It is has been recommended by its Partnership Counsel that Thelen LLP vote to dissolve the firm after 84 years. If in the majority, the firm will close its doors by or on December 1^st. In the latter of 2006, Thelen merged with firm Millstein Felder & Steiner. But this merger did not save all. Three name partners, Peter Brown, Richard Raysman and Jeffrey Steiner, as well as more than 100 other attorneys have left the firm this year. Since the proposed merger between Thelen and Nixon Peabody failed, it would appear that attorneys were beginning to really sense the firm’s downfall. Partner Ellen Bastier, and Chairman Stephen O’Neal left.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP is proud to announce that corporate attorney, Kirt W. Shuldberg has joined the firm’s San Diego/Del Mar office. He devotes his practice to corporate and securities law. Previously, Shuldberg was with Heller Ehrman. He makes Sheppard’s 12th partner to join from Heller Ehrman this year.

Source:  www.marketwatch.com

The law firm of Littler Mendelson has expanded its D.C. office with six laterals from Ford & Harrison. These labor lawyers concentrate their practice on airline and railway labor relations. Peter Petesch, Kevin Kraham, Jay Sumner, Alison Davis, Jeffrey Sun and Katherine Hoekman make 29 total attorneys in the firm’s Washington office. They also bring the number of Ford & Harrison laterals from 2 to 8.

Source: www.bizjournals.com

Covington & Burling has expanded its firm with 50 lawyers from Heller Ehrman. The attorneys joining the firm are widespread: 14 partners, six counsel, and even more associates. Covington has also announced their plans to launch two new offices in California: Silicon Valley and San Diego. But, that is not the last we will hear of Covington’s additions. There are still more potential laterals waiting in the wings.

Source: www.legaltimes.typepad.com

Within the past five years, law firm Shook Hardy has doubled its intellectual practice from 25 to 50. Within another 5 years, the firm aspires to double the number again to make 100 lawyers. Shook recently added 11 lawyers, nine of which are associates and two lateral hires.

Source: www.bizjournals.com