Terence Kyle, Linklaters’ recently appointed US managing partner, has the reputation for being a bit of a bruiser. Most agree that he is not a born diplomat.
In comparison, Linklaters’ rival, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, is seen to have chosen a natural US ambassador to replace former managing partner Ian Terry. Chief executive Alan Peck, who is overseeing US strategy, is widely regarded as being exceptionally savvy and something of a ‘smooth operator’. The kind of person, in fact, who could charm his way to the negotiating table of a top tier New York firm.
