Transatlantic tie-up offers challenger model for legal services
Two prominent law firms have announced a strategic alliance which they say is a challenger model to the current transatlantic legal services market.
UK-based Bond Dickinson and US firm Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice have a shared commitment to offer clients a superior service and to enabling lawyers from both sides of the Atlantic to further their international capabilities.
The two firms have been working together for some time to support each other’s clients but this formal agreement is likely to lead to reciprocal office-hosting, referrals and other collaboration.
DLA Piper partners with AI firm for new docs tool
DLA Piper has announced a partnership with artificial intelligence specialists Kira Systems in order to implement a new document review process across its international locations. It follows a recent trial of the technology in its corporate, IP and technology practices.
The tool will be used during due diligence in M&A deals and DLA Piper’s Jonathan Klein commented: "We believe that this innovative technology will do for corporate transactional work what e-discovery has done for litigation.”
The benefits of AI includes reduced risk of errors and of course speed. Brisbane-based corporate M&A partner Lindon Masters said: “On a recent deal, our knowledge and experience combined with Kira meant that we could deliver to much faster timelines with greater accuracy and efficiency.”
German Chancellor stresses importance of independent Chinese judiciary
The German Chancellor Angela Merkel is in China on a state visit and has used the occasion to urge Beijing to ensure an independent judiciary.
Business Insider reports that Merkel said that it is important for foreign firms to know that there is a strong legal framework in the country and that “everyone is equal before the law.”
She is under pressure along with other world leaders to push for reform in China amid concern over the recent clampdown on critics of the government and the rise in regulatory enforcement.
