London calling: the client view

‘I prefer to use the Magic Circle rather than US firms. They are, if anything, becoming better-run businesses.’
Philip Bramwell, BAE Systems

It should come as no surprise that clients on the global stage continue to demand more from their advisers. Yet, for the most part, those London-headquartered firms at the top end of the Global 100 report are delivering for clients despite the influx of international firms, particularly those based in the US, into their home market.

‘I continue to believe that the Magic Circle firms offer excellent strength and depth on big-ticket issues,’ says Philip Bramwell, group general counsel (GC) of multinational defence, security and aerospace company BAE Systems. ‘Their strength is in their gene pool – their core systems and the processes that they continue to invest in – and they are, if anything, becoming better-run businesses.’

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Travers, Macfarlanes and Jones Day boost junior lawyers pay while HSF and CMS freeze associate salaries

Travers Smith, Macfarlanes and Jones Day have all boosted their junior lawyers pay in this year’s review, in contrast to Herbert Smith Freehills and CMS McKenna Nabarro Olswang which have held pay for London associates, with some regional pay rises. 

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Clifford Chance turns to Clydes as SRA launches probe into firm on Excalibur litigation

Clifford Chance (CC) has instructed lawyers at Clyde & Co to represent it in an investigation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), reportedly involving the firm’s part in the Excalibur professional negligence case, resulting from a claim in which an appeal judge criticised CC for an ‘acute’ conflict of interest.

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‘A bit unsettled’: Lloyds legal team to report to finance arm after latest restructure

The legal team at Lloyds Banking Group (LBG) will now report to the bank’s finance team in the group’s latest reorganisation, which led to the departure of chief people, legal and strategy officer and ex-Linklaters managing partner Simon Davies, after less than two years.

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