In a significant move targeting corporate governance, the European Union is set to require listed companies within its jurisdiction to ensure more balanced gender representation on their boards. This regulatory shift implies that companies failing to comply with the gender balance mandates could potentially face infringement proceedings. As corporations approach 2025, this latest directive adds…
Several prominent law firms have initiated the new year with strategic hires aimed at strengthening their core practice areas. Simmons & Simmons, Latham & Watkins, and Akin have each expanded their teams, particularly enhancing their private equity, finance, and energy sectors within their London offices. These developments are indicative of the firms’ intent to bolster…
Renowned international law firm Ashurst has recently experienced a server outage that has significantly impacted its email services. According to details available from FeedBlitz, users received fraudulent emails with links that falsely appeared to be affiliated with the service provider. While FeedBlitz has addressed the spam issue on its end, it did not affect Ashurst…
In a future fraught with challenges, general counsels (GCs) foresee significant implications stemming from advancements in AI and deepfake technologies by 2050. A survey indicates a substantial portion of in-house lawyers anticipate a ‘banking revolution’ shaped by digital currencies and blockchain, promising a seamless financial system that facilitates international trade and cooperation. Biometric currency is…
Morrison & Foerster LLP has managed to recover from the recent departure of its Singapore corporate partner, Steven Tran, to CMS. Tran will be relocating back to Hong Kong with his new firm. Details about the change can be found in the original article, but access may require a subscription. For more information, visit the…
“`html Amidst a competitive legal landscape, Chinese law firm Han Kun is expanding its roster by recruiting key talent from international firms. Recently, they added former Milbank partner Alex Tao to their Beijing office. This strategic move underscores Han Kun’s ambition to enhance its capabilities in high-stakes corporate law. For further details, visit the original…
Fenwick & West, a well-known Am Law 100 firm, has closed its Shanghai office after a decade of operations. The office was initially launched in 2014 with a team of five lawyers from Covington & Burling. As the only lawyer and partner in the Shanghai office retires, the firm’s presence in the city comes to…
“`html As 2024 progresses, the Latin American M&A landscape is showing signs of vitality, particularly in major economies such as Brazil. According to available information, increased deal activity is buoying optimism among strategic investors who are actively seeking opportunities. Prominent law firms, including Latham & Watkins and Simpson Thacher, as well as key Brazilian firms,…
In a strategic move designed to enhance its corporate and finance capabilities, Hogan Lovells has announced the promotion of 28 new partners worldwide. Nearly half of these newly appointed partners will be contributing to the firm’s deal-making practices, which are essential in strengthening Hogan Lovells’ position in the competitive realm of international corporate law. This…
In the fiercely competitive legal market, Latham & Watkins is honing its strategy on effective integration of lateral hires. The firm’s systemic approach in implementing integration programs demonstrates how significant time and resources are pivotal for successfully assimilating lateral partners into the firm’s ecosystem. Such initiatives are increasingly standard across the industry, where talent acquisition…
Litigating before the European Court of Justice (ECJ), the highest court in the European Union, demands a deep understanding of EU law and procedure. In a recent article from Law.com International, Brussels-based partners from elite law firms such as Gibson Dunn and White & Case—firms known for representing large multinationals like Google and Microsoft—offer insightful…
“`html Clifford Chance has recently strengthened its private credit practice by onboarding two new partners from Mayer Brown. This move is part of a wider trend of increased activity in the U.K. private credit sector, which has become a significant driver for legal services. Over the past months, Clifford Chance has been actively enhancing its…
“`html In a surprising turn of events, the founder of the law firm RBG has claimed that the firm is insolvent. This assertion follows RBG’s announcement that they had removed their founder, Ian Rosenblatt, due to alleged breaches and ‘offensive’ behavior. Rosenblatt dismissed these allegations as ‘defamatory’. The details surrounding the insolvency claim are currently…
In recent discussions concerning Shein’s supply chain practices, UK lawmakers expressed considerable discontent with the responses given by the EMEA General Counsel of the fast fashion behemoth. The legislators were reportedly ‘horrified’ by the answers, describing them as bordering on contempt, particularly in response to serious allegations regarding forced labor practices. The issues in question…
The role of general counsel is increasingly complex as 2025 unfolds. Legal professionals within corporations face persistent challenges from regulatory changes, geopolitical unrest, and rapid technological advancements. These evolving issues, which began intensifying in the previous year, are likely to continue shaping the landscape of corporate law. To explore how these factors are impacting legal…
Morrison & Foerster (MoFo) has officially launched its office in Amsterdam, as part of its strategic expansion into key European markets. The new office aims to enhance the firm’s capabilities in various practice areas including litigation and data security, while preserving its specialized legal approach. In an exclusive interview, Global Chair Eric McCrath discusses the…
In a recent spate of transactions, Baker McKenzie, White & Case, and Latham & Watkins have emerged as key legal advisors for major deals in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. These deals emphasize the increasing complexity and growth of the Middle East’s equity and debt capital markets. While access to the full details of these…
Another major U.S. law firm has announced the closure of its London office, reflecting ongoing challenges faced by American legal firms in the UK’s competitive legal sector. This decision comes on the heels of Armstrong Teasdale’s recent announcement to shutter its London base in 2024. Such closures highlight the intense market conditions and strategic considerations…
In a strategic move to expand its presence in Germany, Ashurst has reinforced its practice by bringing on board two senior partners specializing in private equity and infrastructure M&A from prominent legal firms Linklaters and Goodwin Procter. With this acquisition, Ashurst aims to enhance its advisory capabilities and broaden its client base, particularly in significant…
Friedrich Merz, a former senior counsel at Mayer Brown, is currently leading the race to become Germany’s next Chancellor in the upcoming snap election scheduled for February 23. Merz, who also served as the ex-chief of Blackrock’s German advisory board, represents the Christian Democrats (CDU). This election comes at a time characterized by an anti-incumbent…
Latham & Watkins has experienced another partner departure as Sidley Austin continues to bolster its ranks in Europe. The latest move sees Brussels-based competition partner Elisabetta Righini join Sidley, making her the ninth partner to make the switch since August. This trend underscores Sidley’s active recruitment across European offices to strengthen its presence and capabilities…
Yilin Xu has recently joined Cooley LLP, transitioning from his previous role as a corporate partner at Skadden in Beijing. This move follows Skadden’s announcement of a restructuring within its China operations. Observers might note this as part of the broader shifting dynamics within the legal industry in China, especially concerning American law firms adapting…
Elon Musk’s business ventures continue to expand as he plans to launch a new AI-focused company in London. Recent filings with Companies House reveal that Musk is the individual with significant control over this new enterprise. Incorporated in December 2024, this move signals a strategic pivot towards AI innovation within the UK’s dynamic tech landscape….
“`html The professional services division of Evelyn Partners is undergoing a significant transition as it is being sold to the private equity house Apax, with the transaction valued at approximately £700 million. This development marks a major move for Evelyn Partners, aimed at honing its strategic focus and perhaps reevaluating its core competencies within the…
In 2024, the acquisition landscape in the U.K. was notably shaped by major deals including the acquisitions of Britvic, Royal Mail, Darktrace, and Hargreaves Lansdown. These transactions highlight the increasing interest of international buyers in U.K. companies, often backed by private capital. The pattern suggests a favorable environment for foreign investors acquiring public companies in…