Henning Harte-Bavendamm, an Intellectual Property and Commerical partner is leaving Allen & Overy to launch his own boutique practice in Hamburg. The firm, named Harte-Bavendamm Rechtsanwälte, will center its practice on Intellectual Property, It commercial and licensing law. It is likely that along with taking three associates from A&O, Harte-Bavendamm is also taking his clients. Some of the main ones include, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Levis, Audi, TNT, Wella (now owned by Proctor & Gamble) and Germany’s largest brewer, Krombacher.

Source: www.thelawyer.com

Attorneys who focus on bankruptcies, distressed assets, or restructuring are “banking” right now. Firms that specialize in bankruptcy are expanding and some bankruptcy attorneys are starting their own businesses. One such attorney is Jefferey Bast, previously a partner with Hunton & Williams. Others like him, are taking advantage of the state of economy and are able to ride the wave of bankruptcy.

Source: www.bizjournals.com

Law firm Chadbourne & Parke has announced its launch of a nanotechnologies practice. What is nanotechnologies, you ask? It is the science and technology of controlling matter at the atomic and molecular scale. There is sundry array of fields that utilize this science, such as electronics, energy, transportation, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and the list goes on. Such a cross-displinary subject will require the expertise of Chadbourne’s practice areas.

Source: www.nanotech.com

The law firm of Andrews Kurth LLP has announced its expansion of paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to 18 weeks. With this new policy, attorneys will have an additional 6 weeks for paid leave for birth or adoption of a child. This change also includes 2 weeks’ paid leave for non-primary childcare providers when connected to birth or adoption. This new policy starts immediately.

Source:www.earthtimes.org

The number of law firms offering programs for elder care is slowly growing. The idea is to ease the worries of over-worked attorneys, and that includes the worry of ailing parents. Besides not having to make the decision between work and family, elder care eases minds to allow for complete concentration while on the job. The law firm of Bryan Cave is adding this benefit starting June 1st. The program allocates 20 days per year of in-home adult care. Bryan Cave will also research nursing homes on behalf of its employees and their parents.

Source:www.law.com

Baker & McKenzie has hired a Partner from Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis to join its property team. Justin Salkeld is joining Bakers at the end of next month, becoming its London office second partner hire. He will also become its third real estate partner.

Source: www.legalweek.com

Drinker Biddle made history in 2007 within its 160 year old firm. Starting January 1st, Drinker’s gross revenue and headcount both increased by more than 40 percent. This was an effect of the merger with the firm Gardner Carton & Douglas. Gross revenue increased 45 percent from its 2006 $246 million to $357 million in 2007. The revenue per lawyer grew by 2.5 percent. However, profits per equity partner decreased by 1.7 percent.

Source: www.law.com