Promotions for Asia-Pac lawyers at international firm
White & Case has announced its latest round of promotions including four in Asia-Pacific. The international firm has promoted 9 lawyers to partner and 16 to counsel across 17 offices and 9 practices. Chairman Hugh Verrier acknowledged the firm’s team around the world, including those in its 7 offices in this region, but noted that the firm’s expansion is currently focused on the US and in London. The new Asia-Pac promotions are: Karl Pires who becomes a global M&A partner in Tokyo; Lucy Xu who becomes a global M&A partner in Shanghai; Jane Huston who becomes a banking counsel in Singapore; and Chiho Saito who becomes a global M&A counsel in Tokyo.
Corrs partner jumps state
Corrs Chambers Westgarth construction and projects partner Michael Earwaker has relocated from Melbourne to Sydney. The move is due to increased demand in the Sydney construction market. Earwaker joins the team of Andrew Chew, Shaun Bailey and Simon Ashworth.
Activist accuses governments of using terror laws to curb freedom
Governments around the world are introducing tough anti-terrorism laws and using them as an excuse to curb freedom of expression. Speaking to lawyers at Chancery Lane, home to many barristers’ chambers in London, Madira Sharma said that lawyers and others that defend human rights have found themselves restricted by increased legislation. The Law Society Gazette reports that the founder of the Nepalese Advocacy Freedom told lawyers: ‘The increasing threat of terrorism has been providing a cushion, even in countries like ours, to curtail freedom of expression and other human rights that we value so much.”
Blurred Lines duo appeal copyright decision
The duo behind smash hit ‘Blurred Lines’ are appealing a court decision that their song plagiarised a Marvin Gaye classic. Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke were ordered to pay more than 5 million US dollars to the estate of the late Motown legend by a US federal court in March. Although more than 3 million dollars has already been paid, the duo filed papers this week appealing the original ruling. A spokesman for the Gaye family said that they were confident that it will not be overturned.
