I’m often asked – on a panel last month in Europe and on a panel later this month right here in New York at the Law Firm COO & CFO Forum, for example – what I think about ‘disruption’ in the legal industry.
Herbert Smith Freehills’ heavyweight misses out on management post after elections
Herbert Smith Freehills‘ (HSF) partnership vote for its global partnership council has revealed the firm’s post-merger dynamics, with prominent corporate partner James Palmer missing out on a seat, which instead was secured by Sydney-based M&A partner Mark Crean.
Eversheds’ sole adviser mandate under threat as Severn Trent starts tender process
FTSE 100 company Severn Trent Water is to kickstart its tender process in a matter of weeks, as its current single-supplier mandate with Eversheds expires at the end of March 2015.
Into Africa: A&O launches Johannesburg office with Bowman Gilfillan team
Having been speculated over for some time, Magic Circle firm Allen & Overy (A&O) has, today (8 August), announced its entrance into South Africa with the launch of an office in Johannesburg, and hired a seven-strong banking and finance team from local firm Bowman Gilfillan.
Signature Litigation grows revenues 70% to £8m and unveils team profit-sharing model
High-flying disputes boutique Signature Litigation has seen its revenue surge by 70% from £4.82 to £8.17m in 2013/14, despite having only launched two years ago, while profit margins are estimated at 50%. The firm has also taken an innovative approach by operating an all-inclusive, fully transparent, profit-sharing model.
Dealwatch: Linklaters and Clifford Chance drive webuyanycar.com owner’s IPO
As the rush by British companies to float on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) continues apace, Magic circle pair Linklaters and Clifford Chance (CC) have secured leading advisory roles on the high profile initial public offering of BCA Marketplace, Europe’s second largest second-hand vehicle auctioneer and the owner of webuyanycar.com.
‘A difficult decision’: Rob Day steps down as KWM SJ Berwin MP while Kon continues
King & Wood Mallesons SJ Berwin has today (7 October) announced the election of UK real estate co-head William Boss as its next managing partner, while senior partner Stephen Kon has been re-appointed to his leadership role.
En masse management shakeup at Baker & McKenzie as chairman Eduardo Leite handed a two-year extension
Chairman of the world’s largest law firm Baker & McKenzie, Eduardo Leite, has had his term extended by two years after not being opposed as the firm swaps three of its executive committee.
The clients’ verdict: Linklaters wins best firm in show from annual in-house survey
In what signals a marked return to favour for the City’s elite players, Magic Circle firm Linklaters has led the field in Legal Business’ third annual in-house survey as best overall adviser in 2014, pushing Eversheds, which emerged as the clear overall favourite in 2013, into second place.
‘More flexible models’: Simmons launches contract lawyer service with Adaptive
Simmons & Simmons has become the latest firm to jump on the innovation bandwagon with the launch of a high-end contract lawyer service for its major clients.