The legal landscape is constantly evolving, with top firms making strategic moves to strengthen their market position. From major promotions at Kirkland & Ellis to key hires at Sidley and Weil, these developments are reshaping the global legal market, particularly in M&A, private equity, and high-demand sectors. Here’s a roundup of some significant recent shifts over the last few weeks.
Paul, Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison Breaks into Top 10 U.K. M&A Advisers
In a significant milestone, New York-based Paul, Weiss has entered the top 10 U.K. M&A legal advisers for the first time. This achievement follows an aggressive hiring spree over the last year, propelling the firm from 20th to 8th place, according to data from the London Stock Exchange Group for the first nine months of the year.
Kirkland & Ellis Promotes 200 Lawyers to Partnership
Kirkland & Ellis, the revenue leader of the Am Law 100, recently promoted 200 lawyers to partnership. While this figure marks a slight dip from last year’s record 205 promotions, it remains impressive. Around 80% of the new partners are U.S.-based, with New York leading with 44 promotions, followed by Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. London saw the highest number of international promotions, with 25 new partners. Other notable promotions occurred in Hong Kong, Munich, Paris, and Riyadh.
Sidley Strengthens Global Finance Team with Five New Partners
Sidley has bolstered its global finance practice with five high-profile hires, including Legal 500 Hall of Famer Hamilton and leading leveraged finance partner Sadanandan. Both previously worked at Latham & Watkins and bring with them a wealth of experience from top clients such as Permira, Blackstone, and CVC. They are joined by three other Latham alumni as Sidley continues to grow its private equity and leveraged finance offerings.
Hamilton shared his motivation for joining Sidley:
"We liked the firm’s momentum in London and felt a cultural fit with their management team." Sidley is also expanding its presence in the U.S., with a focus on its new offices in San Diego and Miami."
Latham & Watkins Adds Senior Tax Partner in London
Latham has strengthened its transactional capabilities in London with the addition of Simon Skinner, a senior tax partner. This hire (announced in September) is expected to add further depth to Latham’s market-leading presence in the city.
Weil Gotshal Continues Expansion with Sophie Smith Hire
Weil continues to grow its private funds practice with the hire of Sophie Smith in London. Smith brings extensive experience in primary fundraisings and advising on carried interest and co-investments. Additionally, she brings significant ESG expertise, further broadening Weil's offering in impact and growth investing.
Jones Day Expands Dallas Office
Jones Day has welcomed three new partners to its corporate practice in Dallas—Rodney Moore, Samuel Peca, and Scott Delaney. These hires are part of the firm’s Energy Transition & Infrastructure initiative, signaling its continued focus on growth in key areas such as M&A, private equity, energy, and infrastructure.
Baker McKenzie Focuses on New York Profitability
Colin Murray, the firm's North American CEO, said the firm has plans to grow its PEP and profits per lawyer (PPL) to the same range as the top Am Law 25 firms, around $3.5 million to $8 million, and $700,000 to $3 million, respectively.
"If you're going to go after the best talent, you have to pay market-level compensation. Our U.S. [PEP] would land us around No. 39. Our goal is to be playing in the top 25," Murray said. (Law.com)
These moves highlight a continued focus on growth, particularly in London, New York private equity, and leveraged finance. Firms are emphasising strategic hires, promotions and office expansions to maintain their competitive edge.
Let's see what the rest of October has in store!
