Overall partner promotions shrink slightly, including for BigLaw firm that promoted 200 lawyers

A slightly lower number of partner promotions this year by Kirkland & Ellis is in keeping with the trend; new-partner class sizes in BigLaw have decreased an average of 4% this year, based on partnership announcements so far.

Dec 3, 2024 8:56 AM CST

BigLaw firms pile on bonus bandwagon led by Milbank, and some offer more to top associates

By midday Monday, 30 law firms had matched Milbank’s year-end bonuses and announced special bonuses on par with Milbank’s summer bonuses, according to bonus announcements obtained by Above the Law.

Dec 2, 2024 12:17 PM CST

Show, Don’t Sell

Dec 1, 2024 2:50 AM CST

With mergers on the rise, how can law firms ensure their success?

Mergers can lead to problems for both attorneys and their clients if certain issues and potential complicating factors are ignored, law firm consultants warn.

Dec 1, 2024 2:10 AM CST

Moms in Law

Millennials tend to emphasize a healthy work-life balance when choosing employers. That includes lawyers with young children. According to a 2023 ABA study, 61% of the mothers surveyed said they experienced demeaning comments about being a working parent, compared with 26% of fathers. But a growing number of young lawyers are pushing back.

Dec 1, 2024 12:00 AM CST

BigLaw firm and ex-partner who sued for age bias agree on dismissal

A former Fox Rothschild equity partner who claimed that he was demoted to a position with lower pay and required to work under a series of one-year contracts has ended his age-bias lawsuit against the law firm.

Nov 26, 2024 2:09 PM CST

3 practice leaders left this BigLaw firm in 1 week’s time; ‘there are no safe havens,’ says recruiting firm partner

Three practice leaders have left Weil, Gotshal & Manges amid planning for a new chair and a flat year for profits per equity partner.

Nov 26, 2024 10:42 AM CST

Under Pressure: Understanding alcohol addiction in the legal profession

It’s no secret that lawyers have a high rate of problem drinking. According to data from the ABA, “as many as one in five lawyers is a problem drinker—twice the national rate.” These drinkers are able to keep their jobs because they’re considered to be either gray area drinkers or functional alcoholics. The former display early signs of an alcohol use disorder, while the latter appear to be somewhat in control of their drinking.

Nov 25, 2024 8:53 AM CST

Judge denies bid by former Duane Morris partner to stop his wife’s funeral

A Chicago judge on Wednesday denied a former Duane Morris partner’s emergency motion to stop his deceased wife’s parents from holding her funeral, so that he can obtain her remains.

Nov 21, 2024 10:51 AM CST

Law firms had ‘very strong performance’ financially at 9-month point, new report says

Law firm revenue in the first nine months of 2024 increased 12.8% from the same period last year, thanks mostly to increases in standard billing rates, according to a new report by Wells Fargo’s Legal Specialty Group.

Nov 20, 2024 12:22 PM CST

More BigLaw firms match Milbank’s year-end and special bonuses for associates, make no mention of pay hikes

Updated: Associates at several BigLaw firms will be getting year-end and special bonuses that total $21,000 to $140,000, the amount being paid by Milbank.

Nov 20, 2024 10:12 AM CST

The power of female mentorship

As we reflect on our journeys through the legal profession, one theme emerges: the power of mentorship, particularly female mentorship. The power of female mentorship cannot be overstated.

Nov 14, 2024 10:03 AM CST

Miles & Stockbridge will merge with 30-lawyer firm

Miles & Stockbridge has announced that it will merge with 30-lawyer Krooth & Altman, a real estate law firm in Washington, D.C.

Nov 14, 2024 8:51 AM CST

Trial gets underway for alleged hit man accused of shooting attorney for litigant friend

A Hilton Head, South Carolina, man is on trial this week for attempted murder in an April 2023 shooting of a Greenville, South Carolina, attorney.

Nov 13, 2024 3:10 PM CST

RNC election lawyer, a ‘very genial guy,’ will be new White House counsel

The White House counsel in the new Trump administration is a former BigLaw lawyer who worked as the Republican National Committee’s outside counsel for election integrity in the 2024 presidential campaign.

Nov 13, 2024 11:24 AM CST