Firm Wire
Announcements by law firms about themselves, summarized in the desk's words and labelled as announcements, each with the firm named as its source. RSS
Firm Wire items are announcements made by the firms themselves. The desk confirms that the announcement was published and reproduces its factual content. It does not verify the claims in it, and publication is not an endorsement.
Simpson Thacher said sustainability and ESG partner Matt Feehily was quoted by FT Ignites about reporting demands on private markets managers. The firm’s account said he discussed institutional investors’ requests for environmental, social and governance data and contractual reporting commitments that may continue despite potential changes to the SFDR framework.
Simpson Thacher said it is advising a KKR affiliate on a majority investment in Cisternina Logistics, a bulk liquid and gas storage and logistics business in India. The firm said the investment will support Cisternina’s proposed purchase of Ganesh Benzoplast’s liquid storage terminal and rail business and further expansion in India.
White & Case said its third-quarter UK Public M&A Market Update was featured in a CNBC article on foreign-led takeovers of UK-listed businesses. The firm’s announcement included comments from Sonica Tolani and Patrick Sarch about bidding tactics, public pressure on boards and the characteristics attracting overseas investors.
Gibson Dunn said partner Trey Cox discussed the development of its proprietary Atlas platform and AI training for Texas trial lawyers in a Texas Lawyer interview. The firm’s account said Cox described a lawyer-built prompt library and engineering support that helped turn the initial effort into a firm-backed platform.
Gibson Dunn said it was shortlisted in seven categories at Law.com’s 2026 British Legal Awards. The firm said the nominations span its London and international work, including transactional and disputes practices, and that the awards will be presented in London on November 25, 2026.
Sidley said it represented Pyxis Oncology in an underwritten offering of common stock, pre-funded warrants and accompanying common warrants. The firm said expected gross proceeds were approximately $110 million, with up to another $172.6 million possible if the warrants are exercised in full.
Sidley said it represented Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals in a licensing agreement with Novo Nordisk for HRS-1596, a phase 1-ready GLP-1/GIP dual receptor agonist. The firm said the agreement, which includes a $300 million upfront payment, has a potential value of up to $2.6 billion, contingent on development, regulatory and commercial milestones.
Stinson said it published a Dear Ethics Lawyer article examining ethical boundaries in opening statements and closing arguments. The firm’s article discussed lawyers’ personal opinions about witness credibility, the relationship between argument and admissible evidence, and uncertainty about applying the same restrictions in arbitration.
Foley said partner Daniel Farris was featured in Law.com’s How I Made My Mark as a Lateral series. The firm’s account described his data center work across its energy, infrastructure and technology practices and the firm’s approach to helping incoming partners connect with colleagues and client teams.
Sidley said the Chapter 11 plan of Alea Holdings US Company and its debtor affiliates became effective on September 30, 2026. The firm said it obtained confirmation on September 10 in the Southern District of Texas and described the restructuring as a consensual resolution of approximately $280 million in debt.
Thompson Coburn said it published a guide to California’s greenhouse gas reporting and climate-related financial risk disclosure laws. The firm’s article compared the scope of SB 253 and SB 261, reviewed reporting thresholds and exemptions, and discussed compliance deadlines, consolidated reporting and the injunction affecting SB 261 enforcement.
Thompson Hine said it published an analysis of California SB 690 and its implications for website privacy litigation. The firm’s bulletin examined the law’s limits on private pen-register and trap-and-trace claims, its treatment of pending cases and the other privacy theories that businesses may still face.
Lewis Brisbois said New Orleans partner James W. Hailey III will speak at the 2026 Global Insurance Fraud Summit in Panama City, Panama, on October 11–14. The firm said the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud hosts the conference and Hailey’s presentation will address insurance fraud following global disasters.
Bracewell said Tom Moyer will speak on congressional oversight ahead of the 2026 midterm elections at the EEI Fall Legal Conference on October 7. The firm said the panel will examine potential election outcomes and strategies for businesses preparing for congressional investigations and heightened scrutiny.
Gallagher & Kennedy said shareholder Karin Aldama will join Hunton partner Michael S. Levine for a myLawCLE program on artificial intelligence in insurance claim handling. The firm said the live program is scheduled for November 12, 2026, offers two CLE credits and will examine AI-related claims practices and discovery.
Gibson Dunn said it represented Long Lake Management in the $2.75 billion financing for its acquisition of American Express Global Business Travel. The firm said the transaction combined credit facilities and senior secured notes, with JPMorgan Chase Bank serving as lead arranger for the credit facilities.
Gibson Dunn said its Dallas and Houston lawyers received six awards at Law.com’s 2026 Texas Legal Awards. The firm said the recognition included two Litigation Department of the Year awards and individual awards for lawyers working in innovation, transactions, real estate and firm leadership.
Snell & Wilmer said Nathan S. Smith joined its Orange County office as a partner in the Intellectual Property Practice Group. The firm said he brings more than two decades of experience advising businesses on IP due diligence and the acquisition, protection and enforcement of assets in life sciences and technology.
Benesch said intellectual property partner Puja Parikh was recognized in the Daily Journal’s Top 100 Lawyers and Distinguished Counsel for 2026. The firm described the annual California list as recognizing leadership, legal work and contributions to clients, the profession and communities.
Foley said it received Law Firm of the Year at the 2026 Texas Legal Awards and partners Chris Babcock and Chris Converse received Attorneys of the Year. The firm said the awards were presented at a September 30 ceremony recognizing lawyers and legal practices in Texas.
Sidley said it advised JM Financial, IIFL Capital and Morgan Stanley as book-running lead managers on Elevate Campuses’ approximately $220 million initial public offering. The firm described the transaction as India’s first listing of a student housing company and said Manoj Bhargava led its team.
Thompson Hine said it published its October 2026 Employment Legislation Outlook, a digest of upcoming state and local workplace law changes. The firm’s update organized developments by effective date and addressed pay transparency, paid leave, restrictive covenants, accommodations and the use of artificial intelligence in employment.
Procopio said Elaine F. Harwell and Danielle Ocampo Hull published an analysis of California SB 690’s effect on website and app privacy claims. The firm’s article discussed the limits on private pen-register and trap-and-trace actions, retroactivity and the continuing need to review tracking technologies and consent mechanisms.
Troutman Pepper Locke said Stephanie Pindyck Costantino, Heather M. Stone and Paul A. Steffens wrote a guest article for Private Equity Law Report on negotiations between general and limited partners. The firm said the October 1 article examined how fund economics and negotiated arrangements can shape relationships between managers and investors.
Bracewell said Nancy Davis will moderate a panel on high-stakes energy disputes at the Consero Energy General Counsel Forum on October 26, 2026. The firm said the Houston session will address litigation, arbitration and early risk management for in-house lawyers handling domestic and cross-border disputes.
Appleby said it acted as Bermuda counsel to NYK on its acquisition of a 50% interest in Avenir LNG from Stolt-Nielsen Gas, a subsidiary of Stolt-Nielsen Limited. The firm said the transaction established an equal joint venture for the ownership and operation of Avenir’s business.
Procopio said Jennifer Trowbridge and Nathan Gelbrich published an article on SEC staff guidance addressing communications by Schedule 13G filers. The firm examined issuer-initiated discussions, conversations with participants in proxy solicitations and requests to clarify disclosures, alongside separate concerns involving disclosure controls and coordinated shareholder conduct.
Troutman Pepper Locke said it published an analysis of congressional proposals to extend the federal terrorism insurance backstop. The firm’s article compared the Senate’s seven-year extension with the House version and discussed certification thresholds, notice requirements and the steps still needed before a final bill could become law.
Troutman Pepper Locke said it released an episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast in which Chris Willis spoke with litigation partners Massie Cooper and Kalama Lui-Kwan about mass arbitration. The firm’s episode examined provider procedures, appellate decisions, contract drafting and artificial intelligence’s role in managing large volumes of claims.
Steptoe & Johnson PLLC said six associates joined during the third quarter of 2026: Ciara Bartic, Antonio Cifuentes, Sydney Grimes, John Hosa, Kebin Lopez and Rebecca Shearer. The firm said one joined its Business department, two joined Energy and Natural Resources, and three joined Litigation.