Five new Australian partners among NRF promotions…

US firms combine to create new 1,100-lawyer brand…

Five new Australian partners among NRF promotions…

Five new Australian partners among NRF promotions
Norton Rose Fulbright has announced its first January partner promotions which is dominated by North American offices.

Among the 53 promotions are 5 new partners in Australia:

  • Ka-Chi Cheung (corporate, M&A and securities, Melbourne)
  • Helen Macpherson (intellectual property, Sydney)
  • Deanne Ogilvie (real estate, Sydney)
  • Jonathon Turner (bankruptcy, financial restructuring and insolvency, Sydney)
  • Bernie Walrut (bankruptcy, financial restructuring and insolvency, Sydney)

Canada and the US have the largest share of new partners, followed by Europe. There are also 5 new directors in South Africa and two new partners in Singapore.

"I would like to congratulate this group of impressive lawyers on their promotions,” said global CEO Peter Martyr. “Practicing from 22 cities around the world, I am confident that our new partners and directors will leverage the power of our geographical platform and collaborate closely with each other to provide exceptional client service both locally and globally."

Female lawyers account for 42% of the promotions globally (22 out of 53).

US firms combine to create new 1,100-lawyer brand
Two US law firms have announced a combination that will create a new 1,100-lawyer firm with 23 offices across the country including 8 of the 10 largest US markets.

Troutman Sanders and Pepper Hamilton will merge to form Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP, with the firm being known as Troutman Pepper.

Steve Lewis, Managing Partner of Troutman Sanders, will serve as Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the combined firm while Tom Gallagher, Chair of the Executive Committee of Pepper Hamilton, will serve as Vice Chair of the new firm.

“The reasons to combine our two firms extend well beyond the nearly seamless merging of the complementary practice groups,” said Gallagher. “From a cultural standpoint, we are significantly aligned on values. We both are considered innovators, having invested early in new tools and technologies, and we are both well-known for delivering exceptional value to our clients.”

The tie-up has already been voted on by partners at both firms.