A squad of lawyers from both sides of the Atlantic had been negotiating David Beckham’s transfer to Major League Soccer team LA Galaxy since mid December, The Lawyer can reveal. Lawyers representing Beckham’s personal and commercial interests in the US and UK had been holding secret negotiations via phone and email with lawyers representing Major […]
It’s always important to pick your moment. Leave while your name is still in lights, when you’re still vigorous enough to be a player. That way you can build a career elsewhere. Tony Angel’s impending transfer out of Linklaters (see story) is going to generate plenty of speculation as to his successor. As The Lawyer […]
Italian firm Camozzi & Bonissoni has merged with Italian corporate finance boutique Varrenti Avvocati Associati, creating one of the largest firms in Italy. Named Camozzi Bonissoni Varrenti & Associati, the new firm will have more than 150 fee earners. The move follows a breakaway by name partner Alessandro Varrenti, ex-managing partner for White & Case […]
Linklaters managing partner Tony Angel is to step down later this year, prompting a succession race at the magic circle firm. Linklaters staff were informed today of Angel’s decision, which leaves the question of handover wide open, although the favourites are capital markets head Nick Eastwell and banking head John Tucker. The firm’s international board […]
Faegre & Benson has announced its partner promotions for 2007, making up 11 new partners from its associate ranks. The London office saw just one associate promoted to the partnership. Corporate associate Melanie Wadsworth was made a partner with effect from 1 January. Wadsworth, who joined UK firm Hobson Audley (which merged with Faegre & […]
The first solicitor ever to be directly appointed to the High Court bench, Mr Justice Lawrence Collins, has been promoted to the Court of Appeal. Judge Collins, who in 1997 also became one of the first two solicitors to take silk, was appointed to the High Court as a deputy judge the same year. The […]
US firm Covington & Burling has become the first firm to benefit from Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld’s withdrawal from the Brussels market, taking on senior strategy adviser and Dutch politician Wim van Velzen. Van Velzen, a former Dutch senator and MEP, will be a senior European policy adviser at Covington, working with clients […]
Mayer Brown Rowe & Maw (MBRM)’s London office has looked in-house for its latest IP hire, taking on Unilever’s head of trademark filing and prosecution. London head of IP Stephen Gare said Susie Curtis was the first lawyer to join MBRM’s trademark team from the in-house sector. “Internationally, there is a commitment to grow IP […]
Reed Smith has released its last year-end figures before its merger with Richards Butler, showing a growth in revenue of 14 per cent to hit $644m (£332m) in 2006. The firm is planning a massive 40 per cent growth in revenues this year to break through the $900m barrier. The figure takes into account the […]
In a radical overhaul of its international strategy, US firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld has pulled out of Brussels and opened its first mainland China office in Beijing. The moves are the result of a two-year strategic review. Chairman Bruce McLean said: “We decided our international offices needed to reflect our core practice […]
Scottish firm Anderson Strathern has been reappointed to advise The Crown Estate on its Scottish portfolio on a three-year mandate, after surviving a competitive tender review. The Scottish portfolio includes the seabed around the Scottish coastline and much of the foreshore, rural estates throughout Scotland, including Glenlivet in Moray and Applegirth in Dumfries, and commercial […]
Californian intellectual property firm Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear haselected a new managing partner. Steve Nataupsky, who has been a partner at the firm since 1996, took overthe position this month. Nataupsky succeeds Jim Bear, who has managed thefirm from 1974 and retired at the end of last year. The two lawyers have had a […]