Debevoise coup with Lord Goldsmith hire

Former Attorney General Lord Goldsmith QC has joined Debevoise & Plimpton's London office as head of its European litigation practice, the New York firm announced today (26 September).

The unusual hire ends months of speculation over where the high-profile figure would be heading since he stood down as the Government's top legal adviser in June after six years in the role.

Goldsmith, a close ally of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, will take the title of European chair of litigation and will become an equity partner in the coming months. He will continue to work as an advocate in the UK courts but will also re-qualify as a solicitor. He had three months of gardening leave after leaving the Government.

Talking at a press briefing today, Goldsmith said he had received a number of approaches from other law firms and chambers.

Explaining his decision to join the US firm, where he starts tomorrow (27 September), he said: "I believe the future lies in international law and Debevoise will give me a tremendous base [from which to practise]. There has been a lot of growth in international dispute resolution and litigation."

He added that he liked the strong sense of public interest and pro bono work the firm is involved in and has known Debevoise New York and London litigation partner David Rivkin for a long time.

Commenting on the hire, Shearman & Sterling UK litigation head Jo Rickard said: "He is a big-name catch and I think it is an interesting move. It's surprising that he has gone to a US firm rather than returning to the Bar and that they think they have the work to keep him busy."

Goldsmith, who was called to the Bar at Gray's Inn in 1972, was a tenant at Fountain Court Chambers and make silk in 1987. He is a former chairman of the Bar of England and Wales.

In his role as Attorney General, Goldsmith has overseen some of Whitehall's most controversial decisions in recent years, including the legality of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the decision to terminate the Serious Fraud Office's investigation into the Saudi Arms deal with BAE Systems and his role in deciding whether or not to prosecute anyone over the cash-for-questions affair.

His resignation was one a string of cabinet resignations towards the end of Blair's term and came in the same week that Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, Home Secretary John Reid and Cabinet Office minister Hilary Armstrong all stood down.

Debevoise now has around 60 lawyers in its London arm, more than half of whom are UK-qualified.

Fountain Court head of chambers Michael Brindle QC commented: "We are very pleased for him and we are sure he will be a great success. He wanted a more international role then he had before he became a minster, as well as having the opportunity to get involved in public law matters, which will be available for him at the firm. We wish him all the best."

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For a US view on Goldsmith's move to Debevoise, click here.

And read Jonathan Djanogly's blog on the role of the Attorney General in Legal Village.