THE CHEETAH BRIEF – 17th Edition
In the first half of 2025, Kirkland & Ellis has added about 100 litigators, signaling a broader trend among top law firms investing heavily in products liability and mass torts litigation. With increasing high-stakes cases involving everything from pharmaceuticals and ultra-processed foods to PFAS and social media, firms like Kirkland, Nelson Mullins, and Morgan Lewis are expanding their trial teams to meet demand. The rise in complex litigation is driven by evolving legal theories, targeted marketing by plaintiffs’ firms, third-party litigation funding, and a backlog of cases post-COVID. As corporations seek top-tier defense to protect their brands and share values, Big Law is responding with robust teams, alternative fee models, and tech-forward solutions—shaping this space into one of the most lucrative and strategically vital in the legal industry.
MARKET MOVEMENTS
Former Mueller probe overseer, Rod Rosenstein, leaves King & Spalding for Baker McKenzie.
Hogan Lovells brings on DOJ veteran trial attorney, Joshua Kurland, as an international trade partner.
Brown Rudnick hires Eugene Goryunov as an IP partner from Haynes Boone.
Seven partners, Simona Agnolucci, Benedict Hur, Joshua Anderson, Tiffany Lin, Jonathan Patchen, Michael Rome and Eduardo Santacana leave Willkie to join Cooley.
FIRM SPOTLIGHT - KOBRE & KIM
Kobre & Kim is a global law firm specializing exclusively in cross-border disputes and investigations, particularly those involving fraud and misconduct. Founded in 2003 by two former U.S. federal prosecutors, the firm has grown organically to over 400 employees across offices in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the U.S., and the Caribbean. Known for its conflict-free model—eschewing repeat clients to maintain independence—Kobre & Kim serves a diverse roster including Fortune 500 companies and hedge funds and frequently partners with other firms as special litigation counsel. With a team of seasoned trial lawyers, former prosecutors, international barristers, and financial analysts, the firm is renowned for its aggressive, trial-focused strategy in high-stakes, multi-jurisdictional litigation.
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
Weil and Covington lead as U.S. based power management company, Eaton, makes $1.5B acquisition of UK Aerospace company, Ultra PCS
According to Vault’s annual assessment survey of associates in Big Law, the following were voted best law firms to work for: 1) O’Melveny 2) Morgan, Lewis 3) Clifford Chance 4) McDermott Will & Emery 5) Proskauer 6) Fried Frank 7) Linklaters 8) Warner Norcross & Judd 9) BakerHostetler and 10) Bracewell
The London Stock Exchange Group found global M&A deal value up 20% from January through May, relative to last year during that stretch. The group also noted that the $1.5 trillion value on such announced deals was a three-year high.
U.S.-based firms dominate UK revenue-per-lawyer rankings. Of the top 10 RPL firms in the U.K., only two firms have their roots in the U.K.- Freshfields with £1.13M and Slaughter & May with £1.09M.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Chicago’s Legal Boom: Firms Flock to the Windy City
Chicago’s legal market has seen a surge in lateral moves, office openings, and firm expansions in 2025, driven by its strong talent pool, premium billing rates, and financial sector. Major firms like Akin Gump, Arnold & Porter, Norton Rose Fulbright, and A&O Shearman have made notable hires or launched new offices, while midsize and boutique firms like Miller Johnson, Hicks Johnson, and Rooney Law have also expanded into the city. Industry experts say firms are pursuing scale beyond traditional hubs like New York, and Chicago’s reputation as a commercial powerhouse makes it a key target. The city’s Am Law 100 firms posted strong 2024 results, with average revenue and profits per partner growth far outpacing national averages—underscoring Chicago’s growing appeal as a strategic legal market.
Apple Hit with Class Action Over Crypto Scam Apps
Apple is facing a proposed class action lawsuit in San Jose federal court accusing the company of misleading users about the security of its App Store and failing to protect them from cryptocurrency scams, particularly "pig butchering" schemes. Filed on June 12 by Blood Hurst & O'Reardon and Barnow and Associates, the complaint claims Apple’s lax app vetting process enabled fraudulent crypto trading apps like the now-defunct Swiftcrypt to steal from users, including lead plaintiff Danyell Shin, who allegedly lost over $80,000. The suit alleges violations of California consumer protection laws and seeks injunctive relief, damages, and restitution. Apple disputes the allegations, citing its ongoing efforts to prevent fraud and remove risky apps.
