The Declaration of Independents

by Richard Lloyd

For large U.S. and U.K. firms, the economic downturn has prompted massive job cuts and talk of a paradigm shift. Meanwhile, Europe's independent law firms are doing just fine.

Editor's Note

by Emily Barker

The jury's still out on whether litigation will boom in this recession. But there's one undeniable hot spot of litigation activity: the slew of common law fraud suits over structured financial products that turned out to be toxic waste.

Bully Pulpit: Out Like a Lion

by Joseph Rosenbloom

As Neelie Kroes finished out her term as the E.U.'s competition commissioner, she showed no signs of slowing down.

Big Deals

The largest recent transactions, all worth at least €500 million, involving targets or acquirors from each of six European jurisdictions or regions: United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, and Scandinavia.

Opening Statements: Italy

by Heather O'Brian

All the Prime Minister's Lawyers

Opening Statements: Russia

by Matt Straquadine

If You Can't Beat 'Em, Join 'Em

Opening Statements: Germany

by Philippa Maister

Making Nice with Opel Workers

Opening Statements: United Kingdom

by Philippa Maister

The British Dispense with Tradition

Opening Statements: Middle East

by Susan Hansen

If You Build It, They Will Arbitrate

Opening Statements: Spain

by Mike Elkin

Information Wants to Be Free