Two international firms in merger talks
Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) and Bryan Cave have confirmed that they are in merger talks.
The combination would create a global firm with 32 offices across 12 countries and around 1,500 lawyers. In Asia Pacific, the firm would have offices in Beijing; Hong Kong; Shanghai; Singapore; Yangon.
“If we combine we will operate without regard to geographic boundaries. Our firm would be one of only a handful of global firms operating in a one-firm structure with more than 500 lawyers in both the US and also internationally,” commented Therese Pritchard, chair of Bryan Cave LLP.
Partners of both firms will vote on the proposed tie-up later this year.
New specialist business division for DWF
International firm DWF has launched a new specialist business division for a range of services that it offers aside from its core legal services offering.
The firm, which recently added three Australian offices to its growing footprint, says that the new service Connected Services will operate as a standalone business focusing on research & development, technology incubation and the creation of a suite of commercially-focused business solutions.
The new business will also include a new ideas incubator, DWF Ventures; and tech consultancy DWF360.
“Our aim is first and foremost about finding the best ways to solve our clients' challenges, so by introducing a wider range of solutions and technologies to sit under one roof with our legal offerings, we are better equipped to support our clients in a more holistic way," said DWF managing partner and CEO Andrew Leaitherland.
Connected Services will be headed by DWF partner Jason Ford.
Squires adds finance partner in Sydney
Hai-Dang Nguyen is joining the financial services group of
Squire Patton Boggs in Sydney.
The baking and finance specialist joins from
Baker McKenzie and has significant experience of the business cultures of Vietnam and Southeast Asia and is an in-demand expert on money laundering cases.
It is rare to come across a lawyer with such widespread expertise in virtually every area of banking and finance," said Australian managing partner John Poulsen. "He is widely recognised as an astute negotiator with an in-depth knowledge of finance law."
