Paul Hastings LLP, a leading global law firm, announced that preeminent mergers and acquisitions partner Jonathan Kellner will be joining, and prominent capital markets partner David Flechner has joined, the firm, along with several members of their team. They will be based in São Paulo, where Kellner will also serve as the chair of the office. They add further momentum to Paul Hastings’ strong flow of corporate partner additions across the firm’s global platform.

The global law firm Jones Day announces that Nicole M. Smith has joined the Firm's Intellectual Property Practice as a partner in its Los Angeles Office.

An accomplished trial lawyer, Ms. Smith represents clients in patent litigation concerning their most important products and key innovations. While her trial practice has focused primarily on patent litigation, she also has experience litigating trademark, copyright, trade secret, and related IP matters.

Continuing its strategic expansion in the Bay Area, global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP added veteran intellectual property litigator David S. Bloch as a shareholder in its San Francisco office. Bloch, who joins the firm from Winston & Strawn, focuses on helping clients understand the complex technical and legal issues that their businesses face.

Orrick announced the addition of M&A and Private Equity partner Bryan Gadol to our Orange County office, growing our Southern California corporate platform.

Bryan is a trusted advisor to companies, PE funds and family offices in tech, medical device, beauty, healthcare, consumer products, and manufacturing. He guides investors and companies at all stages in the corporate life-cycle, including M&A and private equity, securities transactions, reorganizations and other corporate matters.

Dentons, the world’s largest law firm, announces the addition of Wendell Faria as partner in its Capital Markets practice. Faria focuses his practice on the regulation of investment companies and investment advisers, general securities regulation, and the structuring and operation of private investment funds, including hedge funds, private equity funds, and real estate funds. He will be resident in the Firm’s Washington, DC, office.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP announced that prominent finance lawyer Dr. Ralf Defren joined the firm as a partner in the Frankfurt office.

With over 18 years of experience, Dr. Defren advises banks and financial institutions, as well as borrowers, on various types of financings and related corporate and regulatory issues. He has particular experience in the areas of corporate finance, real estate finance and securitizations.

International law firm Proskauer announced today the arrival of Leith Moghli as a partner in its market leading Global Private Funds Practice, based in London.

Australia’s leading independent law firm, Corrs Chambers Westgarth, announces the appointment of Alex Peace as a new partner joining the firm’s Property and Real Estate practice.

In welcoming Alexandra to the firm, Corrs CEO Gavin MacLaren said, “Alex is a great addition to our very strong national property and real estate practice. Her major transactions capability and considerable depth of experience across all market segments will complement our growth in this area.""

Linklaters’ Shanghai Free Trade Zone joint operation partner, Zhao Sheng Law Firm, announced the hire of Vivian Cao, who will join the firm’s growing Competition practice in their newly established Beijing branch, and corporate M&A practitioner Colette Pan who will be based in the firm’s Shanghai office, to supplement the firm’s offerings in Beijing and Shanghai.

Eric Liu, Managing Partner of Zhao Sheng Law Firm said:

Winston & Strawn LLP is pleased to announce the hire of transportation finance lawyer Alison Weal as a partner in the firm’s London office. Alison will serve Winston’s transportation finance clients and also work with the firm’s aviation and maritime practices.