Paul Weiss is launching a London litigation practice with the hire of Akin's London disputes head Richard Hornshaw.
The move marks a shift beyond private equity-focused work as the firm builds out its City offering.
Paul Weiss is set to launch a litigation practice in London.
As first reported by Financial News, the firm is bringing on board Akin’s London litigation head Richard Hornshaw to lead the practice.
The move marks a significant strategic step in Paul Weiss' London buildout, broadening its platform beyond private equity-focused transactional work into disputes - an area where the firm is regarded as a go-to adviser in the US.
It also signals the firm’s intent to become a full-service player in one of the world's most competitive legal markets.
Hornshaw specialises in high-stakes disputes for financial institutions, as well as insolvency and restructuring mandates - a practice area likely to become increasingly busy in a choppier economic climate.
Bigger picture
Paul Weiss has been on a tear in London since poaching Kirkland & Ellis stars Neel Sachdev and Roger Johnson - along with a group of heavy hitter peers - in 2023.
The firm has grown its local lawyer headcount to nearly 200, including more than 30 partners - most of which have been hired from US and Magic Circle rivals in the City.
Hornshaw's appointment is the first major litigation hire in the City for Paul Weiss and a nod to the firm’s litigation pedigree in the US, even as its London story has so far focused on dealmaking.
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