessential Gallic actor Gerard Depardieu who is escaping France at the moment, US firm Nixon Peabody is also shutting its doors in Paris just four years after opening them. The firm has become the first to reverse a recent trend of launching ...
Norton Rose among firms on Rio Tinto sale of SA mine to Chinese group
Norton Rose has joined a raft of Chinese and South African firms advising on Rio Tinto Group’s $373m (£231m) sale of its stake in South Africa’s Palabora Mining to a consortium led by China’s Hebei Iron & Steel Group.
Norton Rose enlists PwC GC as senior adviser
Norton Rose is to bring in longstanding PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) general counsel Owen Jonathan in the role of senior adviser to the global executive committee.
Office banter could cost business billions, says A&O report
An Allen & Overy (A&O) report has warned that office banter could cost UK businesses as much as £292bn in tribunal claims in 2013.
Ofgem picks 11 firms for £3m panel following six-month review
Eleven firms including Addleshaw Goddard, Bevan Brittan and SNR Denton have made it onto electricity and gas regulator Ofgem’s £3m panel following a review.
O'Melveny & Myers makes up London partner in promotions round
O’Melveny & Myers has promoted one lawyer to its partnership in London and one in Asia as part of a six-strong global promotions round.
Opportunities outweigh challenges in Latin America, says Bakers LatAm chair
When Baker & McKenzie broke the news earlier this year that it was launching an office in Peru, managing partners at other international firms across the world were no doubt nodding their heads silently in agreement.
Pannone prepares to do battle over professional negligence claims
Pannone, 13 Old Square’s Michael Booth QC and Serle Court’s David Casement QC have become embroiled in a legal battle between Isle of Man millionaire Albert Gubay and his former lawyer Peter Willers in a multi million pound case set to be heard by the High Court next year.
Paull & Williamsons partner defects from newly merged firm to Brodies
Brodies has hired a commercial litigation partner from Paull & Williamsons as the latter beds in its merger with Burness.
Paying the Piper: DLA's £1bn fees have tills ringing
If you believe all the marketing spiel being drummed up by online retailers, today is ‘Cyber Monday’.
PFI is dead, long live PF2
Lawyers have a moral imperative to reinvigorate infrastructure, something that the new public-private partnership scheme could allow, says Christopher Jarman
Pinsent Masons axes 15 jobs in second redundancy round of 2012
Pinsent Masons has made a further 15 redundancies at the end of its second round of job cuts in under a year.
Pinsents grows on back of McGrigors merger
Pinsent Masons has posted a 4 per cent increase in turnover for the first six months of 2012/13, compared with the same period in 2011/12.
Portugal's PLMJ rejigs partnership and governance structure
Portuguese firm PLMJ has introduced several changes to its structure designed to strengthen its leadership and define strategic direction for the next three years, including scrapping the position of salaried partner.
Post-merger Herbies shakes up gardening leave provisions
Herbert Smith Freehills’ notice period for partners leaving the firm has been fixed at six months in the wake of the merger between the UK and Australian firms, representing a drastic reduction on legacy Herbert Smith’s 12-month gardening leave provisions.
Quindell takes over all Accident Advice Helpline claims
Quindell Portfolio, has signed deals to acquire claims management company Accident Advice Helpline (AAH) and law firm The Compensation Lawyers (TCL).
Quinn Emanuel moves into Paris with Shearman hire
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan is opening its fourth European office in January, launching in Paris with the hire of arbitration partner Philippe Pinsolle from Shearman & Sterling.
Ropes & Gray defeated as Motorola denied ban against Microsoft's Xbox
A US judge has ruled part-way through a trial that Ropes & Gray client Motorola cannot ban the sale of Microsoft’s Xbox 360 games console in the US and Germany, representing a significant step forward for Microsoft and its lawyers at US firms Sidley Austin and Calfo Harrigan Leyh & Eakes.
RPC takes on multi-million pound dispute against Mittal on CFA basis
RPC is preparing to bring a multi-million pound claim for Indian businessman Manmohan Varma against Britain’s richest man, Lakshmi Mittal, on a conditional fee arrangement (CFA).
RPC taps Wragges for three-strong senior corporate team
RPC is set to bulk up its corporate practice with the hire of a three-partner City team from Wragge & Co including former managing partner Richard Haywood and current corporate chief Maurice Dwyer.
RPC victorious in bid to advise Ofcom on 4G auction
RPC has won a three-way pitch to advise Ofcom on the bidding process for the auction of 4G mobile broadband bandwidth.
S&C and Wachtell take the lead on NYSE Euronext merger
US firms Sullivan & Cromwell and Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz have picked up the lead roles advising on exchange operator IntercontinentalExchange’s (Ice) $8.2bn (£5bn) acquisition of NYSE Euronext.
Senior Herbies litigation partner defects to Debevoise
Senior Herbert Smith Freehills litigation partner Kevin Lloyd has defected to US firm Debevoise & Plimpton.
Shakespeares on recruitment hunt after post-merger boost
Shakespeares is set to embark on a recruitment drive in 2013 following its October merger with Midlands neighbour Harvey Ingram, with the first recruit Reed Smith’s UK product liability head Paul Llewellyn.
Shao Chunyang, Jun He, Beijing
The establishment of the GEM (Growth Enterprises Market) board of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange and offshore RMB corporate bond offerings are some of the most significant developments in my practice area in China.
Shepherd & Wedderburn bolsters practice with double Pinsents hire
Scotland’s Shepherd & Wedderburn has boosted its energy and renewables practice with three new hires, including two lawyers from Pinsent Masons.
Sidley Austin adds 26 to partnership including City pair
Sidley Austin has added two London lawyers to its partnership in the US firm’s 2013 round of promotions.
Simmons hires Hong Kong finance partner from Standard Chartered Bank
Simmons & Simmons has taken on Hong Kong capital markets partner Jay Lee, who joins from Standard Chartered Bank.
SJ Berwin adds Dechert's former London chief Fogel to board
SJ Berwin has appointed former Dechert London managing partner Steven Fogel as a non-executive director on its partnership board.
SJ Berwin bolsters competition with Ofcom legal chief and BLP partner
SJ Berwin has moved to bulk up its contentious competition practice with the hire of Ofcom head of legal Sarah Turnbull and Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) partner Elaine Whiteford.
SJ Berwin expands European footprint with launch of Luxembourg base
SJ Berwin has launched an office in Luxembourg with a double partner hire from local firms in the jurisdiction.
Slaughters, Sullivan & Cromwell advise Standard Chartered on Iran payments fine
Slaughter and May and Sullivan & Cromwell have assisted Standard Chartered Bank to come to a final settlement with US authorities over allegations that it had breached US sanctions policy.
So long, Sall-ans. Or is it Sale-ans?
Is it because of the merger with SNR Denton and Fraser Milner Casgrain? Or the way Salans got its partners to vote publicly on the tie-up in front of colleagues?
SQS delivers automated regression testing for law firm Irwin Mitchell
Irwin Mitchell cuts delivery time and improves quality of legal case management system through automated regression testing with SQSLondon, 21 November 2012 –SQS Software Quality Systems, the world’s leading specialist in
Squire Sanders turns to BLP and Wragges for City banking hires
Squire Sanders has made two lateral hires to boost its London finance offering, bringing in Berwin Leighton Paiser (BLP) project finance head Philippa Chadwick and Wragge & Co banking head Paula Laird.
SRA confirms enforcement action in 2013 against non-compliant firms
The SRA is gearing up for a New Year’s campaign of “proportionate enforcement action” against firms that fail to meet the regulator’s deadline for appointing Colps and Cofas, the new compliance officers required under the outcomes-focused regulatory regime.
Stephenson Harwood boosts City AIM practice with LG hire
Stephenson Harwood has clinched the hire of Lawrence Graham (LG) energy and natural resources head Tom Nicholls in a boost for its City corporate practice.
Stephenson Harwood files £200m SFO damages claim for Tchenguiz Family Trust
The SFO has instructed 5 Essex Court silk Jeremy Johnson QC to defend a £200m damages claim brought by businessman Vincent Tchenguiz.
Supreme Court to hear high-stakes Prest divorce case
The former wife of oil tycoon Michael Prest is to take her case to the Supreme Court in March next year after the Court of Appeal (CoA) ruled against her claim that Prest should be forced to hand over assets totalling £17.5m.
Taylor Wessing joins double-digit ranks with half-year turnover rise
Taylor Wessing has reported double-digit growth in its half-year revenues, joining a small rank of firms that have increased their revenues in the first half of the 2012/13 financial year
The 12 days of legal market Christmas
On the first day of Christmas Pinsent Masons gave to me, a punch up with a trainee.
The Chancery
Brett Farrell checks out London’s The Chancery - and he rather likes it
Travers Thorp Alberga continues hiring spree with Walkers hire
Offshore boutique Travers Thorp Alberga has picked up Walkers Latin American finance head Nicole Pineda, just weeks after bringing on board former Maples and Calder chief Anthony Travers.
Turnover dips at Simmons at the half-year stage
Simmons & Simmons’ turnover for the first half of the 2012/13 financial year was down 3 per cent on the same period in 2011/12.
Veale Wasbrough hires Bristol City Council legal head
Veale Wasbrough Vizards has announced that it has hired Bristol City Council legal head Stephen McNamara as a consultant in its public sector department.
Watson Farley launches in Frankfurt with Salans hire
Watson Farley & Williams has hired Salans partner Ivana Mikesic´ to open an office in Frankfurt, its third in Germany.
Watson Farley takes a team of four from Holman Fenwick in Hong Kong
Watson Farley & Williams has hired a team of four lawyers from Holman Fenwick Willan (HFW) in Hong Kong to strengthen its dispute resolution and projects practice.
Webber Wentzel to incorporate Linklaters name when alliance goes live
Linklaters’ new South African alliance partner Webber Wentzel is set to incorporate the Linklaters name into its own and take on the UK firm’s branding, it has emerged.
Weil bills £15m on MF Global administration
Legal fees incurred by the administrators of the UK arm of global broker MF Global have breached the £18m mark, with US firm Weil Gotshal & Manges taking the bulk by billing over £15m.
Weil to beef up London high yield with Freshfields partner Strauss
Weil Gotshal & Manges has made another high-profile City hire with the recruitment of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer high-yield head Gil Strauss.
Wilson Sonsini targets Beijing for third China office
US technology-focused firm Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati has opened an office in Beijing, its third in Greater China after Shanghai and Hong Kong.
Withers defeated in Scientology wedding challenge
Withers has lost a High Court case over a woman’s right to get married in a Church of Scientology chapel.
Withers hires BLP wealth planning partner in Singapore
Withers has hired partner Simon Michaels from Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) for its wealth planning practice in Singapore.
Wragges and Simmons advise as Birmingham club takes on Fox TV over Glee name
Simmons & Simmons and Wragge & Co are set for a High Court trademark trial next year with a Birmingham comedy club trying to take Fox TV’s ‘Glee’ off the air.
