Positive Signs, Partner Moves, and Plenty of Competition
March Update From Sonder Consultants
As we dive into the third month of 2024, it’s safe to say that it's been an exciting period here at Sonder. The market is showing promising growth, with an uptick in live roles and law firms entrusting us with their recruitment plans for the year ahead. We have successfully helped numerous associates to land new roles across locations including the U.S., Australia, The Cayman Islands, Dubai, London, and Ireland. We also continue to engage in the lateral partner recruitment market, with our L.A. office recently orchestrating a successful partner (and team) transition, thereby aiding this rainmaker partner in enhancing their already impressive book of business.
Our most exciting news this month is the addition of Cole Evarts in Los Angeles. Cole joins Sonder with a proven track record in recruitment, boasting two years of experience placing talent across the Californian legal market, particularly within Intellectual Property, Corporate and Commercial Real Estate.
Welcome Cole Evarts!
''This period has been exciting and progressive, underscoring our commitment to our candidates and global reputation as a trusted partner in the legal recruitment market. Cole is a stand out professional. His exceptional personality and drive will enrich our team and, no doubt, bolster Sonder’s standing in California. - Kevin Sinnott, Managing Director
Legal Recruitment Market
In the U.S., particularly in California, Litigation has been the practice area driving demand. New York continues to see activity across Debt Finance, Private Equity, and Employment. As deal flow increases, so does demand for talented Corporate associates. Am Law 25 firms are now actively recruiting mid-level associates across both large and regional U.S. legal markets. The market remains extremely competitive, so work closely with a recruiter and bring your A-game!
From Kirkland & Ellis kicking off a wave of elite firms moving into Salt Lake City to Holland & Knight becoming Nashville’s largest law firm overnight, Big Law firms have set their sights on developing markets. Therefore, if you are an associate or partner looking to out down your roots in the Southeast or Midwest, reach out for more information.
We anticipate a surge in activity within the Funds market in the coming months, fuelled by recent developments such as, James King's decision to transition from Kirkland & Ellis to spearhead Paul Weiss' Funds team in Europe has set the stage for significant movement. This move follows a series of lateral transitions among professionals across Kirkland, Paul Weiss, and Paul Hastings in both London and New York. Law firms are also targeting IP as a growth area for 2024, this optimism is reflected in this year's lateral market with Sidley Austin, Orrick, Sheppared Mullin, and Squire Patton Boggs all adding IP partners in February.
In London, Tax, IP and Debt Finance is hot, we are also currently engaged in the recruitment process for a distinctive Credit Funds role, and we are looking for two NQ's with a passion for funds to join a fast growing team at a U.S firm in the City. We have been instructed by multiple leading firms on their hiring plans for the year, and much of this is centred around the corporate space. Tito Ayantunde is engaged in multiple processes across Data Privacy and is very much leading the way across recruitment efforts in the space. Connect with her for the latest insights and opportunities.
Down under, our Sydney team, has seen particular demand for associates across Disputes and Projects, Energy & Infrastructure. Real Estate has continued to reman busy, and top-tier firms are seeking talented Corporate associates. You can see our full list of hot jobs below, and access all of our salary guides here.
Latest Insights 🌐
In The Headlines 📰
→ Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling has announced the first of several senior leadership roles for the combined firm A&O Shearman, taking effect on May 1, 2024. Khalid Garousha has been elected as senior partner and
has been elected as managing partner of A&O Shearman.
→ PitchBook released its annual global league tables for 2023. DLA Piper had an incredible 2023, taking out the #1 spot for PE deals globally, and in regional sectors for Europe, losing out to Kirkland & Ellis for the US regional category and Stikeman Elliott for 'rest of world' category.
→ The lateral hiring market has started to gain momentum! Since January, there's been a rise in Associate and Partner hiring, especially in corporate, finance, and funds. Confidence is growing, with continued strength expected in debt and restructuring markets this year. ThomsonReuters reports that 40% of corporate counsels plan to increase legal spending, reinforcing expectations for growth.
Recommended by LinkedIn
→ Greenberg Traurig Sees 6% Growth in Revenue Amid Nonequity Tier Expansion. They have also expanded their Real Estate group with two new shareholders. Adam Seligman brings his expertise to the team in West Palm Beach, while Paul Williams will divide his time between LA and Austin.
→ Kirkland & Ellis made headlines with four lateral partner hires. Paul Sandler enhances their Debt Finance group, transitioning from Paul Weiss, while Jack D. Yamin strengthens the M&A group, arriving from Sidley. David Levy and Brian Senie, both formerly of Weil, bolster the Tax group.
→ Wilson Sonsini Triples London Space with Baseball-Themed Office. The firm's new office features photographs of famous baseball venues and players, as a result of Wilson Sonsini's partnership with the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
→ The National Football League is continuing its global push with first-ever regular season games in Spain and South America, quarterbacked by lawyers in the Baker McKenzie network.
The Sonder Podcast 🎧
Thinking about a legal career in secondaries?
...
Originally a lifeline for LP's to gain liquidity in tough times, the secondaries market has undergone rapid evolution in recent years, providing LPs and GPs with increased flexibility and access to an array of investment opportunities to expand their portfolios. Stefano Barbagallo , ex biglaw funds associate turned legal recruiter, is here to chat about how this market has evolved, opportunities for lawyers, legal recruitment trends, and why it's such a hot area right now.
Listen Here ➡️
Hot Jobs
London:
U.S.:
Australia:
International:
Reach out to info@sonderconsultants.com to apply.
For more legal market insights or help in navigating your legal career, get in touch.
Have a great month!