The American Lawyer

Cooley Hires Baker Botts Energy Leader to Co-Chair New Energy, Infrastructure and Real Estate Group

Wed, 06 May 2026 05:59:59 EST

]]>Mona Dajani will co-lead the new practice group alongside co-chair Michelle Schulman, an 18-year veteran of Cooley.

Where Sponsor Relationships Really Sit—And Why It's Reshaping Private Funds Hiring

Tue, 05 May 2026 16:57:55 EST

]]>A blanket assumption that the funds partner holds the sponsor relationship, or that the M&A partner holds it, will often be wrong in both directions, Rose Corbett and Melinda Wallman write.

Second Hundred Law Firms, Many in an 'Exploration Phase,' Seek Worthwhile Uses of AI

Tue, 05 May 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>Facing the extensive task of modernizing their firms in a cost-effective way, Am Law 200 firms are often consulting clients for input on how to use artificial intelligence.

Will Outside Capital Start Flowing to the Second Hundred First?

Tue, 05 May 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>One M&A adviser focused on the legal industry predicts the first Big Law MSO deal will come from the Second Hundred—potentially later this year. "In the Second Hundred, you still have founders that are active in their firms."

Earnings Are Growing For Second Hundred Firms—But So Is the Gap

Tue, 05 May 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>Lower billing rate increases and lower demand contribute to a "widening gap" between the Second Hundred and the Am Law 100, even as both tiers posted strong financials metrics for 2025.

AI On a Budget: How Second Hundred Law Firms Are Investing in Tech Carefully

Tue, 05 May 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>Second Hundred leaders are making sure they know where their money will go the furthest, before pot committing, firm leaders said.

The 2026 Am Law 200: Top Performers in RPL, PEP & VPL

Tue, 05 May 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>While Am Law 100 firms dominate these lists, a few Second Hundred firms make the cut.

The 2026 Am Law 200: At a Glance

Tue, 05 May 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>An alphabetized listing of the Am Law Second Hundred firms and their core financial and census data.

The 2026 Am Law 200: A Guide to Our Methodology

Tue, 05 May 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>How we report law firm financials.

The 2026 Am Law 200: Ranked By Gross Revenue

Tue, 05 May 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>Gross Revenue for the Second Hundred increased in 2025 by 6.0 percent, compared to the 10.8 percent increase in 2024.

Bridging the Gap: Bold Second Hundred Firms Eye Mergers to Jump Up in Class

Tue, 05 May 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>The Second Hundred firms that engaged in mergers over the course of 2025 generally outperformed their peers, but many others have good reasons to be content with their current scale.

The 2026 Am Law 200: By the Numbers

Tue, 05 May 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>A closer look at the numbers that mattered most for the Am Law 200—in visual form.

McDermott Hires 12-Strong Team in Milan

Tue, 05 May 2026 06:21:25 EST

]]>The team spans a variety of practice areas with one partner being named co-managing partner of the office.

Goodwin London Loses Another Partner to Rival

Tue, 05 May 2026 06:00:19 EST

]]>The firm's London base has parted ways with around 13 partners in the past 18 months.

Law Firms (an Asset Class in Waiting?) See Valuations Climb Higher

Tue, 05 May 2026 04:59:59 EST

]]>The aggregate value of the Am Law 100 surpassed $400 billion for the first time in CFO Madhav Srinivasan's latest effort at applying Wall Street valuation techniques to the apex of the legal industry.

Proskauer Hires Private Funds Partner, A&O Shearman Taps US Energy Practice Lead

Tue, 05 May 2026 04:59:59 EST

]]>Zeeshan Ahmedani joined Proskauer Rose as a private funds partner in Los Angeles, and Andrew Lanius joined A&O Shearman as a partner and practice leader in Houston.

Kirkland Adds 9-Lawyer Energy, Infrastructure Team From Latham in Houston

Mon, 04 May 2026 19:18:10 EST

]]>Led by Latham & Watkins partner Christopher Peponis, the team also includes three partners and five associates.

After Less Than a Year Post-Merger, HSF Kramer Says It's Winning New Clients for US Transactions in Australia

Mon, 04 May 2026 18:52:54 EST

]]>The firm expects future U.S. investment to focus on the tech and defense sectors, and anticipates an increase in private capital investment in Australia.

Ahead of Merger, Winston Partner Trio, Including IP Co-Chair, Heads to Alston

Mon, 04 May 2026 16:32:07 EST

]]>An IP partner trio from Winston headed to Alston & Bird, the second group of IP lawyers to leave the firm in the last couple of weeks, as its pending merger with Taylor Wessing grows closer.

Foley Launches On-Demand Learning Hub for In-House Lawyers

Mon, 04 May 2026 15:15:35 EST

]]>The hub, called LearningLab, provides on-demand continuing legal education courses in six states, and other business and legal training targeted at in-house lawyers.

K&L Gates Taps Seattle-Based Partner to Lead Firm's Global AI Strategy

Mon, 04 May 2026 14:56:38 EST

]]>Jake Bernstein emphasized the value of having a practicing lawyer in the firm's lead AI role: “Lawyers are a prickly bunch. We don't really want to take direction from nonlawyers.

Paul Weiss Adds Partners From Kirkland, Latham to New Houston Office

Mon, 04 May 2026 11:45:38 EST

]]>Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison is building out its new Houston office with Big Law transactional partners.

In Era of Surging Partner Pay, How Can Second Hundred Law Firms Stay Competitive?

Mon, 04 May 2026 05:59:59 EST

]]>Even firms with $3 or $4 million in average profits per partner will have a hard time going toe to toe for talent with firms that can more than double that, noted Matthew Bersani, of the Cliff Group.

Too Fast to Fake It: Can Big Law's Top Partners Keep Up?

Mon, 04 May 2026 03:57:16 EST

]]>Geopolitical upheaval, corporate accountability, and the rise of AI are testing whether Big Law's top partners are worth their multimillion-dollar price tags, writes The Global Lawyer.

Frustrated with Firm HR, Attorneys Are Airing Grievances on Social Media

Fri, 01 May 2026 16:47:36 EST

]]>While some attorneys and staff would previously use anonymous posting platforms, such as Fishbowl or Reddit, to discuss complaints or allegations against their firms, some are now turning to LinkedIn to discuss their experiences.

Law Firm Disrupted: If Your Mother Says She Loves You...

Fri, 01 May 2026 15:49:47 EST

]]>The legal industry is at a real crossroads when it comes to effectively implementing gen AI tools into practice.

Paul Hastings Raids Covington for London Private Equity and Real Estate Team

Fri, 01 May 2026 07:55:27 EST

]]>Four senior lawyers, including two practice group leaders, join as the firm accelerates its London growth push.

Clifford Chance Responds to the Sceptics: 'We're Architects in the Evolution of Private Capital'

Fri, 01 May 2026 06:44:24 EST

]]>The firm's private capital offering has faced questions over its ability to compete at the uppermost levels, but leaders at the firm believe in their pioneering history in the area, their strategy, and their successes so far.

Associates at Law Firms With AI-Heavy Advisory Practices Feel Less Confident About Using AI Tools Themselves

Fri, 01 May 2026 05:59:59 EST

]]>A Chambers survey found that there appears to be a disconnect between law firms that counsel clients on their AI technology use and internal firm use of these newer technologies.

Hinshaw Picks Up 6-Lawyer Litigation Team From Polsinelli

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:36:47 EST

]]>The Polsinelli team of two partners and four senior counsel join Hinshaw & Culbertson's consumer financial services group in Dallas, Miami and New York.

On the Move: Bass Berry & Sims Adds K&L Gates Litigator in Nashville, Veteran Jackson Lewis Labor Attorney Joins Ogletree

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:04:34 EST

]]>Also, Kilpatrick adds patent litigator from Dickinson Wright, and Faegre Drinker product liability specialist joins Nelson Mullins

Winston, Ex-Baker McKenzie Tax Partners Under Scrutiny Amid Investigation

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:42:20 EST

]]>Sen. Ron Wyden is calling for the IRS to investigate the role of two Winston partners, Jeffrey Rubinger and Summer LePree.

From Combination to Cohesion: Client Feedback as a Strategic Integration Tool in Law Firm Mergers

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:12:59 EST

]]>When clients are informed of a pending merger, their primary interest is not the new firm name, logo, or org chart, Linda T. Sanders and Cory Strandson write.

Demand for Environmental, Land Use Work Led to 'Strongest Year in Our History' for Stoel Rives

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:53:13 EST

]]>Stoel Rives surpassed $300 million in revenue for the first time in its nearly 120-year history.

The Lawyers Advising Elon Musk and Sam Altman at Trial

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:56:27 EST

]]>The litigation between Elon Musk and Sam Altman has brought on a bevy of lawyers from several law firms, including Wachtell, Morrison & Foerster, Mololamken, and Toberoff and Associates.

Making Hires, Gaining Clients: Sullivan & Cromwell's London Gamble 6 Months On

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 06:09:18 EST

]]>Backed by its work on global deals and the engine of its New York office, the firm's leaders say the London base has started to win market share.

Sheppard Hires 15 Lawyers From Perkins Coie, Launches ITC Practice

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:59:59 EST

]]>The firm added five partners to its ranks, including Veronica Ascarrunz and Robin Brewer, who will co-lead the new ITC practice group.

Associate Becomes Kidney Donor to Law Firm Partner

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:59:59 EST

]]>After sending out a firmwide plea to find a kidney donor, Thompson Coburn land use partner Bernie Citron got connected with regulatory associate Hope Watson.

Atlanta Defense Boutique Taps Kirkland & Ellis Partner to Lead LA Expansion

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:21:50 EST

]]>"When a lawyer makes a move like this, I think people think, was there something about the prior firm that wasn't working out? And I can't say enough times: that's not the case here. This opportunity was just new, and exciting and different," Nathaniel Haas told Law.com.

Big Law Saw 'Surprising' Demand Surge in Q1, Despite Slowing Collections

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:43:07 EST

]]>Even with the demand surge, billing rates are "rapidly rising" and “remain the primary contributor to the revenue growth, according to Wells Fargo.

Commercial Lit Demand and 'Accurate Pricing' Spurred Bond Schoeneck's Revenue Jump

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 14:47:42 EST

]]>In revenue, the firm made $9 million more in 2025 than it did in 2024, with firm leader Brian Butler noting that the commercial litigation team accounted for more than a third of that increase.

Why Segmentation and Client Profiles Matter for Organizational Design

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 23:59:59 EST

]]>In this second part of two-part series, Maggie Miller address the question that many law firm leaders raise once they've defined their client profiles and segments: What now?

Fenwick Recruits 5-Atty IP Group From Winston & Strawn

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:59:59 EST

]]>The group consists of partners Krishnan Padmanabhan and Scott Border as well as associates Devin Garrity, Daniel Marzagalli and Christopher Gresalfi.

Firm Leaders 'Determined' to Train Attorneys to Avoid Using AI-Produced Mistakes

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:45:53 EST

]]>“Our clients are very eager that [AI] be used and leveraged, and they and we are obviously interested in it being used responsibly, said Robert Hays of King & Spalding.

LegalTech Connect: How Baker & Hostetler, Eversheds Prepare Staff for AI Adoption

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:32:32 EST

]]>Speakers from Baker & Hostetler, Eversheds Sutherland and other law firms discussed how they guide staff in various roles, from partners to researchers, through gen AI adoption.

NY Fell Behind London in Private Equity M&A Partner Hiring in 2025

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:50:04 EST

]]>“First and foremost, what you're seeing is the U.S. firms in the U.K. trying to increase their strength on a transatlantic basis, Macrae managing director Rose Corbett.

HSF Kramer Plans to Open Texas Office, Keep Hiring in US

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:46:45 EST

]]>Firm chair and senior partner Rebecca Maslen-Stannage says hiring partners has become easier since the merger.

Boies Schiller Sees Rapid Head Count Growth, Despite 31% Revenue Decline Against 'Aberrational' 2024

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:42:08 EST

]]>The litigation shop increased head count by 20% in 2025, but the timing of major contingency recoveries in fiscal 2024 put downward pressure on year-over-year financial performance.

Infrastructure, Finance Practices Boost Bracewell to Record Year

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:13:26 EST

]]>Revenue grew by 3.6% even as head count growth was flat, due to a "very robust" volume of M&A, finance and project development work across the entire energy spectrum, managing partner Greg Bopp said.

Deal Watch: Latham, S&C, Davis Polk, White & Case Work Megadeals; PE Investment in Sports Expands

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:09:29 EST

]]>Two megadeals highlighted the week, while PE looks to expand its footprint in the booming sports industry.

The End of the Functional Marketing Team: Evolve or Fall Behind

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:59:59 EST

]]>This is the architecture of the modern growth function, Wendy Whitney Taylor writes, and the firms that adopt it will define the next decade.

Kirkland & Ellis to Hire Senior Paul Weiss Partner in London

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 11:42:11 EST

]]>Paul Weiss' head of European M&A is joining the world's largest law firm in the U.K., marking the first major loss for Paul Weiss in recent years and a signal of intent for Kirkland.

Winston Taylor Merger Date in Doubt as European Split Delayed

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:47:50 EST

]]>The planned May 1 separation of Taylor Wessing's U.K. arm from some of its key continental European offices has been pushed to June as the disentanglement proves more time-consuming than anticipated.

Jenner, Greenberg Traurig, and Simpson Among Latest to Add Laterals in DC

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 05:59:59 EST

]]>Greenberg Traurig brought on a six-person team from Holland & Knight to its Washington, D.C., office to expand the firm's lobbying capabilities.

As Seyfarth Approaches $1B in Revenue, PEP Up by 15%

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 05:59:59 EST

]]>“We're actually really proud of the 6.3% revenue growth, because if you adjusted for the exit of that immigration team that was doing the high-volume, lower-margin work, our gross would've been about 10.2%," noted Seyfarth's leader.

These Am Law 100 Law Firms Have Stacked Revenue the Most Since 2000

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 05:44:37 EST

]]>A Law.com analysis reveals that 20 firms have achieved compound annual growth rates in revenue of greater than 8% since fiscal 2000. Meanwhile, growth multiples range from 6.88x to 22.46x.

Gibson Dunn Hires 7-Lawyer Team from Clifford Chance to Launch Funds Practice in Paris

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 19:00:59 EST

]]>The arrival of the team, which includes four partners, follows Gibson Dunn's official launch of a Madrid office on Monday.

As AI Blunders Pile Up, Law Firms Address Ethics Implications of New Technology

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:48:04 EST

]]>“The rules haven't really changed, but we're just having trouble following them when the output of some AI is so seductively good, said Adams & Reese legal ethics expert Lucian Pera. “And it's hard. It's hard to convince people to do it.

Vinson & Elkins Adds 4 Corporate Partners From Wilmer in Denver, DC

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:36:38 EST

]]>The four Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr partners strengthen Vinson & Elkins' corporate offering, particularly in the Rocky Mountain Region.

HSF Kramer Partner Jumps to Gibson Dunn

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:23:41 EST

]]>The employment litigator made partner at Kramer Levin in 2017.

Lawyers Return to Middle East Offices as US Iran Ceasefire Holds Amid Hiring Uncertainty

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:21:25 EST

]]>After a wave of temporary relocation that saw up to 70% of staff leave the region, lawyers at international firms are returning to the Middle East as the ceasefire holds. However, legal recruitment patterns suggest continued uncertainty.

Sullivan & Cromwell Recruits SDNY Litigator

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:48:01 EST

]]>The hire comes within days of S&C seeing the exit of four appellate partners for Gibson Dunn. S&C is in recruiting mode, looking at “the top up-and-coming" appellate attorneys, Law.com reported last week.

Dentons Opens in Charleston, South Carolina With 8 Partners From K&L Gates

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:35:34 EST

]]>The global firm says its entry into the coastal South Carolina city was a strategic move, calling the area a hub for legal talent and clients.

Weil Adds International Trade Partner From Kirkland in Boston

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 05:59:59 EST

]]>International trade and national security partner William "Billy" Phalen will be working out of Weil's Boston office, which is also home to the firm's next leader.

Funds Partner Joins Paul Hastings in New York From Ropes & Gray

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 05:59:59 EST

]]>Amanda Persaud primarily advises private equity sponsors across the full lifecycle of investments.

Law Firms Are Going Further to Protect Their Equity Tiers

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 05:59:59 EST

]]>"A more concentrated equity structure gives firms more room to compensate star partners or attract major rainmakers, sometimes at the $20-plus million range," said one legal recruiter. "In this fiercely competitive market, flexibility at the top matters enormously.”

Suits, Stars and Screw-Ups: The Problems with Legal AI

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:14:59 EST

]]>With Jude Law infusing legal AI with his charm and the Yankee's baseball star Aaron Judge extending its reach, law is not just being practiced—it's being packaged. And the more polished it becomes, the more difficult it may be to notice when algorithmic authority begins.