Kirkland & Ellis has once again expanded its ranks by recruiting a high-profile partner from Morgan Lewis in Philadelphia. This strategic move underscores Kirkland’s commitment to bolstering its presence in key markets and enhancing its capabilities in mergers and acquisitions. The new addition, Jeffrey Bodart, brings substantial experience in complex transactions and corporate governance. As…
Sullivan & Cromwell, a heavyweight in the legal sector, faces a significant shift with the departure of a team of litigators to Gibson Dunn. This movement, led by Steven Wall, marks a strategic acquisition for Gibson Dunn as it bolsters its litigation capabilities. The transfer highlights ongoing competitive dynamics among top-tier law firms in retaining…
The Am Law 200 firms faced a challenging year in 2025, navigating a landscape that required balancing growth with disruptions from AI and fierce talent competition, while also maintaining profitability. The pressure to keep pace with the more dominant Am Law 100 added another layer of complexity to their strategies. A detailed examination of these…
In a significant shift in corporate hiring practices, some major US companies are reportedly moving away from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) rules when hiring external legal counsel. This change comes as these companies align with narratives promulgated by former President Donald Trump, which suggest that DEI initiatives could be counterproductive or unlawful. The move…
In the current legal landscape, independent law firms are capitalizing on a dynamic shift driven by the surging activities in private equity (PE). These firms are increasingly finding ways to differentiate themselves from their larger, more integrated counterparts. This evolution is largely fueled by an agility and focus that allow them to cater specifically to…
Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP has bolstered its appellate practice with the recruitment of four prominent litigators from Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. Among the new team members are former acting Solicitor General Jeffrey B. Wall and Morgan L. Ratner, who have been integral in the legal efforts surrounding the appeal of former President Donald Trump’s…
In a significant acknowledgment of the potential pitfalls of artificial intelligence in the legal sector, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP informed a New York bankruptcy judge that an emergency motion submitted in the Prince Global Holdings Ltd.’s Chapter 15 case consisted of erroneous citations and inaccuracies. The firm attributed these issues to what it described as…
In a recent announcement that could significantly impact the framework of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director John Squires hinted at a forthcoming “comprehensive decision” regarding the discretionary factors used in reviewing PTAB challenges. The Director emphasized the importance of achieving “predictability” in PTAB proceedings to ensure clarity…
In a significant decision, the Federal Circuit has upheld the disqualification of Banner Witcoff and Saiber from participating in a patent ownership dispute. The ruling came after a district judge’s decision to remove the firms due to a perceived conflict of interest, a move that was contested but ultimately reaffirmed on appeal. The court indicated…
Kirkland & Ellis, a prominent player in the legal sector, has strategically registered with the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), signaling a significant move to expand its influence in the Middle East. This move aligns with a broader trend among private equity firms targeting the financial hub despite growing geopolitical tensions in the region. This…
Several major lobbying firms have reported unprecedented revenue levels for the first quarter of 2026, continuing a trend from the previous year. This surge in earnings reflects heightened lobbying activities as midterm elections approach and firms vie for influence in shaping policy and legislation. In the first quarter, firms saw their strongest financial performance yet,…
Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo PC has announced a significant leadership transition in its New York office as it names a veteran litigator to steer its operations. According to the firm’s statement, the newly appointed managing member has an extensive background in handling complex commercial and securities disputes, marking a strategic move aimed…
Sullivan & Cromwell, a prominent law firm, recently issued an apology to a Federal Judge due to inaccuracies introduced by artificial intelligence in a legal filing. These AI-generated errors, often dubbed “hallucinations,” have raised questions about the reliance on technology in legal proceedings. Such issues underscore the importance of human oversight, especially when AI tools…
A West Hollywood boutique law firm, established to advocate for victims of sexual abuse on UCLA’s campus, has initiated legal action against Robert W. Wood and his firm, Wood LLP. The lawsuit, filed in California state court, asserts claims of professional negligence and breach of fiduciary duty, alleging that Wood’s tax advice led to a…
Fox Rothschild LLP has announced the hiring of Douglas Ryder, previously the co-chair of Holland & Knight LLP’s sports industry team in Washington, D.C., to bolster their entertainment and sports law practice. This strategic addition is expected to enhance Fox Rothschild’s capabilities in handling complex legal issues related to sports and entertainment industries. Ryder brings…
In a significant move indicative of the fierce talent war among corporations, American Airlines has successfully enticed Anthony “Tony” Richmond, a seasoned attorney from Latham & Watkins, to join its ranks. Richmond, who spent 29 years at the law firm, built a robust clientele, including giants like Airbnb and Broadcom. His transition underscores the strategic…
The legal industry is witnessing significant shifts, reflected in several key trends and numbers reported this week. A noteworthy development is the continuous lateral movement among top law professionals across the United States. Recent figures from Law.com indicate a robust lateral hiring activity, driven by increased demand for specialized legal expertise. This trend highlights the…
In the high-stakes world of corporate legal departments and major law firms, business development remains a key focus for securing and expanding client relationships. One often overlooked yet vital aspect of business development is the cultivation of strong relationship habits. These habits are crucial for ensuring sustainable growth and long-term success in a competitive environment….
Holland & Knight LLP has recently strengthened its Washington, DC, litigation and dispute resolution practice by hiring a seasoned partner who spent more than a decade at Covington & Burling LLP. Her expertise primarily lies in white-collar defense and investigations, a field that has seen increasing demand amid evolving regulatory landscapes. The strategic acquisition of…
Clio, the Vancouver-based legal technology company, has announced that its AI workspace, Clio Work, is now available as a standalone product specifically targeting solo, small, and mid-sized law firms. Previously, access to Clio Work was restricted to firms subscribed to its flagship practice management platform, Clio Manage. However, this move signifies an effort to broaden…
Holland & Knight, a well-established law firm renowned for its expansive suite of legal services, is bolstering its capabilities in the tax-exempt sector. In a strategic move, the firm has brought a new partner into its ranks in Seattle, aiming to strengthen its Tax-Exempt Organizations Group. The decision mirrors a broader trend where law firms…
Kelley Drye & Warren LLP has recently strengthened its antitrust practice by hiring Alfred A. Pfeiffer, a former Chief of the Antitrust Division’s New York field office of the Department of Justice (DOJ). Pfeiffer, who has substantial experience in both antitrust litigation and criminal enforcement, brings a new dimension to the firm’s capabilities in navigating…
McCarter & English has recently welcomed a new addition to its Newark, New Jersey office with the hiring of corporate partner Michael Navarino. This strategic move aims to bolster the firm’s capabilities in handling complex corporate transactions and business counseling. Navarino brings a wealth of experience in mergers and acquisitions, as well as expertise in…
Womble Bond Dickinson has made a strategic addition to its Baltimore office with the recruitment of Michael Stone as a patent partner. Stone’s arrival signals the firm’s commitment to strengthening its intellectual property practice in a region known for its innovation and technological growth. Stone brings a wealth of experience in patent law, particularly in…
Troutman Pepper has strengthened its capabilities within the life sciences sector by appointing Kamal Lutfi as a partner at its Boston office. Lutfi joins the firm’s Life Sciences and Health Sciences Practices Group, a strategic move highlighting the firm’s focus on expanding its expertise in this dynamic industry. His arrival is expected to enhance Troutman…