Baker McKenzie announces third services hub

Baker McKenzie is to open another services hub following the success of similar operations in Manilla and Belfast.

The new centre will be in Tampa, Florida, and will create around 300 jobs to provide expert advice on areas including Legal Services, Finance, IT, Knowledge Management, Operations, Business Development, Marketing and Communications, and Talent.

With centres in Asia, Europe, and North America, the firm says it will be able to provide the best ‘follow the sun’ support for its clients worldwide.

Stephenson Harwood confirms Ince APAC partner hires
Stephenson Harwood has confirmed earlier reports that two senior partners from Asia Pacific will join the firm from Ince & Co in the coming months.

Martin Brown joins in a few weeks (1st November 2018) and will strengthen the firm’s international shipping and offshore finance practice with particular expertise in advising owners and intermediaries.

Then in May 2019, Ince’s Singapore region managing partner John Simpson will join as a partner in the marine and international trade practice.

Martin Green, managing partner of Stephenson Harwood's Singapore office said: “John's experience in marine-related disputes and offshore oil and gas complements our existing disputes capabilities in Singapore, and within the wider global MIT team.”

UK aims to be ‘LawTech capital’
A new panel aims to attract the best LawTech companies to the UK by creating the perfect conditions for the burgeoning sector.

The LawTech Delivery Panel will work with LawTechs to understand what they need from government, industry, and legal professionals.

Speaking at the Legal Geeks conference, Law Society president Christina Blacklaws said the panel wants to build on the place England & Wales has in the global legal profession by addressing the challenges facing LawTech.

“Some of the challenges we face include tackling regulatory roadblocks, promoting investment, and considering the skills required by a future generation of professionals,” she said. “Solicitors are keen to take up the challenges and opportunities provided by LawTech and I’m confident they have the right blend of skills and experience to succeed in this brave new world.”

The LawTech Delivery Panel is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Justice and the Law Society of England and Wales.