Bloomberg Law Cites Edwards Gibson Data in “Davis Polk Hires Show Big Law Optimism in London Market”

An article this week by Meghan Tribe in Bloomberg Law, “Davis Polk Hires Show Big Law Optimism in London Market,” features data and insights from Edwards Gibson on the continued expansion of US law firms in London, particularly within private capital, leveraged finance, and restructuring.

Scott Gibson, Director at Edwards Gibson, described the current hiring landscape as a “private capital feeding frenzy,” noting that firms such as Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, Paul Weiss, Sidley Austin, and Cravath, Swaine & Moore have all been actively recruiting partners to strengthen their London presence. The article highlights that even historically conservative firms like Cravath and Sullivan & Cromwell have entered the lateral hiring market, marking a shift in approach among Wall Street firms.

Edwards Gibson’s year-end report was cited, revealing that there were 548 lateral partner hires in London in 2024. The majority of these moves were concentrated in key practice areas such as leveraged finance, private equity, private funds, restructuring, and disputes, the latter fuelled by the growth of litigation funding.

The article also references Gibson’s analysis of structural changes at firms like Davis Polk, Cravath and Paul Weiss, who have changed their partnership structures to facilitate high-profile lateral hiring. These adjustments have allowed firms to selectively bring in key individuals while maintaining their existing partnership frameworks.

Looking ahead, Gibson noted that while hiring remains strong, economic factors such as potential interest rate increases, and tariff threats could slow the pace of lateral movement in London. However, firms with clear business cases will likely continue to invest in strategic hires to strengthen their market position.

Read the full article on Bloomberg Law here.