World’s top law brands named
The annual ranking of global law brands has been released by industry analysts Acritas. Baker & McKenzie has topped the list for the sixth consecutive year and ranked top for each of the measures that makes up the index – awareness, favourability, consideration for multi-jurisdictional deals and for multi-jurisdictional litigation – and once more widened its lead over its nearest competitor. That competitor this year is DLA Piper and Clifford Chance, Norton Rose Fulbright and Hogan Lovells complete the top 5. Two of Asia-Pac’s biggest names tie at 12; King & Wood Mallesons; and Herbert Smith Freehills. The ranking of global brand equity follows a survey of more than 2,300 general counsel.
London needs lawyers from outside Europe says Law Society
Lawyers from outside the European Economic Area are key to London retaining its position as a global centre of legal excellence. That’s the message from the Law Society to the UK government’s migration advisory committee. The ability of firms in the British capital to recruit from anywhere in the world is also vital to the growth of those firms in an increasingly international market. The society’s president Jonathan Smithers has highlighted the contribution that the legal profession makes to the UK economy; 1.6 per cent of GDP based on 2013 figures.
International law firm names global fund finance practice head
Zachary Barnett has been named the leader of the global fund finance practice at Mayer Brown. The Chicago-based partner will lead a team of six partners, 17 associates and counsel. The firm has relationships with many of the major lenders in the US, Europe and Asia and focuses on the subscription credit facility and broader fund finance market.
Thong Song singer brings in the lawyers
One of the biggest hits of 1999 is the subject of a new lawsuit. The Thong Song, which reached number 2 in Australia and topped the chart in New Zealand, was performed by American singer and rapper Sisqo who now says he is owed US$600,000 in unpaid royalties. However the lawsuit, reported by gossip writer Perez Hilton, includes an additional $3 million for punitive damages.
