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Patrick Smith

Patrick Smith

Patrick Smith, based in New York, covers the business of law, including the ways law firms compete for clients and talent, M&A and corporate work, leadership and marketing innovation. Reach him at [email protected] or on Twitter at @nycpatrickd

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November 05, 2019 | The American Lawyer

Nixon Peabody Adds Marketing Chief as More Big Law CMO Vacancies Linger

With law firm CMO searches sometimes extending for more than a year, legal marketing experts say the long vacancies can cause damage.

By Patrick Smith

4 minute read

November 04, 2019 | The American Lawyer

Big Law Sees Increased Demand, Productivity Declines

Demand for large law firm legal services in the first three quarters of the year was at its highest level since the recession, but costs were up and overall productivity was down, according to a Thomson Reuters Peer Monitor Economic Index report.

By Patrick Smith

5 minute read

November 01, 2019 | The American Lawyer

Deal Watch: Cleary Defector Helped Guide $2B Fitbit Deal for Google

Which outside deal lawyers does Google have to thank for its latest acquisition? Strangely enough, it depends on whom you ask.

By Patrick Smith

8 minute read

November 01, 2019 | The American Lawyer

Legal Sector Employment Flat as US Adds 128,000 Jobs

The latest jobs report shows the legal industry again trailing employment growth in the broader economy.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

October 28, 2019 | The American Lawyer

Shearman Grows CFIUS Practice With DLA Piper Partner Hire

Changing policy priorities and continued foreign appetite for U.S. investment are keeping CFIUS experts in demand.

By Patrick Smith

2 minute read

October 27, 2019 | The American Lawyer

Deal Watch: WeWork Drama Spins Off Work to Multiple Big Firms

Simpson Thacher and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom had advised WeWork on its now-abandoned IPO.

By Patrick Smith

11 minute read

October 24, 2019 | New York Law Journal

Rents Rise—and Lease Expirations Loom—for New York Law Firms

Almost a quarter of the available square footage occupied by law firms in Manhattan is up for renewal between 2021 and 2024, according to CBRE.

By Patrick Smith

4 minute read

October 23, 2019 | The American Lawyer

As More New York Firms Move West, Katten Sticks With Midtown

The firm's second-largest office will have a new home at 50 Rockefeller Plaza in 2022.

By Patrick Smith

4 minute read

October 22, 2019 | The American Lawyer

Is Lateral Hiring a Diversity Blindspot for Big Law?

Law firm recruiter Merle Vaughn has made it her business to recruit minority candidates. But she says she's eager for the day when her niche won't be needed anymore.

By Patrick Smith

5 minute read

October 22, 2019 | The American Lawyer

Akin Latest to Bolster IP Talent With Boutique Hires From Finnegan

As large firms continue to absorb IP boutiques and practices from smaller firms, Akin Gump joined in, hiring two longtime partners from Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner in Washington, D.C.

By Patrick Smith

5 minute read