In a major development within the legal profession, Metropolitan Police have initiated an investigation in wake of an unfolding scandal at Axiom Ince. Precise details surrounding the nature of the case have been kept under wraps, as the issue is now under active investigation. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), which oversees regulation of solicitors and law…
January traditionally sees law firms brimming with fresh ambitions and robust preparations for the year ahead. However, for Travers Smith, 2023 commenced on a decidedly less hopeful note, marked by the departure of its key member, private equity and financial sponsors head, Ian Shawyer, to Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton. What followed was a series…
In a strategic move, Clifford Chance has onboarded Stefan Herr, a former PwC tax partner, into its fold in Frankfurt. This decision is seen as an integral part of the firm’s ongoing plans to strengthen its German and European tax, and funds practice domain. Herr, whose area of expertise lies in areas related to the…
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, along with Chinese law firms Jingtian & Gongcheng and Fangda Partners, as well as offshore firm Harneys, are involved in advising the Hong Kong initial public offering (IPO) of Cainiao Smart Logistics Network. This firm is the logistics subsidiary of Alibaba Group, the Chinese e-commerce titan. While…
Beginning on Thursday, partners at Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling will be casting their votes on an anticipated merger. The deal, if approved by both parties, will result in the creation of one of the world’s largest law firms. The newly established entity will bear the name Allen Overy Shearman Sterling, with an…
With the emergence of generative AI in the legal scene last year, many lawyers were equally shocked and intrigued. While law firms have already incorporated traditional forms of AI like machine learning into their practices, generative AI might have an even more profound impact. Many believe this technology could finally ease the billable hour’s stronghold…
Generative AI made quite the entrance in the legal technology scene last year, leaving many wondering what impact it may have on conventional legal practices. The legal profession has seen its fair share of technological advancements in recent times, with machine learning and automation now commonplace in law firms worldwide. However, the emergence of generative…
Sonya Savage, a former Minister of Energy, Environment, and Justice, has taken up a position as Senior Counsel at Canada’s largest law firm, Borden Ladner Gervais. Savage will be based in the firm’s Calgary office. Prior to her political stint, she accumulated considerable experience in the energy industry, working as the senior director of policy…
DLA Piper, which set its sights on Latin America over a decade ago now, continues to focus on aligning its local talent with the firm’s global goals and ethos. In an endeavor to provide enhanced client service, DLA Piper’s leadership is striving to ensure they have highly competent lawyers across the Latin American region capable…
A recent report published by Law.com International indicates that law firms ENS, DLA Piper Africa, and Bowmans maintain their standing as the biggest legal entities on the African continent for the third consecutive year. The analysis, conducted alongside Africa Legal, enumerates the top 50 largest firms in Africa. Read more about it here. International firms…
Esteemed partner of Pinsent Masons, Vanessa Heap, tragically died after a fatal accident in London this past weekend. Heap was a crucial member of the firm’s banking group and had also previously played a significant role at what is today known as Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. Heap’s sudden passing has left the firm in deep…
Top international law firm, Squire Patton Boggs, has recently hired a corporate duo from McDermott in Frankfurt. This move forms part of the firm’s ongoing strategy to expand its corporate and private equity services across Europe and the UK. Further details of the hires and their potential impact on the firm’s expansion strategy are provided…
In a recent deal, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and Slaughter and May are providing legal advice on the £460 million acquisition of an insurance business by Aviva, the U.K. insurance heavyweight. This move will see U.S.-based financial services company Corebridge sell its U.K. life insurance business, AIG Life. This continues a trend of…
In recent redundancy news within the legal profession, Clifford Chance, a prestigious multinational law firm, has applied layoffs to its Asia capital markets lawyers. The unfortunate layoffs came to light earlier in September, with observers within the sector watching these events unfold closely. This decision by Clifford Chance aligns with similar actions from other law…
Drew Network Asia (DNA), an enterprise established by prominent law firms such as Drew & Napier from Singapore, Indonesian firm Makarim & Taira S., and Malaysian entity Shearn Delamore & Co., has announced their network’s expansion with the integration of Thai firm Tilleke & Gibbins. Originated in 2020, the network has slowly but steadily extended…
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe has taken a progressive step in the legal industry with the hiring of Nigel “Nige” Tranter as the firm’s inaugural Chief Digital Officer. Their aim is to better leverage data for delivering insightful information to clients, enhancing business efficiencies, and addressing future requirements related to skills and staffing. In recent times,…
PwC Legal in Australia has suffered another loss, making Samantha Smart at least the seventh lawyer to depart the firm amidst the ongoing tax advice scandal. Smart, a former director in PwC’s legal practice, has transferred to Squire Patton Boggs where she will serve as a corporate partner located in Perth. This move represents a…
Konexo, the alternative legal services arm of Eversheds Sutherland, has embarked on a strategic recruitment move to enhance its alternative legal services offering. The firm has brought onboard three high-profile former in-house lawyers, expected to further bolster Eversheds’ position in the competitive alternative legal services provider (ALSP) marketplace. The new hires are Hugh Cooke, former…
The British legal industry, like the prestigious sports events of Wimbledon and the Premier League, has become a magnet attracting global talent. This globalisation has potentially weakened UK firms, as foreign talent and practices, particularly from the US, have gained prominence. Yet, it seems, American firms may not be reaping the benefits in the region…
More than 20 Asian corporations have submitted applications for initial public offerings in New York since June. This emerging trend appears to favor boutique firms over big name players in the legal industry. A shift in representation can be noted as instead of Big Law giants like Kirkland and Davis Polk, firms such as Hunter…
Top Mexican corporate law firm, Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez is implementing a succession plan, designed to rejuvenate the company’s leadership. Leaders at the firm, including the longstanding senior partner, Carlos Aiza, plan to refocus on client work full-time in order to facilitate the emergence of fresh leadership perspectives. Aiza, age 55, who has led…
Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo is continuing its Canadian expansion with the addition of another partner from Dentons, a move that strengthens its debt financing and cross-border capabilities. Alex North, who previously served in the banking and finance group of Dentons Canada for 14 years, has become the 21st legal professional to join…
Merinda Timpany, formerly a lawyer for lawyers, is now embracing her unique role as an In-House Counsel where her day-to-day involves communication not only with corporate management and regulators but also with auto mechanics. This shift in focus allows her voice to be heard in different contexts and establishes a diversified rapport that spans various…
In a significant move towards modernizing traditional legal processes, Spanish law firm Cuatrecasas is leveraging a generative AI tool developed by Harvey AI. The technology is similar to the Chat-GPT-style platform first implemented by legal powerhouses like Allen & Overy and Macfarlanes. The new incorporation makes Cuatrecasas the pioneering law firm in Latin America to…
Axiom Ince, known for purchasing troubled UK law firms such as Ince & Co and Plexus Law, is reportedly winding down its operations within the week. This information is based on details provided by three individuals privy to the situation. The closure of the firm comes in the wake of serious financial misconduct allegations laid…