Ashursts Deweys hire secures US launch
Ashurst Morris Crisp has hired its first dedicated US partner as it reshapes its US strategy in the wake of the collapse of its merger talks with New York’s Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson. London-based Dewey Ballantine capital markets and M&A specialist Edward Kim joined Ashursts as a partner this month. (22 May)
US firms shrug off slump to outperform Euro rivals
The US’ top law firms have comprehensively outperformed their closest European rivals, according to Legal Week research. The findings show America’s top 50 firms averaging 8% growth in both profits and fees. Leading performers include Latham & Watkins, Kirkland & Ellis and Shearman & Sterling, which have all been expanding their practices in Europe aggressively. Evidence of increasing financial muscle at US rivals will set alarm bells ringing at City firms that have already suffered a string of senior partner raids by American rivals during the past 12 months. (15 May)
