International Legal News

Company boards battling to keep up with digital transformation

Digital transformation and cybersecurity needs are causing difficulties for company boards, according to survey.

Legal teams in-house growth a driver in law firm consolidation

Consolidation of law firms in part driven by the growth in in-house legal teams, says Australian white paper.

Around the house

A quiet week of moves around the house is notable for counsel jumping over the fence.

Fujifilm wins appeal in battle with Xerox over aborted merger

Court overturns injunction won by activist investors in latest chapter of bitter feud between Fujifilm and Xerox.

New iiara audit platform launched in France for notaries

A new service interface for notaries called iiara launched by Paris-based CMS Francis Lefebvre Avocats as part of its innovation strategy.

New scheme gives young lawyers their day in court

21 law Singaporean law firms pledge to create more chances for young lawyers to advocate as lead counsel in court.

A right Champagne Charlie!

Lawyer key to winning a $289 million verdict against Bayer AG may lose out as judge consider a retrial over 'champage corks flying' comment.

Dentons partner praises the 'real stars' as Space Camp Mission 2 launches

Space tech entrepreneurs receive support from global law firm as fund announces new funding launched at Dentons' HQ.

Top Sino-Australian law firm investigated over working conditions

King & Wood Mallesons faces allegations of work overload and 'grueling conditions' where lawyers slept in the office to meet deadlines.

Crypto Regulation in Hong Kong on the horizon, says exiting regulator

Exiting Securities regulator's chairman says Hong Kong on verge of proposing crypto regulation, following 'close watch' announced in July.

Regulators hesitance about sharing undermines financial crimefighting

Data markets ceo calls for standardized privacy laws and improved data sharing to fight the growth of financial crime.

Chief justice tells 'lukewarm' legal profession to step up on legal tech

Once leaders, the Singapore legal profession has been 'lukewarm' and moving backwards, but needs to regain its edge in legal tech says CJ.

Harassment doubles, while two big law firms tackle their problems

SRA reports worrying rise, a big law firm parts company with partner, another admits failures - all in a day's work for UK legal profession?

UK judge says there has to be an app for that!

Lawyers will lose the youth market if they fail to adapt and provide legal advice rapidly via mobile phone, according to a UK judge.

Children's rights get a boost in Russia and Vietnam

Russian ombudsman supports bill extending powers of children's rights commissioners, while Vietnam opens consultation process with children.

The UK & Europe cryptocurrency race is on

Race is on but compariable regulatory extensions suggests UK regulation of the cryptocurrency market would take two years, says legal director.

First follow-on cartel damages case reaches judgment in UK

BritNed wins damages from ABB in €13m overcharging case as judge cites issues of justice, fairness and public policy.

Law firms fail to track procurement performance or ROI

Whilst new business is a top priority for law firms, they do not track efforts well.

AAI paper calls for new merger control policy and key reforms

The American Antitrust Institute (AAI) has released a new paper setting out new a merger control policy and anticipating key reforms to come.

Petition put to SEC for framework on ESG disclosure rulemaking

Rulemaking on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure demanded by SEC stakeholders.

In-house counsel urged to look past the legaltech hype

Report highlights some reasons to worry as it advises in-house counsel to get past the hype of legaltech.

Around the house

Ice hockey's Pittsburgh Penguins has a new legal champion, while Xerox appoints a real original.

Report highlights counsel under pressure to manage efficiencies.

New study examines legal departments making the most of their resources, especially in terms of keeping work in-house.

Judge rules Dutch government 'acting unlawfully' on climate change

Ruling comes a day after climate scientists issued a call 'act now idiots,' and other cases are to follow.

Legal communication agencies launch Anglo-French strategic alliance

Alliance brings together over 40 professionals dedicated to communication and marketing for the legal sector.

Allen & Overy partner jumps ship to Van Bael & Bellis

Allen & Overy competition partner Michel Struys has moved to Van Bael & Bellis in Brussels.

Legal directories criticised by law practitioners

The legal market is demanding that legal directories are made more accessible and transparent, especially as researchers make judgements.

Legal pricing experts partner to launch AI-powered pricing tool

Virtual pricing service aims to offer accuracy and transparency and build client confidence in legal pricing.

ICOs not working as expected say regulators

EU financial markets regulator to examines ICOs to determine road aged for regulation.

Firms enter into exclusive association for US expansion

DWF has enters into exclusive association with Wood, Smith, Henning & Berman LLP to expand firm's reach in the US.

Coming soon to a legal tech 'app store' near you

Twelve top law firms back new platform to create what amounts to a lawtech app store.

HFW launches in Abu Dhabi as part of regional expansion

Building on sector focus and middle east moves, HFW launches 20th international office with Abu Dhabi partner hires.

Law firm highlights shipping costs as shipowner calls for regulatory action

Moore Stephens sets out environmental regulation options, while shipowner at Malta Martime Summit says slow shipping 'realistic' option.

IBA launches global survey on bullying and harassment in the legal profession

The International Bar Association's Legal Policy & Research Unit (LPRU) aims to provide an empirical basis for further action.

Canadian firm accepting crypto-currency for legal services

Calgary firm McLeod Law is now accepting crypto-currency for its legal services, giving clients the option to pay in Bitcoin.

Maritime summit tackles cybersecurity and autonomous shipping

Cyber-attack risk and faster regulation needed to prepare for autonomous shipping lead talking points at 2nd Malta Maritime Summit.

Derling and Primus establish a new Baltic alliance

New Baltic alliance offers cross-border access and takes advantage of fast-growing Estonian firm established two years ago.

PwC leads the pack as big four strengthens presence in legal market

PwC Legal emerges as the new leader in 2018 in new brand index, which argues old and new law should fear the big four.

Around the house

Mother of eight and 2017 Working Mother of the Year award winner gets retail group's top legal post.

9 in a row as general counsel survey rates Baker McKenzie top law brand

General counsel survey tags the global firm as 'world's strongest law firm brand' for the 9th consecutive year.

Balenciaga defends itself in big apple copyright claim

Are New York City landmarks and skyline protectable elements? Luxury firm argues they're not in defence against souvenir seller.

ACC Europe elects new president

Hans Albers of Juniper Networks is to lead the European in-house network, aims for growth.

US law firms mergers hit record-breaking pace

First three quarters of 2018 sees 79 combinations announced, and more are talking about it, while large firms are becoming serial acquirers.

Balancing competitiveness and environment tops the maritime agenda

Global Legal Post is at the Malta Maritime Summit 2018, officially opened by the Malta transport minister, who also held tripartite meeting.

Susman Godfrey offers a 'first' for gender-neutral parenting

Firm seeks innovation in benefits a change of policy to offer unlimited paid, gender-neutral parental leave for associates.

Cybersecurity overtakes artificial intelligence as law firms' tech priority

Fear of reputational damage due to hacking pushes cybersecurity to the top of the agenda for law firms, according to new report.

Back office freedom in Excello Libertas launch

A 'new law' firm announces support services platform to help law firms wanting to launch in the UK without big back office investment costs.

Technology law firm report casts doubt over the gig economy

Permanent employees are the most 'flexible friend' of growing businesses, not the gig economy or AI, according to new report.

Report says Canadian government uses immigrants as AI 'lab rats'

Top university report says the Canadian government could be violating human rights in its approach to testing artificial intelligence.

Scottish justice Committee backs alternatives to court

Committee says alternatives are often better use of time and money and calls on lawyers to offer more information.

Australian barristers warned about bad behaviour after 'recent incidents'

'Recent incidents' prompt president of the NSW bar association to write to members warning of perils of e-communication and social media.

Cybersecurity firms in antitrust spat over product testing practices

In an escalating dispute over product testing reports, NSS Labs launches lawsuit against major vendors and standards organization.

Nigeria recovers over $400 million in stolen state oil funds

While Nigerian investigators recoup over $400 in stolen state oil funds, an Italian court sentences two men in Eni and Shell Nigeria case.

Fintech innovation gets a legal boost

Investment fund 2018 winners announced by Simmons & Simmons, offering legal support as fintech comes to a tipping point.

What are you smoking?

UK law firm issues first report on public opinion on legalization of medical cannabis, suggests wide-spread public support.

Exxon Mobil and Chevron reverse position on climate initiative

US big oil changes direction on climate initiative, as group claims thirty percent of oil and gas output now within the group.

Litigation finance: Could law firms remodel to take on hedge funds?

Hedge funds are making sizeable returns from the proceeds of litigation. But could law firms play them at their own game?

DWF bolsters Dublin with real estate partner hire

The fast-growing law firm has expanded its international construction and real estate team.

Shareholders pressure Nike over political spending

Nike in another shareholder tussle over political contributions as investors express concern over alignment of values.

As Danske Bank looks for new CEO fingers are pointed at general counsel

Investigation into Europe's biggest-ever money laundering scandal highlights defiiciencies in Danish bank's general cousel department.

Around the house

An entertaining week for counsel, as 21st century and Netflix make changes.

Luxury law sets the agenda for New York summit

As the luxury business is a buzz with the Michael Kors $2.1 billion acquisition of Versace, general counsel get on the agenda.

Gaps showing between awareness and investment in UK law firms

Majority of UK law firms are not Investing in technology fast enough to meet client demands, according to new survey.

Law Society taskforce focused on culture change

The New Zealand Law Society inaugurates 'culture change taskforce' to change the legal landscape.

Legal recruiter and diversity champion to bolster transatlantic business

Legal search company Mlegal Group, has appointed Melinda Wallman as a partner to further strengthen the firm's transatlantic capability.

PwC UK and Fragomen forge immigration strategic alliance

Firm's alliance aims to integrate services and capitalise on global burgeoning mobility ecosystem.

Poland's controversial judicial reform could force 27 judicial retirements

Concerns about change in Poland's supreme court law leads to referral on grounds of incompatibility threatening judicial independence.

UK not patently clear on court post-Brexit

New guidance from UK government shows a change of heart on unified patent court under a 'no-deal' scenario.

Simpson Thacher first global firm to shut up shop in Seoul

Firm cites strategic reasons for withdrawing from South Korean capital, decision not because promise of open market was revoked.

Enivronmental review clears way for controversial Keystone XL route

US state department review, called for by Montana judge, states pipeline's new route would not harm environment.

Firms face threat of legal action over Ostroleka C coal power project

As Poland prepares for major climate conference, shareholders vote on project while lawyer activists threaten legal action.

Doughty Street chambers mourn human rights campaigner

Sir Louis Blom-Cooper has died aged 92.

Marine Le Pen to defy court order to undergo psychological examination

French court orders divisive far-right politician to undergo psychological assessment after she disseminated images of extreme violence.

Singapore acts to tackle fake news regulation

Committee offers 22 recommendations to fight fake news, but says there is no silver bullet to deal with the issues and caution is needed.

UK law's supreme MeToo moment

British legal history will be made when women form the majority on the bench to decide case in UK highest court for first time.

Spanish lawyers release scathing report on legal system

Barcelona bar association warns of collapse in courts due to overload resulting from European court decision on mortgage contracts.

Parisian law firm creates digital transformation brand

After nearly 100 years in business, law firm is rewriting the rules with a new team dedicated to digital transformation called Gide 255.

Lawyer activists call out UK companies on climate risk reporting

UK companies and auditors told relegating climate considerations to CSR in annual reports is no longer good enough.

Around the house

You're probably just getting over the summer holidays, so you won't really want to hear University of Bahamas has a new general counsel!

Improper payments and kickbacks costs UTC nearly $14m

United Technologies Corporation (UTC) agrees with SEC to pay close to $14 million to settle Asia allegations.

Giant carmakers fall foul of EU antitrust investigation

European Commission investigating carmakers in alleged collusion to keep certain emissions technologies out of passenger cars in Europe.

Dentons expands pan-Asia ambitions with Zain addition

In a second ASEAN move this year, the global law firm has added Malaysia's Zain to its global network.

UK bumbling along in the crypto wild west as lawmakers want high noon

UK treasury committee calls for an end to the 'wild west' crypto markets and wants regulations to protect investors.

Pro bono donation of $15 Million by US big law in environmental honour

US big law unites to honour late environmental attorney Nancy McFadden with sustainability investment, as support voiced nationally.

Law Society flags concerns over UK anti-terror legislation

Solicitor's body shares their concerns over UK anti-terror legislation, calls for more oversight to protect confidentiality rights.

Maritime industry and government promote UAE's new Arbitration Law

The UAE maritime sector has teamed up with the government to promote the emirates as am arbitration destination.

Scottish survey highlights violence against legal professionals

Legal professionals are increasingly victims of violence and threats says Scot's Law Society, proposes recommendations.

German court delays YouTube intellectual property case

Music producer working with singer Sarah Brightman waits on Der Bundesgerichtshof as the court seeks input on interpretation issues.

China calls for global collaboraton on AI ethics and law

China's president and vice-premier tell AI experts collaboration needed on the ethical and legal aspects of AI and intellectual property.

Korea to expand class action lawsuit system after BMW fires

A number of incidents involving BMW cars catching fire has led to government action on changing the rules of class action in South Korea.

Simpson Millar £50m investment to boost consumer market ambition

The UK firm has acquired Liverpool firm EAD in bid to attain market-leading position, expects more deals to come.

Lost in translation - what exactly did the two Koreas agree on?

Confusion has emerged over different English versions of Panmunjom Declaration submitted to UN.

BSB launches consultation on transparency rules

Following competition study, the UK bar confident as it launches consultation on transparency draft rules.

US law school forced to close settles class action suit

The Charlotte Law School has reached agreement with former students in a $2.7m settlement proposal.

Border deal between Serbia and Kosovo expected by next Spring

The sanctity of state borders, a cornerstone of public international law, is coming under increasing scrutiny as foes strive for a land deal.

Ashurst finds an alternative route to Brisbane

Ashurst strengthens alternative legal services capability in APAC with global delivery centre launch in Brisbane.

Oxford study highlights in-house counsel role in Germany

Oxford University study highlights the need to control risks as legal departments find there is rising profile internally.

Around the house

General counsel causes a ripple at an awkward time as she heads out the door, while another returns to her roots.

Europeans rather than Americans are most-diverse companies

A diversity and inclusion index tracking over 7,000 companies worldwide shows European companies top the list as the most diverse companies.

Norway's $1 trillion fund sets stricter environmental guidelines

Wealth fund undertaking greater scrutiny of sustainability and ocean pollution impacts of corporates in which they invest