Uncertainty seems to be the only thing lawyers working in Europe’s aviation sector can count on these days.
The recent collapse of two established major European airlines demonstrated the volatility facing many sections of the industry, with UK-headquartered Monarch Airlines and Air Berlin becoming the latest casualties of turbulence. Continue reading “Aviation focus: Winds of change”
‘A dense population in extreme distress inhabits an island’ – that is how Disraeli began to define the Irish Question in the Commons in 1844. Without much hyperbole, it also defines the current state of the UK. Over halfway through the two-year time limit prescribed by article 50, but with no Brexit deal in sight, the Irish Question still resonates: now less about a united independent Ireland, rather more about an independent but divided Britain.
The Irish Republic, whose economy and culture are closer to the UK than any other, is the only EU member state that also shares a land border. Resolving this 310-mile conundrum – maintaining the open border guaranteed by the Good Friday Agreement while finessing its position in the EU single market and customs union – has become a fault line between the government in London and EU leaders. The Irish taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has ruled out tripartite talks on the issue and rejected Theresa May’s suggestion that customs arrangements on the US-Canada border could provide a post-Brexit model. Continue reading “The Brexit countdown – The Irish question”
Disruption looms as James Wood reports on first European conference for CLOC
Richard Susskind must have lost count of the number of times he has spoken about the future of law, but in his introductory remarks to the 2018 CLOC EMEA Institute gathering in London he seemed cheerfully off balance. Many of the concepts Susskind has prophesied are now realities at large US companies and even sceptics would concede that the emergence of sophisticated legal operations teams feels like a decisive shift for the industry.
The train puns were inevitable, but it took longer than expected. Towards the end of my conversation with the general counsel (GC) of online ticket retailer trainline, Neil Murrin, he says: ‘It’s a matter of getting people to join us on that journey.’ And adds: ‘Getting people on the right track and all that.’
Coming from a family of medics, Murrin was intent on avoiding a career in health services. He cites his earliest interest in law as originating from seminal-yet-cheesy drama series L.A. Law, in addition to the influence of his solicitor uncle. He recalls: ‘I’ve always been interested in economics and companies. There was an understanding that law gives you a good training in those areas and could move you towards the company side.’ Continue reading “Client profile: Neil Murrin, trainline”
Mayer Brown will open a new office in Tokyo next year after hiring the former head of Ashurst’s Tokyo office.
Rupert Burrows, Ashurst Tokyo’s former managing partner, will lead a new team at Mayer Brown as it looks to expand its offering in Japan in 2018. Continue reading “International round-up: Mayer Brown launches in Japan as Mills & Reeve cements European ties”
Latham and Cleary advise as Siemens and Alstom combine
US law firms took the lead as Siemens agreed to combine its transport operations with former rival Alstom in a merger of equals to counter the threat from China to the European railway industry. Continue reading “US firms lead in Europe as Franco-German merger creates new rail giant”
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer’s restructuring chief Ken Baird and finance partner Catherine Balmond led the team advising KPMG as Monarch Airlines filed for administration. Kirkland & Ellis and Reed Smith advised the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), while Stephenson Harwood acted for the Pension Protection Fund. Continue reading “Autumn dealwatch: Euro mega deals keep Magic Circle busy”
Moving to the highest-grossing firm in the world from one that used to hold that position, DLA Piper senior partner and global co-chair Juan Picón has left for Latham & Watkins less than two years into his term to spend more time in his native Spain.
He will take over the role of Latham’s managing partner in Spain following the retirement of predecessor José Luis Blanco. He joins from DLA’s own office in Madrid, alongside fellow DLA corporate partners Ignacio Gómez-Sancha and José Antonio Sánchez-Dafos. Continue reading “Keeping home fires burning – DLA Piper chief Picón to join Latham & Watkins in Spain”
In a busy week for international practices, DWF has made a breakthrough on the continent, opening its first Italy office in Milan with a 16-lawyer team including four partners. The latest launch for the ever-expanding firm comes just a few weeks after announcing a launch in Australia.
Three of the Milan partners, corporate finance specialist Michele Cicchetti, tax partner Tancredi Marino and M&A partner Luca Cuomo, will join DWF’s Milan office from local independent firm Pavia & Ansaldo with Cicchetti becoming managing partner of DWF Italy. The fourth partner, real estate specialist Daniele Zanni, arrives from fellow Italian independent LS Lexjus Sinacta. The remaining 12 lawyers are all being supplied by Pavia. Continue reading “International round-up: Europe focus for new offices and key hires while Clydes US deal hits buffers”
