K&L Gates has hired Clifford Chance US corporate partner David Bernstein for its New York office.
Bernstein, who was based in the magic circle firm’s New York office, joined Clifford Chance as part of its 2000 merger with Rogers & Wells, where he was chairman of the M&A group and head of corporate.
K&L Gates New York head Woody Collins said: “David’s deep and diverse corporate and transactional experience will benefit K&L Gates’ clients in New York.”
Bernstein’s move comes as Clifford Chance culls its global partnership in a bid to maintain profits. The firm has already seen a number of departures in New York.
Earlier this month The Lawyer reported on former Clifford Chance litigation head Peter Chaffetz launching an insurance litigation boutique Chaffetz & Lindsey with partners David Lindsey, Charlie Scibetta and James Hosking (6 May).
Last year the firm made laid off 20 associates in its US litigation group, with New York bearing the brunt of the losses (14 October).
Where have K&L come from??
I’d never even heard of them a year ago, now they’re taking over the world.