In opaque manoeuvres that might have ripple effects on public trust in governing institutions, the European Commission seems to be enabling outgoing officials to gravitate towards law firms that cater to companies these officials had previously overseen. According to Emily O’Reilly, the European Union’s ombudsman, such a situation can have a corrosive effect and terming it as a ‘revolving door’ phenomenon. An illustrative case of this is the touted recruitment of antitrust partner Henrik Morch by law firm Paul Weiss – a move O’Reilly has specifically brought to the attention of the public. Politico provides more detailed commentary on the matter.
The global law firms’ ecosystem too has seen significant movements. In across-the-borders development, four partners specialising in restructuring and equity capital markets from Latham & Watkins in Germany are making a shift towards competitors such as Willkie Farr & Gallagher and White & Case. Interestingly, Willkie has been recently focusing on expanding its footprint in Germany, including opening a new office in Munich. Further insights can be gleaned from this Financial News piece.
- DLA Piper welcomes Judy Krieg as a partner in Washington, bolstering its white collar, investigations, and government enforcement practice.
- Gerry Brown has joined Dechert as a partner in New York with the firm’s financial services practice group.
- Hector Agdeppa is the new member of the intellectual property practice at Dickinson Wright in Silicon Valley.
- Nicole Boeckmann entered Bracewell’s government enforcement and investigations practice in New York as a partner.
- Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath welcomes Joe O’Keefe as a labor and employment practice partner in New York.
For the complete rundown in law and related professions, read the full Bloomberg Law’s Wake Up Call report.