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WHAT WE'RE WATCHING

STEPPING ASIDE – Lisa Rickard, who has led the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform since 2003, in January will pass the tort-reform torch to a new president, Harold Kim, who currently serves as the institute's COO. Sue Reisinger reports that Rickard, who has served at the institute's helm for the past 17 years, will remain as executive vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and will become counselor to Chamber president Suzanne Clark. The Institute is a Chamber affiliate. Kim served in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs as a liaison to the Senate for President George W. Bush.

LIMBO - Remember waiting what felt like eons to find out how you did on your law school finals?  As those make-it-or-break-it exams conclude this week for law students across the nation, the perennial question remains: Why do they take so damn long to grade? Karen Sloan reports that despite the popular perception law profs are drinking banana daiquiris on a beach somewhere while students worry about whether they've flunked Torts, law profs insist that it's their meticulous grading methodology that eats up weeks of time, leaving students in limbo. One thing they all agree on: Grades are a big deal.

AT THE TOP – Boies Schiller Flexner is revamping its senior leadership, elevating two longtime partners—New York-based Nicholas Gravante and London-based Natasha Harrison—to serve as managing partners alongside name partners David Boies and Jonathan Schiller. Jack Newsham reports that Gravante and Harrison are members of the firm's executive committee and have agreed to accept the roles, if the firm's partners approve.

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EDITOR'S PICKS

Forget the 'Trump Bump.' Law School Enrollment Dipped a Bit in 2019

Why Companies Still Consider Tech From China, Russia Despite US Warnings

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WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING

NEW LEADER – Herbert Smith Freehills has appointed as its next CEO Justin D'Agostino, who is the firm's Asia and U.S. leader and global dispute resolution head. Rose Walker reports that D'Agostino starts in May 2020 for a four-year term. Current CEO Mark Rigotti announced his decision to stand down from the role earlier this year. D'Agostino joined legacy firm Herbert Smith more than two decades ago and has held various leadership positions at the firm since making partner in 2007.

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WHAT YOU SAID

"I cannot overstate the value of working with someone who is able to help you address areas of weakness in a way that is productive."

—  Lauren Kennedy, a lawyer at Cravath, explaining how she made partner.

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