The People Of: Professional Services

Legal landscape isn't static, is it? The recent move by attorneys from A&O Shearman stepping in as defence counsel for Toronto-Dominion Bank in a high-stakes securities class action shows how dynamic our industry truly is. But let's talk about something just as crucial - leadership branding in Big Law. Whether you're dealing with complex cases like the one against TD Bank or leading client strategies through turbulent times, establishing a strong leadership brand isn't optional; it's essential.💼 Think about Judge Subramanian, overseeing the case: his role isn't just about rulings but also about embodying leadership within the judiciary. Similarly, for attorneys at elite law firms, leadership goes beyond case law - it's about trust, integrity, and vision. Here are some vital steps to build your leadership brand: ✅ Be visible: Share your insights, write articles, or speak at industry events. ✅ Be consistent: Align your day-to-day actions with your long-term goals. ✅ Be authentic: Maintain transparency and honesty in all professional dealings. Creating a leadership brand requires genuine effort and time. But as our legal industry continues to face unprecedented changes, those who succeed in this are better positioned to lead their firms and clients confidently and effectively. 🌐 What's your take on building a leadership brand in Big Law? www.thepeopleof.co.uk #BigLaw #LeadershipBrand #LawFirmDisrupted

With a flurry of deal activity expected this year, Big Law firms are on a hiring spree. The need for robust legal defences and sound corporate strategies has never been more evident. Take the case filed in the New York Southern District Court as an example. Attorneys from A&O Shearman have stepped in to defend Toronto-Dominion Bank against accusations of non-compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and deficient anti-money laundering controls. As the legal landscape becomes increasingly complex, adding corporate partners is crucial for firms aiming to offer specialised expertise and comprehensive services to their clients. Whether it's high-stakes litigation or intricate M&A transactions, the demand for adept corporate partners continues to rise. Are you ready to strengthen your team and prepare for the wave of deal activity ahead? Visit www.thepeopleof.co.uk to find out how we can assist you in finding the right talent. #DealActivityExpected #BigLawContinuesAddingCorporatePartners #CorporateLawTrends

We're #hiring a new IP Trademark Litigation Associate in Chicago, Illinois. Apply today or share this post with your network.

We're #hiring a new Mergers and Acquisitions Associate in New York. Apply today or share this post with your network.

A&O Shearman stepping in for Toronto-Dominion Bank might be making headlines today, but the bigger story is one of economic shifts that could impact the white-collar defence practices. As recent trends indicate, there's a notable decrease in white-collar crime cases being initiated. Over the past year, UK white-collar defense practices have seen a significant 15% reduction in new cases (LegalWeek). This dovetails with forecasted expectations of further slowdown, as enforcement priorities shift and regulatory scrutiny evolves. 🌍 For those of you defending in these practices, paying close attention to these shifts is crucial. Embracing diversification might be the key to sustaining and thriving in this landscape - think cross-border compliance or cybersecurity. How are you navigating these tectonic shifts in white-collar defence? Drop your thoughts below or let's chat directly. www.thepeopleof.co.uk #DryUp #SeeSlowDowns #LawIndustry

Noticed a trend? 🌟 National law firms are setting their sights on Atlanta, marking it a 'hotbed for talented lawyers'. Whether drawn by diverse opportunities or the city's vibrant legal scene, the shift is gaining momentum! Take, for instance, the move by A&O Shearman. They've taken on the defence for Toronto-Dominion Bank in a securities class action. This is indicative of how major players are recognising the value and expertise pooling in different locations. It's not just about New York or London anymore. Atlanta is proving to be a strategic choice for firms aiming to tap into a rich talent pool and vibrant market. It's about the potential to solve complex legal issues with local insights and globally respected expertise. Why are law firms flocking to Atlanta? Maybe you've experienced the buzz yourself or have a perspective to share. Let's discuss the potential and opportunities this brings! www.thepeopleof.co.uk #NationalLawFirmsFlock #TalentedLawyers #AtlantaCalling

Profits Surge Across Big Law Tiers, but Am Law 50 Segmentation Accelerates 🏛️ The legal landscape is evolving rapidly, with profits surging across Big Law firms. However, the segmentation within the Am Law 50 is becoming more apparent. Pressures from complex cases like the ongoing securities class action against Toronto-Dominion Bank highlight the need for top-tier defence counsel. The differentiation isn't just academic - it's reshaping how firms are perceived and what type of work they're attracting. With firms like A&O Shearman stepping in for significant defence roles, we see a clear alignment with high-profile, high-stakes litigation. As associates and partners, understanding these market dynamics can help you better navigate your career trajectory. Are you noticing the same trends in your firm, or do you see a different picture? Let's discuss how this impacts your career path in Big Law. www.thepeopleof.co.uk #SegmentationAccelerates #AmLaw #ProfitsSurgeAcrossBigLawTiers

The unseen battles in the legal world often shape the course of history. Right now, the lawyers stepping up to challenge the Trump Administration are at the forefront of this fight. Take, for instance, the recent securities class action involving Toronto-Dominion Bank. Filed in the New York Southern District Court, the defendants are accused of concealing significant compliance deficiencies. A&O Shearman's attorneys have taken up the mantle of defence, showcasing the tenacity and rigour required in these high-stakes cases. This isn't just a story about a bank and its legal woes; it's a broader narrative about the importance of accountability and the tireless efforts of those in the legal profession. The case, overseen by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, sheds light on how critical the roles of these attorneys are in upholding the standards of our financial system. Their work ensures regulatory requirements are met and justice prevails 🌟. To all the associates and partners at elite law firms, remember that your contributions, whether on the front lines or behind the scenes, are indispensable. Every case you take on, every motion you file, and every argument you present makes a difference. Interested in knowing more about similar cases or legal roles that align with your passion? Let's chat or visit www.thepeopleof.co.uk. #legal #LawyersWagingtheLegalFightAgainsttheTrumpAdministration

Doug Emhoff's next chapter is here! Emhoff, the husband of former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, is joining Willkie Farr & Gallagher as a partner. 🌟 With a blend of high-profile legal expertise and political fundraising acumen from his time at DLA Piper and Harris' presidential campaign, Emhoff is set to focus on advising companies in business crises and investigations. Balancing his time between Los Angeles and New York, he brings substantial experience, representing notable clients from entertainment moguls to corporate giants like Merck and Walmart. Willkie, with its 1,200 lawyers globally, stands to benefit immensely from Emhoff's unique skill set, especially as he navigates complex matters with international scope and significant reputational concerns. What are your thoughts on this move? Let's discuss in the comments! www.thepeopleof.co.uk #DougEmhoff #KamalaHarris #Willkie

New Year, New Firms As 2025 Kicks Off with Lawyer Love Affairs 🔎💼 2025 is starting with a bang in the legal sector, thanks to a wave of monumental law firm mergers that took effect on January 1st. Six major combinations involving Am Law 100 firms have reshaped the landscape, marking an exciting and challenging era for our industry. 📌 The recent mergers, including Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders teaming up with Locke Lord, Womble Bond Dickinson merging with Lewis Roca, and Ballard Spahr joining forces with Lane Powell, are set to create powerful entities with expanded geographic reach and practice areas. We know why firms are doing this - it's about scale, reputation, and reaching new markets. Kent Zimmermann from Zeughauser Group sums it up well: it's tough to build enough scale with just one-offs, laterals, and occasional group hires. Hence, mergers are becoming a strategic necessity. But let's keep it real. The integration phase post-merger is critical. Aligning leadership, merging compensation systems, and integrating various offices can be tricky. And let's not forget the risk of losing the unique culture each firm brings or potential client conflicts. The legal market is undeniably competitive, and while these mergers open new doors, they also bring along a set of challenges. Can these firms balance the scales of complexity and opportunity? 💬 Share your thoughts: What do you think will be the biggest challenge for these newly formed giants? #LawyerLoveAffairs #NewYear #NewFirmsAsKicksOff