Big Law

Why London’s Elite Law Firms Are Having an Identity Crisis Over Their “Magic Circle” Status

Big Law, Featured, UK Law /
Londonlaw american law firms

“Magic Circle” has been the Rolls-Royce of legal labels since the 1990s, describing London’s five most elite law firms: Allen & Overy (now A&O Shearman), Clifford Chance, Freshfields, Linklaters, and Slaughter and May.

But lately, the firms are treating their prestigious nickname like an embarrassing childhood photo on Facebook, working desperately to untag themselves.

When I recently dropped the “Magic Circle” reference in conversation with a senior partner, their response was swift and brutal: “It’s a sign of lazy journalism.”

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BigLaw’s AI Paradox – More Technology, Higher Bills, Zero Client Savings

Big Law, Headlining, Legal AI /
Cut fees

Law firms worldwide are rapidly embracing generative AI, but here’s the reality check: corporate clients aren’t seeing the promised cost savings yet. In fact, legal fees continue climbing despite widespread AI adoption across the industry.

The numbers tell a stark story. The top 100 US law firms increased their rates by 10 percent year-over-year in 2024, according to legal operations specialist Brightflag.

This surge comes even as more firms deploy generative AI

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The Ultimate BigLaw Salary Scale Guide 2025: From Cravath Benchmarks to Million-Dollar Partners

Headlining, Law Firm Salary Scale, Press Releases /
Biglawpay

The legal profession has always been synonymous with prestige and substantial compensation, but nowhere is this more evident than in BigLaw. And during 2025 the salary scales at major law firms have reached unprecedented heights, with first-year associates commanding six-figure salaries that rival senior executives in other industries.

Understanding the BigLaw salary situation isn’t just about numbers—it’s about comprehending a complex ecosystem that shapes legal careers and drives the ambitions of law students nationwide.

The Ultimate BigLaw Salary Scale Guide 2025: From Cravath Benchmarks to Million-Dollar Partners Read More »

Kirkland’s Big Hiring Spree Nets Major Litigators

Big Law, Headlining, LawStars /
Fournier kristen

Kirkland & Ellis just made a major power move in the mass torts space, snagging a heavyweight 13-partner team from King & Spalding that’s sure to shake up the litigation landscape.

The star of this lateral hire is Kristen Fournier, (pictured) who Kirkland is calling “among the most distinguished mass tort litigators practicing today” – and honestly, her track record backs up that claim.

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DLA Piper Add a Former PM To Their Firm . . Maybe

Big Law, UK Law /
Cameron lawfuel

David Cameron’s New Legal Gig Tom Borman, LawFuel contributor David Cameron is reportedly in discussions to join DLA Piper as a consultant, potentially advising the global law firm on geopolitical risk—a role that would come five years after the Greensill scandal, which cast a long shadow over his post-prime ministerial activities. Since leaving Downing Street

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Big Law, Big Drama And The Real Story Behind the Paul Weiss Partner Walkout

Big Law, Headlining, US Law /
Dunn isaacson article 202006121211

If you ever thought the legal world was all about dusty tomes and somber faces, the latest exodus from Paul Weiss might make you think again as four of the firm’s top partners—Karen Dunn, Bill Isaacson, Jeannie Rhee, and Jessica Phillips—decide to pack their briefcases and set off to start their own law firm.

Earlier this year, Paul Weiss found itself in the political crosshairs after President Trump signed an executive order targeting the firm for its ties to lawyers who had previosly investigated Trump, as well as its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Big Law, Big Drama And The Real Story Behind the Paul Weiss Partner Walkout Read More »

Cadwalader’s $100M Dilemma – Pro Bono or Pro Trouble?

Big Law, Headlining /
Cadwalader law firm loses lawyers over Trump deal

Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft—New York’s oldest law firm—has found itself in a modern-day ethical quagmire after agreeing to a $100 million pro bono deal with the Trump administration in a move that highlights the delicate balancing act between law and politics.

The pact, aimed at sidestepping punitive executive orders targeting firms that had previously crossed swords with the administration, has ignited internal dissent and a wave of attorney departures.

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Paul Hastings Expands Recently Announced International Energy & Infrastructure Team to Seven Partners With Two More Abu Dhabi Hires

Big Law, Press Releases /

Paul Hastings LLP announced today the continued expansion of its transformative international energy and infrastructure team and broader corporate platform with the appointment of mergers and acquisitions lawyer Stefan Mrozinski and projects lawyer Habeeb Rahman as partners in Abu Dhabi. Both join from White & Case LLP. The two new partners are the latest additions to the game-changing international

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