What's Happening?
Two prominent litigators, Kannon Shanmugam and Masha Hansford, are leaving the law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison to join Davis Polk & Wardwell. They will be launching a new U.S. Supreme
Court and appellate practice group at Davis Polk. This move follows the resignation of Brad Karp from his role as chairperson at Paul Weiss. Shanmugam and Hansford's departure is notable as it comes after a year of significant developments at Paul Weiss, including a deal with the Trump administration to avoid a punitive executive order. Both litigators have extensive experience, with Shanmugam having been a partner at Williams & Connolly and Hansford having served as an assistant to the solicitor general at the DOJ.
Why It's Important?
The transition of Shanmugam and Hansford to Davis Polk is significant for the legal industry, as it highlights the competitive nature of top law firms in attracting high-profile talent. Their move to establish a new practice group at Davis Polk underscores the firm's commitment to expanding its influence in appellate and Supreme Court litigation. This development could enhance Davis Polk's reputation and capabilities in handling complex legal cases at the highest levels. For Paul Weiss, the departure of these key figures may impact its strategic direction and client relationships, particularly in high-stakes litigation.
