JD Journal » Baker & McKenzie http://www.jdjournal.com Legal Industry News Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:14:49 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 LawCrossing Survey of Lawyer Salaries of Best Law Firms http://www.jdjournal.com/2011/12/28/lawcrossing-survey-of-lawyer-salaries-of-best-law-firms/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2011/12/28/lawcrossing-survey-of-lawyer-salaries-of-best-law-firms/#comments Wed, 28 Dec 2011 20:14:14 +0000 aostler http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=32781 A recent LawCrossing Survey of Lawyer Salaries of Best Law Firms survey asked attorneys about their experiences working for 94 different law firms. While the survey asked a variety of questions regarding associate life, vacation time, benefits, and firm demands, one of the more interesting components involved the salary and bonus assessment. What follows is a concise summary of the survey’s results with regards four separate areas: salary and bonus amounts for 2011; salary scale; the target bonus amounts for 2010; and the factors that go into determining bonuses for each firm.

 

Law Firm Name 2011 Salary & Bonuses Salary Scale 2010 Target Bonus Level Bonus Factors
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld have salaries that start at $160,000. The salary structure in Houston offices is a year behind market trends. Typically, the firm follows lock-step bonuses, even paying the New York market bonus in December 2010. Some associates also receive a $10,000 merit bonus based on number of hours worked. $160k $7k,
$10k,
$15k,

$20k,

$25k,

$30k,

$35k

 Class year determines bonuses.
Allen & Overy LLP Starting salary is $160,000. Salary and bonus systems are both “lockstep.” Billable hours have no bearing on bonuses. $160k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k

  N/A Class year determines bonuses.
Alston & Bird LLP $160,000 starting salary for new associates. Merit considerations come into play when determining bonus amounts including billable hours. Top performers in first through fourth years can earn up to $25,000 extra. Top performers in fifth year + can earn up to $50,000 extra. $135k,

$140k,

$145k,

$155k

  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses. Bonuses are 4%, 7.5%, or 12% of salary at the following billable hours markers: 1,900, 2,000, and 2,100.
Arnold & Porter LLP Arnold & Porter uses lockstep salaries based on class year with a base starting at $160,000. Subjective factors and billable hours determine bonus amounts. 2010 bonuses were considered “above-market,” at $10,000 to $50,000 on average with a maximum of $70,000. $160k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k

  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses including quality of work and work quality in relation to seniority. Qualifying factors are not transparent but the basics include: 1,800 billable hours and pro bono work.
Baker & McKenzie The Baker & McKenzie firm has a lockstep salary system with some exceptions given for individuals based on performance. Starting salaries are $160,000 except for Miami offices, where it is $130,000. Bonus amounts are considered to be below market. $160k  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though this process is not transparent.
Baker Botts L.L.P. Salary is merit-based at Baker Botts. The four salary categories are determined by number of years with the firm (1, 2-3, 4-6, and 7+), but seniority promotions are not automatic. Starting salary is $160,000.  Texas offices have the highest bonus incentives. Bonuses are paid in March. Federal District and Circuit Court clerkship bonuses are given in the amounts of $35,000 and $50,000 to Texan and non-Texan offices, respectively. $160k,

$170k,

$170k,

$185k,

$185k,

$185k

  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though this process is not transparent.
Baker Hostetler LLP Starting salaries fall between $115,000 and $160,000 then slip into a hybrid lockstep system than combines billable hours, performance, and other factors into consideration. Individual salaries do not always match market levels, nor do bonuses, which are largely discretionary. $160k  N/A 5% bonus administered after completing 1,950 hours. Additional 12.5% bonus is possible, though rare, and based on performance.
Bingham McCutchen LLP Bingham McCutchen follows a hybrid lockstep system that determines base salary levels. Starting salary is $160,000. Bonuses are at market level but not paid out until March. Judicial clerkship bonuses are also available. $160k,
$170k,
$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k

 $7k,
$10k,
$15k,

$20k,

$25k,

$30k,

$35k

 Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though this process is not transparent.
Bryan Cave LLP Salary at Bryan Cave in coastal and Chicago offices is $145,000 for the first year, $150,000 for the second year, and $155,000 for the third year. Base salary is lower in all other offices. In general, compensation is determined by lockstep and merit-based factors. Bonuses are also tiered but it is unclear how much members will receive each year. Judicial clerkship bonuses are available in some cases. $125k  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though this process is not transparent. Bonus tiers reside at 1,950, 2,100, 2,250, and 2,400 hours.
Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft have a lockstep salary system that starts at $160,000 for all offices except Charlotte, which starts at $130,000. Spring bonuses in 2011 matched the market scale. $160k,
$170k,
$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k

  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though merit-based factors are only considered after 1,900 billable hours have been logged.
Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP Cahill offers a lockstep salary system that starts at $160,000 and stays consistent depending on the associate’s class. Bonuses were distributed in payments ranging between $15,000 to $20,000 in December 2010 and another at market scale in January 2011. Mid-year bonuses were also paid in June 2011 for $5,000 to $25,000. $160k  N/A Class year determines bonuses.
Chadbourne & Parke LLP Chadbourne & Parke has a starting salary of $160,000 and bonuses that meet the market scale. $160k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k,

$265K

  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses.
Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton LLP A lockstep system is used for setting salaries at Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton with a base of $160,000. They match market scale bonuses across the board. $160k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k,

$265K,

$280k

  N/A Bonuses are determined by class year of the associate.
Clifford Chance LLP Clifford Chance uses a lockstep system to determine salaries, which start at $160,000. Bonuses meet the market scale. $160k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k,

$265K,

$280k

 $7k,

$10k,

$15k,

$20k,

$25k,

$30k,

$35k

 The process by which bonuses are determined is not transparent.
Cooley LLP Cooley uses a lockstep system to determine salaries, which start at $160,000 and meet the market level. Bonuses usually meet the market scale but a lack of overall transparency makes it difficult to gauge average amounts. $160k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k,

$265K,

$280k

  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses. Some of these factors are believed to include performance, client relationships, quality, and partnership potential, though the process is not transparent.
Covington & Burling Covington & Burling use a lockstep system to determine salaries, which start at $160,000. Bonuses are lower than similar firms though the firm has a reputation for contributing to a better quality of life for its associates. $160k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k,

$265K,

$280k

  N/A Class year determines bonuses though subjective factors may contribute like pro bono work, recruiting, involvement, performance, etc.
Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP Cravath, Swaine & Moore use a lockstep system to determine salaries, which start at $160,000. The firm sets and surpasses market bonus amounts for both end-of-year and spring bonuses. $160k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k,

$265K,

$280k

  N/A Class year determines bonuses
Crowell & Moring LLP Crowell & Moring use both a lockstep system and merit-based approach to determine salaries, which start at $160,000. Bonus amounts vary. $160k  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses. 1,900 billable hours must be logged for bonus eligibility.
Davis Polk & Wardwell Davis Polk & Wardwell use a lockstep system to determine salaries, which start at $160,000. However, paychecks are only administered once a month. Bonuses match the market and came in at the top of the market for spring bonuses in 2011. $160k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k,

$265K,

$280k

  N/A Class year determines bonuses
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP Debevoise & Plimpton uss a lockstep system to determine salaries, which start at $160,000. Bonuses matched market levels in 2009 and 2010, while their spring bonuses for 2011 came in at the top of the market on the Cravath scale. $160k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k,

$265K,

$280k

  N/A Class year determines bonuses
Dechert LLP Dechert uses a lockstep system to determine salaries, which start at $160,000 in most markets and at $145,000 for Charlotte, Philadelphia, Princeton, and Hartford offices. 2010 bonuses met the Cravath scale for standard performance and were doubled for those who were extremely productive. $145k,

$152k,

$160k,

$170k,

$180k,

$190k,

$200K,

$210k

  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses. 1,950 billable hours nets a Cravath-level bonus. More hours increases this amount.
Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP Dewey & LeBoeuf uses a lockstep system for determining salaries, which start at $160,000 and increase each year after that. Bonuses are in keeping with the Cravath scale, but are paid out in March or April. $160k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k,

$265K,

$280k

 $35K Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses. Associates that billed 2,000 hours qualify for bonuses with additional bonuses available for high performance.
Dickstein Shapiro LLP Dickstein Shapiro has a lockstep starting salary of $160,000. After that, salaries are below market level. By the third year, associates can work for higher hourly pay. Bonuses are paid out in December. $160k,

$165k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k,

$265K

  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though the process is not transparent. After 2,100 hours, the bonus level increases every 100 hours.
DLA Piper DLA Piper has a lockstep starting salary of $160,000 in most markets and $145,000 in smaller markets.  A newer compensation structure features three tiers that are separated by 2-4 years and accession through the ranks is based on performance. 15% of the salary is awarded at the end of the year, based on a performance review. If no salary is withheld, bonuses are given.  Income and bonuses are generally viewed as below market levels. In previous years, bonuses ranged from $5,000 to $50,000. Top performers now receive market-level bonuses. $160k  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though the process is not transparent. An end of year performance review determines if associates receive their 15% withheld portion of their salary. A rating of 4 or 3 warrants this; a rating of 2 warrants a 5% payment; and a rating of 1 warrants no withheld salary or bonuses.
Dorsey & Whitney LLP Dorsey & Whitney uses a merit-based compensation system. Starting salary is $145,000 in California and New York and $110,000 to $120,000 in smaller markets. Bonuses are behind market scale discretionary. $110k  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though they are mostly discretionary. They are not determined in a transparent way.
Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge have a lockstep system for starting salaries at $145,000 in New York and Boston and $125,000 in Providence. Senior associates have a range of salaries, determined by unclear means. 10% of salary relies on meeting the minimum billable hours. Bonuses are less than market scale. $145k  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses.
Fenwick & West LLP Starting salaries at Fenwich & West are $160,000 at all offices. Bonuses are typically lower than market levels. $160k  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses. 1,800 and 1,950 billable hour tracks are available for different salary and bonus potential.
Fish & Richardson P.C. Fish & Richardson salaries are lockstep and start at $160,000. Bonuses ranged from $17,500 to above $50,000 in 2009 and even higher bonuses in 2010. $160k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k,

$265K

  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses. 1,900 nets a bonus with every additional 100 hours increasing this amount.
Foley & Lardner LLP Foley & Lardner has a hybrid lockstep system with a tiered system for bonuses. Starting salary is $160,000 in major markets and between $110,000 and $145,000 in smaller markets. Deferred salary payment of $15,000 is made to those who work over 1,950 hours. Lockstep system dissolves after the fourth year. Bonuses vary and ranged from $0 to $50,000 in 2009. $130k  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses though the process is not transparent and largely discretionary.
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer uses a lockstep system with salaries starting at $160,000. Non-U.S. offices moved to a milestone system in 2011 based on performance only. U.S. office bonuses follow market standards but actually came in at the top of the Cravath scale for spring bonuses in February 2011. $160k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k,

$265K,

$280k

  N/A Class year determines bonuses.
Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson have a lockstep system with salaries starting at $160,000. Bonuses match market levels and reached up to $35,000 in 2009. Spring bonuses in 2011 matched the Cravath scale. $160k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k,

$265K,

$280k

  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses. A minimum of 1,950 hours must be logged to qualify.
Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. Fulbright & Jaworski have a lockstep system with salaries starting at $160,000. Bonus amounts vary but fall short of market standards. $160k  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses. Hourly bonuses are given to those that log 2,000 and above with additional amounts given to those every additional 100 hours. Discretionary bonuses are also awarded based on merit.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP A lockstep scale is used to determine salaries at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, and start at $160,000. Bonus amounts are in line with market levels for year’s end and in the spring. $160k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k,

$265K,

$280k

  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses. Logging over 1,950 qualifies associates for bonuses. Higher billable hours increase bonus amounts considerably. The process is not transparent.
Goodwin Procter LLP Goodwin Procter uses a hybrid lockstep system to determine base salary levels, which start at $160,000, while including flexibility for merit-based assessments. Bonuses met the Cravath level, though individual associates complained about a lack of transparency in the assessment process. Spring bonuses did match the Cravath level in 2011. $160k,

$170k

 $30k,

$35k

 Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses though the process is not transparent.
Greenberg Traurig, LLP Greenberg Traurig has a lockstep and merit-based system to determine salaries. Both salaries and bonuses are discretionary, leading to a tendency toward the firm playing favorites. Bonuses fall behind market levels and many associates don’t receive a bonus at all.  N/A $160k Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though the process is not transparent.
Hogan Lovells LLP Salary is determined by billable hours. Those that bill 1,800 hours receive a below-market salary and those that bill above 1,950 receive a market-level salary. Bonuses match the Cravath scale. $160k,

$165k

  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses. Those that bill 2,000 hours receive a Cravath-level bonus.
Holland & Knight LLP Holland & Knight has a hybrid lockstep system, with salaries starting at $145,000. After that, salary is determined by seniority, billable hours, profitability, and quality of work. Bonuses were awarded in 2011 for performance at a rate of $2,500 for first through fourth year associates and $5,000 for fifth year and up associates. $145k,

$150k,

$155k,

$160k,

$170k,

$180k,

$190k

  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though the process is not transparent.
Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP Hughes, Hubbard & Reed has a lockstep salary system that starts at $160,000 and is based on subjective variables after that including billable hours, pro bono work, contribution to the firm, and quality, though the reviews are not very detailed and only sub-par reviews cause an associate to miss out on a salary raise. Bonuses were at above-market levels in 2009 but dropped to market level in 2010. $160k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k,

$230k

  N/A Billable hours determine bonuses. At least 1,950 hours are required to qualify.
Hunton & Williams LLP Hunton & Williams have a lockstep system and base salaries that start at $145,000 or $160,000 depending on the size of the market. Salary after that is determined by seniority and merit-based factors. Bonuses fall behind the market levels and are not distributed until May or June. $145k  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though the process is not transparent. It is thought that 2,100 to 2,200 hours are required to qualify for bonuses.
Irell & Manella LLP Irell & Manella has starting salaries that start at $160,000. Bonuses fell between $15,000 and $70,000 in 2009 and doubled Cravath-level bonuses in 2010. $160k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k,

$265k,

$280k

  N/A Billable hours and class year determine bonuses, with a minimum of 2,000 hours required.
Jackson Lewis LLP Jackson Lewis has different base salaries depending on the market, the lowest of which is $125,000. This is way below market levels. Bonuses are also below market levels. $125k,

$130k,

$135k

  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though the process is not transparent. A minimum of 1,900 hours is required.
Jenner & Block LLP Jenner & Block has a lockstep starting salary of $160,000 that switches to merit-based after the first year. Salary determinations are highly subjective as are bonuses. Bonuses ranged from $2,000 to $38,000 in 2009 and has fallen behind market levels in subsequent years. $160k  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though the process is not transparent.
Jones Day Jones Day has a merit-based salary system that includes factors like billable hours, pro bono, contribution, quality of work, and business development. Starting salaries range from $145,000 to $160,000 depending on the market. Bonuses are incorporated into salaries depending on each associate’s contribution. Typically, bonuses fall above market levels. $160k  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though the process is not transparent.
K&L Gates K&L Gates has starting salaries that fall between $115,000 and $160,000, depending on market size, then slip into a merit-based system that takes into account billable hours, quality of work, contribution, performance, and other factors. Bonuses are discretionary. $130k  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though the process is not transparent. 1,950 hours are required to qualify for a bonus.
Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman has lockstep starting salaries of $160,000. It keeps with market levels for bonus amounts, though does not exceed it. $160k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k,

$265k,

$280k

  N/A Factors determining bonus amounts are not clear.
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP Katten Muchin Rosenman has a lockstep salary system that starts at $130,000 and $160,000 depending on the market. After that, salaries are based on class year, billable hours, and performance. Bonus amounts fall behind market levels, however. $160k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k

  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses.
Kaye Scholer LLP Kaye Scholer has a lockstep starting salary of $160,000. Bonus amounts follow market trends. Qualifying associates in 2009 received between $20,000 and $40,000. Cravath-level bonuses were awarded in 2010. $160k,

$170k,

$185k

 $7k,

$10k,

$15k,

$20k,

$25k,

$30k,

$35k

 Billable hours determine bonuses. 1,950 hours (1,800 billable) is the minimum requirement.
Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton has a merit-based system to determine salary. Starting salary is $135,000 to $160,000 depending on the market. Bonuses follow market levels. $135k  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses though the process is not transparent.
King & Spalding LLP King & Spalding has a lockstep system for determining salaries, which start at $135,000 and $160,000 depending on the market. Bonuses lag behind market standards but a lack of billable hours minimum compensates for this fact. 2010 bonuses met the Cravath scale. $135k,

$140k,

$145k,

$155k,

165k,

$175k,

$185k,

$190k

 $22k,

$22k,

$27k,

$30k

 Billable hours determine bonuses, though discretionary factors can come into play. A minimum of 2,050 hours is required
Kirkland & Ellis LLP Kirkland & Ellis has a lockstep system that starts at $160,000. Double the market value bonuses are available to those that bill high hours. $160k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k

  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses. Above 2,200 garners increased bonus amounts.
Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear has a lockstep system to determine starting salaries. Base salaries begin at $140,000. Bonuses lag behind market levels because they’re based on the number of hours billed that fall above the quota. $140k,

$150k,

$160k,

$170k,

$180k,

$190k,

$200k,

$210k

  N/A Bonuses are based on billable hours.
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP Karmer Levin Naftalis & Frankel has a lockstep system that starts at $160,000. Bonuses follow market levels, though they are usually not paid out until February. $160k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k,

$265K,

$280k

  N/A Billable hours determine bonus amounts. 2,150 hours are needed for a full bonus.
Latham & Watkins LLP Latham & Watkins have a lockstep system that starts at $160,000. Bonuses are typically above market levels, sometimes so much as double. Spring bonuses were also awarded in 2011 that met the Cravath scale. $160k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k,

$265K,

$280k

  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses. A minimum of 1,900 hours is required to earn the base bonus.
Linklaters Linklaters has a lockstep system with salaries starting at $160,000. Bonuses are lockstep as well, and fall in line with market levels. 2011 spring bonuses fell below Cravath scale level, however. $160k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k,

$265K

 $7k,

$10k,

$15k,

$20k,

$25k,

$30k,

$35k

 Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses.
Manatt Phelps & Phillips Manatt Phelps & Phillips uses a hybrid lockstep system with salaries starting at $125,000 and bonuses that fall below market levels. $125k  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though the process is not transparent.
Mayer Brown LLP Mayer Brown has a lockstep salary system that starts at $160,000 for the first class year and has a range of salaries for every class year after that depending on billable hours, quality, pro bono, and other factors. Bonuses match market levels. End of year 2010 and spring 2011 bonuses met the Cravath scale. $160k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k,

$265k,

$280k

  N/A Billable hours determine bonus eligibility with a minimum of 2,000.
McDermott, Will & Emery Starting pay at McDermott, Will & Emery is $145,000 though a merit-based system was implemented in 2011 that made it so associates only received their full pay if they worked 2,000 billable hours. Bonus amounts meet market levels and they aren’t awarded until March. $145k  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though the process is not transparent.
McGuireWoods LLP McGuireWoods uses a hybrid lockstep system to determine salary amounts. Starting salary is $130,000 with assessments each year after resulting in pay raises based on billable hours, pro bono, quality, performance, and other factors. Bonuses tend to be below market levels though working more hours will garner a higher payout. $130k  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though the process is not transparent.
Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP Milbank,Tweed, Hadley & McCloy uses a lockstep system to determine salaries, which start at $160,000. Year-end and spring bonuses for 2010 and 2011 met the Cravath level. $160k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k,

$265k,

$280k

  N/A Class year determines bonuses.
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP Morgan Lewis uses a hybrid lockstep system with starting salaries at $145,000 in most markets. Bonuses keep up with market levels but increases are implementing very slowly. End of year bonuses for 2010 were paid in January 2011 for double the Cravath level. $145k,

$150k,

$160k,

$170k,

$180k,

$190k,

$200k,

$210k

  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though the process is not transparent.
Morrison & Foerster LLP Morrison & Foerster has a lockstep system with salaries starting at $160,000. The firm follows market levels for bonuses, with more being awarded to those who bill a high number of hours and perform well. Bonuses ranged from $7,500 to $65,000 in 2010. Spring 2011 bonuses matched the Cravath scale. $160k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k,

$265k,

$280k

  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses. 1,950 hours warrants a standard bonus; 1,500 hours, a special bonus.
Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP Munger, Tolles & Olson uses a lockstep system with salaries starting at $160,000. First year associates received a flat $5,000 bonus in 2009 with rates matching market levels for following class years. $160k  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, including billable hours, quality of work, and other factors.
Nixon Peabody LLP Nixon Peabody uses a hybrid lockstep system that starts at $145,000. Raises are dependent on performance. Bonus worth 30% of salary is possible. $145k  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though the process is not transparent.
O’Melveny & Myers LLP O’Melveny has a lockstep system with salaries starting at $160,000. Bonuses follow market levels and not every associate receives a bonus. Spring 2011 bonuses were on the Cravath scale. $210k,

$230k,

$250k,

$265k,

$280k

  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though the process is not transparent. 1,950 hours is the minimum to qualify.
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe uses a talent model to determine compensation, with different amounts for associates, managing associates, and senior associates. Advancement is dependent on merit only. 2009 bonuses ranged from $5,000 to $75,000. 2010 bonuses met the Cravath scale. Spring 2011 bonuses met the Cravath scale.  N/A  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though the process is not transparent. There is no minimum billable hours requirement, though pro bono work factors in.
Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler has a lockstep system with salaries starting at $160,000. Bonuses follow market levels. $160k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k

  N/A Billable hours and class year determine bonuses. Special bonuses given to those that log more than 2,100 hours.
Patton Boggs LLP Patton Boggs uses a hybrid lockstep system to determine salaries with three tiers separated by billable hours: 1,650, 1,800 and 1,950. Bonuses are paid in March and fall behind or meet market levels depending on several factors.  N/A  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses. Two options are available: 1. Based on billable hours above minimum 2. Based on hours, pro bono, work quality, etc.
Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker use a lockstep system to determine salaries. Bonuses match market levels and are paid out in March. 2010 bonuses matched Cravath scale for top-tier associates. Spring 2011 bonuses met the Cravath level for all associates. $230k,

$250k

  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though the process is not transparent. Minimum 1,950 hours to qualify.
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison uses a lockstep system to determine starting salaries. Bonuses are paid in December and match market levels.  N/A $37k,

$42k

 Class year and subjective conditions determine bonuses.
Perkins Coie LLP Perkins Cole uses a lockstep system to determine starting salaries ranging from $120,000 to $160,000 depending on the office’s location. After that, merit plays a role in class year salary. Bonuses include equity in an investment plan. $120k,

$120k

  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, including productivity.
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw & Pittman has a lockstep system with salaries starting at $155,000 with raises made each year depending on if associates met a minimum number of billable hours. 2010 bonuses matched the market level at $15,000 for qualifying associates. $155k  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, including productivity. Minimum billable hours required is 1,950.
Proskauer Rose LLP Proskauer Rose has a lockstep system that start at $110,000 to $160,000 depending on the location of the office. Bonuses follow the market scale, with 2010 bonuses falling in line with the Cravath scale. $170k $7k,

$10k,

$15k,

$20k,

$25k,

$30k,

$35k

 Class year determines bonus amount.
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan falls behind the market scale for salaries. Bonuses were awarded in 2010 at 150% of the Cravath scale plus $5,000 per additional 200 hours past the base level. Spring 2011 bonuses matched the Cravath scale for those billing 2,000 hours and beat it for those billing above 2,100.  N/A $11k,

$15k,

$22k,

$30k,

$37k,

$45k,

$52k

 Class year and billable hours determines bonus amount with a 2,100 hour minimum.
Ropes & Gray LLP Ropes & Gray has a lockstep system for determining base salaries. Bonuses match market levels at were at the Cravath level in 2009 and 2011.  N/A  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though the process is not transparent. A minimum of 1,900 hours is required.
Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP Schulte, Roth & Zabel has a lockstep system with salaries starting at $160,000. Bonuses match the market levels. Spring 2011 bonuses met the Cravath scale.  $160k  N/A Class and billable hours year determines bonus amount with a 2,000-hour minimum.
Shearman & Sterling LLP Shearman & Sterling have a lockstep salary system. Bonuses match the market level, though deviated slightly in 2010 when merit-based determinations were put in place. Spring 2011 bonuses matched the top of the Cravath scale.  N/A $7k,

$10k,

$15k,

$20k,

$25k,

$30k,

$35k

 Class year, billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though the process is not transparent.
Sidley Austin LLP Sidley Austin has a lockstep system to determine salaries and advancement. 2010 and 2011 bonuses met or exceeded the Cravath scale.  N/A  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though the process isn’t transparent. Minimum 2,000 hours are needed for full market-rate bonus
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP Simpson Thacher & Bartlett has a lockstep system to determine salaries, which are at the top of the market. Bonuses met the Cravath scale in 2009 and 2010. Spring 2011 bonuses also matched the Cravath scale.  N/A $35k,

$35k

 Class year determines bonus amounts.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher, & Flom have a lockstep system for determining salaries. Bonuses meet market level in 2010 and were paid in December. Spring 2011 bonuses also met the market.  N/A $35k Class year and billable hours determine bonus amounts.
SNR Denton SNR Denton uses a lockstep salary system that starts at $160,000 with 12-15% of that paid out as a base bonus in the next year. After the first year, a three-tier system allows for raises based on merit. $150k,

$155k,

$157k,

$160k,

$165k,

$179k,

$205k,

$210k

  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses.
Squire, Sanders & Dempsey LLP Squire, Sanders & Dempsey uses a merit-based system to determine salaries, which start at $117,000 and vary depending on class and performance. $117k  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses.
Steptoe & Johnson LLP Steptoe & Johnson use a lockstep system with some variable aspects, which start at $165,000. Bonuses falls below the market, though a supplemental bonus system does award additional money to those who bring new business to the firm. $165k  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though the process is not transparent.
Stroock & Stroock & Lavan Stroock & Stroock & Lavan uses a lockstep scale and pays at market rates. 2009 bonuses met the Cravath scale for those who met the billable hour minimum.  N/A Class year, billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses. 1,900 hours is the minimum requirement.
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP Sullivan & Cromwell uses a lockstep system to determine salaries. Compensation is typically ahead of the market, though it has matched it in 2009 and 2010. 2010 bonuses met the Cravath scale in December for years 1-6 and gave even more than that to years 7-8. Special bonuses are also occasionally awarded in the spring. In 2009 they ranged from $500 to $8,500. $37k,

$42k

 Class year determines bonuses.
Venable LLP Salaries at Venable vary depending on class and merit, but they start at $145,000. Bonuses fall below the market. $145k  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses.
Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. Vinson & Elkins uses a lockstep system to determine salaries, which start at $160,000 for first years. A lockstep bonus is also given to first years, but all years after that provide higher bonus amounts depending on billable hours. 2010 bonuses were above the Cravath scale, though spring 2011 bonuses fell below it. $170k  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses. For senior associates, bonus levels are higher at 1,950, 2,150, and 2,300 hours.
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz uses a lockstep system to determine salaries, which start at $165,000. Bonuses are a percentage of an associate’s base salary. $165k  N/A Bonuses are determined by salary percentage.
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP Weil, Gotshal & Manges uses a lockstep system to determine salaries, which start at $160,000. Bonuses meet the Cravath scale. As of 2011, the firm no longer pays a special bonus to particularly high performing members.  N/A Class year determines bonuses.
White & Case LLP White & Case uses a lockstep system to determine salaries, though payment varies from office to office. Bonuses meet market levels and are paid out in January. Spring 2011 bonuses were paid out in April and were highly variable.  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, including pro bono, contribution, and quality of work. The process is not transparent.
Williams & Connolly LLP Williams & Connolly uses at lockstep system to determine salaries, which start at $180,00 for first year associates. Bonuses are not awarded and are built into the base salary, instead. $180k,

$190k,

$230k

  N/A No bonuses are awarded.
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP Willkie Farr & Gallagher uses a lockstep system to determine salaries in its U.S.-based offices. Bonuses are paid out in December each year to all associates at market levels. 2009, 2010, and spring 2011 bonuses met the Cravath scale. $35k,

$35k

 Class year determines bonuses.
WilmerHale Starting salaries at WilmerHale are $165,000 though the firm is moving to a merit-based structure in 2012, at which time a higher percentage of salary will be paid out in bonuses determined by performance, quality of work, pro bono work, and other factors. Spring 2011 bonuses met the Cravath scale. $165k,

$210k

  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though the process is not transparent.
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati use a hybrid lockstep and merit-based system to determine salaries, which start at $160,000. Bonuses are at the market level, with a few associates getting higher than that. Bonuses ranged from a max of $9,000 for first years to $49,000 for senior associates. $160k,

$170k,

$185k,

$210k,

$230k,

$250k,

$265k

  N/A Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, though the process is not transparent. Bonuses levels cap at 1,900, 2,100, and 2,400 hours.
Winston & Strawn LLP Winston & Strawn uses a lockstep system to determine salaries, which meet the market levels. 2009 and 2010 bonuses met the Cravath scale. 2011 spring bonuses were not awarded. Billable hours and subjective conditions determine bonuses, including pro bono, quality of work, contribution and other factors. The process is not transparent. Over 2,200 hours nets an additional bonus.

 

This LawCrossing attorney salary survey was first published on LawCrossing.com. If you would like to provide updates to this information, feel free to provide them anonymously by commenting below.

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2011/12/28/lawcrossing-survey-of-lawyer-salaries-of-best-law-firms/feed/ 0 Baker & McKenzie Announces Appointment of New Chief Operating Officer to Australia Offices http://www.jdjournal.com/2011/12/02/baker-mckenzie-announces-appointment-of-new-chief-operating-officer-to-australia-offices/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2011/12/02/baker-mckenzie-announces-appointment-of-new-chief-operating-officer-to-australia-offices/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:42:51 +0000 rebneely http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=31972

Baker & McKenzie announced it has welcomed James Odell to its Australia offices as national Chief Operating Officer (COO).  Odell transfers from Singapore; there he served COO of the firm’s South East Asia operations.

Before joining Baker & McKenzie, Odell was a member of Linklaters’ global Strategy & Planning team based in London and Hong Kong. He began his career as an aeronautical engineer with the UK Ministry of Defence, and possesses nearly two decades of experience in Asia.

Baker & McKenzie Managing Partner, Chris Freeland, was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s website: “Australia’s increasing connectedness with global markets, particularly in Asia Pacific, means the need for seamless legal advice, delivered efficiently across borders, has never been greater. In addition to a balance of strategic and operational experience, James brings a drive for efficiency born from his experience as an engineer. We are very pleased to have James on board to further strengthen the value of our offering.”

On his appointment, Odell highlighted Baker & McKenzie’s unparalleled global platform combined with a deep understanding of local markets, and was quoted as saying: “This has positioned us very well to advise investors looking to extend and protect interests in new markets.  It’s exciting to be in Australia as it emerges as a key player on the world stage at a firm which has invested in its global offering for so many decades.”

Chris Freeland is National Managing Partner of Baker & McKenzie’s Australian offices and a member of its Asia Pacific Regional Council. Chris has had many years’ experience as a lawyer, strategy consultant and professional services manager in leading global and domestic organizations. He has lived and worked in New York, Beijing, Melbourne and Sydney.

Baker & McKenzie’s Australian lawyers have advised on many of the headline Australian transactions of the last four decades. These include the capital raising and listing for International Ferro Metals Limited, the first Australian company admitted to the FTSE 250; the A$4 billion KKR joint venture with the Seven Network; the groundbreaking A$1.85 billion Sims Group merger with the US company Metal Management Inc; and the A$1.2 billion acquisition of Schweppes Australia by Asahi Breweries.

The firm is a trusted advisor to leading Australian and multi-national corporations, State and Federal governments, Australian, international and multilateral institutions.

Baker & McKenzie continues to bring the experience of its global classroom to our clients in Australia through every transaction and every piece of advice. The firm actively ensures that it has harnessed the best legal solution as tested through its global platform. The firm’s ability to accomplish this is enabled by leadership in legal thinking, and by bringing experience across legal and regulatory boundaries to clients in their home markets.

Baker & McKenzie is an international law firm, founded in Chicago in 1949 by Russell Baker and John McKenzie. The firm employs over 3,800 lawyers in 70 offices in 42 different countries.

As a transnational operation, no single nationality dominates the firm, and over 80 percent of its lawyers practice outside the United States. The lawyers come from 60 countries and speak more than 75 languages, with English in common.

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2011/12/02/baker-mckenzie-announces-appointment-of-new-chief-operating-officer-to-australia-offices/feed/ 0 Baker & McKenzie Enters Turkey Market Via Exclusive Relationship with Turkish Law Firm http://www.jdjournal.com/2011/10/28/31410/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2011/10/28/31410/#comments Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:00:37 +0000 rebneely http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=31410

Leading global law firm Baker & McKenzie has announced it has entered into an exclusive relationship with leading Turkish law firm Esin Attorney Partnership (Esin Avukatlık Ortaklığı). 

The move follows ever increasing client interest and activity in Turkey, which is one of the world’s fastest growing economies. The relationship will also serve to strengthen the firm’s global reach and client offerings.

Eduardo Leite, Chairman of Baker & McKenzie’s Executive Committee was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s site: “Istanbul is an increasingly important hub for global business. By entering into an exclusive arrangement with one of Istanbul’s leading law firms we are underlining our commitment to being able to serve our clients in those markets in which they are growing their businesses, while strengthening our ability to help Turkish clients take advantage of the opportunities beyond their borders.”

By working in an exclusive consultancy arrangement with Esin Attorney Partnership, clients of Baker & McKenzie will have access to the full-service, international and foreign law advice of the world’s leading global law firm and the Turkish law counsel of one of the leading law firms in Turkey.

Founded in 1997 by Ismail Esin, Esin has forty lawyers. It was named Legal Adviser of the Year in Turkey at the European M&A Awards 2010 by the Financial Times and MergerMarket and ranked in Tier 1 for M&A in legal directory The Legal 500. Its practices include Corporate and M&A, Real Estate, Dispute Resolution and Competition law.

Koen Vanhaerents, European Chairman and member of the Firm’s Executive Committee was quoted as saying: “It has become increasingly clear that Turkey is rapidly growing in importance for our clients. This exclusive relationship with Esin Attorney Partnership, provides our clients with access to the very best legal services in Turkey.”

This move follows Baker & McKenzie’s continuing expansion. In May of this year, the firm opened an office in Qatar, in October 2010, in Luxembourg in and in 2009, in Abu Dhabi.

According to the October 27th article at amlawdaily.com, “Baker Moves Into Turkish Market by Teaming With Istanbul Firm”, several other prominent law firms have opened offices in Turkey, including  Clifford Chance, DLA Piper, White & Case, and Chadbourne & Parke.

Also according to the article, Bloomberg reported the Turkish economy grew 8.8 percent in the second quarter of 2011; that is over four times the rate of the euro zone. Bloomberg also reported the Turkish deal market is far outpacing that of the emerging markets.

Founded in 1949 in Chicago, Baker & McKenzie has over 3,800 lawyers in almost 70 offices in 41 different countries. The firm has more leading lawyers in more countries in the Chambers Global Directory than any other global Top 20 law firm. Additionally, Chambers lists 19 of the firm’s practices in its global rankings of the world’s leading practices.

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2011/10/28/31410/feed/ 0 Baker & McKenzie Adds Ricardo S. Martinez to Latin American Finance and Transactional Practice http://www.jdjournal.com/2011/10/13/baker-mckenzie-continues-addition-of-partners-ricardo-s-martinez-joins-latin-american-finance-and-transactional-practice/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2011/10/13/baker-mckenzie-continues-addition-of-partners-ricardo-s-martinez-joins-latin-american-finance-and-transactional-practice/#comments Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:00:00 +0000 rebneely http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=31186

In recent days, the law firm of Baker & McKenzie announced that Ricardo S. Martinez joined the firm as a partner in the Latin American finance and transactional practice in New York.

The addition of Martinez follows a series of lateral partners that have joined Baker & McKenzie’s New York office during the past year. These include international financial services partner Lloyd Winans, Marc Litt, a former Assistant US Attorney from the Southern District of New York as well as the lead prosecutor in the Bernard Madoff fraud scheme, and Niamh Curry, a corporate partner specializing in alternative investment fund matters.

Martinez served as a former in-house counsel with Citigroup, and has over thirteen years of experience in matters regarding complex, cross-border finance matters. He has represented large commercial banks, multilateral institutions and borrowers in many sophisticated finance matters, including acquisition finance, working capital facilities, and major infrastructure and energy project financings. In addition, he has been active in the trade finance area, and has a wide range of experience in letters of credit, pre-export credit facilities and trade receivable financings.

David P. Hackett, Chair of the firm’s Banking & Finance Practice in North America was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s website: “We are continuing to see a tremendous amount of interest and investment in Latin America, and I know Rick’s impressive track record in that area and in-house experience will be valued by our clients. We’re delighted he has joined Baker & McKenzie.”

Martinez is fluent in Spanish and possesses broad experience in the Americas. He has closed transactions involving every major Latin American country during his career. 

Martinez’s recent representative matters include representing three multilaterals and one development financial institution, in connection with a $155 million project financing of a toll road project in the Dominican Republic, as well as representing a major international bank in connection with a series of secured loans totaling over $1 billion to Latin American financial institutions. In addition, Martinez created and managed a major international bank’s Pre-Export Finance Product for Latin America. This included evaluating select regulatory and compliance issues and franchise risks associated with such product. He also represented a major bank as Lender in a series of term loans totaling approximately $2 billion to a subsidiary of a major multinational retailer, as Borrower and related to the acquisition of a Chilean supermarket chain.

James C. Colihan, Managing Partner of the firm’s New York Office, was quoted as saying: “Rick is a great addition to our growing New York office, and I know our domestic and foreign banking clients will value his insights, particularly in matters involving Latin America or the energy and mining industries.”

International law firm Baker & McKenzie was founded in Chicago in 1949. Currently, the firm has over 3,800 lawyers in over 69 offices in 41 different countries.

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2011/10/13/baker-mckenzie-continues-addition-of-partners-ricardo-s-martinez-joins-latin-american-finance-and-transactional-practice/feed/ 0 World’s Largest Firm Now Claimed by Baker and McKenzie http://www.jdjournal.com/2011/08/18/worlds-largest-firm-now-claimed-by-baker-and-mckenzie/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2011/08/18/worlds-largest-firm-now-claimed-by-baker-and-mckenzie/#comments Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:22:01 +0000 EmploymentCrossing http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=30648

Despite a challenging year, Baker & McKenzie increased it’s revenue in all three of it’s geographical regions to regain the title of largest global firm turning over 2.27 billion and unseating Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, who in 2010 turned over 2.15 billion. PEP averages also grew at Bakers to 7 percent, which has not been that high since 2007-08.

Read the full article here:

Bakers usurps Skadden as world’s largest firm with $2.27bn turnover

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2011/08/18/worlds-largest-firm-now-claimed-by-baker-and-mckenzie/feed/ 0 BigLaw Closes Shop in Egypt http://www.jdjournal.com/2011/02/02/biglaw-closes-shop-in-egypt/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2011/02/02/biglaw-closes-shop-in-egypt/#comments Wed, 02 Feb 2011 23:22:22 +0000 joshua http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=28884 Egypt is the 16th largest country in the world by population with 80 million people, but it is underrepresented by top law firms.  DLA Piper and Baker & McKenzie both have offices in Cairo, and both have shut down operations for the moment.  Most businesses in Cairo remain closed as the protests grow both in size and intensity.

Things took a bad turn today when pro government counter demonstrators took to the streets, sparking violent clashes that left at least one man dead and several hundred wounded.  The Egyptian army, the most modern army in the Arab world, remained on the sidelines yet again, allowing the protesters to fight it out among themselves.

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2011/02/02/biglaw-closes-shop-in-egypt/feed/ 0 Dewey Announces 7 New Partners http://www.jdjournal.com/2011/01/19/dewey-announces-7-new-partners/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2011/01/19/dewey-announces-7-new-partners/#comments Wed, 19 Jan 2011 15:05:29 +0000 marvins http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=28754 Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP, a New York-based global law firm with more than 1200 lawyers, hired seven high-profile lawyers in line with its major expansion plan. Dewey said that the extensive experience of the seven additional partners will strengthen the firm’s global presence. The seven newly-hired lawyers are previously partners from other prestigious firms such as Baker & McKenzie, Dechert, Howrey and Sullivan & Cromwell. The seven new partners at Dewey are: Henry C. Bunsow, Denise Mory and Brian Smith, former Howrey IP litigation partners who will be based at Dewey’s San Francisco office; Craig Allison, a former patent litigation partner at Dechert who will join the Silicon Valley office; Karl Hopkins and Steven Otillar, previously oil and gas partners at Baker & McKenzie who will now report to the Houston office of Dewey; and James Carter , a former Sullivan & Cromwell’s who will join in Dewey’s New York office.

Steven Davis, chairman at Dewey, said that the moves have been under negotiation for the past few months as part of the firm’s expansion. “Ever since the [Dewey Ballentine/LeBoeuf Lamb] merger, we’ve had our program in place to build up key practice areas with the highest quality people we can find” Davis noted that the seven additional partners will boost the firm’s key practice areas such as global energy practice. “The additions of Hopkins and Otillar are expected to boost Dewey’s global energy practice–Hopkins has represented Middle Eastern-based oil and gas companies, as well as the Turkish government, while Otillar has handled energy acquisition and renewable energy projects in China, Brazil, and Latin America.”

Jeffrey Kessler, chairman of the firm’s global litigation department, expressed his excitement over the latest news. He said that more and more partners are being attracted to join Dewey due to the firm’s unique qualities that set it aside from other law firms. “There are three or four things we think make us unique. We have a major presence in the largest financial sectors, we make sure we have a strategic presence in the most important jurisdictions worldwide, we have a major emphasis on technology from a global side, and we have a balance between litigation and corporate, as well as a sector emphasis on key areas like energy, green issues, and financial issues relating to insurance. There are a lot of firms that have a few of those pieces, but it’s hard to find another firm that has all those pieces.” Kessler added that Dewey is still in talks with other partners from different firms, but didn’t elaborate on the details. “I don’t think this will be the last announcement we make during this first quarter. We hope to announce comparable additions in other areas and we’re very excited about the quality of people that want to come to our firm.”

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2011/01/19/dewey-announces-7-new-partners/feed/ 0 Baker & McKenzie Announces its New Partner http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/12/16/baker-mckenzie-announces-its-new-partner/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/12/16/baker-mckenzie-announces-its-new-partner/#comments Fri, 17 Dec 2010 01:18:19 +0000 marvins http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=28450 Baker & McKenzie, a Chicago-based international law firm, revealed that Marc Litt, the lead prosecutor of convicted Ponzi schemer Madoff, is the firm’s new partner beginning in January 2011. Litt’s addition to the firm is said to be a strong force to strengthen the global compliance practice of the Baker & McKenzie’s. Eduardo Leite, chairman of Baker & McKenzie’s executive committee, pointed out that the firm is putting a high priority on its global compliance area and Litt’s expertise will be of a great help. “With new regulations and increased enforcement in several jurisdictions, compliance has become a top priority today for multinational companies.”

As a prosecutor, Litt’s focus has been focused on the area of securities litigation, including securities fraud, money laundering, and other white-collar crimes. Litt served as an assistant US Attorney for the Southern District of New York since 2002. He worked previously at the Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP as a litigation associate after graduating from Columbia University School of Law in 1992. Litt was also with the US Attorney’s office for the District of Columbia in 1998 before he moved to his present position.

Baker & McKenzie is a major international law firm with gross revenue of $2.1 billion. The firm has a total of more than 3,950 lawyers over its 67 offices located in 39 different countries.

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/12/16/baker-mckenzie-announces-its-new-partner/feed/ 0 Morning Roundup http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/11/08/morning-roundup-225/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/11/08/morning-roundup-225/#comments Mon, 08 Nov 2010 23:16:26 +0000 joshua http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=27742 JD JournalGood morning everybody! Today is Tuesday, November 9th. Here’s a look back at yesterday’s stories.

Ballard Spahr will open its 13th office with the addition of a group of attorneys from the San Diego litigation boutique La Bella & McNamara LLP…

The partnerships at Squire Sanders & Dempsey and U.K-based Hammonds agreed to merge over the weekend…

Weitz & Luxenburg partner Robert J. Gordon was named the 2011 Mass Tort Litigator of the Year by legal publication Best Lawyers…

The partnership of Clifford Chance elected Malcolm Sweeting as the firm’s next senior partner…

The National Law Journal reported overall headcount at the nation’s 250 largest law firms fell for a second straight year…

Greenberg Traurig added six attorneys to its Orange County office, in its Real Estate, Real Estate Funds and REIT practices…

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/11/08/morning-roundup-225/feed/ 0 Survey: NLJ 250 Firms Continue to Shed Lawyer Jobs http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/11/08/survey-nlj-250-firms-continue-to-shed-lawyer-jobs/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/11/08/survey-nlj-250-firms-continue-to-shed-lawyer-jobs/#comments Mon, 08 Nov 2010 17:53:41 +0000 joshua http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=27761 The National Law Journal reported overall headcount at the nation’s 250 largest law firms fell for a second straight year. Following last year’s 4 percent drop, the survey found firms trimmed another 1,400 lawyers from its payroll this year, which equates to a 1.1 percent decrease from 2009. The two-year combined drop is the largest decline in the survey’s 33-year history and is just the second time overall headcount dropped for two consecutive years.

According to the report, the vast majority of cuts was in the associates ranks, which fell by nearly 1,000 lawyers. The number of partners at the nation’s biggest firms increased by 0.6 percent to an average of 215. Overall, headcount at NLJ 250 firms totaled 126,299 lawyers.

Baker & McKenzie was rated once again the nation’s largest firm with 3,774 attorneys, which was a decline of 175 from the previous year.  Baker & McKenzie was also among four firms to shed more than 100 lawyers in the last year along with White & Case (198), Latham & Watkins (147) and Morgan Lewis & Bockius (109).

Firms with the biggest increase in number of lawyers included Ropes & Gray, which saw its headcount increase by 21.6 percent; and Baker Hostetler, which grew by 12.6 percent. The biggest declines came at Butzel Long and Fish & Richardson which each saw a 17.7 percent drop in its lawyer roster.

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/11/08/survey-nlj-250-firms-continue-to-shed-lawyer-jobs/feed/ 0 Morning Roundup http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/10/28/morning-roundup-217/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/10/28/morning-roundup-217/#comments Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:25:59 +0000 joshua http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=27471 Good morning everyone! Today is Thursday, October 28th. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

Baker & McKenzie was slapped with a $103 million malpractice verdict by a Mississippi jury…

Four attorneys at  Milberg LLP were selected for the 2010 Top Attorneys List by legal media company Lawdragon…

Sidley Austin’s Michelle Illene Ruiz, a partner in the firm’s Chicago office, was honored at The Anti-Defamation League’s 3rd Annual Rising Star Awards Luncheon…

Renowned mediation attorney Kenneth R. Feinberg headlined the ILR Summit…

DLA Piper announced that Stéphane Lemarchand will join its Intellectual Property and Technology practice in Paris as a partner in the beginning of November…

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/10/28/morning-roundup-217/feed/ 0 Morning Roundup http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/09/15/morning-roundup-146/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/09/15/morning-roundup-146/#comments Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:40:36 +0000 joshua http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=26333 JD JournalGood morning everyone! Today is Wednesday, September 15th. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

The EPA threatened nine hydraulic fracturing companies with legal action…

Former Ambassador and Associate Attorney General Joins Fulbright & Jaworski…

Kramer Levin added three partners from Baker & McKenzie to its banking and finance group…

Andrews Kurth LLP added four attorneys to its Washington D.C. Office…

White & Case expanded its white collar and litigation practice…

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/09/15/morning-roundup-146/feed/ 0 Kramer Levin Nabs Banking Team from Baker & McKenzie http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/09/14/kramer-levin-nabs-banking-team-from-baker-mckenzie/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/09/14/kramer-levin-nabs-banking-team-from-baker-mckenzie/#comments Tue, 14 Sep 2010 20:15:10 +0000 joshua http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=26311 kramer levinKramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel has added three partners from Baker & McKenzie to its banking and finance group in New Yrok. Joining the firm are Gilbert K.S. Liu, Laurence Pettit and Richard D. Rudder, all of whom specialize in asset-backed securitization transactions.

Liu, who served as head of Baker &McKenzie’s banking and finance practice in New York, represents issuers, underwriters, borrowers, lenders and service providers on private and public structured finance and securitization transactions. He was also co-chair of Baker & McKenzie’s pro bono committee.

Pettit regularly advises issuers and financial advisors on structured finance transactions involving a wide range of jurisdictions and asset classes. He also represents clients in debt capital markets transactions.

Rudder represents major commercial and investment banks, issuers, investors, trustees and bond insurers in public and private financings involving esoteric assets. He has acted as deal counsel in the closing of many first-of-a-kind transactions including the first commercial mortgage loan conduit transactions.

Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel is a full-service law firm with office in New York and Paris.

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/09/14/kramer-levin-nabs-banking-team-from-baker-mckenzie/feed/ 0 Morning Roundup http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/08/13/morning-roundup-148/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/08/13/morning-roundup-148/#comments Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:17:15 +0000 joshua http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=25630 JD JournalGood morning everyone! Today is Friday, August 13th. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

Baker McKenzie reported its revenues were flat but profits were up…

Ventricelli joined Capstone Advisory Group LLC as Managing Director…

The stay was lifted in California same-sex marriage ban…

Brinks Hofer laid off 18 workers this week…

Law Firm Best, Best, & Krieger was subpoenaed by the Attorney General’s office during its investigation of overpaid employees in the city of Bell…

A top compliance officer from BAE Systems joined Covington & Burling as a partner…

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/08/13/morning-roundup-148/feed/ 0 Revenue Flat, But Profits Up at Baker & McKenzie http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/08/12/revenue-flat-but-profits-up-at-baker-mckenzie/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/08/12/revenue-flat-but-profits-up-at-baker-mckenzie/#comments Thu, 12 Aug 2010 23:15:36 +0000 joshua http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/08/12/revenue-flat-but-profits-up-at-baker-mckenzie/ Baker & McKenzie sung a familiar tune when it reported its financial results for fiscal year 2010 to AM Law Daily. Profits per equity partner at the 3,570-lawyer strong firm shot up 13 percent to $1.125 million, which is despite only a  small 0.4 percent bump in revenue to $2.1 billion.

Like many firms dealing with the recession and its aftermath, Baker & McKenzie made cuts in expenditures to help prop partners’ profits. Among the moves was delaying some capital expenditures, AM Law Daily reports.

John Conroy, chairman of the firm’s executive committee, told the publication emerging markets in Asia and Latin America performed well for Baker & McKenzie. Specifically, the firm had to beef up staff in Brazil because of demand and the Asia Pacific region provided 26 percent of the firm’s total revenue.

Baker & McKenzie was founded in Chicago in 1949.  The firm has 67 offices in 39 different countries.

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/08/12/revenue-flat-but-profits-up-at-baker-mckenzie/feed/ 0 Morning Roundup http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/06/23/morning-roundup-155/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/06/23/morning-roundup-155/#comments Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:03:52 +0000 joshua http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=24358 Good morning everyone! Today is Wednesday, June 23rd. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

Baker & McKenzie formally parted ways with 11 of its 12 re-deferred associates…

Cadwalader earned top honors at the Global M&A Network Turnaround Atlas Awards in Chicago…

Sidley Austin’s Ronald Flagg was awarded the 2010 Vincent E. Reed Award…

Dewey And LeBouef’s D.C. office filed a friend of the court brief on behalf of the Mexican government…

Greenberg Traurig is counseling Valeant Pharmaceuticals in a merger deal with Biovail…

Ross E. Eichberg joined Nixon Peabody as a partner in the firm’s D.C. office…

Sidley Austin announced that Thomas W. Albrecht will assume the responsibilities of managing partner for the Asia Pacific region…

A wide-ranging Altman Weil survey offered perspective on a multitude of issues facing law firms today…

Blank Rome added three attorneys to its Government Relations group in Washington, D.C…

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/06/23/morning-roundup-155/feed/ 0 Baker & McKenzie Says So Long to Deferred Associates http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/06/22/baker-mckenzie-says-so-long-to-deferred-associates/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/06/22/baker-mckenzie-says-so-long-to-deferred-associates/#comments Wed, 23 Jun 2010 02:15:57 +0000 joshua http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=24354 Baker & McKenzie, which replaced Skadden atop the AM Law 100 with 2009 revenue of $2.11 billion, has formally parted ways with 11 of its 12 re-deferred associates from the class of 2009.

The New York associates were re-deferred by the firm back in September with a potential June start date. Now, Above the Law is reporting that word has come down from the firm’s brass that their services won’t be needed.

In a statement to the Web site, the firm said that “unfortunately the work required for these individuals has not materialized to a sufficient degree,” while also pointing out that more than 30 deferred associates from the firm’s 2009 class are now working in North America.

Baker & McKenzie was founded in 1949 and has more than 3,900 lawyers in 67 offices worldwide.

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/06/22/baker-mckenzie-says-so-long-to-deferred-associates/feed/ 0 Morning Roundup http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/06/04/morning-roundup-149/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/06/04/morning-roundup-149/#comments Fri, 04 Jun 2010 12:03:33 +0000 joshua http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=23902 Good morning everyone! Today is Friday, June 4th. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

BP brought on WilmerHale to fight the myriad of congressional investigations the company is facing…

The American Association for Justice named Ronald F. Motley the recipient of its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award…

Stroock & Stroock & Lavan welcomed the addition of Irah H. Donner to their Intellectual Property Practice Group…

Jun He Law Offices Opened a second U.S. Office in Palo Alto…

Karen P. Hewitt, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California, headed to Jones Day…

Baker & McKenzie appointed Eduardo Leite, a partner from its Sao Paolo office, as its global chairman…

Fried Frank Adds Two Partners to London Office…

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/06/04/morning-roundup-149/feed/ 0 Baker Taps Partner From Brazil As Global Chairman http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/06/03/baker-taps-partner-from-brazil-as-global-chairman/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/06/03/baker-taps-partner-from-brazil-as-global-chairman/#comments Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:43:28 +0000 eric http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=23889 The Times:  Baker & McKenzie has appointed Eduardo Leite, a partner from its Sao Paolo office, as its global chairman.  It marks the first time an international law firm has tapped someone from outside the U.S. or Europe for the top leadership position.  Baker’s former chair, John Conroy, an American, ran the firm for eight years.

Leite, in addition to running Baker’s Brazilian offices, also ran the firm’s energy and mining practice group.

Founded in 1949, Baker & McKenzie provided clients with an instinctive global perspective and deep market knowledge and insights. It has 3,900 locally admitted lawyers in 67 offices worldwide.

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/06/03/baker-taps-partner-from-brazil-as-global-chairman/feed/ 0 Baker & McKenzie Replaces Skadden Atop AM Law 100 http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/04/29/baker-mckenzie-replaces-skadden-atop-am-law-100/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/04/29/baker-mckenzie-replaces-skadden-atop-am-law-100/#comments Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:00:55 +0000 joshua http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=23044 American Lawyer released its top 100 law firms Thursday and, as it notes in its summary of the rankings, things certainly could have been worse in 2009. Profits per equity partner, which increased 0.3 percent last year to $1.26 million, was the lone category that showed improvement of the rankings’ four traditional measuring sticks. And while gross revenue, head count and revenue per lawyer were all down, “the bad results weren’t nearly as dire as many firms had feared just a year ago, American Lawyer reports.

Taking a closer look at the four categories we find that Baker & McKenzie was the highest revenue-grossing firm last year with just over $2.1 billion. It supplants Skadden to take the top spot for the first time since 1994. Eleven firms topped $1 billion in gross revenue, including K&L Gates, which reached the level for the first time.

Overall, total revenue was off by 3.4 percent, with the firms grossing a total of $64.8 billion, down roughly $2.3 billion from the prior year.

More than half, 56 firms, showed drops in revenue per lawyer, which the report notes is “our best measure of a firm’s financial health.” Debevoise & Plimpton had the biggest decline at 19.1 percent, which dropped them out of the top 10.

Revenue per lawyer was down $15,697, to $802,381, a 2 percent fall. This was the second consecutive year in which RPL fell.

A total of 54 firms reduced their head counts last year, cutting more than 3,000 lawyers overall.

As for profits per partner, 16 firms had PPP exceeding $2 million in 2009. That is the same number as 2008, though that group has seen some changes. Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft and Davis Polk & Wardwell replaced Debevoise & Plimpton and Dechert in that group.

The Top 10 firms based on revenue:

Baker & McKenzie, $2.11 billion

Skadden, $2.10 billion

Latham & Watkins, $1.82 billion

Jones Day $1.52 billion

Kirkland & Ellis $1.43 billion

Sidley Austin, $1.35 billion

White & Case, $1.3 billion

Weil Gotshal, $1.23 billion

Greenberg Traurig $1.17 billion

Mayer Brown, $1.12 billion

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/04/29/baker-mckenzie-replaces-skadden-atop-am-law-100/feed/ 0 London Revenue Plummets For U.S.-Based Firms http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/04/13/london-revenue-plummets-for-u-s-based-firms/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/04/13/london-revenue-plummets-for-u-s-based-firms/#comments Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:56:05 +0000 joshua http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=22609 Nine of the 10 biggest U.S. firms with operations in London saw revenue decreases in 2009 with the lone holdout being Latham & Watkins.

According to TheLawyer.com,  revenue for the top 10 U.S. firms in London fell by an average of 12 percent and among the top 30 firms revenue was down by 5 percent.  Latham & Watkins, which saw its revenue increase by a mere $1.1 million, was in fact the lone firm out of the top 20 to increase revenue.

White & Case again garnered the most revenue among U.S. firms in London, but even it saw its revenue plummet by 20 percent to $197-million.  Runner-up Baker & McKenzie’s revenue fell by 24 percent to $184.5 million.

The biggest drops in revenue percentage-wise were felt by Mayer Brown and K&L Gates. Both firms dropped 28 percent, with Mayer Brown down to $146.3 million and K&L Gates to $43.3 million.

The biggest increase last year came from WilmerHale, which moved from 23rd in 2008 to 17th in 2009 through an $8.2 million increase in revenue.

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/04/13/london-revenue-plummets-for-u-s-based-firms/feed/ 0 Jones Day Expands in California with Four Laterals http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/02/03/jones-day-expands-in-california-with-four-laterals/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/02/03/jones-day-expands-in-california-with-four-laterals/#comments Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:55:18 +0000 joshua http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=19719 Jones Day expanded its presence in California today with the addition of four partners.

In San Diego, Patrick Elsevier is moving to Jones Day from Alston & Bird’s Atlanta office, and Ken Funahashi is coming on board from Baker & McKenzie. Elsevier is an IP litigator specializing in biotechnology patent litigation. Funahashi is a transactional lawyer who represents firms in Europe and Asia with investments in the United States. Over the last five years he has handled 35 transactions with an aggregate value of over $5 billion.

In the San Francisco office James Dutro is joining Jones Day from Latham & Watkins. Dutro is a health care lawyer specializing in structuring, negotiating and implementing integrated health care delivery systems and other hospital-physician alignment transactions and arrangements.

Tim Curry is an M&A lawyer moving to the Silicon Valley office from O’Melveny & Myers. Curry was the Transactional Department Head of O’Melveny’s Silicon Valley office, with a practice focusing on the representation of emerging growth and public technology companies in public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, venture capital financings, and licensing and partnering transactions.

Along with the lateral moves, one existing Jones Day partner, Mike McFalls, has moved from the Washington office to the Silicon Valley office, and four associates have moved up the ranks to join the partnership. They are Jayne Froyd and Peggy Ward (Silicon Valley), and Eric Swanhold and Erica Reilly (Los Angeles).

With nine new California based partners, Jones Day has grown to 127 partners in the Golden State.

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2010/02/03/jones-day-expands-in-california-with-four-laterals/feed/ 0 The American Lawyer Global 100 http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/10/01/the-american-lawyer-global-100/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/10/01/the-american-lawyer-global-100/#comments Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:28:13 +0000 joshua http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=17158 The American Lawyer has published its Global 100 list for 2009. Even with the recession in full bloom, the top 100 law firms managed to increase revenues by two percent, but revenue per lawyer dropped by three percent.

In the category of number of lawyers, US firm Baker McKenzie topped the list with 3,949 attorneys in offices in 39 countries. 82% of Baker McKenzie’s lawyers work outside of the United States. The top UK firm, ranked number 2 overall, is Clifford Chance with 2,837 attorneys in 21 countries. Spain’s Garrigues ranks number 12 with 1,835 lawyers in 9 countries.

The top three firms for revenue are all from the UK with Linklaters coming out on top. Linklaters posted revenues of just over $2.4 billion. The highest ranked US country is Skadden at $2.2 billion, ranked 4th.

Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz posted the highest profits per partner at just over $4 million.

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/10/01/the-american-lawyer-global-100/feed/ 0 Baker & McKenzie Profits Down 17% http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/08/15/baker-mckenzie-profits-down-17/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/08/15/baker-mckenzie-profits-down-17/#comments Sat, 15 Aug 2009 17:17:11 +0000 Erik Even http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=16252 Baker & McKenzie reports its average profits per equity partner in fiscal 2008 fell 17%, to $992,000. Revenue was down 3.5% to $2.11 billion.

The firm, which in April laid off 38 attorneys and 86 paralegals, has taken a number of other cost cutting measures.

Baker & McKenzie was founded in Chicago in 1949 by Russell Baker and John McKenzie. One of the first law firms to be truly global, it employs more than 3,900 lawyers in more than 70 offices in 39 countries.

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/08/15/baker-mckenzie-profits-down-17/feed/ 0 Morning News Roundup for Thursday http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/07/09/morning-news-roundup-for-thursday-28/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/07/09/morning-news-roundup-for-thursday-28/#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:00:50 +0000 Erik Even http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=14779 Good morning! Here are the top stories:

DLA Piper confirms that it laid off 21 lawyers and 100 staff yesterday…

Dewey & LeBoeuf has lured away a team of top lawyers from Cooley Godward Kronish…

Chicago’s Baker & McKenzie has announced it is laying off 11% of its lawyers and staff in China…

Edwards Angell has hired on two private equity and venture capital partners…

Weil Gotshal is cutting the salaries of new associates at its London office…

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/07/09/morning-news-roundup-for-thursday-28/feed/ 4 Baker & McKenzie Holding Layoffs in China http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/07/08/baker-mckenzie-holding-layoffs-in-china/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/07/08/baker-mckenzie-holding-layoffs-in-china/#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:24:49 +0000 Erik Even http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=14759 Chicago’s Baker & McKenzie, which in April laid off 124 employees, announced today it is laying off 11% of its lawyers and staff in China.

The firm has released no further details. It has 350 lawyers and staff across offices in Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

If you have any details about layoffs at Baker’s China offices, please — send us a confidential tip!

Baker & McKenzie was founded in Chicago in 1949 by Russell Baker and John McKenzie. One of the first law firms to be truly global, it employs more than 3,900 lawyers in more than 70 offices in 38 different countries.

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/07/08/baker-mckenzie-holding-layoffs-in-china/feed/ 4 Baker & McKenzie Hires Energy Team from Thompson & Knight http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/06/19/baker-mckenzie-hires-energy-team-from-thompson-knight/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/06/19/baker-mckenzie-hires-energy-team-from-thompson-knight/#comments Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:30:44 +0000 Erik Even http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=13982 Baker & McKenzieChicago’s Baker & McKenzie has hired a seven-lawyer energy law group from the crosstown office of Thompson & Knight.

The team includes partners Michael Byrd, Louis Davis and Ben Welmaker; Glen White as of counsel; and associates David Wildes, Cody Carper and James Sonnier.

They will support Baker’s Houston-based Major Projects/Energy practice.

Byrd represents clients in all phases and sizes of acquisitions and divestitures of producing properties and oil and gas companies. He earned a JD with Honors from the University of Texas School of Law.

Davis handles transactional matters regarding oil and gas exploration and production. He was the Oil and Gas Practice Leader at Thompson & Knight. His JD is from the University of Houston.

Welmaker represents oil and gas companies in international and domestic transactions. He received his LL.B from The University of Texas School of Law.

Baker & McKenzie was founded in Chicago in 1949 by Russell Baker and John McKenzie. One of the first law firms to be truly global, it employs more than 3,900 lawyers in more than 70 offices in 38 different countries.

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/06/19/baker-mckenzie-hires-energy-team-from-thompson-knight/feed/ 0 Survey: Skadden is Nation’s Top Firm Again http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/05/20/survey-skadden-is-nations-top-firm-again/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/05/20/survey-skadden-is-nations-top-firm-again/#comments Wed, 20 May 2009 16:59:59 +0000 Erik Even http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=12700 SkaddenSkadden has been ranked the top corporate law firm in the US for the ninth year in a row, according to Corporate Board Member magazine.

The rankings are based on a poll of 6,300 directors and general counsel.

Here are the top 20 on the America’s Best Corporate Law Firms list, including last year’s ranking:

1. Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, New York (1)
2. Jones Day, Cleveland (7)
3. Cravath Swaine & Moore, New York (2)
4. Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz, New York (3)
5. Sullivan & Cromwell, New York (5)
6. Weil Gotshal & Manges, New York (9)
7. Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles (13)
8. Kirkland & Ellis, Chicago (8)
9. Latham & Watkins, Los Angeles (6)
10. Fulbright & Jaworski, Houston (17)
11. Baker & McKenzie, Chicago (14)
12. O’Melveny & Myers, Los Angeles (19)
13. Davis Polk & Wardwell, New York (4)
14. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Palo Alto (14)
15. Sidley Austin, Chicago/New York (-)
16. Shearman & Sterling, New York (11)
17. Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison, New York (11)
18. Covington & Burling, Washington DC (16)
19. Hogan & Hartson, Washington DC (20)
20. Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson, New York (-)

Corporate Board Member is a leading information resource for senior officers and directors of publicly traded corporations, large private companies, and Global 1000 firms.

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/05/20/survey-skadden-is-nations-top-firm-again/feed/ 0 Gleiss Lutz Opens New Office with Baker & McKenzie Partner http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/05/14/gleiss-lutz-opens-new-office-with-baker-mckenzie-partner/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/05/14/gleiss-lutz-opens-new-office-with-baker-mckenzie-partner/#comments Thu, 14 May 2009 18:14:36 +0000 Erik Even http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=12375 Gleiss LutzGermany’s Gleiss Lutz will launch a new Dusseldorf office in August, headed by corporate partner Thomas Menke, last of Baker & McKenzie.

Menke handles international mergers & acquisitions and real estate transactions.

He will work with an unnamed associate, formerly of Freshfields’ Dusseldorf office.

Gleiss Lutz is a German law firm founded in Stuttgart in 1949 by Alfred Gleiss. It is one of the biggest independent full-service law firms in Germany, and advises companies and groups in Germany and abroad, as well as public authorities.

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/05/14/gleiss-lutz-opens-new-office-with-baker-mckenzie-partner/feed/ 0 Rumor: Baker McKenzie Cuts Associate Salaries http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/04/20/rumor-baker-mckenzie-cuts-associate-salaries/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/04/20/rumor-baker-mckenzie-cuts-associate-salaries/#comments Mon, 20 Apr 2009 22:01:31 +0000 Erik Even http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=11192 Baker McKenzieTipsters are informing blawgers that Baker & McKenzie has cut salaries between 10% and 25% for some associates.

We reported two weeks ago that the firm laid off 124 people. They also deferred start dates for trainees.

If you have any details about salary cuts (or anything else) at Baker & McKenzie, please send us a confidential tip. Remember to mention what law firm you’re talking about!

Baker & McKenzie was founded in Chicago in 1949 by Russell Baker and John McKenzie. One of the first law firms to be truly global, it employs more than 3,900 lawyers in more than 70 offices in 38 different countries.

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/04/20/rumor-baker-mckenzie-cuts-associate-salaries/feed/ 0 The Week in Law Firm Layoffs http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/04/11/the-week-in-law-firm-layoffs-5/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/04/11/the-week-in-law-firm-layoffs-5/#comments Sat, 11 Apr 2009 17:26:37 +0000 Erik Even http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=10680 Get the axe!This week in law firm layoffs:

Brownstein Hyatt: 15 lawyers, 22 staff

Chapman and Cutler: undisclosed lawyers

Quinn Emanuel: 10 staff

DLA Piper: estimated 32 lawyers

Willkie Farr & Gallagher: 24 undisclosed

Vedder Price: 9 lawyers

Townsend and Townsend and Crew: 16 lawyers, 45 staff

Bracewell & Giuliani: undisclosed staff

Baker & McKenzie: 38 lawyers, 86 staff

De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek: 90 staff

Clifford Chance: 10 lawyers

Winstead PC: undisclosed lawyers

Bricker & Eckler: 9 lawyers, 19 staff

William Fry: 17 staff

Shipman & Goodwin: 5 lawyers, 21 staff

Total: 144 lawyers, 310 staff

Week of March 29th: 199 lawyers, 474 staff

Week of March 22nd: 455 lawyers, 219 staff

Week of March 15th: 91 lawyers, 177 staff

Week of March 8th: 574 lawyers, 812 staff

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/04/11/the-week-in-law-firm-layoffs-5/feed/ 0 Baker & McKenzie Lays Off 124 http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/04/07/baker-mckenzie-lays-off-124/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/04/07/baker-mckenzie-lays-off-124/#comments Tue, 07 Apr 2009 21:28:56 +0000 Erik Even http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=10407 Chicago’s Baker & McKenzie today announced the layoffs of 124 employees.

From the statement:

…management in North America and Global Services today [have] informed 38 attorneys and 86 paralegals and professional staff that their positions are being eliminated due to the economic downturn. These changes involve various practices, offices and Global Services departments in North America. Individuals affected will receive severance packages.

Last month the firm’s London office launched a redundancy consultation targeting up to 30 lawyers and 55 staffers.

Baker & McKenzie was founded in Chicago in 1949 by Russell Baker and John McKenzie. One of the first law firms to be truly global, it employs more than 3,900 lawyers in more than 70 offices in 38 different countries.

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/04/07/baker-mckenzie-lays-off-124/feed/ 0 The Week in Law Firm Layoffs http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/03/13/the-week-in-law-firm-layoffs/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/03/13/the-week-in-law-firm-layoffs/#comments Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:58:43 +0000 Erik Even http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=8939 The AxeHere’s the rundown for law firm layoffs this week:

K&L Gates: 36 associates and 79 staff

Burges Salmon: 18 lawyers

Morgan Lewis: 55 attorneys and 161 staff

White & Case: 200 associates and 200 staff

Venable: 16 attorneys, 48 staff

Chadbourne & Parke: 25 lawyers

Pepe & Hazard: 5 attorneys and 7 staff

Proskauer Rose: 23 attorneys

Pircher, Nichols & Meeks: 8 attorneys

Dundas & Wilson: 25 attorneys, 25 staff

Blank Rome: 27 associates and 52 staff

Sidley Austin: 89 associates and 140 staff

Husch Blackwell Sanders: 17 lawyers and 45 staff

Baker & McKenzie: 30 lawyers and 55 staff

Gardere Wynne Sewell: undisclosed attorneys and staff

Baker Botts: undisclosed attorneys

TOTAL: 574 lawyers, 812 staff

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/03/13/the-week-in-law-firm-layoffs/feed/ 0 Baker & McKenzie Redundancy Targets 85 http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/03/13/baker-mckenzie-redundancy-targets-85/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/03/13/baker-mckenzie-redundancy-targets-85/#comments Fri, 13 Mar 2009 18:50:24 +0000 Erik Even http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=8932 Baker & McKenzieBaker & McKenzie’s London office has launched a redundancy consultation targeting up to 30 lawyers and 55 staffers.

The review begins at the end of the month. Trainees will not be affected.

In January, the London office laid off up to 20 legal staff.

The London office is freezing salaries for 2009, and does not anticipate paying an all-staff bonus.

Baker & McKenzie was founded in Chicago in 1949 by Russell Baker and John McKenzie. One of the first law firms to be truly global, it employs more than 3,900 lawyers in more than 70 offices in 38 different countries.

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]]> http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/03/13/baker-mckenzie-redundancy-targets-85/feed/ 0 Baker & McKenzie Bribes Trainees to Delay Start Dates http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/02/28/baker-mckenzie-bribes-trainees-to-delay-start-dates/ http://www.jdjournal.com/2009/02/28/baker-mckenzie-bribes-trainees-to-delay-start-dates/#comments Sat, 28 Feb 2009 17:48:32 +0000 Erik Even http://www.jdjournal.com/?p=7808 Baker & McKenzie has become the latest law firm to ask its incoming trainees to postpone their start date by up to a year.

The firm’s London arm has asked for volunteers from its 2009 and 2010 intakes to defer starting their training contracts by either six or 12 months.

Those willing to defer for 12 months have been offered a financial incentive of £5,000 ($7,160). There is no incentive offered to trainees electing to postpone for six months.

The next intake of 18 trainees starting in March 2009 is unaffected by the move. September’s projected intake is 21.

Bakers, which this year made 20 UK legal stuff redundant, said that it has no plans to force trainees to defer if there are not enough volunteers.

Baker & McKenzie was founded in Chicago in 1949 by Russell Baker and John McKenzie. One of the first law firms to be truly global, it employs more than 3,900 lawyers in more than 70 offices in 38 different countries.

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