Women may be put off M&A at law school
A newly formed group is seeking to create better balance between the dominance of men and women in M&A deals. The US-based Women in Mergers and Acquisitions Task Force wants to discover why women remain in short supply in the deals environment. Bloomberg reports that the group have discovered that in their first two years of practice in law firms 48 per cent of associates are women but only 40 per cent consider themselves to be M&A lawyers. The group traced the imbalance back to law schools and found that in introductory corporate classes there are roughly equal numbers of men and women, however for the advanced classes women make up only 36 to 40 per cent. Richard Climan, a partner at Weil, Gotshal & Manges commented that he had anecdotal evidence that women in law schools were given the impression that M&A was a macho field.
Baker & McKenzie hosts Asia-Pacific meeting
Baker & McKenzie is hosting its 42
nd Asia-Pacific Meeting in Shanghai this week with more than 500 partners, staff and key clients having the opportunity to meet and discuss the legal and business issues affecting clients’ growth in China and global investments. The event, which brings together partners from 77 Baker & McKenzie offices across the globe has an agenda including digital disruption and technology. Attendees will also consider the impact of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area.
International law firm expands
DLA Piper has announced a two-pronged expansion of its global practice this week. As well as becoming the
first global firm brand to operate in New Zealand the firm has also announced an agreement to join forces with Canadian firm Davis LLP. The Vancouver-based firm which was formed in 1892 will become part of DLA Piper from April 2015 and will be rebranded as DLA Piper (Canada) LLP. Davis’ existing partnership in Japan will continue to operate as Davis & Takahashi.
Hogan Lovells hires IP team in Hong Kong
Hogan Lovells has hired a team of lawyers for its Hong Kong IP practice from Mayer brown SJM. Alan Chiu and Eugene Low joined the practice on 2
nd March along with consultant Kenny Wong.
Latham & Watkins appoints 9 new partners
International firm Latham & Watkins has appointed 9 of its counsel to the partnership. Four are based in the US while the others are in London. There are now new partners for Asia-Pac this time; Yiu Kwong (Stephen) Chan was elected to the partnership in Hong Kong in January.
