JD Journal » Clifford Chance

Two Mergers and Acquisitions Partners Hired by Clifford Chance from Dewey & LeBoeuf

jim — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:38:07 +0000

Ivan Presant and Joseph Cosentino, partners from Dewey & LeBoeuf M&A, are leaving the firm to join Clifford Chance in New York. The lateral moves are the firm’s latest aimed at making its New York office stronger.

Cosentino has been working for the previous ten years at Dewey, where he began work as an associate at predecessor firm Dewey Ballantine. That firm merged with LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae back in August of 2007. Cosentino was promoted in January of 2009 to partner.

Presant joined the firm, after its merger, back in June of 2008. He previously served as a partner at Greenberg Traurig in New York. Presant began his legal career with Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson before spending seven years working as an associate at Sullivan & Cromwell.

The two worked hand in hand with the firm’s vice-chair and M&A group co-chair Morton Pierce. The two recently assisted Pierce in advising Talbots over the summer when the company tried to fend off private equity suitor Sycamore Partners.

The two will be joining a firm in Clifford Chance that has been among the top legal advisers in cross-border transactions in 2011. Clifford Chance is hoping that the addition of the two men will help increase the firm’s domestic transactions too.

“We have one of the leading international M&A practices in the world and our Americas team has a strong track record in complex transactions, both domestic and cross-border,” Matthew Layton, the global corporate practice head, said. “As a next step in our evolution we are continuing to deepen and strengthen our team in the States.”

The M&A group for Clifford Chance, part of the firm’s 750-lawyer corporate practice, was very busy at the end of the past year. Aujan Industries, a Saudi Arabian beverage manufacturer, used Clifford Chance to help sell half of its operations to Coca-Cola for $980 million.

Robert Masella, a partner for Clifford Chance, was on a team from the firm that was advising Mitsubishi in November. The team helped Mitsubishi secure a $5.4 billion Chilean copper contract with Anglo American, a mining company headquartered in London.

Clifford Chance then worked as counsel for Citigroup and EMI Group a couple of weeks later on two transactions that totaled $4.1 billion. The transactions broke apart the London company through sales to Vivendi’s Universal Music Group and Sony. As it turns out, Cosentino was on the team from Dewey that was advising Sony during the purchase.

At 1,045-lawyer Dewey & LeBoeuf, profits increased by 9.6 percent in 2010 to $1.8 million. There were gross revenues of $910 million for the firm.

The gross revenues for Clifford Chance in 2010 stayed strong at $1.9 billion. At the 2,500-lawyer Magic Circle firm, profits per partner hit at about $1.6 million. A spokesman from Clifford Chance did say that a legal recruiter was used to make the lateral hires from Dewey but the spokesman did not name the recruiting agency.

Baker & McKenzie Enters Turkey Market Via Exclusive Relationship with Turkish Law Firm

rebneely — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:00:37 +0000

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.

Quinn Emanuel Will Launch Moscow Office with Pair from Dechert

rebneely — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:00:19 +0000

Quinn Emanuel announced in recent days it will launch an office in Moscow with senior litigation partners Ivan Marisin and Vasily Kuznetsov. Both join from Dechert; both joined Dechert’s Moscow office last year from Clifford Chance. The announcement comes less than two months after announcing plans to open a new office in Washington, D.C.

Marisin is a senior figure in Clifford Chance’s CIS practice; he became head of the firm’s Moscow litigation and arbitration practice in 1992, and was named local managing partner in 2000.

High-profile cases in which he has been involved include representing Bank of New York Mellon on a $22.5bn (£19.7bn) claim brought by the Russian Government, which was settled in 2009.

Kuznetsov, a national partner at Dechert, joined Marisin’s team at Clifford Chance in 2002, and they jointly represented Russian uranium seller Tenex on a $1bn (£633m) arbitration in Stockholm in 2007.

Quinn Emanuel managing partner John Quinn was quoted as saying in the October 19th legalweek.com article, “Quinn Emanuel set for Moscow with hire of ex-CC duo from Dechert”: “We see Moscow as a key source of work for both our practices in London and the US and we are very excited that Ivan and Vasily have agreed to help us exploit the opportunities that Russia presents to the west. We are fundamentally a trial firm, and Ivan, who is widely acknowledged as one of the most experienced and toughest advocates in Russia, is a like-minded individual who we are confident will contribute to our brand and practice internationally.”

London co-managing partner Richard East was quoted as saying: “These are very senior, very credible litigators, and we look forward to working with them. We expect there to be a lot of interaction between the London and Moscow offices as there are significant client synergies.”

It opened its first overseas office, in Tokyo, in 2007, followed by the London location in 2008 and an office in Mannheim, Germany in 2010. Most recently, Quinn Emanuel opened its doors in D.C. after landing a trio of Alston & Bird partners who specialize in litigating intellectual property cases before the International Trade Commission.

Quinn Emanuel managing partner John Quinn was quoted as saying in the October 19th amlawdaily.com article, “Quinn Emanuel Taps Dechert Pair to Launch Russian Office”: “Representing Russians and those with Russian interests is a big practice in London. Having an office [in Moscow] will assist us in representing those clients and raising our profile in the business and legal community in Russia.”

Quinn was also quoted as saying in the amlawdaily.com article: “There are a lot of other American and British firms there, but more focused on deal work. We see a real opportunity there.”

Founded in 1986, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP is a 500 plus lawyer business litigation firm – the largest in the United States devoted exclusively to business litigation.

Clifford Chance Adds Three Prominent Attorneys to White Collar, Regulatory and Government Investigations Practice Group

rebneely — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:00:33 +0000

The law firm of Clifford Chance announced that it has added litigation partners David Raskin, Christopher J. Morvillo, and Edward C. O’Callaghan to its New York office.

The trio served together as federal prosecutors in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. They will reunite in early November at Clifford Chance where they will be a part of the firm’s New York-based White Collar, Regulatory Enforcement and Government Investigations practice group.

Raskin joins the firm directly from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. There, he has handled several of the most important criminal trials and international investigations in recent history. These include those that arose from the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and an ongoing probe into violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Morvillo and O’Callaghan, who left the U.S. Attorney’s Office six and three years ago, respectively, are among the most highly regarded white collar defense attorneys in Manhattan. Morvillo is a partner at the white collar boutique firm, Morvillo, Abramowitz, Grand, Iason, Anello & Bohrer, P.C., and O’Callaghan leads the Government Investigations and White Collar Defense Group at Nixon Peabody.

The trio brings varied law enforcement and defense experience to Clifford Chance, adding significant strength to the white collar and regulatory capabilities of the firm.

David DiBari, Clifford Chance’s U.S. Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice area leader was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s website: “It’s a rare occurrence when three litigators the caliber of David, Chris and Ed agree to move from different organizations to form, and join, a terrific team; we’re obviously thrilled they’re doing that with us. Their decision to reunite at Clifford Chance adds considerable depth and strength to our U.S. Litigation practice – especially in New York – while bolstering our firm’s strong litigation offerings worldwide.”

Craig Medwick, regional managing partner for Clifford Chance in the Americas, was quoted as saying: “Our Washington, D.C. office already features a superb cross-border investigatory and regulatory litigation team. The ability now to enhance our New York team with considerable white collar criminal defense and trial experience demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the execution of our U.S. litigation strategy.”

Jeremy Sandelson, global head of Clifford Chance’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice was quoted as saying: “We have been carefully searching for litigation partners in the U.S. who are not only world class in their capabilities, but well suited to our firm strategically and culturally. In David, Chris and Ed we have three partners who share our ambitious aspirations, as well as the collegial approach that helps define our firm. They’re a great fit for Clifford Chance and I am absolutely delighted to welcome them to our team.”

Raskin joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 1999, and rose to Chief of the Terrorism & National Security Unit. He has been pivotal in many of the most important criminal investigations and trials brought by the U.S. government during the past decade, including the prosecution of Zacarias Moussaoui, the so-called 20th hijacker in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack.

Most recently, Morvillo was a partner at Morvillo, Abramowitz. In the past six years he has represented individual and corporate clients in federal and state white collar matters, parallel enforcement and civil proceedings, and internal investigations. In particular, Morvillo has extensive experience in representing individuals and entities in insider trading, corporate espionage and securities fraud investigations and prosecutions.

O’Callaghan is Nixon Peabody’s Government Investigations and White Collar Defense practice leader. He has represented several of the largest financial institutions in the world in various regulatory enforcement investigations and proceedings.

Clifford Chance is one of the world’s leading law firms, with 33 offices in 23 countries and over 3,200 legal attorneys.

Jones Day Adds Two Partners in London Office

rebneely — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:00:24 +0000

The international law firm of Jones Day recently announced that Paul Exley and John Ahern have joined the London office as partners.

Exley joins the firm’s Energy Practice, and Ahern joins the Financial Institutions Litigation & Regulation Practice.

Prior to joining Jones Day, Exley practiced at Simmons and Simmons. A corporate lawyer concentrating on cross border mergers and acquisitions in the energy sector, he has significant experience in oil and gas deals; that experience includes advising on several international refinery transactions.

Exley was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s website: “Energy is a global business and I am very excited to join a Firm with a truly global energy practice. Jones Day has top quality transactional energy lawyers in the U.S., Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Russia, and Latin America, making it the ideal platform for me. I am very much looking forward to complementing the existing team and being integral to the continued growth and success of the energy practice.”

John Ahern joins the firm from Addleshaw Goodard. He possesses niche experience in the financial services industry in the U.K., the Middle East, and Asia. Prior to joining Jones Day, Ahern worked in-house at Merrill Lynch for eight years, as well, he practiced at Clifford Chance. A leader in financial services regulation in the U.K., Ahern provides counsel on a number of regulatory issues across the sector, focusing on securities sales and trading, clearing and settlement, global custody, and bank prudential regulation.

Ahern was quoted as saying: “I am excited to be joining Jones Day particularly during this period of growth in London. The practice is a real force with banking, regulatory, and litigation lawyers working together to service financial institutions.”

London Partner-in-Charge John Phillips was quoted as saying: “These are significant hires in important practices and are a continuation in our concerted growth strategy in London. There will be more to come as we build further on our resources in the London market.”

Phillips has significant mergers and acquisitions experience which includes public bids, private trade sales, and private equity investments, with a particular emphasis on cross-border transactions. In addition, he has advised on a number of initial public offerings, rights issues, placings, and other equity issues. As Partner-in-Charge of the London office, he the Firm’s U.K. M&A practice.

A global law firm, Jones Day is ranked among the world’s best and most integrated law firms, as well as being ranked consistnetly among the best in client service. The firm serves as principal outside counsel to, or provides significant legal representation for, over half of the Fortune Global 500 companies.

Founded in Cleveland, Ohio in 1893, Jones Day is the eighth largest law firm in the world according to revenue, and employs over 2,500 attorneys, including more than 400 lawyers in Europe and 200 lawyers in Asia.

Clifford Chance Paying Spring Bonuses

joshua — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 18:04:51 +0000

Following a trend started by US firms, Clifford Chance has become the third “magic circle” firm to pay a spring bonus to its US associates. The bonus, announced last week, will be paid to US associates in New York and Washington DC, based on seniority and performance. At the low end, the bonus is lower than rival UK firms Freshfields and Linklaters. Clifford Chance is starting the bonus scale at $2,500, compared to Linklaters $7,500. The top end amount is the same, at $20,000, however associates with three years less experience will qualify for the top end bonus at Clifford Chance compared to the other two firms.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:27:37 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Friday, February 18, and here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s news…

White & Case reported 2010 numbers that look a lot like 2009…

Clifford Chance is moving into Australia…

and the Howrey exodus continued…

Clifford Chance Expands into Australia

joshua — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 01:00:48 +0000

Clifford Chance is moving into the Australian market by merging with two boutique firms. Chang, Pistilli & Simmons and Cochrane Lishman Carson Luscombe will become Clifford Chance offices as of May 1. The firm says that this is not targeted at Australia so much as it is part of a broader plan for Asian expansion.

Chinese investments in Australia have rapidly grown, particularly in the energy and mineral markets, and the two local firms joining up with Clifford Chance are both corporate law boutiques. An investment into the Australian legal market is an indirect investment in the growth of Chinese foreign investments.

Clifford Chance is one of the UK’s “magic circle” of law fims. With approximately 3,200 legal advisers and 30 offices in 21 countries, it is one of the top ten global law firms measured by number of lawyers and by revenue.

DLA Piper to Merge with Australian Alliance Partner DLA Phillips Fox

marvins — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 00:25:41 +0000

DLA Piper is set to become the world’s largest law firm by number of attorneys once its merger deal with DLA Phillips Fox, a trans-Tasman law firm and DLA Piper’s Australian alliance partner, is sealed. The merger is part of DLA Piper’s plan for bolstering its worldwide presence, particularly in Asia. The two firms are discussing the merger details as of now, and are expected to finalize the details by February.

DLA Piper explained that Australia offers an attractive path to enter the Asian market. In 2010, Allen & Overy launched two Australian law firm offices to boosts its presence in cross-border Asia-Australia deals. In 2008, Clifford Chance also explored a merger deal with Mallesons Stephen Jaques, one of Australia’s legal giants. Once the merger is set, DLA Piper will have over 4,000 lawyers throughout its worldwide operations, becoming one of the top law firms in Australia and the largest in the world.

Alistair Da Costa, DLA Piper’s Asia managing director, said that the new merger deal is proof that DLA Piper is aggressive enough to have a strong presence in Asia. DLA Piper has already successfully set up its operations in Asian cities such as Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Tokyo.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:19:52 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Tuesday, November 23rd. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

Russell Rogers, a partner in Thompson Hine LLP’s business litigation and product liability litigation practice groups, will assume leadership of the firm’s Atlanta office…

Davis Polk announced that Paul Chow, a leading Chinese and Hong Kong M&A lawyer, would join the firm as a partner in Hong Kong…

Clifford Chance added Meghan O’Reilly as counsel in the firm’s New York office…

Walmart’s legal department announced plans to form an in-house pro bono program…

International law firm King & Spalding added three partners to it finance practice…

Clifford Chance Expands New York Office

joshua — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 19:48:35 +0000

Clifford Chance has added Meghan O’Reilly as counsel in the firm’s New York office. O’Reilly previously practiced at Chapman and Cutler and Sidley Austin.

According to a firm press release, O’Reilly’s practice incorporates all types of commercial lending with a particular focus on subscription loans to private equity funds, also referred to as capital call facilities, which total more than $13 billion during the last six years.

“Meghan’s practice and relationships are great additions to our corporate finance team,” said Evan Cohen, head of the Finance and Restructuring Group for the Americas.

O’Reilly brings experience in both domestic and international finance work, with particular expertise in subscription/capital call facilities and other asset backed finance, including real estate loans. Her clients have included all types of lenders, including her current representation of WestLB AG, a leading global provider of subscription/capital call facilities and other fund level debt financings.

She adds her practice to Clifford Chance’s existing WestLB funds lending team headed by partners Robert Lee and Nicola Wherity in London.

“Her subscription lending experience adds to our finance capabilities and provides an important complement to our number one ranked fund formation group,” added Roger Singer, co-head of the private funds practice in New York.

Clifford Chance ha approximately 3,200 legal advisers and 30 offices in 21 countries.

Discussions on Opening up India’s Legal Market Dropped from President Obama’s Agenda During Trip to India

joshua — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 14:04:36 +0000

During President Barack Obama’s highly publicized trip to India this week that was to focus on boosting trade and security ties between both countries, discussions about opening up the legal market in India were removed from the agenda.

According to the article at amlawdaily.com, Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge corporate partner Shahana Basu Kanodia, chair of the firm’s South Asia practice, told Legally India’s Kian Ganz that opening up India’s legal market to foreign firms was a relatively low priority and had been sidelined in favor of discussions on job creation and democracy.

Ganz noted that when British Prime Minister David Cameron visited India this summer, he was accompanied by Clifford Chance outgoing senior partner Stuart Popham, who felt confident India would lift restrictions on foreign lawyers by 2012.

However, Edwards Angell’s Kanodia was more pessimistic about the future of foreign lawyers in India. She told Legally India’s Ganz, that the country’s legal market would likely remain closed until 2015, primarily because Indian businesses didn’t see the benefit in allowing foreign firms to practice locally.

The National Law Journal, a sibling publication, reports that last week, American Bar Association president Stephen Zack sent a letter to the President asking him to push the Indian government to drop its ban on foreign lawyers practicing or maintaining offices in the country.

Zack, a litigation partner at Boies, Schiller & Flexner in Miami, wrote that U.S. lawyers and their firms were being unfairly treated in India and that further restrictions of foreign lawyers would undermine goal of increasing trade between the two countries, The NLJ reports. Zack said he does not expect a response from Obama until the president returns to the country next week.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 23:16:26 +0000

Good 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…

Clifford Chance Elects Malcolm Sweeting as Senior Partner

joshua — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 18:08:16 +0000

The partnership of Clifford Chance has elected Malcolm Sweeting as the firm’s next senior partner. Sweeting, who will replace Stuart Popham in the role, will begin his four-year term on Jan. 1.

“I am greatly honored to have been chosen by the partners,” Sweeting said in a prepared statement. “This is a very exciting time for the firm as we are particularly well placed to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the growth economies in Asia, Latin America, Africa and elsewhere. I’m looking forward to working with colleagues globally to ensure that we capitalize fully on the firm’s unrivalled potential to support clients in these markets.”

Sweeting has been a partner in Clifford Chance’s finance practice since 1990 and is based in London. He has been a leader of the London banking group and was previously a member of the firm’s Partnership Council (1991-1993). Sweeting has a widely established reputation as a finance lawyer, often working internationally and most recently with a particular focus on the developing markets.

Clifford Chance is one of the world’s largest law firms with 29 offices in 20 countries and some 3,200 legal advisers.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 13:12:23 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Wednesday, November 3rd. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

Katten Muchin Rosenman added a team of 13 structured finance lawyers from Dewey & Leboeuf…

A former female associate filed a discrimination suit against Clifford Chance…

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe launched a Social Sector Finance (SSF) practice group…

Best Lawyers named Cohen & Grigsby attorney Charles R. Brodbeck “Pittsburgh Public Finance Lawyer of the Year” for 2011…

Corporate Counsel will host a one-day Focus Europe Summit at The Concierge Conference Center in New York City…

Former Female Associate Files Discrimination Suit Against Clifford Chance

joshua — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 17:59:00 +0000

According to the AmLaw Daily, when Clifford Chance laid off six associates in November 2007, a former female associate claims the firm was trageting women and minorities, per the story by Nate Raymond in The New York Law Journal, a sibling publication.

Karen Ramdhanie, 48, said in a recent complaint filed in Manhattan Supreme Court that on the eve of the layoffs, two white male associates were moved out of her group, leaving just black and female lawyers, who were then laid off.

“They were so blatant in their discrimination,” Ramdhanie told the NYLJ.

The complaint goes on to say that two days after the layoffs took place, the London-based firm announced year-end bonuses of $35,000 to $65,000 and a “special bonus” of $50,000 because the firm had “done extremely well in 2007.”

Because she had been laid off, Ramdhanie was not eligible for the bonus, in spite of her claim she worked late into the night for 11 months on 33 transactions.

According to the complaint, she is seeking compensatory and punitive damages for discrimination based on race, gender, national origin, and age. She also is asking for a letter of apology from Clifford Chance and requesting that the firm revise its hiring and firing policies with regard to black associates, reports the NYLJ. Ramdhanie, who has been unemployed since being laid off, is representing herself in the suit, the NYLJ reports.

Clifford Chance has faced discrimination-related litigation before. In 2005, Muslim associate Asma Hasan claimed she was wrongfully dismissed and subject to religious discrimination when she was fired in 2004. Two years ago, Caroline Memnon, a black associate of Haitian descent, sued the firm for firing her in 2002 and making it difficult to find a job elsewhere. The firm offered her a settlement of $350,000, The American Lawyer reported in March.

The firm declined to comment to the NYLJ.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:20:59 +0000

Good morning everybody! Today is Thursday, October 21st. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

The Children’s Law Center, Washington D.C.’s largest provider of free legal services, launched a new six-week campaign, dubbed the Lawyers for Children Campaign….

Winston & Strawn expanded its transactional capabilities in China with a three-person team from Cadwalader…

BigLaw Lends A Hand in New Children’s Law Center Campaign

joshua — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 23:06:21 +0000

The Children’s Law Center, Washington D.C.’s largest provider of free legal services, has launched a new six-week campaign, dubbed the Lawyers for Children Campaign, that’s designed to expose area lawyers and their colleagues to opportunities to improve the lives of D.C.’s children.

In conjunction with the campaign, an 18-member advisory board was selected that’s made up of attorneys from law firms, law schools and corporations throughout the D.C. area. Among the organizations represented are Arnold & Porter, Blank Rome, Bryan Cave, Clifford Chance, Covington & Burling, Crowell & Moring, Fish & Richardson, Hunton & Williams, Jones Day, Latham & Watkins, McDermott Will & Emery, McKenna Long & Aldridge, Patton Boggs, Sidley Austin, Skadden, Williams & Connolly, American University and the Podesta Group.

Evelyn Becker, pro bono director at Children’s Law Center, said the groups “enthusiasm to launching the campaign and introducing their colleagues to Children’s Law Center has been tremendous.”

The campaign will run from October 18 through Thanksgiving. A Campaign Kickoff Happy Hour will be held Tuesday, Oct. 26 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Children’s Law Center offices.

Carmen McLean, CLC Board Member and Chair of CLC’s Advisory Board, and attorney at Jones Day, commented on the campaign in a press release.

“At Jones Day, we just took on our 20th pro bono case through Children’s Law Center and we know how important this work is,” McLean said. “We are excited to spread the word about CLC’s new Lawyers for Children campaign.”

Sidley Austin Gets New Practice Co-Head

joshua — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 23:43:17 +0000

Sidley Austin has named former Clifford Chance partner Stephen Roith co-head of its capital markets group in London. In the role, Roith will focus on capital markets and structured finance transactions.

Thomas A. Cole, chair of Sidley Austin’s executive committee, said Roith will support the growth of the firm’s European capital markets practice and of its English law capital markets practice in its Asia Pacific offices.

Roith has experience in developed and emerging markets capital markets and is active in a broad range of international securities and finance transactions, which includes secured and unsecured Eurobond issues, subordinated and high yield debt, tax and regulatory capital motivated structured finance.

Sidley’s global securities practice has more than 125 lawyers in the U.S., Europe, Asia and Australia with a primary focus in the area of capital markets.

Clifford Chance Head Predicts Office In India By 2010

eric — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:44:20 +0000

India’s ban on foreign lawyers practicing, let alone, opening an office, in that country has been a frequent item in the news lately. In a December ruling, the ban was upheld by a Bombay High Court, prohibiting such firms as Chadbourne Park and White and Case from obtaining the licenses necessary for opening up shop. The ban, however, is not a deterrent to global powerhouse Clifford Chance.

According to Bloomberg Businessweek, the firm expects with some confidence to have an office in Bombay by as soon as late 2012. By then, Clifford, as well as number of other firms, hope that the ban will have been lifted. For now, another suit is scheduled to be heard next week that will address whether foreign lawyers are even allowed to give clients advice in India at all. The case is expected to end up before the country’s Supreme Court as India’s government continues feel pressure from such fronts as the British banking lobby.

Clifford Chance is one of the world’s leading law firms with 29 offices in 20 countries and 3,600 legal advisors globally. The firm is structured around six global practice areas: Banking and Finance, Capital Markets, Corporate/M&A, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Real Estate, and Tax, Pensions and Employment.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:18:34 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Wednesday, July 21st. Here’s a quick recap of yesterday’s stories.

BuckleySandler added three attorneys to its practice…

Head of Clifford Chance’s UK fund practice left for Simpson…

A Reed Smith partner committed suicide…

Wachtell topped the Vault Law 100 again…

Kagan’s confirmation was approved by judiciary committee…

Adam Taliaferro joined Duane Morris…

Simpson Thacher Snags Prominent Funds Chief

joshua — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:05:38 +0000

There was a rather large shakeup across the pond Tuesday. Simpson Thacher & Barltett announced that Jason Glover, currently the head of Clifford Chance’s U.K funds practice, is leaving the firm to establish a similar practice for New York-based Simpson at its London office.

Glover’s practice will focus on private fund formation, particularly private equity funds, the firm said in a press release. He is considered a global leader in this practice area having represented many of the most prominent European and developing market private equity firms in structuring complex global funds.

“Jason is one of Europe’s preeminent private funds lawyers,” said Peter Ruegger, chairman of Simpson Thacher’s executive committee. “His addition to our London office will complement our internationally recognized funds practice group and significantly enhance our ability to meet the needs of our clients in Europe and globally.”

U.K.-based The Lawyer noted Glover is the second-high profile partner to leave Clifford Chance for Simpson Thacher in the past 14 months.

Founded in 1884, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett has more than 800 lawyers with offices in Beijing, Honk Kong, London, Los Angeles, Palo Alto, Sao Paulo, Tokyo and Washington D.C.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 12:18:10 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Friday, July 9th. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

Clifford Chance was the highest grossing firm among UK firms…

Sonnenschein added a veteran Exxon Lawyer to its Energy Practice…

Ogletree opened a Portland office…

Gonzalez Saggio & Harlan added two partners to its IP team…

A survey of nearly 700 women law firm partners revealed an “intense dissatisfaction” with the compensation gap between men and women…

A former Texas representative joined Greenberg Traurig’s Austin office as an of counsel in the governmental affairs practice group…

A shareholder in Greenberg Traurig’s Tampa office, was appointed chairman of the Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education…

Morvillo Abramowitz was recognized by Chambers & Partners for the 7th consecutive year…

Clifford Chance Leads Rough Year for U.K. Firms

joshua — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:32:53 +0000

Revenue at the U.K.’s magic circle firms suffered a decline of 11 percent for the fiscal year ended April 30. Leading the way as the highest-grossing firm for the year was Clifford Chance.

Clifford Chance returned to the top spot despite suffering a 5 percent decline in revenue to $1.8 billion, Bloomberg reports.

Linklaters, last year’s highest-grossing U.K. firm, fell to 2^nd on revenue of $1.78 billion, which was an 8.8 percent decline from the prior year. Rounding out the magic circle firms were Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP with $1.73 billion, a drop of 11 percent; and Allen & Overy LLP, which reported revenue of $1.59 billion, a four percent drop.

Revenue is down a bit, but you always expect it to come down as the recession unwinds,” Tony Williams, founder of Jomati Consultants in London and a former managing partner at Clifford Chance, told Bloomberg. “The initial panic from the financial crisis and the Lehman collapse caused a lot of work, and there’s been a period where everyone sort of licks their wounds.”

Bloomberg cited a major decrease in mergers & acquisitions work as the reason for the declines.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:15:26 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Wednesday, July 7th. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

Latham & Watkins announced its launch of an Asian litigation practice centered in Hong Kong…

Detroit-based firm Dykema hired Robin Radomski as its Chief Marketing Officer…

Saul Ewing added a four-person team focused on the gaming industry…

Sidley Austin named a new managing Partner in San Francisco…

Thompson Hine LLP received national recognition for leadership in promoting diversity…

Skadden was found to be first in M&A Advisements for first half of year…

A global study found tracking procedures lacking in lawyer-to-lawyer referrals…

Weil Gotshal received two international Legal Alliance Awards…

Fisher & Phillips opened an office in Washington, D.C….

The Bureau of Labor Statistics showed legal sector lost 3,900 jobs in June…

Clifford Chance named a new London practice head…

Clifford Chance Names New London Practice Head

eric — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:44:29 +0000

Reuters: Clifford Chancepartner Simon Tinkler has been tapped to replace current London corporate practice head, David Pearson. Pearson, who held the position for two terms, will continue work within the group, focusing on corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions.

Tinkler’s practice specializes in private equity, complex leveraged buyouts, and international and pan-European corporate takeovers, mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Tinkler has also served in an advisory capacity for a number of investment banks.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:13:50 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Tuesday, June 15th. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

Some SNR Partners were considering leaving prior to the merger with Denton…

Former White House counsel John Adams joined McGuireWoods…

Skadden snagged rival Global Antitrust head Simon Baxter…

A landmark $82.5 Million verdict was awarded for the death of a man killed in a 2007 natural gas explosion…

Gibson Dunn & Crutcher received Chambers’ annual Award for Excellence in the Antitrust Category…

Skadden Snags Rivals Global Antitrust Head

joshua — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 21:18:13 +0000

Skadden Arps has scooped up the global antitrust head of rival Clifford Chance, LegalWeek is reporting. Simon Baxter, who resigned June 3 after serving 10 years as the head of Clifford Chance’s antitrust practice, will join U.S.-based Skadden’s Brussels office on Wednesday.

According to LegalWeek, Baxter advised corporations at the European Union and national levels on mergers, joint ventures, distribution systems and licensing. He also advises in relation to media, aeronautics and medical sectors.

Baxter told LegalWeek he resigned from Clifford Chance simply because it was time for new blood in the position.

“CC’s competition practice is in very good shape and I thought was good timing to hand over to somebody else,” Baxter said. “At that same time Skadden approached me and for me this move is an exciting prospect as Skadden has a first-class antitrust practice which they are keen to grow globally.”

Baxter becomes just the fourth partner at Skadden’s Brussels office. He is joined by two counsel and 10 associates.

Skadden is a New York City based firm with 2,000 lawyers in offices around the world including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Toronto, Brussels, Frankfurt, London, Moscow, Munich, Paris, Beijing, Hong Kong and Sydney.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Wed, 12 May 2010 13:52:48 +0000

Good morning! Today is Wednesday, May 12th. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

Opportunity For Firms To Re-learn and Re-market Real-Estate Practice…

Legal Heavyweights Speak About Arizona Immigration Legislation…

Clifford Chance To Deepen Bankruptcy Practice Group…

Firms Hire MDs to Combat Government Suits Over Medicare Billing…

Lucado Law Firm Opposes BP’s Motion To Have All Lawsuits Involving Gulf Oil Spill to Houston…

Nevada School District Hires Littler Mendelson…

Clifford Chance To Deepen Bankruptcy Practice Group

joshua — Tue, 11 May 2010 18:47:08 +0000

Today, according to PR Newswire, Clifford Chance announced the addition of Rick Atanoff as a partner in the United States. Atanoff will join the firm’s Financial Restructuring Group.

Prior to joining the Clifford firm, Atanoff was a partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman and was a member of its Subprime Industry Group.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman is an international law firm with offices located throughout the US and globally, including key financial centers New York, London, Tokyo and Shanghai.

Clifford Chance Announces 22 New Partners; 3 in U.S. Offices

joshua — Tue, 04 May 2010 20:06:46 +0000

Today, Clifford Chance announced 22 new partners in various practices and regions of the Firm, effective May 1. Six partners each were appointed to the Firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice, Corporate practice, and Finance practice.

According to the press release at the Firm’s website, David Childs, Clifford Chance Global Managing Partner was quoted as saying: “It is always a pleasure to welcome the next generation of talent into the partnership. These new partners all enjoy strong client relationships and have a deep understanding of the markets, sectors and regulatory issues that are so important to global businesses today. Moreover, they make an invaluable contribution to the development of the firm through their personal investment in expanding the firm’s intellectual capital, in fostering our talent and through their active involvement in important pro bono activity. I look forward to working with them all.”

Morning Roundup

sara — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 13:14:39 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Monday, April 19th, and here’s a look back at Friday’s stories…

New law grads face a difficult economic climate…

Associates at DLA Piper receive a 10% pay raise…

Fitzpatrick, Cella, Harper & Scinto receive awards in two categories from Managing Intellectual Property Magazine…

An intellectual property lawyer from Haynes and Boone is nominated for the European Patent Office’s Inventor of the Year Award…

Recruitment levels are back to normal at Clifford Chance…

Dewey & Leboeuf has raised $125 million in a bond offering to refinance its existing bank debt…

The Oregon Supreme Court sides with the employer in a case involving medical marijuana…

Two partners leave Mayer Brown following layoffs…

Recruitment Levels Get Back to Normal at Clifford Chance

joshua — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 20:04:33 +0000

In another sign the legal jobs market is improving, Clifford Chance has re-invited students from last year’s recruitment drive in England to re-apply with the firm.

According to LegalWeek, Clifford Chance normally recruits 120 trainees a year during its two intakes, which occur in August and February. However, because of the tough economic climate last year, the firm recruited “cautiously.” Now it’s asking students at Europe’s College of Law to re-apply during the next two trainee intakes so it can bring the number of trainees back to “normal” levels.

When confirming the news, a Clifford Chance spokesperson said the firm has used “rolling recruitment” in the past, but didn’t do so last year because of the economic climate.

LegalWeek goes on to note how retention rates have declined during the recession. According to its research, the retention rate in March 2010 was 75 percent, which is a pretty substantial drop from 83 percent in March 2009. As for Clifford Chance, Legal Week reports the firm retained 70 percent of its March qualifiers, which is down from 80 percent the previous year.

Clifford Chance is global London based firm with 29 offices in 20 countries and 3,600 legal advisers.

Morning Roundup

sara — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:02:20 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Tuesday, April 13, and here’s a look back at yesterday’s headlines…

Revenue is down but profits are up at Stevens & Lee…

Ruden McClosky struggles in the economic downturn…

Former head of enforcement at the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Susan Merrill joins Bingham McCutchen as a partner…

Joseph F. Speelman joins Blank Rome as a partner in the products liability, mass torts and insurance group…

Clifford Chance alters it’s associate bonus program…

Revenue is down and profits are up at Sutherland…

Clifford Chance Alters Associate Bonus Policy

joshua — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 20:01:02 +0000

Billable hours will no longer be the deciding factor in determining associate bonuses at the London office of magic circle firm Clifford Chance.

A firm spokesperson told LegalWeek that while billable hours will remain part of the criteria, “bonus allocations will be discretionary. There will be no fixed correlation between hours and bonuses. Most importantly, there will be no hours’ target.”

The policy change is limited to Clifford Chance’s London office.

According to the report, bonus decisions will now include an array of other factors, including “overall achievement, effort, business and technical skills, client satisfaction, teamwork and community work.”

In addition to how the bonuses are doled out, Clifford Chance has also altered its bonus levels. The maximum bonus payment of 40 percent of base salary, which was previously eligible to associates with at least four years “post-qualification experience,” will now be limited to senior associates.

Clifford Chance is global London based firm with 29 offices in 20 countries and 3,600 legal advisers.