Legal News for Tues 5/14 - Perkins Coie Expands to London, Menendez Corruption Trial Jury Selecti...

Описание: This Day in Legal History: Constitutional Convention Assembles


On May 14, 1787, a pivotal moment unfolded in American history as delegates from each state began to gather in Philadelphia for what would be known as the Constitutional Convention. This assembly was critical in shaping the nation's future, aimed at addressing the deficiencies of the Articles of Confederation—the loose framework that initially bound the states together after independence.


As the delegates arrived, the stakes were incredibly high. The existing government structure under the Articles was proving inadequate in managing various critical issues, such as interstate disputes and financial instability. The Philadelphia meeting was convened to create a more robust federal government while ensuring that individual liberties were not infringed upon.


Notably, every state except Rhode Island sent representatives to the Convention. Among the attendees were some of the most distinguished figures of the era, including George Washington, who was unanimously elected as the president of the convention, and James Madison, now considered the "Father of the Constitution" due to his pivotal role in drafting the document.


The convention sessions were held in strict secrecy, a decision made to foster open debate and prevent external influences. The result of the intense deliberations, which continued until September 17, was the creation of a new Constitution. This document established a stronger federal government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches, fundamentally changing the direction of the United States.


The ratification process that followed was another intense debate, reflective of the diverse viewpoints within the states about the balance of power between state and federal authorities. The Federalist Papers, written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, played a crucial role in persuading the public and state legislatures to adopt the new Constitution.


Today, the Constitution remains a living document, central to American law and governance, illustrating the enduring legacy of the decisions made during those historic months in Philadelphia. The events of May 14, 1787, mark not just the beginning of the Constitutional Convention but also the starting point of a constitutional democracy that would influence governance structures worldwide.


Perkins Coie, a Seattle-founded law firm, is expanding its global footprint by launching a new office in London. The London office will be led by Ian Bagshaw, former co-head of White & Case’s global private equity practice, who joined Perkins Coie after leaving Big Law to chair a startup. Joining him are three other former White & Case lawyers, including Jan Andrusko, who will serve as the European head of M&A for Perkins Coie.


The London office aims to tap into the local and European markets for venture capital, private equity, and startups, leveraging the firm's established tech-sector expertise in the U.S. Perkins Coie plans to offer a comprehensive range of services through this single European hub, focusing on privacy, technology transactions, and M&A, without pursuing a network of offices across Europe.


This strategic move marks Perkins Coie's first establishment outside of the U.S. and Asia. In 2021, the firm ranked 43rd largest in the U.S. by revenue, with earnings of $1.2 billion. The London office will initially feature a corporate group but may expand to include intellectual property and litigation services to provide a more rounded offering to tech-focused corporate clients.


Ian Bagshaw, along with partners Jan Stejskal, Craig Fagan, and Barry O’Driscoll, and senior counsel Jan Jakoubek, are part of the founding team. They bring significant experience in private equity, cross-border M&A, and corporate law, aiming to recreate the startup culture prevalent in the U.S. within the European context. Bagshaw highlighted the startup-like environment of the new office and his motivation to build a new business with a clear strategic direction as key factors in his move to Perkins Coie.


The focus on privacy and technology transactions in the new office is significant. These areas are crucial in the tech sector, involving the handling of sensitive data and the execution of tech-related deals, which are key growth areas in European legal markets. This strategic choice underlines Perkins Coie's intent to leverage their U.S. strengths in a new market, reflecting broader trends in global law practice where specialization aligns with industry needs.


Perkins Coie Launches London Office, Eyeing Start-Up Tech Market (https://news.bloomberglaw.com/business-and...)


Jury selection for U.S. Senator Robert Menendez's corruption trial resumed on May 14, 2024, in Manhattan federal court, with charges stemming from an alleged bribery scheme involving foreign governments. Menendez, a New Jers...