THIS MONTH IN THE AMERICAN LAWYER
Cover Story
The Lateral Report 2012
Saturday, January 21, 2012
If 2010 was a year for staying put, 2011 was the year that partners jumped back into the lateral market with full force. In the 12-period ending September 30, 2011, 2,454 partners left or joined Am Law 200 firms. What accounts for the surge?
"The gap between the haves and have notes is widening," when it comes to recruiting talent. -Altman Weil consultant Ward Bower in "This Time It's Personal."
Features
In House
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
As the one-year anniversary of Howrey's dissolution approaches, it's heartening to look at our Lateral Partners Report.
The Lateral Report 2012
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
After declining sharply in 2010, lateral activity bounced back to prerecession levels by increasing 22 percent last year. Read the complete report from the February issue, including charts that rank the firms that added and lost the most partners, as well as our list of the year's star laterals.
This Time It's Personal
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
After staying away in 2010, firms have returned to the lateral market at boom-time levels. But this hiring binge is driven by desperation, not a thriving economy.
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
Locally Sourced
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Simpson Thacher snapped up practice heads from Freshfields and Linklaters for its Hong Kong law debut.
The Billionaires' Lawyer
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Bob Amsterdam practices "political litigation" for a colorful global clientele.
A Court Gone Rogue
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
In Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, the most dangerous crooks wore black robes. A flagrant kickback scandal--the "kids for cash" scheme--finally brought them down.
Bar Talk
Clash of the Titans
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
The multibillion-dollar damages trial over the Gulf oil spill is going to get nasty.
Second, Third, or Fourth Time's a Charm
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Wilson Sonsini, Cooley, and Vinson & Elkins are profiting from post-IPO work.
Attack Of The Drones
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Experts question the legality of America's use of automated warfare.
Lawyers for Loan
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Secondments are gaining popularity among firms' clients.
No One Is Safe
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
A plaintiffs lawyer discovers that he was spied on by the same company that targeted his clients.
Lawyers' Lives: Ringside
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
An antitrust lawyer doubles as an award-winning rider.
The Work
Big Deals
Big Deals
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Gilead / Pharmasset; KKR Consortium / Samson; KKR Consortium / Samson
Deals in Brief
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Private equity firms had an active if challenging year in 2011.
Ideas
Management
Crazy Like a Fox
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Why the increase in nonequity partners (and decrease in associate ranks) makes business sense.
AmLaw Tech
All Eyes on iOS 5
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
No mere tweak, Apple's update has the potential to overhaul the way lawyers do their jobs.
Arguments
Fed to Death
Thursday, December 1, 2011
By fixating on lateral hiring, firm leaders risk replicating some of the industry's most epic disasters.





