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The article focuses on the selection of Linklaters for the insolvency of Enron Corp. and Lehman Brothers. Restructuring partner Tony Bugg says that the firm has been giving advice on Enron's UK arm before the collapse of the company. Lehman calls Linklaters for preliminary advice when it was in trouble as it enjoys close links with Lehman for more than a decade. Bugg emphasizes that it was still a shock when both companies went into administration despite an insight into their internal woes.

The article reports on the move of the Great Britain Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) to replace legal advisers Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) and Shearman & Sterling with law firm Norton Rose LLP and two boutiques as part of ORR's new set of panels. It notes that the ORR spends 400,000 pound per year on external law firms for regulating the country's rail industry. It also states that Norton Rose will be used as external advisers for five years.

The article reports on the move of banking company Lloyds TSB Bank PLC to set up a groupwide legal panel after merging with HBOS Group last September 2008 in Great Britain. It is cited that law firms such as Linklaters LLP and Allen & Overy LLP (A&O) will likely to have a competition on the panel because the two have been regular advisers for both companies. It is noted that Lloyds does not have plan to create a joint panel after the merger.

The article reports on the decline of law firm's hourly rates due to the financial crisis in Great Britain. It notes that hourly rates fell by 30% or more and cites the annual hourly rates survey by costs lawyer Jim Diamond which showed a sharp drop in charge-out rates in the legal market. It adds that magic circle partner rates were down by a third. It explains that the decline on legal costs is a result of cash-strapped clients searching for means to cut their total legal spends.

The article reports on the decline of magic partners hourly rate fees in Great Britain. It cites the annual hourly survey by costs lawyer Jim Diamond which indicates that the recession pushed Great Britain's largest firms to cut down their prices. It adds that the average magic circle partner rates fell from 680 pounds an hour to 450 pounds. However, despite the fall of fees for most types of work, headline rates for the most high profile instructions continued to rise.

The article reports on the new service signed by a group of lawyers in England. The new service known as the pilot scheme aims to give young people access to legal advice by calling or emailing the Lawyers For Young People service. According to Liz Fisher-Frank, the principal solicitor at Lawyers For Young People, it believes that the pilot phase will give young people the opportunity to access high-quality legal advice.

The article reports on the result of YouGov PLC employee engagement survey of junior lawyers in Great Britain. The result reveals that 56 percent of junior employers want to become partners to be able to practice their profession while promotions of the 30 law firms dropped to 30 percent in 2009. However, Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP head of human resources (HR) James Collinge states that the figures are not to be expected in the real scenario due to the impact of the crisis on law firms.

The article profiles Anthony Inglese, general counsel and top lawyer at HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in London, England. Accordingly, Inglese heads the second-biggest legal department in Whitehall with 250 lawyers, having the Treasury Solicitors's Department as the largest area. Inglese is said to have started its career in 1975 as a trainee barrister for the Home Office prior to moving to the office of the Attorney General in 1986.

The article announces that David Tatlow was appointed director of legal services of the Birmingham City Council in England.

The article reports on the set up of change group by Tim Eyles, the new managing partner of Taylor Wessing LLP, so that the company could look for opportunities that arise from the Legal Services Act (LSA) in Turkey. The possibility of external investment will be examined by a committee to be established in 2011 by regulatory changes. According to Eyles, there is potentially great change coming in the legal profession and they have to be forward-thinking.

The article reports on the speculations on the possible merger between telecommunication companies T-Mobile UK and Vodafone Group PLC in Great Britain in 2009. Law firms Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance and Linklaters are vying for the possible merger to cover the legal considerations and providing legal advice. The chance to provide legal services for both companies especially the merger will offer law firms the financial advantage.

The article reports on the appointment of law firms Baker & McKenzie and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP to offer legal assistance for packaging company Rio Tinto Group concerning the sale of its business in the U.S. in 2009. The sale of the packaging business is associated with the financial problems and debt of the Rio Tinto. The law firms are responsible in dealing with the legal considerations of the sale.

The article reports on the severance of British law firm Linklaters LLP from Barclays PLC's panels after supporting the bank in a litigation that ruined its relationship with J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. in 2009 in Great Britain. J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. forsaked Linklaters LLP for supporting Barclays PLC's lawsuit against Bear Stearns & Co. Inc. It is noted that the panel review saw the firm fell behind its place on three of the seven panels it had on.

The article reports on the win by British law firm Memery Crystal LLP a mandate that will advise shaving products company King of Shaves Co. Ltd. on its bond issuance programme. It is noted that the company is providing 5 million British pounds worth of non-transferable bonds to members of the public. The law firm shared 50,000 British pounds in adviser fees with accountant BDO Stoy Hayward LLP on the bond issuance.

The article reports on the accordance of Bloomsbury Publishing PLC to acquire Tottel Publishing that leads to instructions for law firms Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP (FFW) and Stephenson Harwood in Great Britain. The team that will advise will be headed by FFW corporate partner Nicholas Thompsell and associate Jonathan Burton. If the deal advances, Bloomsbury Publishing will pay 10 million British pounds for Tottel Publishing and will be renamed Bloomsbury Professional.

The article focuses on the efforts made by three women council lawyers Deborah Collins, Doreen Forester-Brown and Stephanie Fleck in transforming the largest council legal team in the capital at the London Borough of Southwark Council. As reported, Collins have emphasized that her 80 lawyers should provide legal services in an efficient way. As cited, the council is in midst of massive regeneration due to the efforts of these three women and provides care for those having moderate needs.

The article offers information on the Lawyer Local Government Legal Services Reform Conference held in Westminster, England on June 17, 2009. Several speakers presented different approaches to reform in legal profession at the event. The speakers said that the change toward private practice methods is proving difficult to put into practice. Mirza Ahmed, who runs the legal arm of Birmingham City Council, says that legal professionals should adapt a more businesslike approach.

The article reports on the leadership changes at Bristol, England-based legal services firm Burges Salmon LLP. The firm has split its management committee into two, isolating the department heads from the partnership committee. The new management will be headed by managing partner Chris Jackson, who was chosen to change the firm's traditional corporate image.

The article reports on the appointment of law firms Denton Wilde Sapte LLP and Olswang to offer legal advice to sports broadcaster Setanta Sports in Great Britain in 2009. The appointment signifies the responsibility of Denton to help Setanta in its broadcasting rights and restructuring of its business. On the other hand, Olswang is responsible for making negotiations related to delay payments for the company.

The article announces the appointment of Trowers & Hamlins and Weightmans by Blackpool Council as its external legal partner in replace of Eversheds LLP in England in 2009. As external legal partner, Trowers and Weightmans will support the Council on its commercial contracts, litigation, regeneration, planning advice and PPP projects. Council head of legal and democratic services Mark Lewis explains that both firms have been chosen because of their expertise in delivering legal services.

The article reports that Slaughter & May has successfully defend 3i PLC's impending right issue claim in Great Britain. It states that Slaughter with its corporate parnter Martin Hattrell has served as an adviser of 3i's different business activities as well as on the proper ways on how to deal its £2 billion debts. It also offers information on the other legal counsels that comprised 3i's legal team.

The article reports on the move of Kent County Council (KCC) to establish a legal practice in Brussels, Belgium. It states that the practice aims to provide legal advises and services to European Union (EU) countries regarding employment and procurement laws. Geoff Wild, head of KCC, noted that they already have an office in Brussels and they wanted to streamline their operations to gain market advantage among European nations.

The article reports that Arsenal Football Club PLC has started the search for its first general counsel team members in Great Britain. It states that Arsenal is looking for a sports lawyer to fill the counsel team which aims to streamline its in-house legal services and capability. It also notes that Simon Cliff has been appointed head of the in-house legal counsel as well as Nigel Boardman as head for relationship.

The article reports on the transfer of tax lawyer Stef van Weeghel from Linklaters LLP to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) in the Netherlands in 2009. Van Weeghel has resigned to take a position at PwC which left Linklaters at uncertain condition on its legal services that focus on tax. However, managing partner Martijn Koopal revealed their plan to continue focusing on tax and they are in the process of replacing Van Weeghel.

The article reports that Lawrence Graham LLP (LG) remained the top performing law firm which offers legal services for Alternative Investment Market (AIM) clients in May 2009. According to Tom Nicholls, an LG corporate partner, they are offering services to big companies to assure bigger income of the law firm. However, the struggling economy poses threat to its financial performance because some of its clients might be forced to withdraw commitment upon business failure.

The article reports on the recruitment of Michael Newell as investment fund lawyer at legal service provider Norton Rose Group. Newell specializes in hedge funds and other alternative investment products. He is expected to help the company's investment funds team improve their products and services which will eventually increase financial performance. However, they will have to cope with the change in the preferences of fund managers in choosing lawyers to advise them.

The article reports on the implementation of the flexible working scheme of legal service company Norton Rose LLP in Great Britain on May 1, 2009. The company reduced the working hours of employees across various departments and services. The adjustment of the working hours was proposed in March 2009 and has been recently implemented as a response to the struggling economic condition. The company stressed that the scheme offers opportunity for lawyers to find business outside the company.

The article focuses on the mandate given to law firm Ashurst to advise private equity house Candover Investments PLC. According to the article, the appointment of Ashurst has surprised observers who are accustomed to see Clifford Chance LLP on most deals of Candover. It is stated that Ashurst was selected because the firm has existing knowledge of the listed company and has the longest relationship with Candover.

The article reports on the advise given by Baker & McKenzie in London, England, on the release of a $100 million turnaround fund in Egypt. According to the article, the fund which is managed by Sphinx Private Equity, has secured investment from the European Investment Bank (EIB), the International Finance Corp. (IFC) and Citadel Capital. It is stated that the fund will invest in small businesses that are distressed or needs restructuring.

The article reports that Andrea Clark will replace Gareth John as director of compliance at Transport for London (TfL) effective May 2009 in Great Britain. John was TfL's director for four years. It is stated that John left his position to take up the general counsel role at management services provider Sodexo Inc.

The article reports on the move of Simmons & Simmons to prepare a plan to outsource work to agency lawyers in low-cost jurisdictions. According to the article, partners will vote to use external lawyers in India, South Africa or Australia for litigation or corporate due diligence. Managing partner Mark Dawkins stated that they wanted to lead in providing value through new ways of working at the top end of the market.

The article reports on the global panel review by Netherlands-based financial firm ING Groep NV (ING). It mentions the law firms shortlisted by ING for global review including Slaughter and May, De Braw Blackstone Westbroek, and Sullivan & Cromwell of the U.S. Moreover, ING is expected to invest €8 billion in the European market.

The article announces the appointments of legal chiefs including Simon Goacher at the New Cheshire West and Chester Council and Chris Chapman at the Cheshire East authority.

The article presents the views of Geoff Wild, the legal chief of Kent County Council in Great Britain. Wild campaigns for the reduction of practising certificate fees for local government lawyers. He points on the need to focus on having the central government solicitors to pay up and lessen the burden on the profession.

The article reports on the move of law firm Norton Rose to initiate an international team to advise its client HSBC Holdings PLC on its £12.5 billion rights issue in Great Britain. It states that the firm's corporate partner Martin Scott led the team with London, England-based partners Nick Adams and Chris Randall, who are joined by Hong Kong-based corporate partners. According to Scott, the rights issue calls for the use of several of Norton Rose's international offices.

The article focuses on the negotiations over the fate of debt-ridden estate agent Countrywide Financial Corp. in Great Britain. It states that a number of legal advisers have offered suggestions for the firm including Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, Slaughter and May and Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz. It states that Apollo Group Inc., which owns Countrywide, has turned to Freshfields partner Don Guiney for deal advise.

The article reports that law firm Ashurst has acquired the legal service for William Hill Credit Ltd. over its plan to raise £1.2 billion in a rights issue and debt facility in Great Britain. In October 2008, Ashurst corporate partners Anthony Clare and Jonathan Earle acted for the bookmarker and betting shop transaction. Ashurst won William's account over Allen & Overy (A&O) and Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom LLP.

The article reports on the case filed by Iain Dowie, former manager at Crystal Palace football club (FC) in London, England, against law firm CMS Cameron McKenna. The case depicts the fees racked up by the firm when it represented Dowie in defence of a claim brought by the club. It states that Dowie is disputing CMS's costs for acting on a case brought by Crystal chairman Simon Jordan alleging Dowie had deceived him when he left to join rival club Charlton Athletic in 2006.

The article reports on the issues concerning the Alternative Investment Market (AIM)-listed companies in Great Britain. It states that Pinsent Masons LLP remains the top adviser for AIM companies, however, DLA Piper has become the firm of choice. Meanwhile, offshore firm Cains was replaced from the top spot for the number of AIM 100 clients.

The article reports that Ashurst Islamic has bagged the major Islamic finance instruction as a legal consultant for the creation of a $1 billion offshore sukuk programme. It states that finance partner Abradat Kamalpour has advised Gatehouse Bank as arranger as well as dealer on the bond. In connection, gatehouse Bank has been granted a licence to operate in Great Britain.

The article reports on the decision of Durham County Council to reject the idea of mimicking the private practice model of Kent County Council in England. It states that the local councils in Durham have not appointed any of the candidates to materialize one of the proposals to use the 30-strong team to sell legal services to external clients. In connection, the local council also declined to comment on its plans for the legal department.

The article cites a report which reveals that Orange has left Bevan Brittan LLP out of its new-look panel in Great Britain. Among the firms that included in the list that provides good service include Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW), Olswang, and Beachcroft. According to Amanda Doyle, head of legal and regulatory of Orange, she had chosen firms that delivered quality of service and value for money.

The article offers information on the appointment by the administrators Poppleton & Appleby of insolvency law firm Lewis Onions to look for a buyer of the 225-year-old company in Great Britain. It states that the company has been working with four associates, two trainees, and one legal executive on the administration.

The article reports on the launch of a redundancy consultation of Macfarlanes which includes 14 staff associates and fee-earners. It states that many of the lawyers in the real estate practice have lost their jobs which were expected to be made redundant in corporate and real estate. It also highlights the company's private equity and property deals to sustain their profitable practices.

The article reports on the plan of Durham County Council to sell its legal services to external clients in England. It states that the council has decided to join the increasing number of local authorities moving into competition with private practice law firms. The council has collaborated with seven district councils in the region to create the Durham Unitary Authority in April 2009.

The article reports on the move of Cornwall County Council to revolutionise its legal team for the launch of the Cornwall Unitary Authority in England in April 2009. It states that the new council will unite six district authorities, including 110 lawyers from seven councils. According to the article, these lawyers will work under county legal chief Richard Williams, who is planning to offer the enlarged legal team's services to other regional bodies.

The article focuses on the impact of the financial crisis on top private equity law practices in the U.S. It states that putting together financing for massive multimillion-pound deals is certainly going to be very difficult for the foreseeable future. It predicts that law firms are going to have to start making different types of deals or look for different types of client.

The article reports that international law firm Allen & Overy LLP (A&O) has been confirmed as main adviser to Halifax Bank of Scotland PLC (HBOS), having worked on both its £4 billion rights issue and its potential takeover by Lloyds TSB in Great Britain. It relates that A&O's cemented relationship with HBOS saw a single place rise although the firm could lose out if the Lloyds merger goes ahead. It indicates that the firms have tightened their grip on the country's largest companies.

The article focuses on the suspension of Chris Whittington, legal head of Northamptonshire County Council in Great Britain. It states that Whittington's appointment as a new legal chief for Lincolnshire County Council's pioneering in-house practice has been cast into doubt by allegations from a former colleague. According to the spokesman of Northamptonshire Council, there has been no alternative but to suspend Whittington while the allegations are investigated.

The article offers information on the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in Great Britain. SRA is expected to take control of essentially more law firms in 2008 than in 2007, having had the number of interventions rising by over 70%. It is said that SRA has mingled 53 times since the beginning of 2008, compared with 30 times for the same period of 2007.