Europe/UK
Law firms must be ready for AI-empowered clients, warns Richard Susskind
Leading legal futurist tells IBA Annual Conference that law firms risk missing the bigger picture by focusing on AI-driven productivity gains rather than preparing for a fundamental transformation in legal services
Skadden, A&O Shearman, Davis Polk lead on $8.9bn Boots acquisition
Davis Polk guides Boots in deal that will see the retailer acquired by the Canadian branch of the Weston family, with Skadden and A&O Shearman across the table
WilmerHale restocks London disputes bench with double partner hire
Jeremy Kosky joins from Clifford Chance to head London disputes practice as arbitration partner Charlie Lightfoot moves over from Cooley following earlier exits
Wolf Theiss opens London office to tap CEE investment opportunities
Vienna-based regional firm to join City’s legal, financial and investment communities ‘on a permanent basis’
'My goal is to be the voice of the lawyer': Luminance hires chief legal officer
Don Riddick joins as CLO from AI software company amotivv
Stephenson Harwood and Taylor Wessing eye merger
Partners reportedly set to vote by year-end on tie-up creating fully integrated European firm
Haynes Boone and Penningtons add international arbitration leaders in London
Firms recruit new practice heads from Vinson & Elkins and Pinsent Masons respectively
Keidan Harrison hires former Ogier global investigations head
Rachel Cropper-Mawer joins disputes boutique in London as a partner
Greenberg Traurig secures Ashurst Perkins Coie’s construction chief in London
Ben Patton joins as head of GT'’s London construction practice, continuing string of real estate partner lateral hires
Lloyds Banking Group lines up replacement for long-serving legal head
Kate Cheetham says she is stepping down as CLO at the end of the year, with Ajneet Jassey set to replace her
Mayer Brown announces next London managing partner
Real estate group co-leader Chris Harvey will succeed Dominic Griffiths in the role
Pinsent Masons names successor to managing partner Cameron
Head of property Richard Griffiths to succeed Laura Cameron on 1 November following contested election
UK legal services exports near £11bn as international demand grows
Exports increased more than 60% over the past five years, according to Law Society data
Former top JPMorgan lawyer withdraws from City of London Lord Mayor election at eleventh hour
‘Hugely disappointed’ Tim Hailes made decision after learning of criminal proceedings involving someone ‘closely connected’ to a former employer
Nominations open for 2027 Women and Diversity in Law Awards
Awards will return to London in April to celebrate individuals and initiatives helping to make the UK legal profession more inclusive
Pinsent Masons managing partner faces two challengers in leadership contest
Property chief Richard Griffiths and UK head of employment Helen Corden in running for managing partner role against incumbent Laura Cameron
Luxury brands brace for workforce shift as new UK employment regulations take hold
The UK’s Employment Rights Act is ushering in the most substantial change to employment law in a generation. For luxury retailers, proactive preparation will be key to compliance, write Pinsent Masons lawyers Kate Dodd and Alyce McNaughton
London commercial set 7KBW’s senior clerk to retire after 40 years
Greg Leyden to step down, with Eddie Johns and Gary Rose to take over as joint senior clerks in October
Lewis Silkin launches AI-powered platform for the creative industries
The firm’s Lettu platform helps creators, talent managers, agencies and brands manage commercial deals
Former Latham & Watkins lawyer launches AI-native law firm targeting private capital work
Nic Vetta unveils eponymous firm Vetta to manage commercial contracts for investment-backed businesses