Shearman’s McKimm steps aside ahead of A&O tie-up as US firms continue to snap up top London talent

Shearman’s McKimm steps aside ahead of A&O tie-up as US firms continue to snap up top London talent

With just a month to go until the A&O Shearman tie-up goes live, Shearman has announced that Europe managing partner and EMEA finance team leader Ward McKimm is retiring, marking one of the highest-profile pre-merger exits to date.

‘Shearman & Sterling and Ward McKimm jointly confirm that, after a nearly 30-year career as a leading high-yield and leveraged finance lawyer based in London, he has decided to retire,’ a firm statement confirmed. ‘Shearman & Sterling thanks Ward for his many years of service to the firm and its clients, and wishes him the best in his next chapter. Ward’s retirement will take effect in a few weeks as he transitions work to other partners.’

Paul Weiss and Kirkland break revenue records amid London lateral shakeout

Paul Weiss and Kirkland break revenue records amid London lateral shakeout

Paul Weiss has broken through the $2bn global revenue mark, posting a 10.8% hike on last year, as the firm’s bold London recruitment drive continues to make headlines.

The firm’s 178 equity partners took home an average of $6.5m in 2023, with profit per equity partner (PEP) up 14.8% from $5.73m the previous year.

White & Case nears $3bn mark as expense control drives double-digit PEP hike

White & Case nears $3bn mark as expense control drives double-digit PEP hike

White & Case has taken another step towards the $3bn turnover mark, posting a 4.3% increase in global revenues to $2.95bn for 2023, despite London turnover dipping 1.6% to $444m.

The international firm saw global revenues rise from $2.83bn in 2022, when London turnover stood at $451m. Profit per equity partner (PEP) increased by 12.7% during 2023 to $3.16m, while revenue per lawyer rose 6.9% to $1.16m.

Revolving Doors: Kirkland hires ESG partner while magic circle experiences both losses and gains

Revolving Doors: Kirkland hires ESG partner while magic circle experiences both losses and gains

Leading the high-profile moves this week, Rebecca Perlman has joined Kirkland & Ellis’ ESG and impact practice group in London as a partner. Perlman leaves behind a 12-year tenure at Herbert Smith Freehills, where she was head of the firm’s UK, US, and EMEA operations and global head of sustainable and impact investment.

Perlman brings with her more than a decade of expertise in advising clients on a range of ESG-related matters, including regulatory compliance, soft law standards, voluntary frameworks, ESG market disclosure, reporting, and issues concerning accredited organisations.