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”

Getting real – the seven deadly sins of risk factors

church2It 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

church2It 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”

Debt finance in the UK – still open for business?

open2The 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?”

‘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.

Continue reading “‘Important growth markets’: Dentons leads on Liberty Global’s $760m acquisition of Polish cable operator”

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.

Continue reading “Frankfurt’s Cziesla elected by KWM European partnership as first non-London senior partner”