The A-List ranks law firms by measuring and weighing factors that create an “elite” law firm.  The four factors include:  revenue per lawyer, pro bono work, lawyer diversity, training, and satisfaction.  The A-List began in 2003.   The list has almost completely transformed since last year, despite four firms holding on to last year’s rankings.  Four firms fell off list, which in turn allowed another four to join.  Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr and Howrey rejoin the list, while Irell & Manella and Kirkland & Ellis are entirely new to the list.  

Source:  www.law.com

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton has high hopes for its London office, specifically its dispute resolution practice. The firm moved New York partner, Jon Blackman, to London to grow the litigation practice. Cleary will be hiring laterally as well in the near future.

Source:  www.thelawyer.com

Stanley Weiner is retiring from Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP after 24 years with the firm.  Weiner received his JD from University of Michigan Law School.  He first practiced at Smith Gill Fisher & Butts, which later merged into Bryan Cave LLP.  In 1984, Weiner arrived at Shook Hardy.

Source:  www.bizjournals.com

DLA Piper’s managing partner of its Kuwait and Bahrain is leaving the firm.  Alex Saleh headed the launch of the Kuwaiti office in October 2008 via a joint venture with Al Wagayan Al Awadhi & Al Saif. He opened the Bahraini office as well.  Saleh is replaced byu Abdulaziz Al Yaqout.

Source:  www.thelawyer.com

Brown Rudnick has successfully hired a team of lawyers from boutique Gherson.  Neil Micklethwaite joins the firm as partner bringing along an associate and two trainees.  Micklethwaite is Brown Rudnick’s fifth litigation partner in London. 

Source:  www.legalweek.com

Jim Murray could not stay away from Pepper Hamilton.  Previously, Murray performed as executive partner and currently joins the firm as director of strategic services.  One of his new responsibilities is to assist in the management of the firm, including recruiting lateral attorneys.  Muray’s first experience at Pepper lasted 30 years.

Source:  www.philadelphia.bizjournals