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

Connect with this author

August 14, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Sweet and Savory: Skadden, Kirkland, Cravath, Simpson, S&C and Cleary Guide $35.9B Big Snack Deal

The Mars-Kellanova transaction is one of the latest big deals for Big Law. Megadeals of more than $10 billion were up 70% in the first half of 2024 compared with 2023 levels.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

August 13, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Deal Watch: AI Race Changes Deal Market, Influencing Capital Markets, Energy, Real Estate Practices

Simpson Thacher partner David Azarkh said the need for capital to support AI companies and those in the energy, data, infrastructure and real estate industries "will mean additional capital markets offerings."

By Patrick Smith

8 minute read

August 13, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Davis Polk Adds Debevoise Fund Formation Partners in 'Transformative Development'

Firm chair Neil Barr said, "Growing our investment management platform to scale is a top priority for our firm."

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

August 12, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Skadden's Reputation Remains Sterling. So Why Are Partners Leaving?

The firm's M&A brand is as strong as any, but it has weathered a rare leadership transition and some observers say the private equity practice falls short of elite peers.

By Patrick Smith

8 minute read

August 09, 2024 | Law.com

Fighting an Employee: Here's When Brian Sutherland Says Employers Should Throw in the Towel

In this week's Legal Speak episode, Brian J. Sutherland of Beal, Sutherland, Berlin & Brown outlines his top litigation considerations for employers faced with discrimination claims.

By Cedra Mayfield | Patrick Smith

1 minute read

August 08, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Milbank Rolls Out Summer Bonuses for Associates, Counsel

First-year associates will earn an extra $6,000, while the firm's most senior associates as well as special counsel will earn an additional $25,000.

By Patrick Smith

2 minute read

August 08, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Paul Weiss Lands Skadden Co-Head of Financial Institutions Group in Two-Attorney Move

David Hepp and Matthew Collin arrive with strategic M&A expertise as well as the potential of a high-profile client roster.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

August 05, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Deal Watch: How Latham Got the Work Behind the Largest IPO of 2024

In something of a departure from Latham's traditional IPO work, the firm ushered Lineage through the full process of funding the company, scaling it, making acquisitions and, now, a public offering.

By Patrick Smith

12 minute read

August 05, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Goodwin Lures Kirkland Employment Partner

The move is the latest sign of a continuing talent battle between the two law firms, after Kirkland lured nine investment funds lawyers from Goodwin earlier this year.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

August 02, 2024 | Law.com

'Vision': How Judge David Tatel Mastered Blindness and Justice

In this week's Legal Speak episode, retired D.C. Circuit Judge David Tatel discusses how his memoir, "Vision: A Memoir of Blindness and Justice," weaves narratives about his legal career and deteriorating vision.

By Cedra Mayfield | Patrick Smith | Ross Todd

1 minute read

More from ALM

Legal Speak is a weekly podcast that makes sense of what’s happening in the legal industry.