The Akin Gump office in the UK capital has been strengthened recently by the defection of 28 partners from Bingham McCutchen. The first trainee intake will start in September next year. The firm is also beginning a summer placement scheme from June. The office's co-head, James Roome, said that 'a base size' is needed before a training programme can be established and supported. 

Hong Kong link

The firm also wants to give strong international dimensions to the scheme - and will be facilitating secondments to Hong Kong and other posts overseas for trainees and associates. Source: Legal Business