The American Lawyer

American Lawyer Industry Awards: Finalists Announced

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 15:08:02 EST

]]>Join us in congratulating these honorees, who will be honored at The American Lawyer's annual gala on Nov. 12 in New York.

Straight From the Judges: 7 Ways to Position Yourself for the Bench

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:44:43 EST

]]>Past and present appellate and superior court judges outline seven steps lawyers can take to best position themselves for judicial appointments.

Law Firms Rate Hikes Persist—But With 'Much Stronger Anxiety' for Many

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 05:59:59 EST

]]>Billing rate increases have remained “robust so far in 2026, according to a recent survey on legal industry pricing, and most expect rates to either continue on-trend or increase heading into 2027.

Linklaters, Kirkland Continue to Lead as China's Restructuring Work Splits Between Domestic and Foreign Firms

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:51:43 EST

]]>Chinese situations generated more than 90% of the region's mandated debt in the second quarter, but domestic Chinese firms picked up only two of eight local counsel roles.

Morrison Foerster, Nelson Mullins Dismissed From VC Fund's Malpractice Case

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:13:22 EST

]]>A St. Louis County Circuit Court judge ordered that the firms be dismissed for lack of personal jurisdiction for their alleged roles in advising a venture capital fund.

Ogletree Deakins Sues Client Over $1.38M in Unpaid Legal Fees

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 16:53:23 EST

]]>The firm claims lawyers, paralegals and other legal professionals worked more than 2,450 hours "for which Equinox has paid nothing."

Davis Polk Brings Suit Against Energy Company for $3.2M in Overdue Fees

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 13:20:23 EST

]]>Because of the unpaid invoices, which Davis Polk said account for more than 2,000 hours of work and “tens of thousands in out-of-pocket disbursements, the firm said it had to withdraw from the case.

The 2026 A-List: Runners Up

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>With progress in key areas, these 20 firms could climb the ranks to join next year's A-List.

The 2026 A-List: Top 20 Firms

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>The firms topping our annual A-List posted strong results in RPL, pro bono, diversity, female equity partner percentages and associate satisfaction.

How AI Will Impact the Future of Law Firm Excellence

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>The investments firms make today are likely to impact earnings, talent management, and many other areas that feed into overall firm excellence.

‘What It Means to Be Excellent': A-List Firms Succeed Because of—Not in Spite of—Disruption

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>Moving forward and maintaining success may ultimately be about leaning in, even embracing, the disruption.

Amid ABA Battle With Trump, DOJ Says Executive Privilege Extends to Outside Advisers

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 19:13:43 EST

]]>Meanwhile, most law firms that have received the DOJ's subpoenas have objected to them and, as of Tuesday, have produced nothing or minimal responses, according to a source familiar with the matter.

Law Firms Target AI Skills, First-Gen Connections in Summer Training Programs

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 19:00:14 EST

]]>Law firms are expanding pre-career training for law students, offering programs that range from early professional guidance for incoming 1Ls to courtroom-skills development for top 3Ls.

Mayer Brown Global Investment Co-Head Plans Move to White & Case

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:29:36 EST

]]>Timothy Clark said his move is a “tremendous opportunity to help White & Case continue building its funds practice in the U.S.

Deal Watch: With Longer PE Hold Times, Is Software Still a Safe Bet?

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:15:47 EST

]]>The timing of recent events has put significant pressure on PE firms that have invested in software companies.

Texas Trial Firm Set to Pay Associates a Third Round of 2026 Bonuses

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 16:54:50 EST

]]>Reid Collins Tsai is set to make a third bonus payment to its associates this month, boosting total associate bonuses to $130,000 to $170,000 so far this year at the plaintiff's trial firm — with more to come later in the year.

With an Aggressive Growth Plan, Benesch Looks to Solidify Foothold in Miami

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:14:55 EST

]]>For Jodi Schwimmer, former global co-chair of Reed Smith's financial industry group, the goal for her is to "help lead the number one establishment" of Benesch's Miami office and its growth, and that the firm is "looking for an aggressive growth plan" because it is "not going to just be a satellite office."

With Strategic Focus in Finance, King & Spalding Recruits Duo From McDermott

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:33:13 EST

]]>“We set our strategy every five or six years, and we're in the middle of this round of strategy and we have been charged with growing, said Carolyn Alford of King & Spalding.

Orrick Poaches Kirkland Lifer for Global Capital Markets Leader Role

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:42:53 EST

]]>Incoming global capital markets leader Michael Keeley joins the firm from Kirkland alongside partner Ben Richards.

HSF Kramer, Mayer Brown Targeted in Latest Law Firm Data Breaches

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 06:47:53 EST

]]>Weil Gotshal & Manges, Goodwin Procter, and WilmerHale have reportedly paid about $50 million ransom in total to suppress the release of data stolen in breaches.

Is the Recruiting Target on Wachtell Partners Growing?

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 06:32:01 EST

]]>Wachtell will likely continue to face poaching attempts, as they are faced with more rival firms that have grown their profitability.

Sidley Lures Project Finance Energy Lawyer From Milbank

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 05:59:59 EST

]]>The firm has been focusing on growing its energy practice and energy-related talent pool to meet strong demand in the market, noted Yvette Ostolaza, Sidley's management committee chair.

Meet the Attorneys Behind Law Firm Private Equity-MSO Deals

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 17:03:07 EST

]]>A select group of law firms are carving out a niche to handle the M&A, ethics and regulatory questions around private equity investment in the legal industry.

2nd Circuit Orders Pillsbury to Repay $3.6M Fraud-Funded Retainer

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 16:42:51 EST

]]>The Second Circuit found Pillsbury violated an asset freeze by spending fraud proceeds on a convicted technology executive's legal defense.

Paul Weiss Continues to Lean Into Corporate Hiring, Adds Cap Markets Partners

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 11:51:00 EST

]]>Peter Byrne, joining from Cooley as partner, and Tristan VanDeventer, joining as a partner from Ropes & Gray, are both based in New York, the firm said Monday.

Kirkland Lures Gibson Dunn Litigator

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>Kirkland, which grew its Texas head count by 7% in 2025, continues to expand in the Lone Star State.

Will Rising Expenses Dampen Big Law Profitability?

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 07:18:25 EST

]]>AI and innovation investments are rising faster than any other expense category, according to Q2 Law.com survey results.

Ramping Up Partner Hiring, Cleary Adds New Head of Energy and Infrastructure from Jenner

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 05:59:59 EST

]]>The firm said it has hired 17 lateral partners in 2026 and is on track to match or surpass its lateral hiring last year, when it hired 21.

Holland & Hart Lifts 3-Partner Patent Team From Ashurst Perkins Coie

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 04:59:59 EST

]]>Partner Amanda Tessar cited a "long history of Perkins lawyers moving from Perkins to Holland & Hart" as context for the group move.

If Slaughter and May Was More ‘Big Law'...

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 20:04:14 EST

]]>As Europe's busy M&A summer comes to a close, the Global Lawyer this week re-imagines Slaughter and May in the private equity age.

Law Firms Double Down on Asia Private Credit as Market Matures

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 16:29:59 EST

]]>Law firms in Asia are boosting their focus on private credit as the market enters a new phase of maturity, despite vulnerabilities emerging elsewhere.

Paul Weiss Hires Longtime Wilson Sonsini Life Sciences Partner in San Francisco

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:18:33 EST

]]>Ian Edvalson had been with Wilson Sonsini for more than three decades before departing this week.

The Missing Skill in AI Training for Lawyers

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:38:04 EST

]]>The 4Ds model needs a fifth 'D'—it's the key to keeping human judgment at the center of AI-powered legal practice, Wayne Stacy writes.

Simpson Energy Partner Expected to Jump to Kirkland

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 11:13:31 EST

]]>Han's move is the latest in a talent battle between Kirkland and Simpson Thacher.

Law Firm Disrupted: The Many Tools of the Lateral Trade

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 20:50:36 EST

]]>The group lateral might be a comparatively blunt instrument, but it offers advantages—and can spell disruption for firms on either end of a talent transfer

Simpson Raids Kirkland to Launch in Chicago

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 15:34:10 EST

]]>Hiring a group of five long-time Kirkland private investment and family office partners, Simpson said it will open in Chicago.

The Law Firms Working With Tech Companies to Build Custom Tools

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:37:35 EST

]]>A growing number of law firms are embracing partnerships with Big Tech and legal tech companies, with one recent example being Willkie's new collaboration with OpenAI.

Am Law 200 Law Firms Hit with Hefty Malpractice Claims in July, Law.com Radar Shows

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:51:21 EST

]]>Ex-partner and associate employment suits also hit several Am Law 200 firms last month.

Akerman Taps Ex-Amazon Counsel for New AI Governance and Data Protection Role

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 04:59:59 EST

]]>Michael Adler arrives at Akerman as the firm continues to place a heavy emphasis on generative artificial intelligence, both internally and as a service offering to clients.

Milbank, Citing Client Demand, Offers Early Start Date For New Associates

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:55:20 EST

]]>The firm told its incoming first-year associates that they can start three weeks early on August 24 if they want, citing high demand at the firm.

Big Law's Entry-Level Hiring Declines for Second Consecutive Year

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:31:58 EST

]]>Despite the decrease, large firms are accounting for an increasing proportion of entry-level legal jobs.

The Former Quinn Emanuel Partner Building His Own Firm for the AI Age

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 14:31:56 EST

]]>After 17 years at Quinn Emanuel, Christopher Kercher parted ways to start his own litigation boutique law firm steeped in legal technology and attempting to redefine client service.

Knowledge Lawyers Face a Career Reckoning as AI Reshapes Big Law

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 13:02:54 EST

]]>Knowledge lawyers are emerging as the first to feel AI's disruptive impact as firms cut traditional roles even as they create new positions focused on AI and knowledge innovation.

The AmLaw AI Ladder: Who's a Chief, Who's Still Waiting

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 10:09:14 EST

]]>The industry has already answered the hard question—AI needs an owner, and 132 people now hold that job.

34-Lawyer IP Litigation Team Heads to Brown Rudnick From HSF Kramer

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>The move allows Brown Rudnick to build out its IP litigation practice and launch a Silicon Valley office.

Hogan Lovells Cadwalader Hires Crowell & Moring's Denver Founding Partner

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>Meshach Rhoades launched Crowell & Moring's Denver office in 2021 after joining the firm from Armstrong Teasdale.

'Positions of Power' Complicate Sometimes-Ungoverned Lawyer Dating Scenarios

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 07:26:48 EST

]]>After a video of two Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz partners being amorous in Central Park went viral, larger questions have emerged about office dating policies in Big Law — and the risks when firms do not set guardrails in policies to avoid issues.

Cozen O'Connor Continues to Post Strong Canadian Growth in First Foray Outside the US Despite Trump Trade Tensions

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 18:33:41 EST

]]>Six years into its cross-border expansion, the Am Law 100 firm says its year-over-year revenue in Canada is up 47%.

Seyfarth Shaw Recruits L&E Group in Seattle

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 18:05:34 EST

]]>Margaret “Meg Burnham joined Seyfarth Shaw as a partner, alongside four other labor and employment lawyers.

Ex-Client Seeking Appeal After Bias Case Tossed Against Brown Rudnick

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:52:17 EST

]]>"Nothing in this case has been decided on the merits,” said Esme Jourdain, who filed a notice of appeal in Manhattan Supreme Court after her case against Brown Rudnick was dismissed.

Deal Watch: Data Center Litigation Grows as Investment Surges in Projects

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:37:18 EST

]]>"As the demand for data centers and services becomes more robust, the demand for litigation and expertise in those fields will also increase,” said Josh Hamilton, a litigation partner in Latham & Watkins' Los Angeles office.

Taft Lands 4 Corporate Lawyers in Cleveland From Benesch, McDonald Hopkins

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:28:17 EST

]]>Leaders say the arrival of two partners and two associates will help bolster the firm's corporate practice and also help with continued growth in Northeast Ohio.

Chicago Business Owner Drops $4M Damage Claim Against King & Spalding

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:00:17 EST

]]>The December 2025 malpractice lawsuit charged the firm with inflating fees and steering its client to a litigation funder.

Sidley's 11-Lawyer Fund Finance Lateral Team Comes as Private Capital Is 'Reshaping Global Finance'

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:10:33 EST

]]>After a banner year in hiring and financial performance last year, Sidley has maintained hiring momentum this year.

'We Intend To Keep Growing': King & Spalding Doubles Dallas Office Size With Lease in New Uptown Office Tower

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 10:20:35 EST

]]>The firm will take two floors of the year-old 23Springs building after almost tripling its local attorney head count in two years.

ArentFox Schiff Opens Silicon Valley Office With Brand, Trademark Group From Reed Smith

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 05:59:59 EST

]]>“The firm is very conducive to growing an IP book, ArentFox Schiff chairman Anthony Lupo says.

Linklaters Returns to Paul Weiss for Trio of New York Litigators

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 05:20:34 EST

]]>Less than a month after Linklaters' lateral hiring spree, the firm turns again to Paul Weiss for its New York build-out, with one of the new hires being elevated to partner.

21-Lawyer Real Estate Finance Team Heads to Benesch From Reed Smith

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 16:21:53 EST

]]>Jodi Schwimmer, a former global co-chair of Reed Smith's financial industry group, and Randy Eckers, a long-time real estate finance lawyer, will help to launch Benesch's Miami office.

Data Breach Suit Against Fried Frank Dropped After Mediation

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 15:49:52 EST

]]>The proposed class leads for a suit accusing Fried Frank of failing to protect their personal information dropped their claims in New York federal court.

Insurance Litigation Defense Firm Tyson & Mendes Mulls PE Investment Deal

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 15:22:50 EST

]]>Industry observers say the insurance defense space follows personal injury and mass tort firms as the ripest destinations for outside investment. Private equity has been making a push in legal recently after its successes in other lines of professional service.

Bidding War in Big Law Accelerates as Law Firms Lean on More Comp Incentives

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 14:48:27 EST

]]>The scale and scope of incentives offered to lateral candidates have ballooned, while other incentives are becoming more common amid the talent war, sources say.

Illinois Bill Targeting Private Equity in Law Could Have Much Broader Impacts, Critics Warn

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 14:24:05 EST

]]>Supporters say the bill places needed safeguards on private equity. Critics question its effectiveness and constitutionality.

Jackson Walker Agrees to Pay $15M to Former Bankruptcy Clients in Settlement

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:37:45 EST

]]>In the term sheet, Jackson Walker "acknowledges, while not admitting fault, that it could have approached this matter differently."

Law Firms Don't Have an AI Problem. They Have a Deployment Problem.

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 10:44:59 EST

]]>Adoption is settled. What now separates the firms getting a return from the ones writing off the spend isn't better technology—it's the operational work of deployment: the data, the workflows, the governance and the daily management that turn a tool into a capability.

Former Williams & Connolly Partner Discusses Pivot to Legal Research Startup Founder

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 08:59:59 EST

]]>Sam Davidoff, founder and CEO of Align, discusses leaving Williams & Connolly to pursue legal tech full time and develop an AI legal research tool solely focused on surfacing U.S. case law.

Cleary Sees Opportunity to Grow Litigation on Both Coasts

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 05:59:59 EST

]]>Litigation practice co-chair Victor Hou sees the group as more “Seal Team Six than a full-on brigade, but he said the firm plans to grow the group with the right hires at the right time.

Threat or Opportunity? Clients Ask Law Firms for Their Data Back

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 04:59:59 EST

]]>The AI era has some clients asking firms to compile and submit historical data, raising risks of insourcing as well as opportunities for improved service delivery and client stickiness.