Combination for US rivals to form 1,000 lawyer international firm

The enlarged entity will have 15 US offices and international locations including Beijing, Bangkok, Dubai, London and Tokyo.

Wally Martinez, current managing partner of Hunton & Williams, will be the managing partner of the combined firm while Robert V. Jewell, managing partner of Andrews Kurth Kenyon, will become managing partner emeritus.

Herbert Smith Freehills makes commitment for Trans staff

Transgender employees at Herbert Smith Freehills have been given a major vote of support from the firm, with the launch of its Global Transitioning Guidelines.

“We are a trans-inclusive workplace, and these Guidelines ensure that trans* employees are treated with the same respect and understanding in every office across our global network,” explained Justin D’Agostino, regional managing partner for Asia and global disputes head. He is also executive sponsor of the firm’s IRIS network, which connects LGBTI employees across the firm’s global footprint.

The new guidelines help transgender employees to navigate their transition in the workplace and also provides a summary of diversity and gender identity terminology and definitions.

“I am proud of the commitment the firm and IRIS Network is making to our colleagues and am grateful that we are able reflect on the importance of valuing every individual as their true and whole self,” added D’Agostino.

Finance partner joins Ropes & Gray in Hong Kong

Finance partner Jackie Kahng has joined Ropes & Gray in Hong Kong from Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett.

She is dual qualified in New York and Hong Kong and with a focus on borrower-side financing work, including private equity funds and other corporates.

Her multi-jurisdictional experience includes Australia, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, and South Korea.