Clifford Chance pilots robotics training in Asia Pacific

Clifford Chance pilots robotics training in Asia Pacific

Clifford Chance is piloting a cutting edge robotics training program in Singapore before a planned roll-out across Asia Pacific.

The Automation Academy will be run through the firm’s Create+65 legal tech innovation lab and run in conjunction with Josef, a 'next generation' legal automation platform that allows lawyers to create bots.

Trainees and lawyers will be given a foundational understanding of how to automate legal contracts and other tasks using a no-code platform.

"At the end of 12 weeks - we aim to have developed fully functional legal bots that change the way Clifford Chance approaches particular legal tasks," said Clifford Chance Innovation Lead Laura Collins-Scott. 

Andersen Global expands in Central America

Tax and legal network Andersen Global has added to its increasing footprint with a new collaboration agreement in Central America.

The agreement with Central Law brings locations in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. Central Law was founded 16 years ago and provides comprehensive legal advice in areas such as banking and finance, civil law, commercial law, corporate law, immigration, labor and employment, mergers and acquisitions, arbitration, litigation, maritime and tax.   

“Central Law will provide broad regional and synergistic coverage as we expand our presence in Central America,” said Mark Vorsatz, Andersen Global Chairman and Andersen CEO. “Rafael and his team demonstrate the highest professional standards and I am confident that we can work together to expand the platform and capabilities of the group in this important region and integrate them with our global strategy.”

Global firm launches office in Johannesburg

Hogan Lovells has launched its new fully-integrated office in Johannesburg.

The global firm has been operating in South Africa for 6 years and the new location will provide advice on corporate, finance and regulatory matters while also being closely aligned to the firm’s global competition, restructuring, commercial, mining and life sciences practices.

The firm has been operating in the country since combining with legacy firm Routledge Modise in 2013 and operating as Hogan Lovells South Africa while remaining operationally and financially separate. The new office will be part of the global firm with Hogan Lovells South Africa operating as a separate entity, albeit based in the same building.

The Johannesburg office will be led by office managing partner Wessel Badenhorst and also adds 5 partners and a team of other lawyers.