The firms standing strong in Deutschland

The Legal 500 View

What’s new, what’s hot, and what’s next? Deutschland editor Anna Bauböck looks at the latest guide and the one to come

The new 2020 Deutschland guide, available since January, marks the seventh edition since we launched our German language guide. The substantial growth and refinement of our guide is evident in the numbers: while our very first 2014 guide contained 12 practice areas and 43 ranking tables, we currently list 21 practice areas and no less …

Leading the pack across Asia Pacific

The Legal 500 View

Which firms topped our charts in the latest Asia Pacific guide from The Legal 500? John van der Luit-Drummond has the answer

Congratulations to all the law firms and individuals who feature in the new Asia Pacific rankings, and especially to those who appear for the first time. Our 2020 guide recognises 687 law firms across 25 jurisdictions. The highest concentration of ranked firms is in China with 147 recommended. India (128), Hong Kong (90), Singapore (88), Malaysia (77), Australia …

The Legal 500 UK Awards 2020

More than 300 leading names from private practice, The Bar and the in-house legal community gathered together last month to celebrate the UK Legal 500 awards. The awards – which have been running since 2015 – reward the best individuals and teams across all three areas of the profession, with winners chosen as part of …

The self-examination needed to take silk

Interview with...

New silk Deshpal Panesar QC talks about the challenges of the QC appointment process, what he would change about it, and whether it is all worth it in the end

There is a sort of miracle about most careers at the Bar. The fact that every year, cadres of people choose to cast free of the security of a salary, a defined career, paid leave, or the support of an institution, to pursue a career at the Bar, is remarkable enough. All the more so …

Fighting for the next generation of indigenous talent

The Bar

Melia Benn is one of only two practising Indigenous women barristers at the Queensland Bar. She was called to the Bar in 2018, and has a dual practice in both Endeavour Chambers, Cairns and Griffith Chambers, Brisbane. The Legal 500’s Head of Inclusion, Equality, and Culture, Fiona Fleming, spoke with Melia about her pathway into law, the obstacles she’s faced as an Indigenous woman, and what the Australian legal industry can do to improve Indigenous representation

FF: Tell me a little about what it was like for you growing up in Far North Queensland, and what it was that made you want to be a lawyer? I grew up in a place called Gordonvale and there are parts of when I think about growing up in Far North Queensland that can …

It’s all about engagement – in our clients, our people, our communities

Interview with...

Morgan Lewis is the largest law firm in the world led by a woman. In this interview with US editor (content) Helen Donegan, firm chair Jami McKeon provides insight into her plans for her second term in the role, reveals what most challenges and excites her in her work, and shares her thoughts on women in the legal profession

The firm has changed dramatically since you first became chair. Has your focus changed for your second term and, if so, what is your main focus now? It is certainly correct that our firm has changed dramatically. Expanding in practice areas and locations where our clients most need us has led to us growing by …

We don’t grow simply to grow

Interview with...

Helen Donegan, US editor (content), speaks with DLA Piper’s Ann K. Ford about the launch of a tech-focused financial regulatory practice, creating a global competitive edge, the challenges still facing female attorneys, and the firm’s Leadership Alliance for Women

On January 22, DLA Piper announced you have become the sole US chair and global co-chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property and Technology (IPT) practice. Can you tell me a bit more about your move into this role in addition to other roles you hold within the firm? I have been in leadership roles for …

Creating visibility for disability

Ashleigh DoRozario photo

Lawyers with impairments need to lead by example to destigmatise disability and create awareness of our diverse abilities, says Ashleigh DoRozario, litigation lawyer at Potts Lawyers, Australia

I am a legally blind lawyer. I never thought I would say that! When I was growing up, I wanted to be a marine biologist but, sadly, chemistry was not my strong suit. After high school, I was unsure of my next move and fell into a legal secretary position at MinterEllison while I was …

Survival of the most adaptable

Change is inevitable, so only firms that look ahead will stand the test of time, says Sarah Henwood, CEO of the world’s oldest law firm, Thomson Snell & Passmore

Benjamin Franklin once said, ‘When you’re finished changing, you’re finished’. This year Thomson Snell & Passmore is celebrating 450 years, the world’s oldest law firm as certified by The Guinness Book of World Records. We wouldn’t be here today unless we were able to embrace change. From leading the way as early adopters of technology …

Finding your ‘belonging’ in law

Female role models: spotlight on Norton Rose Fulbright’s US Management Committee

Female role models: spotlight on Norton Rose Fulbright’s US Management Committee

Four out of nine members of Norton Rose Fulbright’s US Management Committee are women. And three of these women come from minority backgrounds. In recognition of this strong example of female leadership within one of the largest global law firms, Helen Donegan (US editor for content) spoke with these partners to hear about their practices …