US law firms to combine to become top 50 entity…

US law firms to combine to become top 50 entity
US firms Faegre Baker Daniels and Drinker Biddle & Reath will combine in February 2020 to create one of the country’s top 50 law firms by size and projected growth revenue (U$1 billion)

The combination, subject to votes of both firms’ partners, will be known as Faegre Drinker and will have 1,300 attorneys across 22 offices including international offices in the UK and China.

The firm will combine offices in Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington, DC, while each legacy firm has offices in several key locations that the other does not.

The combined firm will be co-chaired by Drinker Biddle Chairman and CEO Andy Kassner and Faegre Baker Daniels Chair and Managing Partner Tom Froehle, who characterize the merger as a unique alignment of core values and a combination of equals.

In a joint statement, Froehle and Kassner said, “This strategic combination allows us to stay true to our shared values while leveraging the considerable resources of the new firm to deliver to clients the sophisticated solutions and exceptional service that they expect. The broader platform will accelerate our investments in talent, technology and innovation to provide improved service and greater value to clients.”

Ashurst appoints global director of knowledge
David Fitch has been appointed director of knowledge at Ashurst.

Based in London, he will join in January 2020 and report to global COO Geoff Gishubl with a brief to ensure the firm’s knowledge assets are deployed so as to improve performance and drive revenue.

Fitch started his career at Sparke Helmore in Sydney before moving to London in 2002. He joins from Latham & Watkins and was previously with Simmons & Simmons, holding knowledge director roles at both firms.

Barrister suspended for 2 years for disparaging tweets
A barrister has been handed a 2-year suspension for disparaging another barrister on Twitter.

Barbara Hewson was brought before an independent disciplinary tribunal by the UK’s Bar Standards Board for a series of tweets and blog posts that were “offensive and abusive” and which undermined public trust and confidence in the Board’s regulatory process and the profession.

“As the Tribunal found, and Ms Hewson accepted, a barrister’s actions on social media can diminish the trust and confidence which the public places in individual barristers and the profession. The tribunal’s decision to suspend her from practice for two years demonstrates the serious consequences that can arise from such offensive and abusive behaviour online.”

Hewson can appeal the decision.