Days after the August bank holiday weekend, the former head of the
British Civil Service, Gus O’Donnell, returned to Whitehall to catch up with former colleagues and host a live broadcast titled The Leavocrats on Radio 4.
Ready for anything
Artificial bad, intelligence good
Paul Gilbert argues that AI has become a marketing gimmick that
obscures the shortcomings of legal teams.
The words ‘artificial intelligence’ bother me. I want to have a little rant about the words, but I also want to challenge the way in-house lawyers approach technology. On the words, I can legitimately stand accused of using ignorance as a shield for my laziness, but what bothers me is not that artificial intelligence isn’t clever and potentially useful, but that it sounds like the marketing kids have got hold of the dressing up box again. Continue reading “Artificial bad, intelligence good”
The governance dilemma
Stefan Stern forecasts that GCs will be forced to address a renewed
attempt to fix what ails governance in UK plc
Who knew that the staid term ‘corporate governance’ could create so much excitement? That Latinate phrase seems designed to reassure: ‘governance’ suggests order, calm, and mastery. But the chaps in the boardroom – and they still are mostly chaps for all the progress on appointing women directors – had better brace themselves for an interesting few months. Continue reading “The governance dilemma”
Perspectives: Geoffrey Timms
I’ve been lucky. I didn’t always want to be a lawyer. I used to party a lot; I liked going out. I always have done. In my twenties my girlfriend suggested I do something with my life instead of faffing around. She binned me.
Perspectives: Geoffrey Timms
I’ve been lucky. I didn’t always want to be a lawyer. I used to party a lot; I liked going out. I always have done. In my twenties my girlfriend suggested I do something with my life instead of faffing around. She binned me.
Getting real – the seven deadly sins of risk factors
It is a sporting truism that it is far harder to be axed from the England football squad than it is to be included in the first place. Unfortunately, a similar tendency is apparent with risk factors in public listings of securitisation transactions. While this is true across a range of issues, it is particularly true with risk factors relating to geopolitical events and concerns. Of course, the travails of the financial markets since 2008, the unique nature of the Scottish independence referendum and the shock of the Brexit vote have given much to consider in this respect.
Continue reading “Getting real – the seven deadly sins of risk factors”
Getting real – the seven deadly sins of risk factors
It is a sporting truism that it is far harder to be axed from the England football squad than it is to be included in the first place. Unfortunately, a similar tendency is apparent with risk factors in public listings of securitisation transactions. While this is true across a range of issues, it is particularly true with risk factors relating to geopolitical events and concerns. Of course, the travails of the financial markets since 2008, the unique nature of the Scottish independence referendum and the shock of the Brexit vote have given much to consider in this respect.
Continue reading “Getting real – the seven deadly sins of risk factors”
Brexit proofing – protecting the UK securitisation market
U
K collateralised loan obligation (CLO) managers have adapted their risk retention structures in response to the EU referendum vote, effectively ‘Brexit-proofing’ their structures in the event of a full Brexit where UK firms do not continue to enjoy financial passporting rights into the EU.
Continue reading “Brexit proofing – protecting the UK securitisation market”
Debt finance in the UK – still open for business?
The UK has long prized its reputation as an attractive place to do business. Successive governments of all persuasions have consistently taken measures to make sure the UK has the most competitive corporate tax regime across the G20. With its low headline corporate tax rate and generous rules on deductibility of interest compared to other G20 partners, the UK has been ideally positioned as a place for businesses to invest and thrive. Continue reading “Debt finance in the UK – still open for business?”
‘There is now an opportunity’: SRA appeals to government for independence from Law Society
The thorny issue over whether to grant the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) full independence from the Law Society continues to prove divisive as the former has this week directly appealed to the government to execute the plans.
Dentons Australia tie-up delayed as Melbourne office expected to break off
Dentons is still working to finalise its tie-up with Australian firm Gadens almost a year after announcing the merger, and has confirmed Gadens’ Melbourne office is now unlikely to join. Continue reading “Dentons Australia tie-up delayed as Melbourne office expected to break off”
‘Important growth markets’: Dentons leads on Liberty Global’s $760m acquisition of Polish cable operator
Dentons has advised opposite new Warsaw firm Radzikowski, Szubielska & Partners on Liberty Global’s purchase of Poland’s number three cable operator, Multimedia Polska for $760m. Radzikowski was formed earlier this year after Chadbourne & Parke’s Warsaw office slpit from the US firm in May.
Olswang and Grant Thornton charged £8.4m for BHS sale, Sir Philip Green claims
Months after the collapse of BHS, Sir Philip Green has revealed that Olswang and Grant Thornton charged purchaser Retail Acquisitions Limited a collective £8.4m for the transaction.
Continue reading “Olswang and Grant Thornton charged £8.4m for BHS sale, Sir Philip Green claims”
‘An ideal fit’: Osborne Clarke hires Addleshaws’ employee incentives group head Michael Carter
Following its double partner hire from Irwin Mitchell last month, Osborne Clarke (OC) has recruited the head of Addleshaw Goddard‘s employee incentives group Michael Carter, who leaves the firm after eight years.
‘Ready for the next phase of our growth’: former Barlows head Konsta elected Clyde & Co senior partner
Clyde & Co‘s insurance head Simon Konsta will become the firm’s new senior partner, following an uncontested election, on 1 November. Continue reading “‘Ready for the next phase of our growth’: former Barlows head Konsta elected Clyde & Co senior partner”
Baker & McKenzie bolsters Swiss offering with ten-lawyer team hire
Baker & McKenzie has hired 10 lawyers including five partners to its Zurich office, boosting the firm’s presence in the Swiss financial centre to 130 lawyers. Continue reading “Baker & McKenzie bolsters Swiss offering with ten-lawyer team hire”
Frankfurt’s Cziesla elected by KWM European partnership as first non-London senior partner
King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) has elected Frankfurt partner Michael Cziesla as EUME senior partner, defeating Dubai-based disputes partner Tim Taylor QC in the race between two legacy SJ Berwin veterans. The election was triggered after Stephen Kon’s early resignation last month.
‘Challenging and complex’: Clifford Chance continues solid PE run with Allegro club deal
Clifford Chance (CC) and Allen & Overy have taken lead advisory roles on the $3.3bn acquisition of Allegro Group, Poland’s largest online marketplace and non-food shopping destination, to funds trio, Cinven, Permira, and Mid Europa.
‘Unprecedented applications in the legal industry’: Dentons’ Nextlaw backs two legal tech startups with funding and training
Nextlaw Labs, the legal tech platform launched by Dentons last year, has invested in two legal startups, alongside venture funding company Seedcamp.
Revolving doors: UK hires for Ince and DAC as disputes head Blanch leaves Weil
High-profile City arbitrator Juliet Blanch is set to leave Weil, Gotshal & Manges, while UK hires this week have come for Ince & Co and DAC Beachcroft, and Taylor Wessing strengthened its European tax offering with a double hire.
Continue reading “Revolving doors: UK hires for Ince and DAC as disputes head Blanch leaves Weil”