QC tells firms “stop relying on lawyers”

A leading barrister says that he would like to see corporates sorting out crises in alternative ways to relying on lawyers. Leslie Thomas QC warned that companies risk damaging their reputations if they always follow “what seems to be the right route legally.” Speaking to CityAm.com the London-based lawyer suggests that clients should seek advice from a range of professionals when faced with a crisis and also listen to their own 'moral compass'.
Thomas’ most high-profile cases included representing 11 families of victims of the Hillsborough football stadium disaster. He says that corporates should consider what happens “after the lawyers have gone” when they may be faced with rebuilding a shattered reputation. He also notes that sometimes tackling a crisis with a big name law firm and silks can make a company appear “elusive and defensive".
 
International firm expands Asia-Pac capabilities
Another US-based law firm is boosting its capabilities in Asia-Pacific with the intention to open a new Hong Kong office. Pillsbury is applying for a licence to operate the new office in line with its plan to extend its reach in China. The office will complement those it already has in Beijing and Shanghai. The firm also has a Tokyo office.
Partner Paul Jebeley will lead Pillsbury’s aviation finance practice in Asia, having joined from Clyde & Co where he headed the aviation finance practice. He will also oversee the establishment of the new Hong Kong office once the licence has been granted. Along with aviation finance the new location is expected to focus on international disputes and private client advisory.
 
MoFo hires corporate partner from Allen & Overy
Vivian Yiu is joining the Hong Kong office of international firm Morrison & Foerster. She is an experienced corporate finance lawyer with 15 years’ experience and joins from Allen & Overy in the region. Yiu has significant experience in Hong Kong capital markets offerings and China-focused M&A matters.
 
Lawyers boldly go… to court over Star Trek IP case
Lawyers for US TV network CBS have submitted a 28-page document detailing the myriad ways that filmmaker Axanar has infringed its copyright by making a Star Trek fan-film. Gizmodo.com reports that the defendants asked CBS to be more specific about the infringements following the filing of the law suit in December.
Law firm Loeb & Loeb has noted everything from Vulcan ears to triangular medals on uniforms; and including the entire Klingon race. The entire document can be viewed here.