News

Trump Taps Quinn Emanuel's Landau as Ambassador to Mexico

Dan Packel | March 19, 2019

Christopher Landau, the former chairman of Kirkland & Ellis' appellate practice, is the latest prominent law firm partner to get the nod for a key diplomatic post.

News

Weil Picks Up Private Equity Partner From Goldman Sachs

Dan Packel | March 18, 2019

As a VP and associate general counsel at Goldman, Brian Parness managed strategic transactions on behalf of Goldman Sachs Asset Management.

News

Quinn Emanuel Pushes Back Against Uber's Disqualification Bid in Sidecar Case

Ross Todd | March 18, 2019

The firm claims that its prior representation of Uber wasn't substantially related to the antitrust claims it's pursuing on behalf of the ride-hailing app's defunct rival Sidecar.

News

Cravath Faces Claim of Leading ‘Sham’ Auction in Grocery Store Sale to Apollo

Roy Strom | March 18, 2019

“Cravath’s task was to lend a patina of integrity to a sham auction,” claims a lawsuit against the M&A powerhouse.

News

As Revenue Dips, Schiff Hardin Leader Focuses on Core Practices, PEP Growth

Roy Strom | March 18, 2019

Managing partner Marci Eisenstein said the firm embraced some practice areas that other larger firms have downplayed, such as trusts and estates.

Willkie's Caplan Looks to Big Law to Represent Him in College Admissions Case

C. Ryan Barber and Nate Robson| March 18, 2019

Celebrity defendants in the case have also turned to Big Law for their defense.

Commentary

9 Ways You’re Ticking Me Off: A PR Primer

Vivia Chen | March 18, 2019

We've been together a long time, so let me cut to the chase: For such an elite segment, you—lawyers, firms and corporations—are often shockingly unsophisticated in dealing with the press.

News

Squire Patton Boggs Discussed Merger With U.K.'s Addleshaws

Hannah Roberts | Rose Walker | March 18, 2019

After merger talks late last year, discussions between the firms are not currently ongoing.

News

Morgan Lewis Takes on Lawyer Mental Health With New Program, Executive

Meghan Tribe | March 18, 2019

With a new wellness program and a new full-time director of employee well-being, Morgan Lewis is the latest firm to publicize its efforts to take attorneys' mental and physical health more seriously.

News

Profits Per Partner Hit $5 Million at Paul Weiss, Redefining Richest Tier

Meghan Tribe | March 18, 2019

The firm had a "gangbusters" 2018, said chairman Brad Karp, propelling it closer to the elusive Wachtell in the stratosphere of partner profits.

Infographic

Data Snapshot: How Do Global Law Firms Stack Up in Asia?

Ben Hancock | Nicholas Bruch, Director, ALM Intelligence | March 18, 2019

A look at Big Law's presence in one of the world's most active legal markets

News

Global Firms Back Away from Eastern Europe

Rowan Bennett| March 18, 2019

Law firms are rethinking their approach to the former Soviet Bloc, once a boom region in the wake of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Willkie, College Admissions and the Crisis Management Playbook

Dan Packel | March 15, 2019

The firm's public response has been limited. But there's every reason to expect that, below the surface, it's been working hard to contain the damage.

News

Crowell Sees Revenue Drop, Rebalancing After Big Gains

Ryan Lovelace | March 15, 2019

Chairman Phil Inglima said the firm surpassed its own budget and revenue expectations last year.

News

FisherPhillips Makes Big Gains in Revenue, Profit

Meredith Hobbs | March 14, 2019

A jump in demand fueled the national labor and employment firm's profit rebound.

News

Sidley Snags Energy and Project Finance Partners From Orrick

Scott Flaherty | March 14, 2019

The additions in New York and D.C. include Tara Higgins, who previously co-led Orrick’s global power practice.

News

After Bribery Bust, Willkie Is Latest Firm to Face Vacuum in Leadership

Dan Packel | March 14, 2019

What does Gordon Caplan's ouster mean for management of the Wall Street firm? And what are the lessons for other firms facing a sudden shakeup at the top?

News

The Finance Industry, Like Legal, Struggles With Gender Equity

Emily Zulz| March 14, 2019

The finance and legal industries are in the same boat when it comes to the number of women among their ranks.

News

Armstrong Teasdale Nudges Revenue Higher Amid East Coast Debut

Ryan Lovelace | March 14, 2019

The St. Louis-based firm, now with two offices in the Northeast, saw declining partner profits and a modest bump in revenue last year.

News

Carlton Fields Sees Double-Digit Growth in Partner Profits

Dylan Jackson | March 14, 2019

Gross revenues saw a smaller increase of 4.4 percent

News

Real Estate Work Propels Jackson Walker Past $1M PEP Mark

Brenda Sapino Jeffreys | March 14, 2019

Revenue at the Texas firm improved by 5.4 percent, while profits per equity partner jumped by 16.8 percent in 2018.

Commentary

Is Being Black a Problem at Law Firms?

Henry E. Ibe| March 14, 2019

Black lawyers must constantly prove that they are educated enough, that they earned their bar licenses, and that they belong.

News

The Early Reports: 2019 Am Law 100/200 Financials

Ben Seal | March 14, 2019

As we publish our early reports on Am Law 100 and 200 firm financials, we'll update this page, so follow along.

Commentary

O'Melveny and Allen & Overy's Name Game Exposes Insecurities Among Competition

Paul Hodkinson | March 14, 2019

A decade ago, a Magic Circle firm talking merger with a U.S. firm outside of the white-shoes would have raised eyebrows. Not anymore.

News

On Leave From Willkie, Where Does Gordon Caplan Go From Here?

Roy Strom | March 13, 2019

A lapse in ethical judgment can quickly turn a Big Law leader into a target of an internal investigation, industry sources said.

Commentary

Willkie's Gordon Caplan Is Obscure No More

Vivia Chen | March 13, 2019

Until that huge college admissions scandal broke just over 24 hours ago, I bet most of you didn't know Gordon Caplan existed.

News

Debevoise & Plimpton Posts Record Revenue, Profits

Meghan Tribe | March 13, 2019

Despite the departures of prominent rainmakers at the end of 2017, the firm saw big increases in 2018.

News

Willkie Co-Chair Gordon Caplan Placed on Leave Amid Admissions Scandal

Roy Strom | March 13, 2019

The firm said Caplan would have no further management responsibilities as he faces charges of paying to fix his daughter's college admissions score.

Baker McKenzie Boosts Revenues and Profits, Buoyed by Global Deals

Dan Packel | March 13, 2019

The mega-firm said cross-border transactions and litigation fueled solid growth.

Commentary

For Willkie’s Gordon Caplan, A Tragic Downfall in College Admissions Scandal

Jenna Greene | March 13, 2019

It's astonishing how parents who presumably just want to help their children can so totally lose sight of ethical boundaries.

News

O'Melveny and Allen & Overy Merger Talks Reach Final Stages

| March 13, 2019

A deal edges closer as the firms look to finalize a name and pay structure for the combined firm.

Analysis

How the Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner Merger Fell Apart in Asia

John Kang| March 12, 2019

Less than a year into the transatlantic merger, the firm has lost every single team member from the legacy Bryan Cave's Asia team. Here's how it happened.

News

'Not Worried About the Moral Issue': Wiretap Outlines Willkie Leader's Alleged Role in Admissions Scandal

Christine Simmons| March 12, 2019

Despite initial concerns, Gordon Caplan allegedly moved forward with a fixer who promised to inflate his daughter's ACT score.

News

Reed Smith Fires Back at Bear Stearns Funds in $500M Malpractice Suit

Scott Flaherty | March 12, 2019

The firm tapped Gibson Dunn's Kevin Rosen to push back against claims that the firm bungled a big potential recovery stemming from the financial crisis.

Analysis

From White-Shoe to Blue-Jean, Firms Get Casual to Draw in Talent

Lizzy McLellan | March 12, 2019

Dechert is the latest Big Law firm to loosen its dress code in the name of making lawyers more comfortable—and more like their clients.

News

Mintz Bulks Up High-Growth Corporate Practice With Boston Duo

Scott Flaherty | March 12, 2019

As Boston's tech transactions scene stays hot, Ed Pease and Larry Naughton are bringing their practices to Mintz from Wilmer and Choate, respectively.

News

Billable Hour Haters Academy? New Curriculum Launches for Legal Pricing Pros

Roy Strom | March 12, 2019

A decade ago legal pricing experts were new to the legal profession. Now they represent a profession of their own.

News

Weil Books Another $7M as Deloitte Joins Sears Bankruptcy Billers

Dan Packel | March 12, 2019

The law firm is up to $22 million in fees in the case, while a $1 million bill from Deloitte is anchored by the Big Four firm's tax lawyers.

News

Big Law Dealmaker Charged in the National College Admissions Scandal

Zach Schlein | March 12, 2019

The Willkie Farr & Gallagher co-chair made The American Lawyer’s 2018 Dealmaker of the Year list.

What Legal Marketers Earn: An ALM Legal Compass Snapshot

ALM Legal Intelligence| March 12, 2019

A snapshot of legal marketing compensation trends

News

Husch Blackwell Conducts Lawyer Challenge to Develop Innovative Client Services

Victoria Hudgins | March 12, 2019

Husch Blackwell wrapped up its first legal innovation challenge and named a business diagnostic tool its inaugural winner. The challenge is part of a larger firmwide initiative to stoke innovation.

News

Baker McKenzie Moves Toward Black Box System for Equity Partner Pay

Meghan Tribe | March 12, 2019

The global legal giant quietly implemented a closed compensation system for its equity partners across its offices in North America last August.

News

Longtime Munger Tolles Leader Sandra Seville-Jones Dies at 58

Xiumei Dong | March 11, 2019

Munger, Tolles & Olson’s longtime co-managing partner Sandra Seville-Jones died Saturday at the age of 58.

Commentary

News and Gossip: Succubus, Amal, Don McGahn and Harvey's Skirts

Vivia Chen | March 11, 2019

I've been hearing from readers that I'm sounding too angry these days. To prove to you that I'm still fun at heart, I've assembled some news items that caught my eye.

News

Mayer Brown Revenue Jumps as Firm Boosts New York Practice, International Work

Roy Strom | March 11, 2019

The firm grew revenue for the sixth straight year on the back of a boost in its New York office and client work across borders.

Perkins Coie Sees Jump in Revenue, Partner Profits in 2018

Xiumei Dong | March 11, 2019

The Seattle-based firm saw its gross revenue jump by 9.6 percent, while profits per equity partner grew by 9.7 percent.

News

Selendy & Gay Nabs Former NY Solicitor General from Gibson Dunn Appellate Practice

Scott Flaherty | March 11, 2019

The firm, which just entered its second year, has added Caitlin Halligan, a former New York State Solicitor General who had been co-leading Gibson Dunn's appellate and constitutional law practice.

News

Orrick Ousts Practice Leader to 'Uphold Our Values and Culture'

Meghan Tribe | March 11, 2019

The Paris-based head of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe’s Africa practice and a member of its board, Pascal Agboyibor, has been asked to leave the firm following an independent investigation that found evidence of inappropriate conduct and lapses in judgment, a source said.

News

Crowell & Moring Lures 10-Lawyer Team From Bryan Cave in Planned Shanghai Launch

Anna Zhang| March 11, 2019

Four international trade and regulatory lawyers have joined Crowell's offices in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., and a seven-member Shanghai team has joined the firm's affiliate consulting business as Crowell awaits a Shanghai license.

DOJ Pivot Suggests No End to FARA Frenzy, Lawyers Say

Dan Packel | March 10, 2019

Practitioners had already predicted that the new attention on the Foreign Agents Registration Act had legs. A recently announced personnel shift bears this out.

News

Four South Florida Law Firm Shareholders Killed in Small Plane Crash

Staff and wire reports| March 10, 2019

Four Peterson Bernard shareholders were killed after their small plane was diverted and crashed in Lake Okeechobee.

Analysis

Are Legal Departments Really Better Than Firms at Diversity?

Caroline Spiezio| March 10, 2019

Legal departments are generally more inclusive than big law firms, but diversity advocates said there's still work to be done, especially at the general counsel level.

News

Big Law's Relationship With the Federal Government

Ryan Lovelace| March 08, 2019

Some of the biggest firms in the country sent attorneys to some of the biggest positions in the government this week.

News

On Modest Revenue Growth, V&E Posts Third Record Year in 2018

Brenda Sapino Jeffreys | March 08, 2019

Vinson & Elkins' saw gross revenue increase 2.7 percent, while profits per equity partner were up 6.6 percent.

News

Big Law Associate Beats Up Her Adversaries, Literally

Meghan Tribe | March 08, 2019

Loeb & Loeb lawyer Farrah “H-Town Hustler” Usmani, a music industry lawyer, socked it to her opponent during a match in Nashville this month.

News

Legal Employment Edges Up as US Job Gains Flatten

Scott Flaherty | March 08, 2019

Farmers aside, one out of every 33 new jobs last month went to someone in the legal industry.

News

Fast-Growing Butler Snow Names First New Chair in 14 Years

Roy Strom | March 08, 2019

The Southeast-centered firm's new chairman has big shoes to fill, after Butler Snow opened more than 20 offices under its prior leader's watch.

Commentary

A Meeting With This Lawyer Could Be a Death Sentence

Jayne E. Fleming| March 08, 2019

On International Women's Day, Reed Smith's pro bono counsel reflects on the harsh realities of her work with female refugees. And how a day for women carries little meaning to them.

Podcast

Big Law Associate Hiring is Static—And That's a Good Thing

Leigh Jones | Vanessa Blum | March 08, 2019

In this week's podcast, we hear from Law.com legal education editor Karen Sloan about some surprises—and some market stability—gleaned from this year's Go-To Law Schools report, including changes to traditional on-campus interviewing.

Analysis

Five Years Later, Was Carlton Fields' Merger a Failure?

Dylan Jackson| March 07, 2019

In 2014, Tampa-based Carlton Fields merged with Jorden Burt. On Wednesday, James Jorden and Frank Burt left to join Drinker Biddle & Reath, raising questions about whether the merger was worthwhile.

News

Mimicking Clients, Barnes & Thornburg Launches Legal Ops Department

Roy Strom | March 07, 2019

Legal operations professionals are thriving inside corporate legal departments, and more law firms are taking notice.

News

Orrick Passes $1B Revenue Benchmark as Footprint Grows

Xiumei Dong | March 07, 2019

The firm grew gross revenue 7.3 percent to $1.05 billion, as PEP increased by 6.8 percent to $1.99 million last year.

After Departures, Shearman & Sterling Looks to Rebuild in Hong Kong

John Kang| March 07, 2019

The New York-based firm is attempting to recover from the loss of at least 10 lawyers in its capital markets practice, Hong Kong's most competitive area.

Michael Cohen Sues Trump for Legal Fees; McDermott Owed $1M

Andrew Denney | Colby Hamilton | March 07, 2019

In his suit, Cohen alleges that he has incurred millions in attorney fees for ongoing investigations and litigation.

News

Ballard Spahr Offering $10,000 for Information Related to Shooting of Associate

P.J. D'Annunzio | March 07, 2019

The law firm of Ballard Spahr is offering $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of an unidentified gunman who shot firm associate Spencer Hill during a botched robbery.

News

Huawei Taps Jones Day, Morgan Lewis in Challenge to US Defense Law

Dan Packel | March 07, 2019

In challenging a section of the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, the Chinese telecom giant has turned to two firms with close ties to the Trump administration.

There's a Diversity Problem at Law Firms. What Can Be Done?

Erin Hichman| March 07, 2019

Law firm diversity is a long-standing challenge. Here are some ideas and resources to help move the needle.

News

Ex-Associate Alleges North Carolina Firm Used Her as 'Diversity Prop'

Scott Flaherty | March 06, 2019

Sharika Robinson's complaint calls Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson a "good ol’ boys club," but the firm says it's committed to diversity and inclusion.

Commentary

Trump's SAT Scores, Big Law and White Privilege

Vivia Chen | March 06, 2019

What's stunning is not that Trump was probably a mediocre student, but that he felt comfortable enough to lie about it—50 years later.

News

Fish & Richardson Grows Profits, Revenue Amid Patent Litigation Headwinds

Scott Flaherty | March 06, 2019

The firm saw modest revenue growth and a 7.2 percent rise in profits per equity partner in 2018.

Munger Tolles Elects New Managing Partners; Brad Brian Named Chair

Dan Packel | March 06, 2019

Firm lifers Malcolm Heinicke and Hailyn Chen will serve as co-managing partners as Brian takes on a newly created leadership role.

News

Failure to Depose Rick Ross Could Cost Reed Smith in 50 Cent Malpractice Case

Roy Strom | March 06, 2019

The judge said 50 Cent still has a long road in front of him to win a malpractice claim against Reed Smith.

News

DLA Piper Boosts Tax Practice With KPMG Veteran

Dan Packel | March 06, 2019

New York-based Kevin Glenn, who most recently spent a year at King & Spalding, is the latest in a string of Big Four alums to join DLA Piper.

News

Drinker Biddle Grabs 17-Lawyer Group From Carlton Fields

Lizzy McLellan| March 06, 2019

Five years after the merger that created Carlton Fields Jorden Burt, Washington-based James Jorden and Frank Burt are betting on Philadelphia’s Drinker Biddle.

News

GrayRobinson Posts Flat Revenue as Firm Streamlines Operations

Dylan Jackson | March 05, 2019

GrayRobinson president Mayanne Downs said the firm's new Washington, D.C., office is "a serious long bet on the part of the firm."

News

Pierce Bainbridge Grows Again With Partners in DC, New York

Meghan Tribe | March 05, 2019

New additions from Baker McKenzie and Ropes & Gray bring the firm's partner total to 31 and give it a nascent D.C. office.

News

Big Law's Lure Spells End to White-Collar Boutique Park Jensen Bennett

Meghan Tribe | March 05, 2019

After a decade running their small shop, Tai Park and Douglas Jensen are heading to White & Case, while name partner Steven Bennett has landed at another New York boutique.

News

Why Do Laterals So Often Fail? Poor Due Diligence, Researchers Say

Dan Packel | March 05, 2019

It's costly to hire laterals, and yet nearly half leave after five years. Researchers from ALM Intelligence and consultancy Decipher asked why the process was so flawed.

News

Akerman Sees Income, Revenue Rise in Year of Unexpected Leadership Shift

Dylan Jackson | March 05, 2019

For 2019, Smulian said the firm will continue the strategies that brought success last year.

News

Jenner & Block’s Revenue Slips for Third Straight Year as PEP, RPL Rebound

Roy Strom | March 05, 2019

The firm's financial fortunes have taken a number of turns over the past five years.

News

Jane Sullivan Roberts, Wife of Chief Justice, Opens DC Outpost for Recruiter MLegal

Ryan Lovelace | March 05, 2019

Roberts, a former Pillsbury partner, had been a recruiter with Major, Lindsey & Africa since 2007.

News

DLA Piper Boosted Revenues, Profits Again in 2018

Dan Packel | March 05, 2019

The firm's investments in global integration are paying off, said global co-CEO and Americas co-chairman Jay Rains.

News

Where Have All the Jones Day Trump Lawyers Gone?

Roy Strom | March 04, 2019

Don McGahn has left the White House, but Jones Day refugees still populate many positions in President Donald Trump's government.

News

Another MoFo Associate Joins Lawsuit Alleging 'Mommy Track' Bias

Scott Flaherty | March 04, 2019

A new complaint includes new claims under New York law and features a seventh onetime Morrison & Foerster lawyer accusing the firm of bias against pregnant women and mothers.

News

Goodwin Lands Paul Hastings Securities Litigation Co-Chair in NYC

Meghan Tribe | March 04, 2019

With a stable of financial industry clients over the years, Douglas Flaum is a former practice leader at both Paul Hastings and Fried Frank.

News

Sweeping Trump Probe Spells Busy Times for These Big Law Partners

Mike Scarcella | March 04, 2019

Here's a snapshot of some of the Big Law partners who are advising individuals and entities that got hit Monday with demands for documents from the U.S. House Judiciary Committee.

Commentary

Why Michelle Obama Disliked Working at Sidley—and the Lessons That Still Apply

Jenna Greene | March 04, 2019

One of the former First Lady's challenges was the isolating nature of the work. “I read memos. I wrote memos. I edited other people’s memos.” But she said she had almost no contact with clients, and not much with other lawyers either.

News

Clifford Chance Offers Lawyers Two Months' Leave

Hannah Roberts| March 04, 2019

Lawyers can take two months of unpaid leave as part of a new flexible working scheme at the firm, which is also targeting its former lawyers.

Ex-White House Counsel Donald McGahn to Rejoin Jones Day

David Bario | March 03, 2019

McGahn's tenure as White House counsel corresponded with a string of legal crises, as well as notable successes on the judicial nominations front.

Commentary

It's Time for Law Firms to Place Bolder Bets on Their Data

Jennifer Roberts| March 03, 2019

The way law firms manage, analyze and use their data can be a business driver—and they have no shortage of data.

News

Ballard Spahr Sees Big Revenue Gain, Slight Profit Dip After Midwest Merger

Lizzy McLellan | March 01, 2019

Gross revenue was up 17.4 percent while profits per equity partner dipped 2.8 percent from 2017 to 2018, as the firm completed a major merger.

News

As Its Chair Leaves for Big GC Role, Davis Polk Posts Best Year Ever

Meghan Tribe | March 01, 2019

As Thomas Reid readies to leave for a GC role at Comcast, Davis Polk is left in strong financial health.

Analysis

Dazed and Confused: Gray Areas in the Golden State's New Privacy Law

Frank Ready| March 01, 2019

Firms are helping clients prepare for the California Consumer Privacy Act, but with some vagaries still surrounding the law it will be difficult to hit the ground running.

News

Baker Botts Again Posts Weaker Revenue, Profits, on Fewer Contingency Fees

Brenda Sapino Jeffreys | March 01, 2019

Gross revenue for Baker Botts dropped 7.3 percent to $678.2 million, and profits per equity partner fell 9.6 percent to $1.66 million.

Podcast

A Year in the Life of a Law Firm Mega Merger

Vanessa Blum | Leigh Jones | March 01, 2019

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner co-chairs Therese Pritchard and Lisa Mayhew discuss integration, innovation and whether their global combination is delivering on expectations.

News

In Lyft IPO, Wilson Sonsini, Goodwin Get the Work

Xiumei Dong | March 01, 2019

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati will be leading Lyft's $100 million IPO, with Goodwin Procter representing the underwriters.

News

Jonathan Boies, Son of Litigator David Boies and Early Firm Recruit, Dies

Scott Flaherty | March 01, 2019

Boies was the first associate at the firm now known as Boies Schiller Flexner.

Chart

Latham Breaks Records Again as Revenue Soars, Profit Jumps

Roy Strom | March 01, 2019

Latham pulled in nearly $3.4 billion in its 10th straight year of revenue growth, as the firm's leadership says clients are seeking out its lawyers in more places than ever.

News

Fueled by Hires and 'Happiness Factor,' McDermott Revenue Hits $1 Billion

Meghan Tribe | March 01, 2019

A string of lateral hires from DLA Piper and elsewhere "exceeded even our optimistic expectations," said chair Ira Coleman, helping to boost revenue by nearly 14 percent last year.

Commentary

Law Firms' Future Isn't About Rainmaking. It's About Change-Making.

Debra Baker| March 01, 2019

Change-makers are quickly becoming a driving force in helping partners buy into new ways of thinking.