Law

Linklaters partner pay tops £2m as firm eyes further US expansion

ShareResizePre-tax profit at Linklaters surpassed £1bn for the first time in the year to 30 AprilPhoto: Bloomberg via Getty ImagesEquity partners at Linklaters are set to take home an average of £2.2m, marking a 15% increase on the previous year.The Magic Circle law firm posted a 11% rise in revenue to £2.3bn in the year to 30 April 2025, while pre-tax profit was up 14% to £1.08bn. It is the first time profit has surpassed the £1bn mark.

Sarah Brown in Law 2026-04-21 16:31

Freshfields names 25 partners in expanded promotions round

ShareResizeFreshfields has boosted its City office with a string of partner promotions Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty ImagesFreshfields has appointed 25 new partners in its latest promotions round for the Magic Circle law firm.Nine of the new partners are based in London, up from six the previous year. Freshfields promoted 23 lawyers to its partnership last year.

Jane Johnson in Law 2026-04-20 11:55

Travers Smith partner pay edges up while revenue dips

ShareResizeTravers Smith has made hires to its London office this year (photo by Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images)Photo: In Pictures via Getty ImagesTravers Smith posted average profit per equity partner of £1.3m for the year ended 30 June, up 5% on the previous year.Revenue at the firm fell 2% to £210m, while profit was down 3% to £74.1m.

Jane Brown in Law 2026-04-18 11:17

Ex-Rosenblatt CEO: ‘There is a large degree of FOMO’ on PE from law firms

ShareResizePrivate equity dealmaker Adil Taha set up a consultancy to connect law firms with private equity investorsLaw firms are increasingly open to private equity investment, fearing they may miss out on an important source of capital that is currently focused on professional services, according to the founder of a new advisory boutique.Adil Taha, the former chief executive of litigation law firm Rosenblatt, has left the firm to launch a cons...

John Williams in Law 2026-04-17 11:11

HSF Kramer boosts newly qualified lawyer pay to £145,000

ShareResizeA series of UK law firms have boosted pay for junior lawyers this year Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesHSF Kramer has boosted pay for its newly qualified lawyers in London to £145,000, up from £135,000 last year.The 7% pay hike takes effect on 1 July, the law firm said in a statement.

John Johnson in Law 2026-04-14 11:19

Can private equity run law firms better?

ShareResizeLawfront has a plan to buy, build, and overhaul the legal sectorPhoto: Getty ImagesMost lawyers don’t make good managers. That’s according to a new private equity-backed firm looking to buy up legal practices and free them up for client work.Launched by private equity fund Blixt in 2021, Lawfront has so far bought six regional law firms.

Michael Miller in Law 2026-04-13 11:35

Herbert Smith Freehills and Kramer Levin partners approve merger

ShareResizeHSF’s chief executive Justin D’Agostino and senior partner Rebecca Maslen-Stannage hailed a landmark merger dealPartners at Herbert Smith Freehills and Kramer Levin have voted to approve a merger between the pair which will create a $2bn revenue law firm.Anglo-Australian firm HSF and US firm Kramer Levin struck a tie-up deal in November to forge a law firm with more than 2,700 lawyers.

Jennifer Brown in Law 2026-04-13 11:57

Sidley hires Weil funds partner trio in London

ShareResizeSidley has been investing in its private capital offering in London Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesSidley Austin has hired three funds partners from rival US law firm Weil Gotshal & Manges in London.The team is led by Weil’s global private funds co-head and London private funds head Ed Gander, according to people familiar with the situation.

Robert Williams in Law 2026-04-11 18:00

Dual listings key to London Stock Exchange’s revival, City advisers say

ShareResize'We’re moving away from traditional listings to a brave new world'Photo: Carl Court/Getty ImagesBig-ticket dual listings could play a key role in the revival of London’s stock market after a flurry of activity, according to City advisers.Following recent listing reforms and early signs of recovery in Britain’s IPO market, advisers toldFinancial Newsthey were seeing increased interest in dual listings, which could help the London Stock ...

John Brown in Law 2026-04-11 11:43

Ex-staff criticise A&O Shearman’s ‘shocking’ Trump deal

ShareResizeUS president Donald Trump has attacked major law firms in his second term in office SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty ImagesThis is an online version of Financial News’s weekly legal newsletter, FN Law. To subscribe, click hereFormer staff have taken aim at A&O Shearman’s deal with US president Donald Trump to head off a possible probe into its hiring practices.

Jennifer Smith in Law 2026-04-10 18:18

Trading Places: Deutsche Bank hires ECM veteran, Paul Weiss boosts London office

ShareResizeFind out who is on the move in the City and beyond this weekDeutsche Bankhas hired Barclays’ top equity capital markets banker,Tom Swerling, to lead its ECM business globally,Financial Newsrevealed. His exit comes just a month after Barclays announced it had recruited RBC banker John Kolz to co-head the division.

Jennifer Brown in Law 2026-04-09 18:54

US law firms step up trainee poaching in London with earlier offers

ShareResizeWhile overall departures have stayed stable, the recruitment cycle is changing for talented young lawyersPhoto: Getty ImagesTrainees at UK law firms are being pounced on by US rivals earlier in their careers as the battle for junior talent intensifies.Top US law firms have ramped up their efforts to poach young lawyers in London, with some recruiting well ahead of qualification, legal headhunters toldFinancial News.

Sarah Williams in Law 2026-04-09 18:22

Meet three of the top private equity lawyers in Europe

ShareResizeNeil Sinha, A&O Shearman; Emma Danks, Taylor Wessing; and Gareth Earl, Simpson Thacher & BartlettPrivate Equity Newshas unveiled its third annual pick of the top legal minds working in the buyout sector.Financial News’s sister title has selected lawyers working on deals, fundraising and financing at some of the world’s biggest law firms, including Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins and A&O Shearman for the Twenty Mo...

John Davis in Law 2026-04-07 18:26

Why Emily Monastiriotis’ 13-year-old told her to go for the top job at Simmons & Simmons

ShareResizeHow Monastiriotis went from a ‘tiny school’ to the top of Big LawPhoto: Danilo Agutoli for FNWhen Emily Monastiriotis was thinking about standing for the top job at City law firm Simmons & Simmons, she ran the new role past her 13-year-old daughter.“I made her part of my decision-making process… and it was one of the most wholesome discussions I have ever had in my life,” Monastiriotis tellsFinancial News.

Jennifer Brown in Law 2026-04-06 18:10

New Simmons & Simmons boss doubles down on diversity despite US backlash

ShareResizeEmily Monastiriotis took over as managing partner of Simmons & Simmons on 1 MayThe new managing partner of Simmons & Simmons has said the top City law firm is sticking to its guns on diversity, despite a backlash that has swept across the global legal sector.US president Donald Trump has targeted leading American law firms because of their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. That has led to a string of firms striking d...

Robert Smith in Law 2026-04-05 11:49

Paul Hastings raids White & Case again for infrastructure push

ShareResizeThe US law firm has hired seven partners for its energy and infrastructure team since 1 AprilPhoto: Getty ImagesPaul Hastings has raided White & Case again as it builds its international energy and infrastructure team,Financial Newshas learned.Mergers and acquisitions lawyer Stefan Mrozinski and projects lawyer Habeeb Rahman are joining as partners in Abu Dhabi.

John Johnson in Law 2026-04-04 18:44

A&O Shearman re-hires Skadden UK corporate co-head

ShareResizeA&O Shearman has strengthened its M&A team in London Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty ImagesA&O Shearman has re-hired a senior M&A partner from US law firm Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom in London.George Knighton, Skadden’s UK corporate co-head, is joining A&O Shearman as a partner in London, the firm said in a 20 May statement.

Sarah Jones in Law 2026-04-04 11:39

Clifford Chance promotes 31 new partners in expanded round

ShareResizeThe Canary Wharf-headquartered firm has added to its partnership ranks Chris J. Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesClifford Chance has promoted 31 lawyers to its partnership, up from 29 last year.The Magic Circle law firm promoted 12 partners in London, down from 14 last year. It promoted 32 new partners in 2023 and it promoted 37 partners in 2022.

Jennifer Miller in Law 2026-04-03 11:13

Top UK law firms boost partner pay as revenues climb

ShareResizeFN analysed the results of 11 leading London law firmsPhoto: Universal Images Group via Getty ImagesLeading City law firms boosted partner pay by 9% on average in the latest financial year, according to aFinancial Newsanalysis of annual results from 11 UK-headquartered legal businesses.The mean revenue increase at the 11 law firms was 7%. Most of the firms closed their financial year at the end of April and posted the results during th...

Sarah Brown in Law 2026-04-03 18:24

Fried Frank hires Goodwin real estate partner Evans

ShareResizeFried Frank has added another senior lawyer from GoodwinsPhoto: John Keeble/Getty ImagesFried Frank has added Goodwin’s David Evans to its real estate practice in London, the firm confirmed toFinancial News.Evans is a former member of Goodwin’s executive committee and has over 30 years experience in the real estate sector, with a focus on joint ventures, M&A and real estate funds.

Jennifer Smith in Law 2026-04-02 18:48

Trading Places: Citi poaches Sankey, A&O Shearman re-hires Knighton

ShareResizeThis is an online version of FN’s weekly people moves newsletter, Trading Places. Click here to get it straight to your inboxCitigroupshook up the senior leadership of its equity capital markets business in Europe, bringing in a top HSBC banker to head up the unit.Ed Sankeyis joining Citigroup as head of equity capital markets for Europe, the UK and the Middle East and Africa, according to a memo seen byFinancial News. Sankey joins fro...

Jennifer Johnson in Law 2026-04-01 11:31

Paul Weiss hires Akin heavyweight to launch London litigation team

ShareResizePaul Weiss moved into social media company X’s former London headquarters at 20 Air Street in Soho last year Photo: Richard Baker / Getty ImagesPaul Weiss is hiring rival US law firm Akin’s international disputes head to launch a London litigation team.The New York law firm has expanded rapidly in London since hiring star finance lawyer Neel Sachdev and a team from Kirkland & Ellis in 2023.

Sarah Williams in Law 2026-04-01 18:08

Carlyle lawyer jumps to investment side as managing director

ShareResizePrivate equity firms are shaking up their legal teams Photo: Igor Golovniov/Getty ImagesThis is an online version of Financial News’s weekly legal newsletter, FN Law. To subscribe, click hereA senior lawyer in Carlyle’s European legal team has jumped to the private equity firm’s energy investment team as a managing director.

John Johnson in Law 2026-03-30 18:50

Dozens of SFO cases face potential legal challenge after software failures

ShareResizeLegal experts raise concerns about the potential scope for unsafe convictionsPhoto: Mark Kerrison/Getty ImagesThe Serious Fraud Office has had to review at least 60 cases after it found potential issues with software it uses to search for evidence,Financial Newscan reveal.The SFO began reviewing current and historic cases last year after it found problems with the program it uses to search for disclosure — an integral part of the legal...

David Davis in Law 2026-03-29 11:53

Latham & Watkins hires White & Case private equity partner

ShareResizeRoss Allardice joins Latham & Watkins’ private equity M&A  practice in LondonPhoto: Goodrich Visions for White & CaseLatham & Watkins has strengthened its London M&A and private equity practice with the hire of Ross Allardice from rival US law firm White & Case.Allardice first joined White & Case in 2013 after an eight-year stint as a partner at Kirkland & Ellis. He moved to Dechert in 2016 before r...

David Williams in Law 2026-03-28 18:16

After pouring into professional services, what’s private equity’s exit plan?

ShareResizePrivate equity firms could continue passing the parcel on as their acquisitions scale upPhoto: Getty ImagesBuyout bosses and advisers say a recent boom in professional services deals shows little sign of slowing down, and private equity will continue to play a major role in the sector over the next decade.Private equity firms have scored a raft of big-ticket deals in the past two years, including for Grant Thornton, S&W and DWF, dr...

Emily Johnson in Law 2026-03-24 18:32

Simpson Thacher names co-heads of European M&A

ShareResizeThe firm has picked two London partners to lead its European M&A team Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesUS law firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett has named London partners James Howe and Geoff Bailhache as co-heads of European M&A.The duo succeed M&A partner Ben Spiers who has led the division for nine years.

Sarah Jones in Law 2026-03-23 18:30

Paul Hastings hires fourth White & Case infrastructure partner

ShareResizePaul Hastings launched a new office in Abi Dhabi this year KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty ImagesPaul Hastings has hired a fourth infrastructure partner from rival US law firm White & Case.The firm hired infrastructure partners Dinmukhamed Eshanov and George Kazakov from White & Case last month to co-lead a new office in Abu Dhabi, alongside Paris-based partner Xavier Petet.

David Smith in Law 2026-03-22 11:47

Baker McKenzie hires Michal Berkner after McDermott exit

ShareResizeBerkner with Jenrick at the 2024 Conservative Party conference Photo: Dan Kitwood/Getty ImagesBaker McKenzie has hired M&A lawyer Michal Berkner as a partner in London.Berkner, who is married to high-profile Conservative politician Robert Jenrick, left law firm McDermott in November,Financial Newsrevealed. She was with the US firm for less than a year.

Emily Davis in Law 2026-03-21 11:41

Law firms rush to promote non-equity partners

ShareResizeLaw firms have promoted a record number of partners, but have shifted to a non-equity modelPhoto: Jose Sarmento Matos/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesThis is an online version of Financial News’s weekly legal newsletter, FN Law. To subscribe, click hereCleary Gottlieb and McDermott Will & Schulte are among US law firms that have promoted record numbers of senior lawyers this year. 

Emily Johnson in Law 2026-03-18 11:29

A&O Shearman promotes 33 partners, down from 40 last year

ShareResizeLondon-headquartered law firm Allen & Overy merged with US law firm Shearman & Sterling last year John Keeble/Getty ImagesA&O Shearman has promoted 33 partners, a fall from last year when it elevated 40 lawyers to the coveted position.London-headquartered law firm Allen & Overy merged with New York’s Shearman & Sterling on 1 May last year.

Robert Miller in Law 2026-03-17 11:15

Natasha Harrison: ‘I made a career out of being adverse to Credit Suisse’

ShareResize‘Do I have any regrets about leaving and starting my own firm? Absolutely not,’ Harrison tells FNPhoto Illustration: Danilo Agutoli for FNCredit Suisse’s woes have kept one City lawyer very busy in recent years. Natasha Harrison, who launched litigation law firm Pallas Partners in 2022, jokes that she was in constant conflict with the Swiss bank before its emergency takeover by UBS in 2023.“I seemed to make a career out of being advers...

Michael Smith in Law 2026-03-15 11:21

Freshfields eyes non-equity partner switch in battle for talent

ShareResizeThe London-founded law firm is betting big on growth in the US, and could shake up progression to retain top performersPhoto: Mike Kemp/Getty ImagesFreshfields is mulling the introduction of a non-equity tier in its partnership as the Magic Circle law firm faces competition for talent from rivals.A swathe of major law firms have introduced ranks of so-called non-equity partners in recent years to help them hold on to up-and-coming lawy...

Emily Davis in Law 2026-03-14 11:05

Linklaters promotes 34 new partners

ShareResizeLondon-headquartered law firm Linklaters promotes swathe of new partners John Keeble/Getty ImagesLinklaters is promoting 34 new partners across its global network.The Magic Circle law firm has increased its number of new partners this year, with 34 making the grade, up from 27 the previous year. Sixteen of the new partners are based in London.

Michael Jones in Law 2026-03-12 18:36

Why London remains ‘mission critical’ for global law firms

ShareResize‘London is mission critical for global law firms,’ says Jonathan Wood at Weil (Photo by John Keeble/Getty Images)The City’s position as a financial and commercial centre means it will remain an important location for law firms, according to senior lawyers in the UK capital, but the current exodus of non-doms means the sector needs to “work hard to keep London attractive”.London’s standing as a top destination for law firms, particularl...

Robert Johnson in Law 2026-03-11 11:27

Magic Circle partner promotions inch up, but total down on recent years

ShareResizeLondon’s Magic Circle law firms promoted marginally more partners this year Photo: photo: Jose Sarmento Matos/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesThis is an online version of Financial News’s weekly legal newsletter, FN Law. To subscribe, click herePartner promotions at London’s elite Magic Circle law firms grew marginally this year after a strong period for the global legal industry.

Michael Johnson in Law 2026-03-10 11:07

Ashurst and Perkins Coie rule out post-merger private equity deal

ShareResizePerkins Coie's Bill Malley, left, and Ashurst's Paul Jenkins, right tell FN there can be a potential 'culture issue' when taking on buyout shop fundingCity law firm Ashurst and US peer Perkins Coie have ruled out taking on private equity investment after their transatlantic merger.Speaking toFinancial News, Paul Jenkins, global chief executive of Ashurst, said there is “no intention” to strike a deal with private equity investors once ...

John Johnson in Law 2026-03-08 18:40

Weil elevates four London lawyers to partner in 17-strong promotion round

ShareResizeIn addition to London, the new partner class spans the law firm’s offices in Boston, Dallas, Munich, New York, Paris, San Francisco and Washington DC.Photo: Bloomberg via Getty ImagesWeil Gotshal & Manges has promoted 17 lawyers to partner globally, with four making the cut in London.The promotion round at the US law firm is in line with the past two years. The firm elevated 18 partners worldwide in 2024, with two in London, and 16...

Michael Johnson in Law 2026-03-07 18:58

Junior pay hikes heap pressure on Magic Circle in ‘fierce’ talent battle

ShareResizePhoto: Jason Alden/Getty ImagesPay hikes for junior lawyers at a group of UK and international law firms during the summer have upped pressure on Magic Circle firms to keep ahead of the competition in a fierce market for talent.Mayer Brown has raised its salary for junior lawyers in London to £150,000, an 11% rise from the previous £135,000. Baker McKenzie and HSF Kramer increased their salary for newly qualified lawyers to £145,000, u...

Michael Davis in Law 2026-03-06 18:14

BCLP UK boss leaves door open to private equity investment

ShareResizePhoto: Jose Sarmento Matos/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesThe UK boss of law firm BCLP said it remains open to private equity investment and another merger to boost growth.Jinal Shah, BCLP’s UK Managing Partner, toldFinancial Newsthat the Missouri-headquartered firm has not ruled out striking a private equity deal, but declined to comment on whether it has engaged with any potential buyers. 

Jennifer Johnson in Law 2026-03-05 11:01

Ex-PwC consultant launches law firm advisory business as private equity targets sector

ShareResizeThe City’s legal landscape is shifting rapidly thanks to buyout interestPhoto: Bloomberg via Getty ImagesA former PwC and Linklaters consultant has launched a business advising law firm leaders as the industry consolidates and private equity firms seek to muscle their way into the lucrative sector.Greg Jackson spent three years at Big Four accountancy firm PwC as a law firm strategist and consultant. Previously he was global director o...

Robert Davis in Law 2026-03-04 11:37

Trading Places: Point72, Caxton and T Rowe Price make hires

ShareResizeTrading PlacesFind out who is on the move in the City and beyond this weekPoint72hired former Millennium Management portfolio managerPrejesh Patelto strengthen its London team. Patel will join Point72’s London office as a portfolio manager in May, according to people familiar with the matter. Patel joins Point72 after leaving Millennium in February after more than two years with the hedge fund.

Michael Smith in Law 2026-03-04 18:02

City tries to kill Budget tax threat to banks and partnerships

ShareResizeChancellor Rachel Reeves has already rolled the pitch for tax rises, but will she stop short of the jewels in the City’s crown?Photo: WPA Pool/Getty ImagesDavid Wighton is a columnist for Financial NewsThis is the time of year when City lobbyists earn their keep. Ahead of the Budget, they have collared anyone who might have influence over the chancellor and repeated their well-worn arguments about the danger of raising taxes on banks.

Emily Williams in Law 2026-03-02 11:03

Law

Newsletter Subcribe