Global firm re-elects managing partner

Global firm re-elects managing partner
Reed Smith has re-elected Alexander Y. “Sandy” Thomas as its global managing partner.

The election was uncontested and means he stays in the role for a further four years until 31 July 2020. It is his second term for the firm which has only had 11 leaders in its 140-year history. Thomas is also chair of Reed Smith’s executive committee.

During his first term, Thomas has overseen several changes including new offices in Frankfurt and Miami; its Formal Law Alliance with Singapore firm Resource Law LLC; and the hire of 50 lawyers from the former European arm of King & Wood Mallesons.

Expansion for Eversheds Sutherland
The global expansion of Eversheds Sutherland has continued with a new office in Dusseldorf.

The office builds on the firm’s existing German presence in Berlin, Hamburg and Munich and will initially focus on real estate and insurance before expanding to full service.

The launch team includes three partners and eleven lawyers.

Eversheds Sutherland expanded its Asia Pacific capabilities earlier this year with the launch of Eversheds Harry Elias in Singapore.

New partners to lead practice at Mayer Brown JSM
The Singapore office of Mayer Brown JSM has two new partners who join the firm’s banking & finance practice as co-leaders of a Pan Asia practice focusing on trade finance, structured finance and governance and advisory services.

Angelia Chia and Ben Sandstad are returning to private practice after leading global teams at a major bank and have a combined 40 years of experience.

For Sandstad, the law firm is familiar territory as he was head of structured finance in Asia for Mayer Brown JSM from 2010 to 2013.

"The arrival of Angelia and Ben signifies the firm’s ongoing commitment to expanding the Singapore office and the service offerings we extend to clients around the globe," said Kevin Owen, the managing partner of Mayer Brown JSM’s offices in Singapore and Bangkok.