Welcome to the daily rundown of top news for lawyers, law firms, and in-house counsel. In the legal profession, there are noteworthy stories unfolding that are worth focusing on.
On March 12, Dechert will celebrate International Women’s Day with its presentation of “Sheila’s Story,” featuring recently retired partner Sheila Birnbaum. Known in legal circles as the “queen of toxic torts,” Birnbaum has received multiple awards for her work, including her role as special master of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.
In other news, Big Law firm recruiting shops Johnson Downie and Lippman Jungers have fused, with a declared objective “to become the Am Law 20’s top headhunter.” The merged entity, which is expected to unveil its name soon, is expected to combine recruitment networks in New York, California, and Texas and include around 20 recruiters. (Law.com)
Providing further insights, Laura Swihart, co-chair of Dechert’s global finance and real estate practice groups, praised Big Law women’s support groups and mentoring programs as “very helpful”, although she notes that “soft support” only gets young women lawyers so far. “Ensuring that female associates are being tasked with the more high-profile, exciting matters for strategic clients and invited to industry and client events is most important,” she said.
In lateral moves and in-house transitions, Tangela Richter has joined GEICO as its chief legal officer. She makes her transition from Wells Fargo. In another appointment, Robert Fitzgerald has been named a tax partner at Grant Thornton in Ireland.