Kannon Shanmugam and Masha Hansford will launch Davis Polk’s new Supreme Court and appellate practice.
Shanmugam's departure follows Brad Karp's resignation as Paul Weiss chairman due to revelations about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Paul Weiss is shifting its focus from litigation to corporate deals under new Chairman Scott Barshay.
Shanmugam is a former clerk for Justice Antonin Scalia and has argued 39 cases before the Supreme Court.
Other notable litigators have also left Paul Weiss, including Karen Dunn, Bill Isaacson, and Jeannie Rhee.
Why this matters: Shanmugam's move underscores a broader trend in the legal industry where corporate transactions are taking precedence over litigation. This shift can impact the types of legal services offered and the career paths of lawyers.
Kannon Shanmugam's departure from Paul Weiss to Davis Polk marks a significant event in the legal world. Shanmugam, a renowned appellate lawyer, joined Paul Weiss in 2019 to launch its Supreme Court practice. His move to Davis Polk, along with Masha Hansford, signifies the establishment of a new Supreme Court and appellate practice at his new firm.
This shift comes after a series of changes at Paul Weiss, including Brad Karp's resignation and the appointment of Scott Barshay as the new chairman. Barshay is expected to steer the firm towards corporate deals, a move that reflects a broader trend in the legal industry. Several other prominent litigators have also left Paul Weiss, further solidifying this transition.
The developments at Paul Weiss do not appear to have impacted the firm's financial performance, with partners earning an average of $8.6 million last year. However, the focus on corporate transactions may alter the firm's identity and appeal to litigators.
Q: Why did Kannon Shanmugam leave Paul Weiss?
He left to launch a new Supreme Court and appellate practice at Davis Polk & Wardwell.
Q: What is the significance of Shanmugam's move?
It highlights a shift in focus at Paul Weiss from litigation to corporate deals, mirroring trends in the broader legal industry.
The legal industry is seeing a shift towards corporate transactions, potentially impacting the demand for different legal specialties.
Law firms are adapting to changing priorities, which can affect their culture and the career paths of their lawyers.
Keeping an eye on industry trends can help legal professionals make informed decisions about their careers.
Do you think this trend of law firms prioritizing corporate deals over litigation will continue? Let us know!
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