International Legal News

Dechert lawyer named among 25 Influential Black Women in Business

New York magazine to fete financial services and IT specialist Robin Nunn at awards luncheon in New Times Square.

Five firms dominate startup legal spending

New study says nearly half of all startup legal spending goes to just five firms, with two firms attracting 14 percent of total between them.

Eversheds takes innovation steps

In what the firm says is the 'next natural step,' Eversheds Sutherland creates dedicated global innovation team.

DLA Piper joins blockchain alternative governing council

Law firm joins governing council for Hedera Hashgraph to shape distributed ledger technology adoption.

India gets first legal tech incubator

Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas sets up country's first legal tech incubator, with selected start-ups due to move in mid-year.

Women's lost intellectual property

US patent and trademark office releases report on trends and characteristics of women inventors, echoing findings from IWPR report.

Around the house

Talk around the house this week is dominated by surprising departure of Tesla general counsel after only two months.

PwC launches 'NewLaw' in Australia

PwC Australia launches new service for in-house legal departments transforming function, led by former senior general counsel at Telstra.

ACC opens new European office in Brussels

In the 25th anniversary year of its Europe chapter, ACC opens new headquarters office, saying it sends an important signal.

Investor pressure mounting on governance teams

Fast-growing number of investors focus on sustainability and human capital, putting more pressure on corporate governance teams says survey.

Contrasting light shed on AI in damages and sentencing

New survey reveals use of AI tools in predicting damages at 40 percent, while 2 percent use AI in sentencing predictions.

Firm trainee's bright idea inspires collaboration

Allen & Overy collaborates with Legatics on new signing and completion feature thanks to trainee at the law firm who offered up the proposal.

English University launches not-for-profit law firm

Sheffield Hallam University in England breaks new ground and takes ABS innovation to heart by launching student law firm.

Scots firm takes radical route to leadership

Anderson Strathern appoints six directors for leadership training drive with promoted specialists groomed as future bosses of the firm.

Growing concern for endangered lawyers

The European Parliament holds hearing on attacks against lawyers amid growing concerns of an increasingly persecuted profession worldwide.

Linklaters rewarded for environmental leadership

Linklater's global environment programme awarded a 'leadership' score by the Carbon Disclosure Project.

'Fake news' report demands regulatory review

UK report on fake news' and calls for an end to inadequate self-regulation, singling out Facebook as accountable for billions.

Three law firms in Spanish merger

New entity called Zurbaran Abogados created by the joining together of the firms Zamora de Claver, Cuellar Abogados and RZS Abogados.

A&O in new Australia and Asia Pacific push

Firm appoints partner to lead new Allen & Overy consulting business in Australia and Asia Pacific, first in a series of planned appointments.

Long before MeToo there was Moya Quinlan

Pioneer Moya Quinlan was buried today in Dublin, a 'beloved icon' and first woman president of Law Society of Ireland, who died aged 98.

UK & EMEA gets a big hand

BigHand, a technology support partner to law firms, announces formation of newly expanded account management teams.

European Commission expands dirty money list

Enhanced list of third countries with weak anti-money laundering and terrorist financing regimes include Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and Panama.

Lawyers take to the streets in Delhi strike action

Lawyers who took to the streets of Delhi supported by 1.7 million nationally as profession demands budget allocation for lawyers' welfare.

South Africa gets new antitrust law

President signs competition amendment bill into law, but not all lawyers in the country are convinced.

'Common law' marriage a hit and 'myth' affair

Law society sends a Valentine day message to avoid the popular 'common law' marriage myth and suggests giving the gift of security.

AI tops in-house priorities

Third annual survey of legal operations professionals also highlights growing impact of data privacy regulations on the discovery process.

Jones Day remains top brand in-house

Jones Day keeps it lead in the Acritas eight annual law firm brand index, which highlights 'the most crowded field seen in the index's history.'

NZ increased in-house roles due to 'more fulfilling career'

In-house lawyers now make up one-quarter of the New Zealand legal profession, consistent with global trends.

Around the house

IHG general counsel checks into new post and the deputy upgrades, while other firms see their general counsel retire into leisure.

Oracle in a watchdog fight

Oracle accuses government labour watchdog of 'secret' pact with plaintiffs' attorneys, and says existing claims 'doomed to fail.'

US M&A deals top $1.5 trillion

US domestic deals weather geopolitical storms to drive the market says new report by White & Case and Mergermarket.

Antitrust authorities frustrated deals hit EUR46.3 billion mark

Record number of merger notifications in 2018 as global M&A volumes soar, creating challenges for transformative deals says A&O report.

Morgan Lewis swoops on 15 Lawyers From Squire Patton Boggs

US firm Morgan Lewis prepares for March 1st Abu Dhabi opening by grabbing Squire's Middle East and Washington DC teams.

New Zealand's 'dormant' class action litigation 'crying out' for reform

Class action litigation in New Zealand is relatively rare according to new research, as The New Zealand Law Society highlights issue.

More 'poorer' than 'richer' divorce settlements

A 13% rise in court disputes over money between divorcing couples in the last year is offset by less money being dished out, says law firm.

Law study turns spotlight on electric industry cybersecurity

Need for free flow of information and regulatory disconnect highlighted as industry and US intelligence community worry over cyberattacks.

Lawyers need to tell stories

To promote story-telling as key communication skill for lawyers, BYU Law is to host first national storytelling competition for law students.

Court extends Linklaters gag

Director threatening to speak out about 'ongoing struggle' with women in the magic circle was absent from court as gag order extended.

Treaty half-way to helping 'dangerous profession'

Spain is latest country to accede to IMO Cape Town Agreement on fishing vessel safety, helping a dangerous profession but more needed.

From Detroit to Dublin

American-Irish merger announced as Clark Hill merges with O'Gradys Solicitors in softly-softly approach to the European market.

DWF heads for LSE Pre-Brexit listing

Law firm DWF is heading for a pre-Brexit March £75m listing on the London Stock Exchange, but partners face five-year lock-up period.

Art for law's sake

Reed Smith's firmwide 'arts for wellness' month promotes emotional and physical benefits of art, and part of signing the ABA wellbeing pledge.

IBM Watson talking AI with law firms

IBM Watson Legal discussing new AI opportunities with select number of US and UK law firms, gives notice of big announcement later this year.

Council of Europe procures document management solution

The Council of Europe partners with Tikit to select NetDocuments as its document management choice.

New global matter standard to provide 'common language'

High-level matter category standards alliance announces first version of its cross-industry standard for in-house counsel and law firms.

ACC highlights this is the age of the chief legal officer

Regulatory issues, privacy laws and disruptive technologies expand stature of CLOs and affect 2019 business plans, says ACC report.

New dawn awaits for women in-house group

Women in-house counsel group SunLaw seeking new leadership team as the founders announce they will transition out of their leadership roles.

Around the house

Royal Academy sees new general counsel work his art, while Michigan State University fires theirs in a fourth change within a year.

Linklaters forges exclusive Crowdcube partnership

Exclusive partnership offers long-term tech and legal support, and hope to keep close contact with the tech giants of tomorrow.

Data breaches higher than EU figures suggest

Over 59,000 personal data breaches reported across Europe since introduction of gdpr as EU starts to flex muscles with fines, says survey.

KPMG in French 'coup'

President of biggest law firm in France Fidal accuses KPMG of 'coup' against the profession after 130 lawyers decamp to accounting giant.

Freshfields intensifies moves in dispute resolution and arbitration

Freshfields appoints new global and London heads of dispute resolution, and appoints first US head of international arbitration.

A&O launches training contract in Belfast

New contract gives flexibility and offers graduates compelling prospects say A&O training leaders.

Kirkland, Latham get an energy boost

New energy partner at Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins add new M&A specialist partner, as firms expand energy practices.

Law clients behaving badly

Price-driven client consumerist behaviours are undermining lawyer integrity and compromising service delivery, claims research paper.

Cooley expands into continental Europe

Opening of Brussels office solves some post-Brexit uncertainty, while competition lawyer joins from German law firm Noerr.

Clyde & Co expands in Germany with Hamburg office

Firm hires marine cohort in further expansion in continental Europe with the opening of an office in Hamburg.

Evidence of 'massive' rise in AI patents highlighted in WIPO survey

New WIPO's technology trend study probes artifical intelligence, finds IBM and Microsoft are leaders of a recent global upsurge in AI patents.

Former ABA president launches diversity institute

Hilarie Bass to work with companies to promote more women to senior leadership and power.

Law academy launches 'future lawyer' initiatives

Singapore Academy of Law marks anniversary of legal innovation programe with new initiatives.

Luxury Fashion puts best footwear forward

With luxury lawyers gearing up for the Luxury Law Summit in April, new data reveals spending is on the rise in US online luxury fashion sales.

This is not 'fake' news

New York attorney general sends clear message in settling with sellers of 'fake' online followers and 'likes' in first US settlement of its kind.

Around the house

In fallout from Ripple, R3 reorganises after departure of general counsel, while promotions and moves abound in active week around the house.

New buyers' guide highlights in-house 'laser-focus'

The '4th Annual Buyers' Guide to In-House Tech' reveals 'laser-focused' general counsel teams are leveraging technology.

Male, pale and stale complaint from general counsel

170 GC's open letter to law firms demands improved diversity or risk business, flags 'largely male and largely white' partner promotions.

Singapore targets audit and compliance rules

SGX to propose second audit on listed companies if questionable, compliance and audit concerns targeted rather than a general cost.

Hard-hitting campaign says justice in escalating crisis

Law Society launches campaign highlighting the system of justice in England and Wales on its knees as crisis escalates due to neglect.

ALSPs and Big 4 exceed expectations

Market for alternative legal service providers sees growth exceeding expectations as firms and corporates expand use, report reveals.

Van Bael & Bellis strengthens trade and competition teams

The Brussels law firm has made two key appointments to its partnership.

Scottish strategic partnership has global ambitions

Law Society of Scotland and Scottish lawtech firm Amiqus Resolution build on existing relationship to advance global ambition.

Mental health chief calls on firms to 'stamp out' bullying and harassment

Rise in stress levels sees biggest rise in bullying and harassment at law firms, while women and younger lawyers the majority callers.

Greenspoon Marder accused of racial bias

Korean-American lawyer who joined Greenspoon as part of 2016 merger alleges bias followed a decades-long pattern at his prior firm.

Full steam ahead!

Law firm highlights greatest challenges facing shipping industry while UK presents regulatory strategy for autonomous shipping and environment.

Elevate raises global stakes with Hong Kong acquisition

Firm makes yet another acquisition with Cognatio Law as firm furthers ambitions to expand global and regional reach.

Fewer partnership disputes in 2018 could reverse in 2019

Research reveals number of partnership disputes heard in UK High Court drops 20% but Brexit disruption and rule changes could change all that.

French firm in governance shake-up

Founded in 1924 Jeantet shakes up its governance, appointing partners who joined the firm as part of its external growth strategy.

'Legal rebels' break into China

In latest expansion plan, alternative law firm Rimon Law opens its first office in China.

Russian lawyer sentenced for murder and fraud

A lawyer and police officer sentenced 13 years for their role in organizing murders in St Petersburg.

Law tech company finds London calling

Law tech company handling routine legal work expands to Europe with new London base, and plans to expand into Asia-Pacific by year-end.

UK reform 'grinds to halt' while US sees active year

Mixed regulatory fortunes in approaches to economic crime highlighted as law firm Wilmerhale gives status reports.

Four global banks fined for Korean forex rigging

Global banks colluding with Korean companies rack up 693 million won and warned of consequences of further breaches.

Around the house

A capital idea as associate general counsel takes data privacy skills to outside counsel, while Skyscanner clo takes time to consider next move.

In-house legal teams 'breathe sigh of relief'

Law Society welcomes dual regulation decision from the UK's Financial Conduct Authority.

In-house set for growth in Australia

Australian companies predicted to reduce outsourcing legal work and demand more relevant industry experience, according to new report.

Dyson legal chief to move to new head office in Singapore

General counsel one of two top positions moving as British appliance maker relocates hq to Asia, citing product demand rather than Brexit.

SEC 'gag orders' under scrutiny in 'enormously significant' lawsuit

US think tank sues SEC in federal court to challenge decades-old 'gag orders when settling defendants in civil enforcement actions.

Compliance failures inflicting self-harm

Nearly half of Chinese and Hong Kong companies go ahead with deals despite compliance concerns, according to Baker McKenzie survey.

France slaps Google with a €50m fine

Unhappy with Google's gdpr response, French regulator slaps fine on US giant for making data management harder for users.

Dentons in Venezuela combo

Proposed combination is the latest in a succession of deals in a rapid expansion in Latin America.

Deloitte research highlights new leadership traits

Law firm leaders will find insight in report identifying leadership personas needed in fourth industrial revolution, but tech 'mismatch' is a worry.

Law firms diversity is somewhat diverse

Pinsent Masons named the most inclusive employer in UK survey, while Linklaters report suggests little change.

New kids on the block

Fieldfisher has launched Cummings Fisher as a specialist hedge fund, derivative and alternative investment management-focused law firm.

The fightin' Irish burger beats 'trademark bully'

Irish chain wins David v Goliath burger wars with US giant McDonald's as 'Big Mac' not properly registed trademark, though appeal possible.

Bar Council revolutionises membership

Legal profession disruption leads Bar Council of England and Wales to open up its membership.

CLOC strengthens board and appoints president

As legal operators meet in London today, CLOC's European arm appoints VMware's Aine Lyons to the board and promotes Google's Mary Shen O Carroll to the role of president.

Legal operators converge in London next week

With legal operations an increasingly powerful group, Aine Lyons, deputy general counsel of VMware and one of the founders of industry body CLOC, gives an insight into next week's event in London.

Cryptoasset sector looks set to expand but will face roadblocks

Law firm offers cautiously optimistic outlook for cryptoassets, but despite success in 2018 raises doubts over ICOs.

M&A trends to watch for in 2019

Morrison & Foerster M&A forecast flags strong growth and tech trends, but warns on US and China deal-making and shareholder acitivism.

Funding aims to level legal playing field in Africa

African Legal Support Facility (ALSF) receives a EUR 4 million grant facility from Germany's development bank to promote better deals.

Love is all around

Cartier loses trademark fight in Singapore as IPOS says love 'is meant to be shared' and French luxury jeweller should not have a monopoly.