First Firm to Make Redundancies in Middle East

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

It is official; the first firm in the Middle East has cut jobs. That honor goes to Trowers & Hamlins. Trowers has spent the last four decades in the region, without ever having to say the word redundancy. Until now. The firm has let go 5 attorneys in Dubai, and has made an attorney in each Muscat and Riyadh redundant. This may be just the beginning of a legal decline, in the once booming middle east. Growth in the region has recently been substantial, as the following firms have launched offices there: Dewey & LeBoeuf, Clifford Chance, Latham & Watkins, King & Spalding, Hogan & Hartson, Berwin Leighton Paisner, Allen & Overy, Curtis Mallet-Prevost, and Shearman & Sterling.

 

Source:  www.thelawyer.com

Tags:  Dubai

Pillsbury Partner Leaked Layoffs

Friday, February 20, 2009

On the Above the Law website, a tip was posted stating that layoffs at Pillsbury were known ahead of time because of a cell phone conversation overheard on the subway in New York.  Apparently Robert Robbins, head of the firm’s corporate and securities group, leaked the news to the eavesdropper and eventually, to the world. Pillsbury confirmed the gossip, when there-soon-after, the firm officially announced layoffs.  Who wouldn’t want to get paid to sit on their butts for a year?  But, wait. There is a catch.  Serious candidates must have a proposal of their own.  They must write a letter explaining how they will fill their time expanding skill sets.  And, the successful candidates will also have some contact with the firm during smaller projects.

 

Source:   www.legaltimes.typepad.com

Tags:  Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Thomson Hine Reduces and Delays

Friday, February 20, 2009

Thompson Hine has announced its plan for a firm-wide salary cuts.  The aim is to reduce base salary by $17,500.  But, there is still hope.  The lawyers who bill 1750 hours or more this year, will earn some or all of it back.  More unpleasant news includes the firm’s announcement of layoffs.  The damage? 12 associates, 5 paralegals, and 29 secretaries.  But, wait, there is more:  Thompson Hine also delayed the starting date for January 2010’s first-years.  

 

Source:  www.amlawdaily.typepad.com

 

DLA Piper Has Growth in EMEA and Asia

Thursday, February 19, 2009

DLA Piper’s Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), as well as Asia, offices have reported significant growth in 2008. The combined offices increased revenue from 2007’s £503m to £584.9m. These figures are much more appealing than the US offices of 3.8 percent growth from $1.13 bn to $1.17 bn. DLA’s EMEA and Asia offices had an increase of average profit per partner of a little less than 1 percent up from £640,000 to £645,000. The US saw PEP growth of 6.4 percent from $1.21m to $1.29m.

 

Source:  thelawyer.com

Tags:  DLA Piper

Linklaters’ Asia Head Takes In-House Job

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Giles White, managing partner at Linklaters’ Asia office, is opting out of the firm and opting into an in-house position at Jardine Matheson. White has had a lengthy career with Linklaters for 21 years, 18 of which were spent as a partner. White plans to leave the firm at the end of April.

 

Source:  www.thelawyer.com

Tags:  Linklaters LLP | Hong Kong

A&O Takes on Two From Cadwalader

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Allen & Overy has struck lateral gold with the hire of two restructuring attorneys. Angela Somers and John Kibler both join from Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft and both join A&O’s New York office as special counsel. This is just the beginning. Kevin O’Shea, A&O’s NY restructuring head, plans to make his practice a determining factor in the firm’s growth.

 

Source:  www.thelawyer.com

Tags:  Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP | New York

Hunton & Williams Captures One From Akin Gump

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Hunton & Williams has recruited Edward Fernandes from Akin Gump.  Fernades will continue to practice in Austin, but will also work out of the Houston office.  A major aim of his will be to grow Hunton’s litigation office, particularly in the Austin group. Fernades has much experience representing very large companies, such as Ernst & Young and Bank of America.

 

Source:  www.austin.bizjournals.com

Tags:  Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP | Austin

Patrick Egan Recruited to Start Office

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Patrick Egan has had experience in planting seeds, aiding in the growth, and eventually watching a practice group flourish.  Three years ago, Egan joined Fox Rothschild to start the firm’s white-collar defense practice.  Now, Egan has been recruited by Wiggin & Dana to do the same with an entire office. Egan will start and lead the new Philadelphia office.

 

Source:  www.thelawyer.com