London legal consultancy Kindleworth is opening in New York, spearheaded by the arrival of two experienced law firm operations professionals.
The new hires are Maryana Kodner, who joins as a partner and head of US operations from Morvillo Abramowitz Grand Iason & Anello, and former Hogan Lovells partner recruiter Anand David, who joined as a strategic adviser back in June.
Kindleworth – which counts litigation funder Burford Capital among its investors – helps BigLaw partners set up their own firms. It has already helped launch more than 50 firms globally, including Three Crowns and Pallas Partners, providing operational support in areas such as finance, compliance, technology, HR and marketing.
James Hacking, CEO of Kindleworth, said: “Over the past decade we’ve had a front-row seat to one of the most significant shifts in the legal industry, as leading partners choose to build focused, entrepreneurial firms rather than remain within traditional structures.”
Hacking says increasing numbers of partners are leaving major law firms in search of greater autonomy.
He added: “We see the same forces accelerating across the United States and believe New York is the natural next step for Kindleworth. Our ambition is to help the next generation of elite specialist law firms launch faster, grow stronger and achieve their full potential.”
Kodner arrives after almost seven years at Morvillo, where she was chief operating officer. Prior to moving into the operations side of law firm management, Kodner spent several years as a litigator, having started her career at Clifford Chance in the US.
She said: “I have seen first-hand the opportunities created when talented lawyers choose to build something of their own. Kindleworth has established itself as the partner of choice for many of the market’s most entrepreneurial founding teams and the firm’s mission of enabling lawyers to launch and grow successful independent practices is one I am deeply passionate about. I am thrilled to be joining the business as it expands into the US.”
David, meanwhile, previously spent seven years at legacy firm Hogan Lovells as global head of partner recruitment before leaving in August last year. Prior to that he held similar senior recruitment roles at White & Case and Morrison & Foerster.
He said: “More US partners than ever are choosing to build their own firms. I’m delighted to be working with Kindleworth during this exciting next chapter, as they support leading founder partners make the move.”
Burford Capital took a minority stake in Kindleworth in September last year, signalling the litigation funder’s intention to expand its investments beyond litigation.
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