In the ever-evolving landscape of legal services, the recent tech challenges experienced by a UK-based IT service provider sent ripples across the sector. The unspecified cyber incident led to a significant outage, causing “ongoing widespread disruption” across the legal landscape. Reports suggest that up to 80 law firms were affected by the cyberattack, leaving them incapable of accessing case files. More information on TechCrunch.
In other news, preeminent law firm, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, has come under scrutiny for its recruitment practices. The firm had reportedly been gathering photographs of prospective summer associate applicants, sparking concerns about potential racial discrimination. The firm allegedly violated federal civil rights laws by requesting optional headshots from students associated with Northwestern Law School’s Latino Law Students Association. The controversy is covered in more detail by the Washington Free Beacon.
Meanwhile, Dechert’s international arbitration group based in Paris has decided to branch out and form a boutique firm. The practice, helmed by co-chair Eduardo Silva Romero, comprises six partners and ten associates as per the firm’s website. Law.com carries the story.
The legal world also witnessed several notable lateral moves:
- Anna Rips has moved to Paul Hastings, joining as a partner in the global funds practice in New York, transferring from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.
- Michael Bonsignore joined Hogan Lovells as a partner within the infrastructure, energy, resources, and projects practice area in Washington, moving from Clifford Chance.
- Jon Daly moved to Locke Lord as a partner in the corporate and transactional practice group based in Houston, leaving Sidley Austin.
For more details, you can check the original article on Bloomberg Law’s site.