Editor's views
EMEA editor Ella Marshall drives full throttle into the history of The Legal 500’s Monaco chapter
The Principality of Monaco is well known for the extravagant lifestyle of its high rollers; for the super-yachts that line the marina; the low tax rates; the Grand Prix (the street race, arguably, the most glamorous on the circuit); as the home of numerous high-flying residents; and, more recently, for The Legal 500’s coverage of …
Practice spotlight
Fresh from completing his research into Indonesia’s legal market, David Keenan reports on the fintech trend sweeping the world’s largest island nation
‘Indonesia needs a financial revolution, which will ultimately democratise access to the best financial products.’ These are the words of Claudia Kolonas, founder of fintech start-up Pluang, which recently received $3m in funding from Indonesia tech giant Go-Jek and is one of 167 fintech start-ups now operating in Indonesia. The demand for fintech is quite …
The client side
In a series of interviews with some of the top GCs across the US, fivehundred provides insights into the priorities and motivations of the influential in-house lawyers who are included in The Legal 500’s 2019 United States GC Powerlist
For this month’s interview, Helen Donegan, US Editor (Content), speaks to DreamHost’s Chris Ghazarian about his transition to the position of GC, the evolution of the in-house role, what he wants from outside counsel, and taking on the Department of Justice Helen Donegan: To start off, can you tell me about your current role and …
Continue reading “Lawyers are blockers; leaders are closers”
Interview with...
The Oslo-based partner and head of dispute resolution talks about the recent Schjødt-Hamilton merger that is set to create a one-stop for clients in Scandinavia
As a business, how has Schjødt evolved since you have been at the firm? What has changed most over the years in Schjødt is that there is a need for the firm to be organised and run in an optimised manner, since the response time in regards to many of the assignments are often quite …
Continue reading “Per M. Ristvedt: The benefits of being ‘first’”
The Big Issue: Leadership
Ted Blum, managing shareholder of Greenberg Traurig’s Atlanta office and chair of the firm’s Atlanta Corporate Practice, outlines five ways to foster a culture of empowerment within your organisation
Most companies recognise that employee empowerment is a critical component of an organisation’s long-term success. Giving employees a certain degree of autonomy often leads to new ideas and innovation and, simply put, trying out new things is always a worthwhile experiment. Yet, developing a culture that supports empowerment is often easier said than done. This …
Continue reading “How to empower and encourage your employees”
Interview with...
Diaz, Reus & Targ’s administrative managing partner shares her candid thoughts on her work, the impact of diversity, and what she thinks sets them apart
As administrative managing partner you lead the administration of Diaz Reus’ 27 global offices. Can you tell me a bit more about how you came to be in the role? I have had this title for two and a half years now. I started as an associate at Diaz Reus in 2009. When I started …
Continue reading “Marta Colomar-Garcia: Diversity is our strength”
Leadership
Patrick J. McKenna, internationally recognised author and advisor to the leaders of premier legal businesses, outlines eight truths of leadership arising from his extensive work with past and present law firm leaders
The very concept of leadership is elusive and tricky. Every business-book author coins a new ‘type’ which is then sold as the latest elixir to problems. We see these everywhere: authentic leadership, transformational leadership, charismatic leadership, etc. It is hard to define leadership in a way that is satisfactory to everyone, although most professionals tell …
Continue reading “The firm leadership truths we don’t talk about”
Practice Spotlight
Kirkland’s Tax Practice Group has risen from Tier 3 to Tier 1 in The Legal 500 United States rankings for ‘International Tax’ between 2017 and 2019. US Editor (content), Helen Donegan, speaks with team partner Dean Shulman about the their rise in the rankings, and also asks about Kirkland’s lateral hire practices
Helen Donegan: Can you provide a brief overview of your tax practice group? Dean Shulman: We have developed one of the finest transactional tax practices across all our US offices, as well as in London and Munich. As of the end of September 2019 we have 132 lawyers in the tax practice firmwide, whereas in …
Continue reading “Spotlight on: Kirkland & Ellis – tax on the rise”
The Big Issue: Leadership
Philippa Ward, solicitor and founding member of the Spark Board, explains her firm’s new initiative and how it will bring a new perspective to strategic decision-making at Pinsent Masons
In the summer of 2018 I heard Richard Foley, our senior partner, speak about how diversity of thought improves the quality of decision making. Perhaps somewhat bravely, I approached him and asked, ‘how can we better embrace this value at Pinsent Masons?’ I suggested what I then thought to be the solution: a junior board. …