More departures from KWMSJB
Steven Davis, former corporate head of legacy SJ Berwin is to leave King & Wood Mallesons SJ Berwin to join Proskauer. The move follows Davis’ decision to move out of management at the end of last year. Partners Tim Wright and Ed Harris have also left the firm in the last year. KWMSJB’s London office will be boosted next year though, as Australian managing partner of M&A and tax, Tim Bednall and Shanghai-based Mike Wang will join on secondment.
US firms increase trainee numbers
Two US firms are increasing their intake of trainees at their London offices. Shearman & Stirling currently has 27 trainees over a two-year period but that will rise to 17 per year from 2016, while K&L Gates will add an extra two places to its trainee intake from next year. The announcements follow a trend in US firms, although Mayer Brown is cutting numbers next year.
Booth to leave Matrix Chambers
Cherie Booth, the wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, is leaving Matrix Chambers to concentrate on her new venture. Booth helped form the human rights barristers set 14 years ago but wants to devote her full attention to Omnia Strategy,her UK/US venture with offices in London and Washington DC. The alternative business structure offers more than law, with a holistic approach to business challenges.
Law firm takes the rap
A Kentucky law firm has signed an influential rap star to feature in its TV commercial. Winton & Hiestand’s new ad aims to boost its personal injury practice among a new and hard-to-reach demographic and is complemented by billboard ads and bus stop advertising.
See the commercial.
