Washington, D.C. — As summer draws to a close, the legal industry is witnessing significant personnel changes, with a flurry of high-profile partner moves and mergers in the United Kingdom and the United States marking a bustling start to the fall season.
Among the notable shifts, arbitration expert Alexandre de Gramont has made a strategic move to Womble Bond Dickinson’s office in Washington, D.C., where he will spearhead the firm’s international disputes practice. This transition comes just ahead of the firm’s January 2025 merger with Louis Roca. De Gramont, previously with Dechert for over nine years, brings extensive experience representing clients across global arbitral institutions in sectors like energy and life sciences.
Lisa Rushton, group leader at Womble, expressed confidence in de Gramont’s capabilities, noting his exceptional trial skills and a track record of handling intricate international disputes, qualities that she believes will greatly benefit the firm.
In an equally strategic hire, Kevin Yingling has left Google after 15 years to join Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in Washington, D.C. At Freshfields, Yingling will contribute his antitrust expertise as the firm prepares to defend Google in a high-stakes Virginia trial focused on online advertising issues. Having also served as a lawyer within the U.S. Department of Justice, Yingling’s comprehensive practice in antitrust issues is expected to bolster Freshfields’ capabilities both regionally and globally.
Switching coasts, McGuireWoods has enhanced its West Coast offerings, adding two new partners in San Francisco. Former federal prosecutor Shailika Shah Kotiya, with a decade of experience, recently led the General Crimes Division in the Northern District of California. Aaron Marienthal, returning to McGuireWoods after a stint as general counsel at fintech firm Payactiv, brings extensive regulatory and legal expertise, particularly in consumer financial services and fintech disputes.
Moving overseas, DAC Beachcroft in London has enriched its international arbitration group with the addition of Nora Fredstie. Previously a senior associate at White & Case, Fredstie has been involved in several landmark arbitration cases and brings a strong international profile to the firm. Her colleague, Clarissa Coleman, head of international arbitration, praised Fredstie’s dynamic presence and significant experience as valuable assets to the team.
Also in London, Farrer & Co has welcomed Jehad Mustafa as a partner in its dispute resolution practice. Mustafa, joining from Volterra Fietta, has a diverse background in both national and international dispute resolution, further enriching Farrer & Co’s extensive legal services.
The legal landscape in the U.S. continues to evolve as well, with DLA Piper in Austin, Texas announcing Stephen Huffaker as a new partner focused on pharmaceutical and medical device product liability litigation. Huffaker, transferring from King & Spalding, is noted for his strategy in mass tort coordination and litigation risk.
Back in the United States, King & Spalding has bolstered its Miami office with the addition of Will Stute, a seasoned trial attorney from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. Stute’s wide-ranging experience in sectors such as sports and technology will support the firm’s product liability and mass torts practice group as it aims to enhance its trial capabilities across the board.
This period of significant movement in the legal sector underscores a dynamic environment where law firms are actively seeking to enhance their expertise and extend their market reach through strategic hires and mergers. These shifts not only signify individual career progressions but also reflect broader trends in the legal industry’s adaptation to evolving client needs and an increasingly global marketplace.