Magic circle Linklaters scores FIFA’s top lawyers in US raid Legal Magic circle law firm Linklaters has snagged two of FIFA’s lawyers from a rival firm as part of its push into the US legal market. Partner Christopher Boehning has joined as Chair of its global sports practice and US strategic disputes, while Daniel Levi will serve in the firm’s litigation, arbitration and investigations practice, both [...]
Magic circle Freshfields ousts equity partners amid US push Legal Senior staff are bracing for a shake-up at magic circle law firm Freshfields, as partners have been forced out to boost growth and fund its US expansion. The City-based firm has ousted several equity partners in recent weeks across several European offices, including London, according to the Financial Times, as it focuses on growth. Speaking [...]
City law firms put US partner promotions in the spotlight Legal As law firms increasingly shift their focus to the US there has been a surge in partner promos across the Atlantic – while London is becoming more selective, writes Maria Ward-Brennan. It’s that time of year when my inbox gets flooded with press releases and Companies House notifications about partner promotions at the City’s finest [...]
Clifford Chance AI-driven redundancies hit London business service roles November 21, 2025 Law firm Clifford Chance is preparing for dozens of redundancies after launching a restructuring of its London business services team. Around 10 per cent of the 550 employees are set to lose their jobs, according to the Financial Times. It was reported that the magic circle firm told staff last month that greater use of [...]
Linklaters: Profit passes £1bn as partners set for record pay day July 22, 2025 Profit at Linklaters has surged past the £1bn for the first time as the law firm’s partners are set to share a record pay day. The London-headquartered firm, which dates back to 1838, has posted a pre-tax profit of £1.08bn for its year to 30 April, 2025, a rise of 14 per cent compared to [...]
‘Magic Circle’ law firms trying to distance themselves from the prestigious phrase May 29, 2025 'Magic Circle' is a term that has long been used to describe the elite law firms; however, within the circle, the mood is shifting around this esteemed phrase
City law firm ties bonuses to office attendance March 19, 2025 Lawyers at A&O Shearman have been re-warned that bonuses may be affected if they fail to comply with the office attendance policy
Freshfields: Revenue passes £2bn at Magic Circle law firm but profit cut February 3, 2025 Profit at Magic Circle law firm Freshfields was cut during its latest financial year despite its revenue passing £2bn for the first time. Freshfields has reported a pre-tax profit of £668.9m for the 12 months to 30 April, 2024, according to newly-filed accounts with Companies House. Profit before partners’ annuities increased from £497.8m to £675m. [...]
Lawyers are the new bankers as £1m salaries become the norm December 31, 2024 US law firms dominate London's legal market with aggressive hiring, record salaries, and bold investments, widening the gap with UK rivals
Hiring frenzy at London law firms as ‘apex predator’ disrupts market December 30, 2024 Partners at London law firms are switching companies at record pace as a surge of investment by American rivals ramps up competition for talent. According to data provided by legal recruiter, Edwards Gibson, there were 546 partner moves recorded over 2024. This figure is up seven from 510 moves in 2023, and up 14 per [...]