Dentons goes galactic… Simmons & Simmons expands in Hong Kong… another US firm enters the Chinese market… and do lawyers really make bad parents?
Dentons boldly goes galactic
Dentons has expanded its frontiers by launching a new space business practice. Delbert D Smith, a veteran satellite telecoms lawyer will head up the new practice with collaboration from the newly expanded global aviation practice. The main areas of work for the new ‘out of this world’ division will include insurance, regulation and litigation in the commercial satellite and space sector.
S&S expands in Hong Kong
Simmons & Simmons has expanded its financial markets practice in Hong Kong with the appointment of Jolyon Ellwood-Russell as a partner. Ellwood-Russell is a specialist in debt finance and structured trade and commodity finance. He is also recognised for his work in the financing of infrastructure and renewable energy projects and has experience working with major cross border debt financing transactions in China, Asia and Europe. Ellwood-Russell will be based in Hong Kong but will work closely with colleagues in Beijing and Singapore.
Another US firm enters the Chinese market
Philadelphia law firm Duane Morris is the latest US firm to announce a new venture in China. The firm has partnered with Singapore-based Selvam for the new firm, which will be based in Shanghai and will be called Duane Morris Selvam. The two firms have previously collaborated on Myanmar and Singapore ventures. The Chinese firm will offer a range of services including a focus on acting for Chinese businesses that are operating or investing abroad.
Lawyers among the worst parents
Academics claim that lawyers may not make the best parents due to being considered by society as ‘aggressive’. The University of Iowa study suggests that caring professions such as doctors and teachers do better in their family life. The study found a link between professional and family identities; if someone works in a field that is viewed in a particular way it impacts on how they are at home. Of course, other factors may be more relevant such as the long hours and stress rather than a societal view of the profession!
