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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July 02, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Weil, Seeking to Expand Private Funds Group, Adds Mayer Brown Partner

Weil's Michael Aiello said the firm is "strategically expanding our private funds practice" and Kristine Koren's arrival "adds new depth to our capabilities."

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

July 02, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Deal Watch: As Deal Value Climbed in First Half, Skadden, Latham and Kirkland Top M&A Deal Value Rankings

The top-ranked law firms in M&A have handled bigger deals in the first half of 2024, with Skadden, Kirkland, Latham and Paul Weiss all crossing the $200 billion mark in total deal value.

By Patrick Smith

11 minute read

July 02, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Few Big Law Firms With Single-Tier Partnerships Are Left. They Aren't Talking About It.

Some law firms with a single-tier partnership structure say they aren't moving away from it, at least for now. Still, many single-tier firms don't want to openly discuss their structure.

By Patrick Smith

5 minute read

July 01, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Davis Polk Lands White & Case Partner to Co-Head Infrastructure Finance Practice

Davis Polk said its infrastructure practice is a "strategic priority," with Elena Millerman representing a "significant addition in the continued buildout" of the team.

By Patrick Smith

2 minute read

July 01, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Weil Lands Willkie Real Estate Practice Co-Chair

Thomas Henry, now co-head of Weil's U.S. real estate practice, has been the lead lawyer on some of the largest commercial real estate transactions in recent years, Weil said.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

June 28, 2024 | Law.com

Holwell Shuster & Goldberg Partners Secure $81 Million Verdict Against Boeing in Trade Secret Dispute

In this week's Legal Speak episode, Holwell Shuster & Goldberg attorneys Scott Danner and Vincent Levy open up about their prevailing trial strategy that helped plaintiffs counsel secure an $81.3 million jury verdict in Washington on behalf of aircraft startup Zunum Aero Inc. in an underlying trade secret dispute with aerospace giant Boeing.

By Cedra Mayfield | Patrick Smith

1 minute read

June 27, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Skadden's New York Head of Tax Practice Decamps for Freshfields

Steven Matays is the latest transactional hire at Freshfields, as the U.K.-founded firm pushes to gain market share in the U.S.

By Patrick Smith

3 minute read

June 27, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Sullivan & Cromwell Resists 'Radical' Partnership, Compensation Changes

Leaders of the Wall Street giant detail how they believe their approach to running a law firm—one that is increasingly unique among Big Law elite—is the best path forward for generational success.

By Patrick Smith

8 minute read

June 24, 2024 | The American Lawyer

Big Law and Big Sports: More Money, Law Firms and Work

"The issues have become far more complex, the stakes far more significant, and the players far more global and institutional," noted Paul Weiss chair Brad Karp.

By Patrick Smith

9 minute read

June 21, 2024 | Law.com

Holland & Knight Partners Discuss Their Ascent to Leadership Roles and What It Took to Get There

Tiffani Lee and Kwamina Williford, both of whom hold positions of leadership at Holland & Knight, on the unique challenges they overcame and the guidance necessary to get there.

By Patrick Smith

1 minute read

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