Big Law firms are optimistically anticipating a rebound in their transactional operations in 2024. However, they continue to fortify their litigation capacities, signalling a sustained expectancy for countercyclical work. Notably, Cooley and Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe are amongst the firms who have recently onboarded high-profile litigation practitioners, induced away from their Am Law 100 competitors. This trend has been particularly observable amongst California-based firms.
As a case in point, Cooley disclosed the appointment of Teresa Michaud on Wednesday. Michaud is a commercial litigation partner and prior co-chair of Baker McKenzie’s North American class action practice group. Regarded for her track record in representing some of the largest entities in the technology, media and telecommunication sectors, Michaud is perceived as an ideal match for Cooley’s fundamental areas of expertise.
This wave of high-profile recruitment from larger firms is illustrative of a continuing demand within Big Law’s litigation practices, particularly in the Californian context.