Podcasts about freshfields

Tomoko Nakajima is not just any partner at Freshfields, she is an absolute trailblazer in the legal profession in Japan. You will hear how Tomoko tutored herself to pass the bar without attending law school and overcame deeply entrenched Japanese cultural “norms” with her courage and willingness to speak up and ask questions. Tomoko shares what it was like to be part of the historical Kansai Airport deal, and how she eventually became a partner at Freshfields. Along the way, Tomoko was challenged to stick up for herself and for her values, revealing her superpower. Her story is a powerful testament to perseverance and the impact of making bold decisions. Hear Tomoko as you've never heard before in this riveting episode!If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we'd love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we'd love it if you would leave us a message here!In this episode you'll hear:How Tomoko passed the Japanese bar without attending law schoolHow she made a positive impact on one of the biggest infrastructure transactions in Japanese historyThe ultimatum she gave her firm when they did not offer her a partnership (yes, she did that!)Her legal superpower and other great insightsAbout TomokoTomoko Nakajima is a Partner in the Tokyo office of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and head of Japan's M&A practice. Tomoko has more than two decades of experience in M&A becoming an M&A expert. Her approach to M&A is international combined with a deep knowledge of the Japanese market. Tomoko truly understands the challenges Japanese clients face when entering or acquiring in overseas markets and works closely with clients to execute their complex cross-border mandates. Tomoko also advises on real estate and infrastructure transactions. Tomoko received her Bachelor's Degree in International Relations and Affairs in 1997 and passed the Japanese Bar in 1996 and started her career at Shimazaki International Law Office, a boutique law firm specializing in capital markets and venture capital. From 1997 to 1999, Tomoko attended the legal training and research institute of the Supreme Court of Japan.In 2002, Tomoko joined Freshfields in Tokyo as an Associate and received the opportunity to study at the University of Chicago Law School, obtaining her master's degree in law in 2005 and she was admitted to the California Bar in 2006, then returned to Freshfields Tokyo in 2007. Tomoko was made a Partner in 2023. Tomoko was named Woman Lawyer of the Year (Law Firm) in the ALB Japan Law Awards 2024. In her spare time, Tomoko enjoys (muscle) training, Pilates and listening to music. Connect with TomokoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomoko-nakajima-27467279/ Connect with Catherine LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair

On 8 May 2025, the European Commission launched a public consultation to review the Merger Guidelines. In this episode, our host Jenn Mellott speaks with Daniele Calisti, Head of the Mergers Case Support and Policy Unit at DG Competition, who is leading the consultation process. They are joined by David Foster, Director at Frontier Economics, and fellow antitrust partner Thomas Janssens, to explore what changes may be coming – particularly around efficiencies and innovation. While much of what the Commission sets out in the papers released alongside the consultation appears to formalise existing practice, some elements go further and are more novel (e.g., the effects on labour market, economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and broader societal impact of mergers). If the promises of the Draghi Report on innovation and growth in Europe are to be given some weight, the new guidelines should provide clear and explicit direction – particularly in articulating how they envisage a more open and flexible approach to parties demonstrating procompetitive efficiencies. In the podcast, Daniele Calisti highlights two areas where the Commission is particularly keen to receive feedback—drawing on available economic evidence and real-world experience across industries—on how to assess efficiencies. The first is the idea that efficiencies may be more likely to arise when the merging firms' activities are complementary. The second relates to the challenge of evaluating asymmetries between alleged harm and claimed efficiencies, including differences in how and when they materialise. For more on the Commission's evolving thinking you can read our recent blog: Time to catch up: EU reopens the rulebook on mergers and seeks feedback. Please feel free to reach out to your regular Freshfields contacts if you'd like to contribute to the consultation.

In our latest podcast episode of "No Worse Off," Freshfields partners Emma Gateaud and Craig Montgomery are joined by two industry experts for an in-depth discussion on motor finance claims and consumer redress restructuring. Drawing on our extensive experience in recent consumer redress restructurings, we consider the potential impact of the upcoming Supreme Court Judgment on motor finance commissions. Our guests, Sheraz Afzal (Chief Legal Risk & Compliance Officer at Quint Group Ltd) and Jamie Drummond-Smith (Independent director, adjudicator and creditor representative), share their frontline experience in these restructurings, offering valuable insights from recent cases in the consumer finance sector. Stay tuned for more insights into the world of restructuring in 2025, and thank you for listening to "No Worse Off"

Moderator: Joshua Kelly, Freshfields.1. Ms Paulina Rundel, PhD Candidate, University of Vienna: The UN Charter Navigating the Moon: The Moon Agreement versus the Artemis Accords. (02:10)2. Dr Abbie-Rose Hampton, Research Associate; Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellow, King's College London: Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing and the Pandemic Treaty: Maintaining the Status Quo? (20:55)3. Dr Milena Sterio, Charles R. Emrick Jr. – Calfee Halter & Griswold Professor of Law, Cleveland State University College of Law: Artificial Intelligence and Individual Criminal Responsibility: A Paradox or a Possibility? (34:48)4. Ms Martina Elia Vitoloni, DCL Candidate, McGill University: Orbiting Beyond Control: International Law and the Rise of Private Power in Outer Space. (50:40)This is a recording from the events of the 14th Annual Cambridge International Law ConferenceThis is a collection of recordings from the events of the 14th Annual Cambridge International Law Conference, held under the title 'Navigating a Multipolar World: Challenges to the Post-WWII Status Quo of International Law' on 28 & 29 April 2025 at the Faculty of Law, University of Cambridge.For more information about the conference, and the Journal, see:http://cilj.co.uk/

Moderator: Joshua Kelly, Freshfields.1. Ms Paulina Rundel, PhD Candidate, University of Vienna: The UN Charter Navigating the Moon: The Moon Agreement versus the Artemis Accords. (02:10)2. Dr Abbie-Rose Hampton, Research Associate; Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellow, King's College London: Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing and the Pandemic Treaty: Maintaining the Status Quo? (20:55)3. Dr Milena Sterio, Charles R. Emrick Jr. – Calfee Halter & Griswold Professor of Law, Cleveland State University College of Law: Artificial Intelligence and Individual Criminal Responsibility: A Paradox or a Possibility? (34:48)4. Ms Martina Elia Vitoloni, DCL Candidate, McGill University: Orbiting Beyond Control: International Law and the Rise of Private Power in Outer Space. (50:40)This is a recording from the events of the 14th Annual Cambridge International Law ConferenceThis is a collection of recordings from the events of the 14th Annual Cambridge International Law Conference, held under the title 'Navigating a Multipolar World: Challenges to the Post-WWII Status Quo of International Law' on 28 & 29 April 2025 at the Faculty of Law, University of Cambridge.For more information about the conference, and the Journal, see:http://cilj.co.uk/

In this episode of our Securing the Digital Future podcast series, Freshfields partner Rachael Annear talks with June Lowry and Athina Tsitsou, from the European Commission, about measures in the EU aimed at children's online safety as well as broader initiatives around accessibility.

In episode two of the Eureka series, Former Director of CorpFin at the SEC and Freshfields partner Erik Gerding and Freshfields partners Calise Cheng and Jacqueline Marino explore IPOs in the face of uncertainty, including alternative paths to capital and liquidity. They discuss: The state of the market and what the SEC might do to help Alternative paths for companies seeking capital and liquidity What to do with your registration statement if you have already confidentially submitted How to get ready for an IPO when the goalpost has moved

Jane Hyde, Group General Counsel and Company Secretary at RWS Group PLC, shares a refreshingly non-linear legal career that took her from City law to investment banking, via a sabbatical in wine tasting — all the way to the executive team of a global AI-enabled language services business.In this unfiltered episode, Jane reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped her leadership journey. From leaving Freshfields for the trading floor at JP Morgan, to taking a career break and topping the global wine diploma charts, Jane's path is anything but typical. Her lessons emphasise the value of learning outside law, the importance of clear, human communication (especially in a tech-heavy world), and why ownership and accountability matter more than ever for in-house lawyers.Listeners will take away practical insight on integrating legal with the wider business, contributing meaningfully to executive discussions, and building credibility through sound judgement—not just technical skill. Jane also shares how side roads, like compliance and PSL roles, helped refine her leadership approach, and why your next move doesn't always need to be part of a five-year plan.Guest Recommendations:The Rest is History — A wide-ranging, witty take on historical moments with Tom Holland and Dominic SandbrookThe Rest is Entertainment — A pop culture spin by Marina Hyde and Richard OsmanAbout Heriot Brown: At Heriot Brown, we help lawyers find fulfilment in their careers. Beyond recruitment, we foster a thriving community of in-house legal professionals who share insights, experiences, and growth opportunities.

In this episode of the Eureka series, Former Director of CorpFin at the SEC and Freshfields partner Erik Gerding and Freshfields partners Pamela Marcogliese and Leza Bieber discuss how to think about disclosures and governance during a trade war, including: What to do about guidance and meaningful cautionary language under extreme uncertainty? How is this situation similar to COVID and the Russia/Ukraine war and how are they different? How should Boards be thinking about and responding? The importance of having a good process and making decisions aligned with your strategic vision

Welcome to the AI Lawyer Talking Tech podcast, your source for the latest insights into the rapidly evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and the legal profession. In today's episode, we'll delve into the transformative impact of AI on legal practices, exploring everything from groundbreaking new AI-powered tools designed to streamline workflows and enhance legal research to the critical discussions surrounding ethical considerations and the indispensable role of human oversight in this technological shift. Join us as we unpack the strategies law firms are adopting to embrace AI, navigate the complexities of data privacy and cybersecurity in an AI-driven world, and examine the ongoing dialogues at the forefront of legal innovation, ensuring you stay ahead in this dynamic legal landscape.Here is a list of article titles (hyperlinked) and their dates, based on the information in the sources:ACC NYC's 2025 General Counsel Toolkit // Cooley // Global Law Firm - June 10, 2025AI in Courts: Need for human review of AI outputs in court operational workflows - Thomson Reuters Institute - No specific date mentioned in the excerpts.Arkansas Senate approves proposed changes to blocked social media age verification law Beyond Fear: Law, AI and the Digital Transition - Lexology - April 7 2025D.C. Bar Announces 2025 Award Winners - April 08, 2025Day Pitney's Kritika Bharadwaj Recognized on 2025 Lawdragon 100 Leading Global AI & Legal Tech Advisors List | Day Pitney - April 8, 2025Defending Libraries in the Digital Age: Lila Bailey Calls for Library Legal Champions at Georgetown Law's iPIP Clinic Celebration | Internet Archive Blogs - April 8, 2025Dentons Launches ‘Office Hours' Legal Tech Incubator + Rowena Rix Interview – Artificial Lawyer - April 8, 2025Exclusive interview: Dentons UKIME launches Office Hours legal tech assessment programme - Legal IT Insider - 8 April 2025Freshfields and Google Cloud Accelerate Legal Innovation Through Strategic AI Collaboration - Apr 8, 2025Generative AI in Legal Services: Key Considerations and Adoption Approaches | Integreon - JDSupra - April 8, 2025Global law firm Freshfields embarks on AI-led digital transformation with Google Cloud | Computer Weekly How AI and Media Company Agreements Are Reshaping the B2B PR Landscape | Walker Sands - April 8, 2025How Law Firms Can Use Generative AI to Enhance Social Media Marketing | Good2bSocial - JDSupra - April 8, 2025Innovation or Insecurity? Rethinking Cybersecurity in the Age of AI Introducing LexisNexis Protégé in Lex Machina - April 08, 2025Legal Ops Isn't Just Firefighting — It's Your Next Competitive Advantage - Above the Law LexisNexis Announces Legal Industry's First Voice AI Assistant to Simplify Legal Workflows, Surface Insights, and Complete Legal Work Faster - Legal Reader - April 8, 2025LexisNexis Expands Its Protégé AI Assistant to Lex Machina for Effortless Litigation Analytics | LexisNexis PressRoom - April 08, 2025Marking Its 40th Anniversary In A New Venue, ABA Techshow Experiences Growing Pains | LawSites - April 8, 2025National Library Week: Spotlight on Law Librarian Eileen Schnur - Ward and Smith, P.A. - April 7, 2025New York Times Clears First Legal Hurdle in AI Lawsuit - April 8, 2025New-Aged Automakers Beware: CPPA's Enforcement Action Against Honda Results in the Agency's First Settlement - Insights - Proskauer Rose LLP - April 8, 2025Oregon Releases Report on the First Six Months of its Oregon Consumer Privacy Act | White & Case LLP

In our latest "No Worse Off" podcast episode, Freshfields partner Lindsay Hingston and Tabasam Faqir, Head of Restructuring and Capital Solutions for MENA, welcome special guest Naveen Sabharwal, Managing Director at Davidson Kempner. Together, they explore the key themes shaping the restructuring landscape in the Middle East. Drawing on their extensive market experience, they examine the evolving legal regime and market landscape in the region, including landmark court processes, private credit opportunities and the emergence of non-performing loan portfolio sales. Stay tuned for more insights into the world of restructuring in 2025, and thank you for listening to "No Worse Off.

In this episode, Evercore's Lyle Schwartz and Freshfields' Ziyad Nassif, both based in London, sit down to discuss the recent trend of UK and European companies moving their primary listing to the U.S.Lyle Schwartz – Senior Managing DirectorZiyad Nassif – Corporate and M&A partner, Freshfields© Evercore Inc. 2025. All rights reserved.The material contained herein is intended as a general market and/or economic commentary and is not intended to constitute financial, legal, tax, accounting or investment advice. The information contained in this podcast does not constitute an offer to buy or sell securities from any Evercore entity to the listener and should not be relied upon to evaluate any potential transaction. The information contained in this recording was obtained from publicly available sources, has not been independently verified by Evercore, may not be current, and Evercore has no obligation to provide any updates or changes. This podcast is not a product of Evercore Investment Research and the information contained in this podcast is not financial research. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are not necessarily those of Evercore and may differ from the views and opinions of other departments or divisions of Evercore and its affiliates. In addition, the receipt of this podcast by any listener is not to be taken to constitute such person a client of any Evercore entity. Neither Evercore nor any of its affiliates makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in this podcast and any liability therefore (including in respect of direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage) is expressly disclaimed.

Mit Viktor von Essen (Libra Staffel #12 Folge #2 | #Marketing_021 Der Podcast über Marketing, Vertrieb, Entrepreneurship und Startups *** https://libratech.ai/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/viktor-von-essen/ *** Im neuesten "Marketing From Zero To One" Podcast-Interview ging es dieses Mal um Viktor von Essen und sein Startup Libra, eine KI-gestützte Plattform, die Anwaltskanzleien und Rechtsabteilungen dabei hilft, künstliche Intelligenz effizient in ihre tägliche Arbeit zu integrieren. Viktor erzählte von seinem Werdegang von der Bucerius Law School, der Sorbonne und Oxford über seine Zeit als Anwalt bei Freshfields bis hin zur Gründung von Libra im Jahr 2023. Das KI-Startup nutzt spezialisierte Sprachmodelle, um juristische Workflows zu optimieren, Dokumentenanalyse zu automatisieren und Anwälte bei ihrer täglichen Arbeit zu unterstützen. Er sprach über die Herausforderungen beim Aufbau eines LegalTech-Unternehmens, seine Vertriebsstrategien, die Expansion nach Polen und die regulatorischen Rahmenbedingungen für KI in Europa. Abschließend gab er Einblicke in seine Vision für die Zukunft der Rechtsbranche und die Rolle von KI in der juristischen Praxis. Mit dabei war KI-Experte und Seriengründer Michael Högemann. *** 00:58 – Begrüßung und Vorstellung 01:14 – Werdegang von Viktor und Gründung von Libra 02:55 – Finanzierung und Teamaufbau 03:34 – Expansion nach Polen 05:12 – Von der Idee zur Umsetzung 07:23 – Erstes Experiment mit KI in der Juristerei 08:53 – Von der ersten Legal-AI-Firma zu Libra 09:10 – Erster MVP von Libra 10:48 – Pivot und Weiterentwicklung 11:53 – Strategie für Wachstum 13:50 – Effektivste Vertriebsmethoden 15:45 – Libra Academy und Promptathons 18:48 – Praktische Umsetzung von Promptathons 23:37 – Langfristige Vision für Libra 25:39 – Effizienzsteigerung durch KI 28:00 – Regulatorische Herausforderungen in Europa 30:06 – Überzeugung von skeptischen Anwälten 32:03 – Disruptives Potenzial von KI in der Rechtsbranche 33:30 – Verändertes Kundenverhalten 34:38 – Integration von KI in juristische Workflows 38:17 – Nutzung von KI im eigenen Unternehmen 42:40 – Skalierung der Libra Academy 45:03 – Was wäre ohne KI passiert? 46:13 – Rat an junge Juristen 49:19 – Abschluss und Ausblick *** Die Zeitangaben können leicht abweichen.

How principled leadership can survive amid disruption and division. In this timely episode, hosts Jonathan and Robert welcome Kevin Hogarth, renowned leadership expert, to unpack the state of leadership amid turbulent times. From recent geopolitical shocks reverberating from the White House to unprecedented pressures reshaping the professional services sector, the conversation considers crucial questions, including: - Can principled leadership survive in an era dominated by populism and hyper-masculinity? - What role do integrity and respect play in effective leadership, especially when challenged by political or organisational toxicity? - How should leaders navigate a generational divide intensified by technological disruption and cultural clashes around diversity, equity, and inclusion? Kevin shares candid insights from decades of experience across leading firms including EY, Freshfields, Norton Rose Fulbright, KPMG and PSFI. He also reveals strategies for senior leaders — and partners in particular — to embrace necessary change, leverage diverse talent effectively, and maintain ethical clarity in the face of mounting pressures. Tune in to discover: - Why principled leadership remains crucial despite global pressures seeming to suggest we should abandon it. - Practical ways to bridge generational differences and harness the untapped potential of younger talent. - The real risks and rewards of embracing or resisting change at the highest levels. This conversation is essential listening for any leader committed to steering their firm responsibly through uncertainty, complexity, and conflict. Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn · PSFI website · LinkedIn · Website · Connect with Robert on LinkedIn · Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn

This Day in Legal History: First Formal Anti-slavery Resolution in American HistoryOn February 18, 1688, a group of Quakers in Germantown, Pennsylvania, drafted the first formal anti-slavery resolution in American history. Addressed to their local monthly meeting, the document condemned the practice of slavery and argued that it was incompatible with Christian teachings. The authors—Garret Henderich, Derick op de Graeff, Francis Daniel Pastorius, and Abram op de Graeff—compared enslaving Africans to the feared practice of Christian captives being taken by Turkish pirates. They pointed out the hypocrisy of Quakers, who sought religious freedom for themselves while denying liberty to others. The resolution questioned whether Christians had the moral right to enslave others based on race and emphasized the Golden Rule: treating others as one would want to be treated. It also warned of the possibility that enslaved people might eventually resist their oppression, raising the moral dilemma of whether their masters would then take up arms against them. The document urged Quakers to reconsider their complicity in slavery and to recognize the dignity and humanity of all people. Though the resolution was not immediately adopted by the broader Quaker community, it laid the groundwork for the abolitionist movement within the Society of Friends. Over time, Quakers became some of the most outspoken opponents of slavery in America. The Germantown protest stands as an early and courageous call for justice, foreshadowing the larger struggle for human rights that would unfold in the centuries to come.The Trump administration has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to lift a judge's order blocking the removal of Hampton Dellinger, head of the Office of Special Counsel, as litigation over his firing continues. Dellinger, appointed by former President Biden, was informed of his dismissal on February 7, but he sued, arguing that Trump lacked the authority to remove him without cause. Federal law allows the Special Counsel to be dismissed only for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance.On February 12, U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson issued a temporary restraining order reinstating Dellinger, stating that his firing violated legal job protections. The Justice Department, calling the ruling an attack on presidential authority, argues that courts should not dictate whom the president retains in his administration. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the administration's appeal, deeming it premature.This case may set an important precedent for Trump's broader efforts to reshape the federal government by removing independent agency heads. It follows a pattern of dismissals, including Trump's recent firing of 17 inspectors general without explanation. The Special Counsel's Office plays a crucial role in protecting whistleblowers and enforcing restrictions on political activity among federal employees.Trump administration turns to US Supreme Court in bid to fire agency head | ReutersPresident Donald Trump announced he will nominate Edward Martin for a full term as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. Martin, currently serving in an interim capacity, has drawn controversy for his past legal work. He previously represented individuals charged in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot and recently sought to drop charges against a defendant he once defended.Martin was also present outside the Capitol during the attack and has criticized the Justice Department's handling of the prosecutions. His nomination requires Senate approval, and ethical concerns have been raised about his involvement in cases related to former clients. Justice Department rules typically require attorneys to recuse themselves from such cases for at least a year.Trump, on his first day back in office, granted clemency to nearly all of the 1,600 people charged in connection with the riot. Martin's nomination is expected to face scrutiny due to his past legal advocacy for those involved in efforts to overturn the 2020 election.Trump to nominate top prosecutor Martin for permanent term as US attorney for DC | ReutersA former business development manager is suing Reed Smith LLP for at least $50,000 in unpaid overtime, claiming the firm misclassified her as a manager to avoid paying her for excessive work hours. Phoebe Medeiros filed the lawsuit in California state court, alleging she regularly worked 90-hour weeks, sometimes in shifts as long as 36 hours, despite official timesheets reflecting a standard 40-hour workweek.Medeiros, who transferred to Reed Smith's Southern California office in 2022, says she primarily worked under the direct instructions of partner Mark Pedretti, preparing business pitch materials and relaying information, rather than functioning as a true manager. Pedretti, who is not named as a defendant, has not commented on the lawsuit.Reed Smith has not responded to requests for comment, and neither Medeiros nor her attorneys from The Rutten Law Firm have provided statements. Medeiros has since left the firm and now works at Freshfields. The case, Medeiros v. Reed Smith, LLP, is being heard in California Superior Court for Los Angeles County.Reed Smith Sued by Business Development Manager for Overtime PayAnd in my column for Bloomberg Tax this week, I pitch the idea of tax-abatement bridge loans for office conversions. Post-pandemic, cities like New York, San Francisco, and Washington are struggling to revitalize commercial districts, with tax abatements for office-to-residential conversions proving ineffective because they only apply after project completion. Instead of making developers wait years to benefit, states should allow them to borrow against future tax savings through upfront, low-interest bridge loans—essentially restructuring the incentive rather than creating a new subsidy.  With record-high office vacancies and persistent housing shortages, conversions make obvious policy sense. However, they remain slow due to high costs and the difficulty of securing favorable loans in the current interest rate environment. Existing tax incentives only kick in post-construction, forcing developers to front conversion costs while facing uncertainty about future property tax rates. A bridge loan program secured by future abatements would mitigate this risk by locking in tax savings at financing, providing developers with stable, immediate capital.  The model would work through a public-private partnership: states would calculate future tax savings, commercial banks would underwrite low-interest loans secured by those abatements, and developers would repay the loans using the redirected tax breaks. Because funds would be deployed in phases based on project milestones, states wouldn't be on the hook for speculative projects that never materialize. Unlike grants or new subsidies, this wouldn't cost taxpayers beyond existing abatements, which are currently underutilized due to their delayed structure.  This approach should appeal across the political spectrum—expanding housing supply without direct handouts to developers satisfies progressive concerns, while a self-financing mechanism aligns with fiscal conservatism. Similar models have worked elsewhere, such as Wisconsin's senior housing loan program and widely used tax increment financing districts. Given the scale of the housing crisis, cities can't afford to wait—tax-backed bridge loans offer a practical fix to a well-documented problem. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

In our latest podcast episode of Securing the Digital Future, Freshfields partner Rachael Annear is joined by Suzanne Cater and Amy Jordan from the UK's communications regulator, Ofcom, for an in-depth look at how online safety legislation is being applied in the UK and what businesses and organizations need to know. 

This week Meg is joined by Joint Managing Director Michael Evans to discuss the first US firm financial results, as well as Freshfields' LLP accounts, and best practice in releasing the financials.Thank you for Listening!

Donald Trump's presidential election had market commenters rushing to conclude that the new administration would yield a flood of corporate dealmaking. But the widely anticipated Trump Bump for deals is already facing hurdles. Interest rates have steadily risen as the fear of inflation remains. Markets are buffeted by every piece of news about potential tariffs. And stock prices have faltered from their initial post-election surge. With Trump now in the White House, has the optimism for a dealmaking surge already withered? On this episode of On the Merits, Bloomberg Law's Roy Strom spoke with Jennifer Perkins and David Klein, M&A partners at Kirkland & Ellis, the busiest law firm for corporate transactions last year. Kirkland advised on more than $427 billion in global mergers and acquisitions over the year, surpassing rivals like Latham & Watkins, Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, and Freshfields. Perkins and Klein told Roy the “floodgates” for M&A may not be open right away, but they both expect a strong year for dealmaking ahead. They discussed a backlog of companies private equity funds are looking to offload, how a reinvigorated IPO market could further fuel deals, and how law firms are evolving as private capital markets expand. Do you have feedback on this episode of On The Merits? Give us a call and leave a voicemail at 703-341-3690.

Sanjay Murti, an M&A partner at Freshfields in New York, discusses how he approached being an associate, the grueling year before making partner and his decision to lateral to Freshfields from Cravath. 

In our latest podcast episode of Securing the Digital Future, Freshfields partner Rachael Annear is joined by Michelle Ramsden from the US Department of Justice for an overview of the status of online safety regulation in the US. They discuss the complex patchwork of laws and regulations at both the state and federal levels, as well as how civil liberties and freedom of expression are impacting the development of online safety legislation.

In this episode of the MedTech podcast, Freshfields partner Vinita Kailasanath and Cimbal Capital Group principal Derek Underwood talk about his experience at the intersection of life sciences and tech, developing trends, and innovation in the space.

Changes at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) resulting from the 2024 election will have significant implications for the private funds industry. Tim Clark, Freshfields' Global Co-Head of Private Funds and Secondaries, and David Nicolardi, a counsel at Freshfields and former SEC Branch Chief, discuss the expected impacts on SEC regulation, exams, and enforcement priorities related to private funds. Tim and David explore, among other issues, the Marketing Rule, ESG and DEI, and regulatory challenges posed by the growth of Artificial Intelligence (“AI”). 

In our latest podcast episode of "No Worse Off," Freshfields partner Craig Montgomery is joined by colleagues Madlyn Primoff from New York, Kristina Weiler from Hamburg, and Mijke Sinninghe Damsté from Amsterdam for an in-depth look at how litigation risk impacts restructurings from start to finish. They delve into the complexities that arise in cross-border multi-process restructurings, focusing on key themes such as the role of expert evidence, privilege and discovery issues, and the timing of challenges across different jurisdictions. Stay tuned for valuable insights into anticipating and managing litigation risks throughout the restructuring process, and thank you for listening to "No Worse Off."

Tonight, we'll read excerpts from the book “Fresh Fields” by John Burroughs, published in 1896. The main section we will read is titled “At Sea”.  In "Fresh Fields," Burroughs takes us on a journey through his travels and observations of the natural world, both in America and abroad. This collection of essays showcases Burroughs' keen eye for detail and his deep appreciation for the beauty and complexity of nature. John Burroughs was an American nature essayist, active in the U.S. conservation movement. Burroughs accompanied many personalities of the time in his later years, including Theodore Roosevelt, Henry Ford (who gave him an automobile), and Thomas Edison. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our latest podcast episode, Freshfields partner Lindsay Hingston and Senior Associate Alex Thomson are joined by Georgina Peters, Barrister at South Square, for a further look at of Liability Management Exercises (LMEs). They examine how LMEs might be shaped by different legal regimes, with a particular focus on potential issues under English law. Stay tuned for more insights into the world of restructuring and thank you for listening to “No Worse Off”.

In this episode Stephen sits down for a wide ranging chat with Barrister Ghassan Kassisieh. The discussion is lengthy and covers lgbt rights, international politics, refugees, the politicisation of gay rights in the Israeli / Palestinian conflict and comparative law, among other things. Ghassan is a Barrister at 12 Wentworth Selbourne chambers in Sydney after being called to the Bar in September 2024. He has a public and commercial law practice. Ghassan was previously Legal Director at Equality Australia where his legal policy advocacy contributed to over 16 LGBTIQ+ legislative reforms, including Australia's first scheme regulating medical procedures performed on intersex people without capacity to consent. Ghassan also has over 13 years' experience working as a solicitor in commercial litigation and regulatory matters at Gilbert + Tobin in Sydney and Freshfields in London. We hope you enjoy the chat!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the past few years, the function and scope of private credit within financial markets has increased greatly. As private credit funds play a greater role in activities traditionally undertaken by banks, they are attracting growing scrutiny from both regulators and governments who are concerned about heightened risks to the financial system. In this special podcast, a selection of senior Freshfields lawyers from different jurisdictions explore the increasing regulatory scrutiny of private credit across the world. Matt O'Callaghan, a partner in the firm's Hong Kong office and head of the financial services regulatory team in Asia, hosts an insightful discussion featuring Nariné Atamian from Freshfields in New York, Greg King in London, and Theresa Kreft in Munich, in which they look beyond the headlines and share their perspectives on the changing regulatory landscape.

Azeem reports on the latest personal changes in the industry •Stephenson Harwood strengthens Middle East construction practice with Ron Nobbs relocating from London. •Jones Day announces Rodney Moore, Samuel Peca, and Scott Delaney joining as partners in corporate and Energy Transition & Infrastructure. •Nanda Kamat leaving MUFG after 15 years to take a new role. •Kristian Bradshaw joins Hunton Andrews Kurth in Tokyo from White & Case. •Vinita Sithapathy joins Mayer Brown in New York as a partner from Freshfields. •Joe Taylor joins Apterra Infrastructure Capital as managing director from NatWest. •Latham & Watkins hires Scott Cockerham in Washington, D.C., from A&O Shearman. •OX2 CFO Johan Rydmark to step down in April 2025. •EU Commission selects Danish politician Dan Jorgensen as energy commissioner. •Kenny Cheramusak becomes CFO of Apex Clean Energy from ContourGlobal. •Stephenson Harwood adds Sushil Verma as a partner in Financial Markets Practice from Simmons & Simmons. •Meyer Burger CEO Gunter Erfurt steps down; Franz Richter becomes chairman.

In IMR261, die zugleich Folge 13 von IMRechtsmarkt ist, erhaltet Ihr gemeinsam mit dem Bucerius Center on the Legal Profession News zum aktuellen Stand des Rechtsmarkts - heute in Sachen Arbeitsrecht. Marc spricht mit Prof. Dr. Klaus-Stefan Hohenstatt, einem erfahrenen Arbeitsrechtler, Partner bei Freshfields in Hamburg und (ehemaliger) Director am Bucerius CLP über seine Laufbahn und die Entwicklung des Arbeitsrechts. Klaus-Stefan berichtet, wie er durch einen Zufall zum Arbeitsrecht kam und wie sich die Anwaltslandschaft in Hamburg seit den 1990er-Jahren stark verändert hat. Ein Schwerpunkt der Diskussion ist die zunehmende Komplexität und Globalisierung des Rechtsmarkts, die zu einem wachsenden Bedarf an spezialisierter Beratung geführt hat. Auch das Verhältnis von Arbeitsrecht und Legal Tech wird beleuchtet, wobei Klaus-Stefan die Rolle von Automatisierung und Technologie in bestimmten Teilbereichen, wie der Dokumentenerstellung oder der Massenabwicklung von Fällen, anspricht, aber betont, dass die individuelle Beratung und die Entwicklung maßgeschneiderter Lösungen im Arbeitsrecht weiterhin entscheidend bleiben. Zudem gehen die beiden darauf ein, wie die Strukturen und die Führung in Kanzleien sich verändert haben. Zum Abschluss hört Ihr Klaus-Stefans Gedanken zur Zukunft des Arbeitsrechts und der Rolle von Partnern und angestellten Anwälten in Großkanzleien. Viel Spaß mit dieser Folge Eures Jurapodcasts zu allen Karrierethemen!

Welcome to this special episode of The Wellbeing Rebellion, recorded live from the Wellbeing at Work Summit in London! I'm here in the heart of Westminster, sneaking into a quiet room to share some key insights and takeaways from today's panels and speakers. It's been an inspiring day with HR leaders, wellbeing professionals, and some of the top minds from companies like Sky, Channel 4, and Freshfields all coming together to explore how we can better support mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.I'll walk you through what's caught my attention so far, from discussions about personalised wellbeing strategies to the challenge of adapting to a changing workforce.Whether you're in HR, management, or just curious about how to bring better wellbeing into your workplace, this episode has something for you!Here are the highlights:(0:54) The Wellbeing at Work Summit (4:04) First Session Insights (10:06) Panel Discussion on Wellbeing for All (13:44) Networking and Workshops at the Summit (16:49) Implementing Personalised Wellbeing Strategies Take the Aurora 360 Quiz: How Effective Is Your Company's Wellbeing Strategy? Click HereConnect with us here:Website: aurorawellnessgroup.co.ukLinkedIn: NgoziLinkedIn: ObehiAurora Company Profile 2024Book a Call here

In our latest podcast episode, Freshfields partner Lindsay Hingston hosts a candid discussion on the subject of women in restructuring, featuring Katharina Crinson, counsel at Freshfields, and Jo Hewitt, managing director at Alvarez & Marsal. Drawing on personal experience as well as insights from Katharina and Jo's former and current leadership roles for the London chapter of the International Women's Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation (IWIRC London), they explore their career journeys in a field where women are still under-represented, the importance of gender diversity, and strategies for promoting an inclusive industry. Stay tuned for more insights into the world of restructuring and thank you for listening to “No Worse Off”.

We want to share a very important initiative for our island, called Kiawah Goes Green. This initiative focuses on our island and the little steps we all can take to protect what we love so much on this island in the best way possible.This is a rather “down-to-earth” and pragmatic initiative which is based on mostly three pillars:1. Our mission is to focus on environmental stewardship, sustainability and advancement of eco-friendly public and private practices across the island while remaining fiscally responsible and avoid harm to the operational efficiency of the services we receive.2. Through our work, we focus on the step-by-step elimination of harmful or inefficient materials, properly separated collection of trash and waste across the island and more eco-friendly in our operations.3. Our team members of the initiative come from all our relevant stakeholders – the Town Council and Town Departments, KICA, the Conservancy, the Golf Resort, the Kiawah Island Club, Freshfields, Andell West or Riverstone, … and a great group of engaged community members.

The healthcare industry is one of the most vulnerable sectors to cybersecurity risk. In this episode of the MedTech podcast, Freshfields partners Vinita Kailasanath and Brock Dahl explore some recent examples of credible threats to the industry and how companies can implement technological innovation to help mitigate these risks.

In this week's episode does Geoffrey even know what Zig is talking about with Fresh Fields? Does Geoffrey remember if he covered the Moors Murders or not? Guess you better listen to find out.For your 30 day free Audible Trial go to: Audibletrial.com/nerderyandmurderyFor 10% off with BetterHelp go to: betterhelp.com/nerderyandmurderySupport the Show.

Two former CFIUS Chairs discuss Treasury's recently released draft rules and impending U.S. capital controls. In this episode of our Essential Antitrust podcast, host Jenn Mellott is joined by Freshfields' Aimen Mir and Brian Reissaus to analyze some breaking news out of the U.S. Department of the Treasury: draft rules operationalizing controls on outbound investment. Though targeted at China, the rules generate new risks and potential consequences for U.S. investments in Chinese companies or in companies and funds that themselves have operations or investments in China.

In recent years, the term ‘lender-on-lender violence' has become a popular way to refer to deals that are more politely known as ‘liability management exercises'.Both terms are euphemistic — so what are we actually talking about here? And what happens when these often quite bruising battles between companies, their sponsors and their lenders, take place in the (supposedly) quieter and more genteel world of private credit?For this week's episode of Cloud 9fin, our host Will Caiger-Smith hits up Damian Ridealgh and H.T. Flanagan of Freshfields to figure out how liability management became all the rage, and how lenders are trying to protect themselves against it.

How does a Legal career in the Seychelles or Mauritius sound? Awesome....On this week's show, I am joined by Phil Norah - General Counsel for the UK business of the Holcim Group, which is a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions and products. On top of delivering an ambitious M&A agenda, one of the key challenges for the Holcim Group is the decarbonisation of the cement industry, which is an existential threat. The Legal function is playing a pivotal role in that.Phil manages a multi-disciplinary team across legal, compliance, insurance and real estate and is a member of the Holcim European legal leadership team. Phil's career started out in the City with Freshfields but took him to the idyllic paradise of Mauritius, where he was Regional Head of Legal for Barclays. Hear Phil's approach and discussing global opportunities, the effort required to seize them, and the professional challenges that arise.It was great to hear these insights and this is a must listen to anyone who might hesitate on seizing the day and saying yes to opportunities.Follow Heriot Brown:Twitter | LinkedIn |  Facebook | Instagram

On this week's show, our host, Scott Brown, sits down with Alex O'Connell, General Counsel and Company Secretary at Fever-Tree. the global mixers and soft drinks business. What an apt guest / company for the wonderful British summertime!They discuss the pivotal years in Alex's career, which started as a corporate M&A lawyer at Freshfields in London and Singapore, before taking his first in-house role at AB InBev, the leading global brewer. He joined Fever-Tree in 2021 and discusses how he has applied some of the best practice learned at AB InBev into a smaller organisation. Alex shares valuable insights on management styles, the importance of caring for team members and being open to new ideas. We also hear of Alex's incredible time as an Olympian Fencer where he competed for Team GB at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing - what an experience!His favourite drink is a gin & Fever-Tree Mediterranean tonic water, served with pink grapefruit - the Drink of Champions / Olympians!Follow Heriot Brown:Twitter | LinkedIn |  Facebook | Instagram

In the latest installment of our Coversation with Reorg series, Reorg's Legal Director, Shan Qureshi, interviews Freshfields' restructuring expert, Michael Broeders, about his role in McDermott's WHOA this year.

REDIFFUSION - Pour cette semaine de vacances, retrouvez les meilleurs épisodes d'Oser la Reconversion. - Episode diffusé initialement le 30 mai 2022 (épisode #61) - Oser la Reconversion, le Podcast, épisode #61 Oser La Reconversion est le podcast dédié aux reconversions professionnelles à quelque stade qu'elles en soient. Aujourd'hui, j'accueille dans Oser la Reconversion, France. Après avoir été avocate d'affaires, France est devenue créatrice de contenu puis vigneronne. Vous pouvez la retrouver sur Instagram sous le pseudo @madebyf où elle est suivie par + de 80 000 abonnés. Depuis l'âge de 7 ans, France veut être avocate car elle ne supporte pas les injustices. Elle devient finalement avocate d'affaires influencée par son père businessman qui travaille beaucoup avec des cabinets d'affaires internationaux. Elle se spécialise en fusion acquisition et marché des capitaux et travaille pendant 6 ans au sein des cabinets Clifford Chance puis Freshfields à Bruxelles. Les responsabilités et le salaire élevé l'impressionnent mais elle ne se sent pas vraiment à sa place.  Vers la fin de sa carrière, France part en détachement à Londres pendant 6 mois et la situation devient alors très pesante. Elle se met une énorme pression pour réussir son détachement et se retrouve dans un engrenage. Elle compte les jours avant son retour en Belgique et commence même à avoir des idées noires. Elle est victime d'un burn out. C'est le déclic. Elle démissionne et lance son blog, un rêve depuis longtemps. France est créatrice de contenu à temps plein depuis 2015.  Juste après avoir rencontré son conjoint, ancien avocat d'affaires lui-aussi en reconversion pour devenir vigneron, elle décide d'aller faire les vendanges avec lui.  France se découvre une passion. Ils décident alors d'acheter ensemble des vignes à l'abandon en Moselle en Allemagne. Ils produisent aujourd'hui du vin naturel sous le nom "jus naturae".  Alors avec France, on a évoqué sa carrière d'avocate d'affaires, comment son père a influencé sa carrière, son burn-out, l'évolution de sa vie de créatrice de contenu, sa position de femme en tant que vigneronne, sa vie de jeune maman et ses futurs projets en droit humanitaire.    Retrouvez Oser la Reconversion sur Instagram : ⁠https://www.instagram.com/oserlareconversion/⁠ Télécharger le cahier d'exercices d'Oser la Reconversion pour se reconvertir : ⁠https://oserlareconversion.com/ Notes & Références :  - Instagram de France@madebyf : https://www.instagram.com/madebyf/ - Site internet de France : http://www.madebyf.com - Instagram de ses vignes @jusnaturaewines: https://www.instagram.com/jusnaturaewines/ - Coach Olivier Nanga à Bruxelles : https://rubisinterieur.com/ - Instagram de @philosophyissexy : https://www.instagram.com/philosophyissexy/  - Diplôme National d'Œnologue à Montpellier : https://www.institut-agro-montpellier.fr/institut-hautes-etudes-vigne-vin-ihev Contactez-moi ! Si le Podcast vous plait, le meilleur moyen de me le dire, ou de me faire vos feedbacks (et ce qui m'aide le plus à le faire connaître), c'est simplement de laisser un avis sur Apple Podcast, un commentaire sur Youtube et d'en parler autour de vous. Ça m'aide vraiment alors n'hésitez pas. Pour me poser des questions, participer au podcast ou suivre mes aventures, c'est par ici : - Sur Instagram @oserlareconversion : ⁠https://www.instagram.com/oserlareconversion⁠ et @clervierose : ⁠https://www.instagram.com/clervierose⁠ - Sur Linkedin : ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/clervie-rose-boennec-a09065102/⁠ - Sur Youtube ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7Qzm4HrS5OdmdXoY344vqA⁠ - Par mail : ⁠partenariats@oserlareconversion.com⁠ 

On 23 February 2024 Professor Lusina Ho (University of Hong Kong) delivered the 2024 Cambridge Freshfields Lecture entitled "Re-imagining the Express Trust". Lusina Ho is Harold Hsiao-Wo Lee Professor in Trust and Equity at the Faculty of Law, the University of Hong Kong. While pursuing her teaching and research in Trust, Restitution, and Comparative Trust Law (in particular Chinese Trust Law), she has been consulted by the Government of the People’s Republic of China on the enactment of the Chinese Trust Law and the Government of the Hong Kong SAR on the reform of the Trustee Ordinance. In 2019, she has successfully convinced the Hong Kong SAR Government to launch a trust service for special needs individuals in the territory. She has published widely and her work has been cited in highest appellate courts in common law jurisdictions, and has been translated and published in Japanese. She received from HKU the Outstanding Young Researcher Award in 2006, the Faculty Outstanding Teaching Award in 2017, the Faculty Knowledge Exchange Award in 2018, and the University Knowledge Award in 2018. Timings: - Professor Lionel Smith - Introduction: 0:00 - Dr Sinead Agnew - Introduction: 4:23 - Professor Lusina Ho: 7:00 - Dr Brian Sloan - Thanks: 50:15 The Cambridge Freshfields Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest of the Cambridge Private Law Centre, and the event is sponsored by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. More information about this lecture, including a transcript and photographs from the event, is available from the Private Law Centre website: https://www.privatelaw.law.cam.ac.uk/events/CambridgeFreshfieldsLecture

On 23 February 2024 Professor Lusina Ho (University of Hong Kong) delivered the 2024 Cambridge Freshfields Lecture entitled "Re-imagining the Express Trust". Lusina Ho is Harold Hsiao-Wo Lee Professor in Trust and Equity at the Faculty of Law, the University of Hong Kong. While pursuing her teaching and research in Trust, Restitution, and Comparative Trust Law (in particular Chinese Trust Law), she has been consulted by the Government of the People’s Republic of China on the enactment of the Chinese Trust Law and the Government of the Hong Kong SAR on the reform of the Trustee Ordinance. In 2019, she has successfully convinced the Hong Kong SAR Government to launch a trust service for special needs individuals in the territory. She has published widely and her work has been cited in highest appellate courts in common law jurisdictions, and has been translated and published in Japanese. She received from HKU the Outstanding Young Researcher Award in 2006, the Faculty Outstanding Teaching Award in 2017, the Faculty Knowledge Exchange Award in 2018, and the University Knowledge Award in 2018. Timings: - Professor Lionel Smith - Introduction: 0:00 - Dr Sinead Agnew - Introduction: 4:23 - Professor Lusina Ho: 7:00 - Dr Brian Sloan - Thanks: 50:15 The Cambridge Freshfields Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest of the Cambridge Private Law Centre, and the event is sponsored by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. More information about this lecture, including a transcript and photographs from the event, is available from the Private Law Centre website: https://www.privatelaw.law.cam.ac.uk/events/CambridgeFreshfieldsLecture This entry provides an audio source for iTunes.

On 23 February 2024 Professor Lusina Ho (University of Hong Kong) delivered the 2024 Cambridge Freshfields Lecture entitled "Re-imagining the Express Trust". Lusina Ho is Harold Hsiao-Wo Lee Professor in Trust and Equity at the Faculty of Law, the University of Hong Kong. While pursuing her teaching and research in Trust, Restitution, and Comparative Trust Law (in particular Chinese Trust Law), she has been consulted by the Government of the People’s Republic of China on the enactment of the Chinese Trust Law and the Government of the Hong Kong SAR on the reform of the Trustee Ordinance. In 2019, she has successfully convinced the Hong Kong SAR Government to launch a trust service for special needs individuals in the territory. She has published widely and her work has been cited in highest appellate courts in common law jurisdictions, and has been translated and published in Japanese. She received from HKU the Outstanding Young Researcher Award in 2006, the Faculty Outstanding Teaching Award in 2017, the Faculty Knowledge Exchange Award in 2018, and the University Knowledge Award in 2018. Timings: - Professor Lionel Smith - Introduction: 0:00 - Dr Sinead Agnew - Introduction: 4:23 - Professor Lusina Ho: 7:00 - Dr Brian Sloan - Thanks: 50:15 The Cambridge Freshfields Lecture is an annual address delivered by a guest of the Cambridge Private Law Centre, and the event is sponsored by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. More information about this lecture, including a transcript and photographs from the event, is available from the Private Law Centre website: https://www.privatelaw.law.cam.ac.uk/events/CambridgeFreshfieldsLecture

In January 2024, China implemented significant changes to its merger control thresholds – marking the first revisions in 16 years.  Coupled with last year's amendments to the Anti-Monopoly Law, they represent a comprehensive revamp of China's merger control regime.  In this episode of our Essential Antitrust podcast, host Jenn Mellott is joined by Freshfields' Ninette Dodoo and Laurent Bougard and RuiMin's Hazel Yin to examine these changes and their impact on filing deals for regulatory clearance in China. Their discussion features critical insights into navigating the merger control process as well as addressing sectors at risk of increased scrutiny and underscoring broader regulatory issues, including national security reviews.

Join David Lat and Zach Sandberg on Movers, Shakers & Rainmakers as they chat with Matt Schwartz, Practice Group Leader and Chair of the US Finance Group at DLA Piper. Matt shares his journey from starting at DLA Piper to running finance transactions to leading the US practice group. He also talks about the evolution and current state of the finance industry, as well as what he expects in the finance world in 2024. The conversation concludes with a discussion of the value of mentorship, for mentors as well as mentees, plus practical advice from Matt about time management. In Moves of the Week, we spotlight one Cravath partner joining Davis Polk, a second going to Freshfields, and Debevoise welcoming Rick Sofield as partner, enhancing its national security offerings. Tune in for a comprehensive look at legal excellence and leadership. Ad don't forget to rate, review, subscribe, and share with your network!

Freshfields activist defense attorneys Ethan Klingsberg and Elizabeth Bieber discuss insider-controlled company activism, subcommittee formation in settlements, governance and more.

At an early age, Feargus MacDaeid, the founder of legal tech company Definely, was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, which is a rare eye disease that breaks down cells in the retina slowly over time causing vision loss. Until he got to college to study computer science, Feargus' vision was decent, but at university, it began to deteriorate and eventually went blind.  After college he landed a couple of tech jobs but ultimately decided to go to law school.  After law school, Feargus took jobs at two Magic Circle Firms in London, Allen & Overy and Freshfields where he was working on mergers and acquisitions.  Because of his visual impairment, Feargus had to develop hacks in the software he used, like custom keyboard shortcuts, to get his job done. He met his Definely co-founder, Nnamdi Emelifeonwu, at Freshfields when the two of them were working on the same deal. As Feargus explains it, his soon to be co-founder was the first colleague that actually took an interest in how Feargus accomplished his work and marveled that he was getting it done.  The two figured there had to be a better way for Feargus to work on contracts, but the duo figured out pretty quickly there really wasn't and Definely was born. Definely is a suite of tools that helps lawyers accomplish the tedious tasks relating to the drafting of contracts. As the company describes it, they create legal tech solutions to free lawyers from frustrating, repetitive tasks, so they can get back to the work that matters.

In this episode in our Essential Antitrust Asia, Laurent Bougard speaks to Bilal Anwari and Gustaaf Reerink from ABNR Law in Indonesia, which is part of Freshfields' StrongerTogether network. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of Indonesia's updated merger control regime, highlighting opportunities and potential pitfalls for foreign investors. This discussion will shed light on enforcement trends, potential challenges in dealing with the local regulator, and strategic insights crucial to navigating the Indonesian regulatory landscape.

With Tim Clark, Global Head of Private Funds and Secondaries at Freshfields, and Pablo Caló, Managing Partner of Fairview Capital. Join industry leaders Tim Clark and Pablo Caló as they discuss the evolution of the secondary market and share insights from their experiences. In this episode, Tim and Pablo delve into Pablo's career arc, detailing how he ventured into secondary transactions and founded Fairview Capital. They explore the transformations in the secondary market over their careers and highlight the essential elements of successful GP-led transactions. Discover the nuances of managing potential friction with LPs and LPACs, especially regarding conflicts and expenses in GP-led deals. Tim and Pablo provide valuable advice on minimising investor franchise risk and optimising deal approval. The conversation also explores the rise of single asset continuation vehicles, addressing the shift from traditional exit tools and the significance of secondary buyers contributing dry powder for future growth. Tim and Pablo navigate the complexities of the secondary marketplace, discussing the impact of artificial intelligence, drivers behind LP-led sale transactions, and the emerging trends in regions like Asia Pacific and Latin America.

Inflation rose just 0.2% in June, less than expected as consumers get a break from price increases. CNBC's Rick Santelli and Mike Santoli were joined by Manhattan Institute's Allison Schrager and Economist Betsey Stevenson to help break down June's CPI data. A federal judge in San Francisco has denied the FTC's motion to stop Microsoft from completing its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Jamillia Ferris, former DOJ & FCC antitrust official and partner at Freshfields' antitrust, competition and trade group, discusses the state of the Microsoft-Activision deal.  Jared Holz, Mizuho Securities healthcare sector specialist, discusses  news of EU regulators expanding its review of drugs used to treat obesity and diabetes after reports or some patients experience suicidal thoughts.In this episode:Rick Santelli, @RickSantelliAllison Schrager, @AllisonSchragerBetsey Stevenson, @BetseyStevensonMichael Santoli, @michaelsantoliJared Holz, @MizuhoAmericasJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkMelissa Lee, @MelissaLeeCNBCKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie