Let’s get this out of the way up front. The least expected new entrant to the Global 100, Gowling WLG, is going to have to work very hard to avoid being the classic 2 + 2 = 4 union when its tie-up goes live in January.
Hitting the target: Gateley posts 11% rise in revenue in first post-IPO results
The UK’s first listed law firm Gateley has hit its revenue target by achieving a 10.9% rise to £29.6m, up from £26.7m in 2014, in audited half year results released today (15 December).
Continue reading “Hitting the target: Gateley posts 11% rise in revenue in first post-IPO results”
In the race: A&O announces candidates for upcoming management elections
Allen & Overy (A&O) has confirmed eight candidates for its upcoming management elections which are to take place in February.
Continue reading “In the race: A&O announces candidates for upcoming management elections”
Revolving doors: DLA and Stephenson Harwood make key hires as Gordons loses property litigation head
After announcing two major City finance hires last week, DLA Piper has hired Paul Reeskamp as a partner in the firm’s IP and technology group. Reeskamp joins the Amsterdam office from top tier Dutch IP outfit Klos Morel Vos & Reeskamp, where he was partner and head of patent litigation, and brings with him associate Marijn van der Wal.
H1 2015/16: Double-digit growth for TLT as Browne Jacobson praises London for revenue lift
Bristol-headquartered TLT has continued its strong growth into the first half of this financial year, posting double digit revenue growth of 14%, as Browne Jacobson has praised its London office for 7.5% revenue growth.
‘Steadily building’: Debevoise ramps up Asia practice with Sullivan corporate hire
In a rare move, Debevoise & Plimpton has picked up Hong Kong based corporate partner William Chua from US elite firm Sullivan & Cromwell.
‘Brought to an end’: Addleshaw Goddard and Grant Thornton settle Berezovsky fee dispute
Following an original High Court costs ruling in April, Addleshaw Goddard has reached a settlement with the administrators of former client Boris Berezovsky’s estate, ending a dispute over £12.6m in fees.
H1 2015/16: ‘Well balanced’ – Clyde & Co turnover rises 8% as firm praises sector focus
Clyde & Co has posted an 8% rise in turnover totalling £192m for the first half of the 2015/16 financial year, improving on last year’s 5.3% increase over the same period to £178m.
H1 2015/16: ‘Plenty more to be done’ – DAC Beachcroft posts modest 2% revenue rise
National firm DAC Beachcroft has unveiled a 2% rise in 2015/16 half year revenues to £100.8m, while overall net debt fell by £4.7m (17%) year-on-year.
‘Irrelevant word-smithing’: Leading law firms to pay millions for apprenticeships payroll tax
Preliminary Law Society figures estimate more than 250 firms will be hit by the 0.5% payroll tax to supplement apprenticeships announced in last month’s Autumn Statement, as full details of the levy are delayed.
Property panel: Hogan Lovells, Wragges and CMS Cameron McKenna take places on M&G Real Estate roster
Prudential investment arm M&G Real Estate has finalised its external legal panel with places going to Hogan Lovells, Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co (WLG), and CMS Cameron McKenna following a tender process.
US partner promotions: Sidley Austin makes up just one in London in reduced round
Sidley Austin is the latest US firm to announce its partnership promotions, electing 24 new partners, but making up just one in London in a reduced partnership round.
Continue reading “US partner promotions: Sidley Austin makes up just one in London in reduced round”
Comment: UK’s fintech boom is set to dazzle but advisers are still struggling to respond
Unless you have been too busy reconciling your cheque book stubs against your monthly paper bank statements, you may have heard that the financial technology (fintech) sector is white hot right now.
Christmas comes early for Slaughter and May associates with biggest bonuses yet
Magic Circle firm Slaughter and May has followed up steep rises in salary earlier this year with bumper bonuses as high-performing junior lawyers pocket over £15,000.
Continue reading “Christmas comes early for Slaughter and May associates with biggest bonuses yet”
Guest post: The strange, slow death of the criminal courts charge
The criminal courts charge is, or was, one of the less well thought-through criminal justice reforms of recent years. Since April this year, courts have had a duty under section 21A of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 to impose a fixed charge ‘in respect of relevant court costs’ on those convicted of offences.
Continue reading “Guest post: The strange, slow death of the criminal courts charge”
Taking off: easyJet legal chief Winterton to depart for taxi app company
After nearly a decade in the role easyJet’s longstanding head of legal and compliance, Andrew Winterton, is leaving to join a start-up taxi app company.
Continue reading “Taking off: easyJet legal chief Winterton to depart for taxi app company”
US bonus season: Skadden ups the ante with bonus as Simpson Thacher, Paul Weiss and others match Cravath associate pay
Wall Street’s top firms have announced their bonuses for associates, with many matching the levels of Cravath, Swaine & Moore, which became the first US firm to set the benchmark for US associate bonuses this year.
US partner promotions: Quinn Emanuel makes up one in London in global round of nine
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan has promoted one partner in the City in a global promotions round which saw the firm elect nine new partners globally in locations including New York, Washington and Hong Kong.
Privilege under threat: Legal lobby raises alarm over Snooper’s charter
Both The Law Society and The Bar Council have called for legal professional privilege (LPP) to receive statutory protection in the forthcoming Investigatory Powers Bill.
Continue reading “Privilege under threat: Legal lobby raises alarm over Snooper’s charter”
Comment: NRF’s Martyr – ‘Society craves balance but the profession drives our people in a different direction’
Our profession is facing a growing tension between the drive for profit – the resurgent guiding principle of the 2000s – and the increasing demand for more social responsibility among businesses. Post-recession, we can add increased competition, the scrutiny of the business press and a growing focus on efficiency into the mix, all of which amounts to a potential recipe for trouble. Continue reading “Comment: NRF’s Martyr – ‘Society craves balance but the profession drives our people in a different direction’”