Former A&O Shearman banking co-head Philip Bowden has made a significant move by departing the firm to join Proskauer. This transition is part of a four-partner move to the US firm, which also includes the addition of acquisition finance partner Megan Lawrence. Both Bowden and Lawrence have been longstanding members of A&O, with Lawrence achieving partner status in 2022.
Joining Bowden and Lawrence at Proskauer are two partners from Cahill Gordon & Reindell’s London office – Jake Keaveny and Warren Newton, who are also former A&O alumni. A spokesperson from A&O has confirmed the departure of these individuals and expressed appreciation for their contributions to the firm.
In addition to Bowden and Lawrence, the recent exits of Jonathan Brownson and Joydeep Choudhuri to Latham & Watkins have resulted in the loss of all ex-A&O lawyers that Cahill had brought over in 2020-21.
Bowden’s departure from A&O follows an unsuccessful bid for the position of senior partner. Having been at the firm since 1999 and achieving partner status in 2002, he held key roles within the global banking and finance practice. Despite running for senior partner in consecutive elections, he ultimately did not secure the position, leading to his decision to join Proskauer.
Herb Washer, executive committee chairman at Cahill, has expressed the firm’s commitment to expanding its corporate practice and wished the departing partners well in their future endeavours.
The move to Proskauer signifies the conclusion of a significant era for both Bowden and the departing partners, as well as the loss of the last banking and finance partners for Cahill in London.
These developments highlight major shifts occurring within the legal realm, particularly with the movement of experienced partners between prominent firms. The impact of these changes will be felt not only within the firms involved but also across the wider legal and financial sectors.