Linklaters has appointed longstanding partner and global financial regulation group head Michael Kent as divisional practice head of finance & projects, where he will succeed heavyweight finance and securitisation partner Jim Rice.
Singapore scramble – Kennedys enters JV to bolster presence in city state
After last month saw Withers secure a new alliance in Singapore while other firms made moves in the country, Kennedys has bulked up its presence in the city-state through a joint venture (JV) with local firm Legal Solutions.
Investing in London: Cooley keeps up City push with Olswang’s former PE head Rosen
Unchaining in-house: LSB looks to cut ‘unnecessary restrictions’ on in-house lawyers
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has raised concern over whether current regulatory restrictions for in-house lawyers are justified, stating that ‘unnecessary restrictions’ on their ability to innovate and expand their reach could ‘adversely affect access to justice’.
No more weak links – elite law firms unite to fight cyber security threat
It has long been a gripe among major clients – in particular banks – that law firms are the chink in the armour against the growing barrage of cyber attacks. In response, some of the world’s top law firms are banding together to form a cyber security alliance to share intelligence on threats, specific attacks and best practice.
Revolving doors: Paul Hastings takes three Americas partners from Allen & Overy
Paul Hastings has made a rare move on a UK firm in its own backyard, with news that is to hire a trio of US and Latin America-based partners from Allen & Overy.
Global London: Weil and Covington sustain robust City growth as US firms expand market share
The days when London offices tended to be expensive beachheads draining profits from American parents appear to be long gone, with Weil, Gotshal & Manges and Covington & Burling joining the string of US law firms to substantially hike their revenues in the City in 2014.
In-house: Shell appoints successors to litigation and downstream GC roles
Royal Dutch Shell has made two significant internal promotions to its in-house legal function, with associate general counsel (GC) for litigation Richard Hill (pictured) appointed to succeed Brad Nielson as GC for global litigation, while Martin Bambridge, currently associate GC for the energy giant’s downstream portfolio, will take over from downstream legal chief, Hans von der Linde.
‘We’ve done our homework’: Pinsents finally secures Australia launch for renewed infra push
It has been a long time in the offing but Pinsent Masons today (6 March) announced the launch of an infrastructure sector-focused practice in Melbourne and Sydney.
Modest gains: London a key factor as Debevoise & Plimpton reveals revenues up 3%
Debevoise & Plimpton has posted a 3% rise in revenue for 2014 to $710m, up nearly $22m on 2013, while partner profits have also increased by 3%.