In a week featuring Dentons’ latest merger, big litigation and a panel review in China, it was the election of Gideon Moore as Linklaters’ new managing partner which took top spot on TheLawyer.com.
News of Moore’s election was the most-read story of the week, just edging out the revelation that Dentons is planning its third major merger in a year. The firm – already the world’s largest by headcount – is in advanced talks with Australia’s Gadens and Singapore firm Rodyk & Davidson.
In the High Court US litigation firm Hausfeld found itself criticised by the High Court for “abuse of process” in the latest twist in the mammoth BA air cargo cartel case. But founder Anthony Maton also spoke out this week about the cost of bringing claims against banks, which now routinely hits £10m.
Away from the courts, Olswang has introduced client referral bonuses for all its staff. The scheme will reward staff who bring in clients who spend more than £20,000 with the firm in their first year of instructions – and it met with widespread approval in our comments section.
The list of top 10 stories this week was both international and varied. It included the news that the Chinese Ministry of Commerce has carried out its first panel review, two years after instituting a formal roster for the first time. The review has seen a host of domestic and international firms appointed, several for the first time.
It is US promotion season and Ropes & Gray added two London partners to its partnership in a slightly reduced global round.
At the bar, Wilberforce Chambers has continued its recruitment push with the hire of two barristers from 3 Stone Buildings, just weeks after taking on seven barristers from closing 11 Stone Buildings.
And Ince & Co is looking at the possibility of converting to an alternative business structure as it seeks to rebalance its business.
Finally, our in-depth report focusing on the UK’s top 100 law firms and their global growth in recent years had a second showing on the top 10 list following its publication last week.
The top 10 in full:
1. Gideon Moore confirmed as Linklaters new managing partner
2. Dentons to create Pacific powerhouse through mergers with Gadens and Rodyk & Davidson
3. Hausfeld slammed by High Court over “abuse of court process” in BA air cargo case
4. Cost of bringing claims against banks spiral out of control to “top £10m”
5. Olswang seeks to incentivise staff with client referral bonuses
6. UK 200, The Top 100: You’re good, but you’re not quite global
7. China’s Ministry of Commerce concludes first panel review
8. Ropes & Gray promotes two in London in slightly reduced global round
9. Wilberforce takes 3 Stone Buildings QC and junior duo just weeks after 11SB hires
10. Ince considers ABS status as it looks to rebalance its business
