Even before Bingham McCutchen cancelled this month’s partner retreat to Arizona, the firm was forced to pull some 25 invitations. The reason: the near-wholesale exit of the firm’s London and Frankfurt offices – and a handful of lawyers in Hong Kong – to Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, a move which was completed on 18 October.
It was a remarkable coup for Akin, and a huge loss to Bingham, currently in crunch talks over a merger with Morgan Lewis & Bockius. In total, more than 50 lawyers made the move to Akin, with just competition partner Frances Murphy and one associate remaining at Bingham in the City.
