Asia-Pac dominates promotions at international law firm
Herbert Smith Freehills has announced its latest round of promotions which set two new records for the firm since its UK-Australia tie-up. Firstly the largest proportion of the new partners is from Asia-Pacific; secondly a record 43 per cent are women. There are 21 promotions in total, effective 1
st May 2015. In Asia-Pac the new partners are: Bryony Adams – Disputes, Sydney; Paul Apathy – Finance, Sydney; Joanne Draper – Projects, Melbourne; Christopher Hunt – Disputes, Tokyo; Andrew McLean – Finance, Perth; Richard Norridge – Disputes, Hong Kong; Alexis Papasolomontos – Corporate (M&A), Tokyo; Mark Robinson – Corporate (TMT), Singapore; Stefanie Wilkinson – Corporate, Melbourne; Elaine Wong – Disputes, Tokyo; and Jacqueline Wootton – Disputes, Melbourne.
Firms merge as part of international growth strategy
London-based law firm DWF is to merge with niche insurance practice Watmores in what has been described by the firm as supporting the firm’s “planned national and international growth strategies”. DWF has a team of more than 1000 and is recognised as a leading insurance practice in the UK but also has an industry sector practice with a particular focus on transport. It recently opened its first international office in Dubai. Watmores has a client base of insurance and transport industry companies.
International firm marks a decade in Dubai
International law firm Simmons & Simmons are this week celebrating ten years in Dubia. The firm opened its first office in the country in 2005 having been in the Middle East since 1994 when it opened in Abu Dhabi; it also has a Doha office which opened in 2003. The firm’s senior partner Colin Passmore thanked staff for their hard work at an event for clients and staff at the Ritz-Carlton in the Dubai International Financial Centre.
King & Wood Mallesons reshapes London office with Eversheds hires
A team of real estate partners from Eversheds has been hired by King & Wood Mallesons as the Asian-based firm looks to reshape its London office. Partners Simon Burson and Jeremy Brooks have been hired along with George Burrha, principal associate at Eversheds but made up to partner at KWM. William Boss, regional managing partner at KWM says that the firm is in a period of renewal.
