Davis Wright Tremaine LLP has expanded its legal expertise by hiring former Charles Schwab associate general counsel, Anthony Giorgini, to join their San Francisco office. This move marks a strategic effort to bolster their financial services practice with seasoned professionals possessing deep industry knowledge. Giorgini brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at Charles…
McDermott Will & Emery has made a significant addition to its European operations by appointing Johannes Eckhardt as a partner at its Frankfurt headquarters. Eckhardt, who previously served as the head of legal for Merck, exemplifies the ongoing trend of experienced in-house counsel transitioning into private practice. This move is expected to bolster McDermott’s capabilities…
Seward & Kissel LLP has announced the addition of Jacob Comer as a partner in its Investment Management Group, focusing on venture capital formation and transactions. Comer brings extensive experience in fund formation, cross-border fundraising, and complex deal structuring. Prior to joining Seward & Kissel, he served as a member of the executive committee at…
Pilot Travel Centers Chief Legal Officer, Shameeka D. Mattis, is driven by a profound commitment to both the practice of law and the mentorship of emerging legal minds. Her journey into the legal profession is one characterized by a passion for justice and an intrinsic desire to impact the corporate world positively. This dedication is…
Two prominent product safety lawyers from Amazon have recently transitioned to the law firm Crowell & Moring, marking a notable shift in the legal landscape for consumer product compliance. The move, involving attorneys who have handled complex regulatory issues for the tech giant, reflects broader trends in legal practice as firms increasingly recruit in-house corporate…
In-house counsel play an increasingly critical role in assessing risk during the trial process. As legal complexities grow and litigation costs rise, corporate legal teams are pivotal in navigating these challenges, ensuring that companies make informed, strategic decisions. According to Bloomberg Law, these legal professionals are integral not just in managing external legal resources but…
Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott LLC has announced the addition of Joao Magalhaes as a partner in its commercial litigation practice group at the firm’s Princeton, New Jersey office. Magalhaes brings extensive experience in complex commercial disputes, including mass tort defense and construction litigation. His background also includes serving as in-house counsel, providing him with…
The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), representing almost 50,000 members worldwide, has unveiled a new think tank dedicated to exploring the deployment of artificial intelligence within the corporate legal sector. This initiative underscores the growing influence of AI technologies in legal practice and aims to provide guidance and best practices for legal professionals navigating these…
The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) has introduced a new initiative aimed at equipping in-house legal teams with the tools needed to manage the legal, ethical, and training challenges posed by artificial intelligence. Recognizing the transformative impact of AI on the legal landscape, the organization has launched the AI Center of Excellence for In-House Counsel…
Cuatrecasas, a prominent Spanish law firm, has strategically enhanced its Latin American team by adding three new partners across various practice areas. This recruitment drive reflects the firm’s focus on strengthening its presence and capabilities in key sectors within the region. The new partners include a professional drawn from Deloitte’s ranks, an experienced in-house counsel,…
A recent survey of Washington State Bar Association members reveals that artificial intelligence (AI) adoption among legal professionals remains cautious, despite burgeoning interest. The survey highlights substantial gaps in both technology knowledge and cybersecurity practices, presenting potential vulnerabilities within the legal landscape. Conducted from September to October 2024 and published by the WSBA Legal Technology…
The Trump administration has recalibrated its approach to foreign bribery enforcement, shifting the focus primarily towards cases that intersect with national security interests. This shift is part of a broader resumption of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) cases, which had been temporarily halted since February. The Department of Justice memo emphasizes scrutinizing cases involving payoffs…
The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in corporate environments has been met with both enthusiasm and caution, as companies navigate the complexities of implementing these nascent technologies. For in-house counsel, the rapid rollout of AI can pose significant challenges, particularly when it comes to addressing the legal, operational, and communication hurdles that often accompany…
In recent years, the traditional lockstep remuneration system used by many U.K. law firms has evolved into more complex and varied structures. This shift has been partly driven by the desire for flexibility and the ability to reward performance, as opposed to solely relying on seniority. However, this transformation has also introduced new challenges. It’s…
Welcome to Bloomberg Law’s Wake Up Call, which provides a daily rundown of the top news for legal professionals, including key developments for law firms and in-house counsel. Recently, concerns have arisen from the legal community in Europe, notably from the Dutch and German bar associations, regarding potential conflicts of interest in deals tied to…
Building effective partnerships between in-house counsel and law firms relies heavily on real human connection, as discussed in a recent webinar hosted by Axiom, a provider of on-demand legal services. Experts from both corporate and legal sectors emphasized that cultivating these relationships demands trust and authentic engagement, elements that technology cannot replicate. As Seth Spitzer,…
Law firms Mayer Brown and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati have adopted an innovative approach by embedding in-house counsel within their firms for short-term engagements. This strategic move mirrors the entrepreneur-in-residence programs often seen in venture capital firms, where external experts bring unique perspectives to internal operations. The initiative, pioneered by Nina Flax at Mayer…
The California State Bar has initiated legal proceedings against ProctorU Inc., following a system collapse during the February Bar Exam. The suit seeks damages and a court-mandated audit due to allegations that the vendor, operating as Meazure Learning, failed to provide crucial information about the malfunctioning incident. On the day before state lawmakers were scheduled…
In a major development concerning in-house legal professionals, a recent survey conducted by executive search firm BarkerGilmore indicates that slow wage increases are prompting these professionals to consider exit strategies. According to the survey, nearly 60% of the 3,000 respondents are contemplating seeking new opportunities in the forthcoming year. The survey’s findings underscore a growing…
PERSUIT, a technology firm known for its expertise in managing outside counsel for corporate legal departments, has announced its acquisition of Apperio, a notable platform for spend management in the corporate legal sector. This development coincides with the commencement of the CLOC Global Legal Institute conference, a key gathering for legal operations professionals, currently taking…
In the evolving landscape of in-house legal roles, the prominence of personal branding has become an essential facet of career development for many legal professionals. Building a strong personal brand within a corporate environment requires navigating a delicate balance between increasing your visibility as a strategic adviser and aligning with your company’s values and policies….
In a recent turn of events that highlights the tension between professional obligations and personal ethics, Clayton Jackson alleges that his termination from Fidelity National Financial Inc. was a direct result of his pro bono legal work. Jackson, a former Big Law litigator, had provided legal advice to neighbors concerned about deportation amid tighter immigration…
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati PC has announced the appointment of a former top legal executive from Pinterest to its general counsel in residence program. This strategic move involves selecting a firm alum, providing a bridge between legal practice and in-house counsel experience. This addition highlights the firm’s continued commitment to integrating industry expertise within…
The integration of artificial intelligence in arbitration proceedings is stirring debate among legal professionals concerning disclosure requirements and ethical standards. Experts are questioning whether arbitrators should be obligated to reveal their use of AI tools in case preparation or research. Additionally, there’s uncertainty about whether party consent is necessary, and how to address objections from…
In the intricate landscape of extended litigation, the collaboration between corporate counsel and trial attorneys is paramount. Effective communication between these parties can mitigate friction, easing the often-intense pressure on litigators and their witnesses during prolonged trial periods. An exploration of this dynamic is detailed in Kenneth Dintzer’s piece at Bloomberg Law, which underscores the…