With cracks appearing in Herbert Smith’s venerable exterior, Suzanna Ring and Georgina Stanley ask if this proud City firm can renew itself for a rapidly changing global market
It comes as a shock when Herbert Smith senior partner Jonathan Scott slams his hand down hard on the table during a conversation about the firm’s future. At this point in early November there have already been prolonged discussions between Herbert Smith and Legal Week regarding this article, and the veteran competition specialist is frustrated that during an unsettled period for a particularly private law firm, a number of partners have been discussing its affairs with outsiders. More than frustrated, Scott, by all accounts a leader who believes in the classic virtues of partnership, feels personally let down that confidences are being betrayed.
