While a decision to backtrack on tax credit cuts stole the limelight in the Autumn Statement today (November 25), Chancellor George Osborne revealed further cuts to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), plans to close 91 courts and curbs on aggressive PI firms pursuing road accident claims.
Expansion mode: HSF reopens in Saudi Arabia with new association
In its third office opening in a year, following on from launches in Düsseldorf and Johannesburg, Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) has reopened in Saudi Arabia through a local association.
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Manchester insurance firm takes on 43-strong team from Parabis as group unravels in administration
Manchester firm Horwich Farrelly has today (24 November) announced it has taken a 43-strong personal injury team from the Parabis Group, including seven partners, just one day after it emerged Parabis is to be broken up and sold in a £50m pre-pack administration deal. Continue reading “Manchester insurance firm takes on 43-strong team from Parabis as group unravels in administration”
Revolving doors: Winston & Strawn, Withers, Dentons make key City hires, Clydes recruits lateral down under
While Paul Hastings stood out for its trifecta of high-profile lateral hires last week, Winston & Strawn, Withers and Clyde & Co have also added to their ranks.
Latham taps Hogan Lovells as City finance push continues
Latham & Watkins continues to enhance its finance roster, this time with experienced Hogan Lovells partner Gary Hamp. The hire comes shortly after Hogan Lovells had taken three Latham partners in Dubai.
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Update: Parabis Group enters £50m pre-pack administration
Having just recently confirmed the sale of its defendant personal injury arm Plexus Law, legal and professional services provider Parabis Group is to be broken up and sold in a seven-part pre-pack administration process.
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Bears, woods and silk: dual research reminds profession of stalled diversity progress
Recent efforts to improve social mobility within the legal profession are having little-to-no effect at the Bar and within the judiciary, two new studies have concluded.
Making history: US elite lines up to advise on Pfizer takeover of Allergan
In what has been reported as the largest pharmaceutical deal in history, four of the biggest Wall Street players have advised on Viagra-owner Pfizer’s agreed $160bn takeover of Botox-maker Allergan.
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Third lateral hire of the week: Paul Hastings appoints Clifford Chance corporate partner in Frankfurt
Following two major hires in the City this week, US firm Paul Hastings has turned its attentions to Frankfurt with the addition of Clifford Chance corporate partner Bernd Meyer-Witting.
Guest post: The future is uncertain – how to still make the decisions you’re putting off anyway
Presumably you make decisions all the time, in managing your matters, selecting strategies and tactics, and of course outside the work environment as well – with your spouse or significant other, family, and pets; in the context of your church, synagogue, club, neighbourhood; and on and on.
H1 2015/16: ‘An exceptional year’ – OC still going strong with double digit revenue growth at home and abroad
Osborne Clarke (OC) has posted another set of strong financial figures for the first six months of the year, with a 25% increase in turnover across its international business, and a 14% increase in UK revenue.
In-house: Rolls-Royce’s head of legal Gregory takes GC role
Rolls-Royce has appointed head of legal and commercial Mark Gregory as general counsel (GC), following the departure of Robert Webb QC who is to re-join Brick Court Chambers in January.
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Partner Promotions: Mayer Brown makes up two in London from 27-strong round
Mayer Brown has become the latest US firm to announce its promotion round, with City lawyers making up just 7% of the total round worldwide. The firm made up two London partners, up from one last year.
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Firms assess options ahead of potential crackdown on contract lawyer tax loophole
A potential government crackdown on tax savings made by consultants through ‘personal service companies (PSCs)’, could have negative implications for contract lawyer services such as Addleshaw Goddard’s Integrate, Pinsent Masons Vario and Allen & Overy’s Peerpoint, as well as BLP’s Lawyers on Demand.
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Asia moves: Memery Crystal agrees partnership with China’s Yingke
As China continues to internationalise its economy, one of its largest law firms, Yingke, has announced an exclusive strategic partnership with London-based, mid-market corporate firm Memery Crystal.
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Asia next target for DLA as it launches third low-cost centre in Warsaw
DLA Piper has ramped up its low-cost services offering, opening a centre in Warsaw and eyeing Asia for a fourth base across the globe.
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‘Greater efficiency’: Freshfields to consolidate Cologne and Düsseldorf offices to create 240-strong team
In a rare move, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer will combine its Cologne and Düsseldorf offices to create what it says will be the ‘perfect platform’ for a stronger presence in the Rhineland.
The Disputes Yearbook: Simmons’ Passmore on the flow on effects of Three Rivers
In June this year, the Hong Kong Court of Appeal held that the English Court of Appeal decision in Three Rivers (No.5) does not represent Hong Kong law. This is, of course, the 2003 English Court of Appeal decision well-known for the challenges it presents companies who wish consultations with their legal advisers to benefit from the protection of legal advice privilege.
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Guest post: Privilege Games – In advisers we trust?
Two quotes on legal professional privilege caught my eye this week. First this from two lawyers at Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) about the decision in Property Alliance Group Limited v The Royal Bank of Scotland.
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Partner promotions: Simpson Thacher makes up three London partners while Sullivan focuses on US
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett has promoted nine new partners across the firm, including three in London, while fellow Wall Street elite firm Sullivan & Cromwell has only promoted in the US in its latest round.