In the latest update from Bloomberg Law’s Wake Up Call, key developments highlight the flux in significant legal positions and lateral moves across the industry. Among these, Paul Weiss attorney Karen Dunn stands out as she joins Vice President Kamala Harris’s team in a strategic capacity focused on debate preparation. Known for her pivotal role in the civil case against leaders of the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Dunn previously assisted Harris in her 2020 debate against Mike Pence.
Other noteworthy moves in the legal sector include Alvarez & Marsal’s launch of an international law firm named Broadfield, with UK firm BDB Pitmans as its first member. Additionally, Darren Walker will step down as president of the Ford Foundation at the end of 2025, concluding a transformative 12-year tenure.
The legal industry continues to see significant shifts as top talent moves to new opportunities. Recent lateral hires include Jason Downs joining Hogan Lovells as a partner from Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, and Erika Mayshar transitioning to Greenberg Traurig as a shareholder and chair of its tax-exempt organizations and philanthropy practice. Other notable transitions include Adele Maloney becoming general counsel at Paul Hastings and Brandon Gantus rejoining Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati.
The vibrancy of the legal market and the strategic positions being taken underscore the continued evolution and responsiveness of the legal profession to both corporate and societal needs.