London may have caught New York-based giant Davis Polk & Wardwell’s eye as early as 1973, but it’s only two years ago that the firm’s UK office launched an English law practice, following the January 2012 hire of former Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer corporate partner Simon Witty and tax partner Jonathan Cooklin.
Guest post: Notes from the frontline of Grayling Day – ‘The whole system is in revolt’
At Friday’s ‘Grayling Day’ demonstration in London, chairman of the Criminal Bar Association Nigel Lithman QC told the audience that ‘an indispensable part of our democracy is the criminal justice system. It’s taken centuries to build; it is taking this government a blink of an eye to demolish.’
CMS extends Middle East footprint with Oman launch
CMS will join only a handful of international law firms with a presence in Oman, as the top 10 LB100 network today (10 March) announces a new office in Muscat, its second office in the Gulf region.
Revolving Doors: Lateral hires for Squire Sanders, Olswang, Irwin Mitchell, DAC Beachcroft and Osborne Clarke
In the latest series of lateral appointments across the UK’s leading firms, Squire Sanders has hired former Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) director of China business as a partner in its global corporate practice, as Olswang welcomes former Gateley contentious insolvency partner Louise Bell, Irwin Mitchell hires restructuring and insolvency specialist Edward Judge, and DAC Beachcroft brings in Eversheds’ former head of procurement in Newcastle, Ruth Connorton.
Clifford Chance leads on VW’s $9.2bn offer for remaining shares in Scania
Magic Circle giant Clifford Chance (CC) has scored a key advisory role on Volkswagen’s (VW’s) $9.2bn offer for a remaining stake in Swedish truck company Scania.
CC, a longstanding adviser to the German automobile manufacturer, is leading on the German and US legal aspects of the offer, led by Frankfurt-based M&A partner Wolfgang Richter and banking partner George Hacket. Leading Nordic firm Roschier is also advising VW on Swedish law matters.
Comment: American without tears – succession planning at the increasingly transatlantic DLA Piper
So the experiment ends as a qualified success. News of the early-timed succession planning at DLA Piper confirmed that well-regarded IP and technology partner Simon Levine is to assume Nigel Knowles’ role as co-chief executive, with Knowles next year taking on the role of co-chair in place of Tony Angel.
Clydes, Kennedys and Auntie Beeb latest to back legal apprenticeship drive
Today (7 March) marks the end of the 7th National Apprenticeship Week, an initiative coordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service, which this year has seen announcements about the launch or expansion of legal training programmes by Clyde & Co, Kennedys, the BBC and Oldham Council.
Last chance saloon – criminal Bar stage major protest against final legal aid reform package
Resentment against the Government’s final package of legal aid cuts has reached new heights as hundreds of criminal barristers and lawyers today (7 March) staged a major protest outside Westminster, their second protest this year, with a further call made for Law Society president Nicholas Fluck and chief executive Desmond Hudson to resign.
Trucking ahead – King & Spalding, Hill Dickinson and Minter Ellison advise on £280m Eddie Stobart majority stake sale
Rare in the transport world for having its own television show, King & Spalding, Hill Dickinson and Minter Ellison have secured roles on the £280m sale of a majority stake in iconic UK haulage company Eddie Stobart, announced this week.
Race to provide direct legal services sees Allianz convert to an ABS
Last year they hit your television with an advert comparing the stresses of the daily commute and school run to a formula one race but this week multi-billion UK personal and business insurer Allianz entered the race to provide direct legal services to their customers by converting to an alterative business structure, after being granted a licence by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.