Britain’s Network Rail has asked 20 law firms to pitch for a place on its legal panel, with the businesses legal department launching its first review of external advisers in three years. According to London-based newspaper, Legal Week, the list of invited bidders includes eight practices not currently on the panel. The newspaper lists the current panel firms expected to reapply as: Clifford Chance, Addleshaw Goddard, Eversheds, Kennedys, Berrymans Lace Mawer, Simmons & Simmons, Bond Pearce, Bircham Dyson Bell, Schofield Sweeney, Winckworth Sherwood, Maclay Murray & Spens and Macroberts.
Former Asia managing partner at Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe, Christopher Stephens, is joining the Asian Development Bank as general counsel at the end of this year. Mr Stephens specialises in energy and infrastructure projects and is currently on Orrick’s San Francisco-based China desk, reports the American Lawyer website. The bank is modelled on the World Bank and finances infrastructure projects throughout Asia.
Abu Dhabi Media has appointed Mohammed El-Said as the company’s general counsel. The entertainment organisation is hoping to expand its operations as one of the primary media organisations in the Middle East over the next few years. Mr El-Said previously worked as senior legal counsel at Al Jazeera Media Network, reports the Trade Arabia website.
Douglas Kranwinkle, the chief counsel of Spanish-language media company Univision Communications, is retiring after a dozen years in the top slot. Jonathan Schwartz was announced as his successor on Monday, moving from his role as general counsel of JPMorgan’s Investment Bank, reports the Los Angeles Times newspaper. Mr Kranwinkle was instrumental in improving Univision’s external relations, particularly with negotiating an end to litigation between the company and its Mexico City counterpart, Grupo Televisa.
Colorado-based technology consulting firm Ciber has appointed Sean Radcliffe as its new vice president and general counsel. Previously, Mr Radcliffe was vice president and chief legal counsel at fellow Colorado business, publishing house IHS, where he focused on global intellectual property issues and served as chief compliance officer, reports Reuters.