12/04/08
Reed Smith Lawyers Moved to Action by Mumbai Attacks
The recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai, in which over 170 people were killed at the hands of 10 gunmen, saw many personal stories of survival. Marilyn and Joe Ernsteen, the aunt and uncle of Reed Smith partner Bradley Schmarak, were caught up in the attacks. When Schmarak discovered that his relatives were in distress, he contacted Ajay Raju, the vice chairman of Reed Smith's business and finance department and leader of the India practice group, to see if he could help locate them. Raju said it was a nerve-wracking situation as events moved slowly. No one knew if the Ernsteens were taken hostage, part of a group that escaped, or two of the reported casualties. In the end, the couple managed to escape the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel unharmed while smoke from fire bombs started pouring smoke onto their floor.
Four US Partners leaving Clifford Chance
London-based Clifford Chance will lose a quartet of partner's from the firm's US litigation practice. Three New York partners are in talks to move to to Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, while James Moyle has joined Morgan Lewis & Bockius.
These departures come weeks the managing partner of CC's Washington office left, along with another litigation partner. Clifford Chance also recently let go of twenty dispute resolution associates across New York and Washington offices.
Bryan Cave launches first French office
Bryan Cave has launched its first branch in France after gaining three partners from Dechert in July. Don Lents, Bryan Cave managing partner states ''Our clients have a long history of legal needs in France, so the addition of a Paris office was a natural choice.''
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