International firm makes stronger commitment in Southeast Asia
Stephenson Harwood has decided to strengthen its commitment in Southeast Asia with its own office in Myanmar, ending its two-year alliance with local firm U Tin Yu & Associates.
It is expected that Stephenson Harwood will launch its own office in the country by the end of this year, although it has not yet been confirmed.
The UK-headquartered law firm already has offices and associations giving it local capabilities in Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Seoul and Jakarta.
Herbert Smith Freehills shows support for armed forces
Herbert Smith Freehills chose Armistice Day as a fitting time to announce its support for a UK-based initiative to support service personnel.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise to treat both serving and ex- services personnel and their family fairly. HSF’s chief information officer Haig Tyler is a former Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force and is pleased with the law firm’s commitment to the covenant.
"I spent 12 years in the RAF firstly studying for a degree and then as an engineering officer. I was surrounded by a tremendously supportive culture, an ethos of absolute focus on delivery, and a wonderfully resilient and flexible group of friends and colleagues. All of these elements transfer well into civilian lives and careers. I'm proud not only of the time I spent serving but also that HSF is actively involved in this important scheme."
Trump case judge says litigants may be “wise” to reach a deal
The potential for a jury trial following a class action lawsuit filed against the next US president, Donald Trump, may not happen.
At a hearing, US District Judge Gonzalo Curiel rejected a request by Trump’s lawyers that comments he made in his election campaign should be disregarded by the jury. He also said he would not want to delay the trial from its November 28
th planned start date.
However, he conceded that the president-elect was likely to be busy in the run up to his inauguration and agreed that his evidence can be via video-link.
Donald Trump is key to the trial as it is claimed by plaintiffs that he personally had control over decisions of his real estate university, which they say misrepresented its ability to teach students how to profit from property. Donald Trump denies the allegations.
Judge Curiel told the hearing that it would be “wise” for both sides “to look closely at trying to resolve this case given all else that's involved."
