The ubiquity and mutual interplay between Slaughter and May’s globally known ‘best friends’ network have been the focus of many legal discussions lately. Historically, this network has been recognized for the strong bonds it fosters, with firms bestowing prized referral tasks on each other, exchanging knowledge, and partaking in joint training sessions. This cooperation has always run alongside a steadfast loyalty to limited partnerships and independent ideologies. Members comprising the network span multiple nations; they include BonelliErede from Italy, France’s Bredin Prat, De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek from the Netherlands, Spain’s Uría Menéndez, and Germany’s Hengeler Mueller.
However, the network’s efficacy has recently come under scrutiny. Particularly, it appears that the ‘best friends’ are inclining more towards larger law firms, including Kirkland & Ellis. Legal commentators propose that a capability for U.S. work has been rising in importance when it comes to significant M&A operations. To read more, proceed to the original article here.