Been a while since we referenced Roll On Friday?? and reported on Europe but the mention of a 1789 moment for law firms attracted our attention…
Here’s their editorial for this week
This week, we?ve got news from Europe which shows that the big firms? international models may be in danger of breaking down. First up, serial shedder of staff Eversheds looks like it?s teetering on a precipice in Copenhagen, with scary rumours of partners jumping ship ? or were they pushed? Over in gay Paris, Norton Rose has lost another bunch, too. And the rot doesn?t stop there either, with numerous members of Howrey?s highly-rated European IP teams fleeing to set up their own shop. It?s like 1789, all over again. Or maybe 1618, history fans.
Elsewhere, Allen & Overy has updated its branding at ? presumably – vast expense. Whispers reach us that the Magic Circle champ is now to be referred to (within their own walls) as the ?World?s Most Advanced Law Firm? (thanks, pricy brand consultants).
The huge disconnect between law graduates and training contract places is finally looking to be sorted out by those brave souls at Kaplan Law School, soon to be subjecting GDL and LPC applicants to an entrance test and interview. Question is ? will anyone else follow suit?
Up next, Steptoe & Johnson has told its new neighbours to burger off. And whistle-blowing website solicitorsfromhell is hunting down the back of the sofa, having been hit by an enormous defamation bill. Although they seem pretty calm about it.
Over in Asia-Pacific, it?s lager all round. A barrister?s whinging has paid off and the big firms are enjoying the bounty of the biggest Aussie IPO for a decade. There?s more here, too
