04 December 2008

US law firm White & Case has announced an overhaul of its management structure following a review of the company by consultancy firm McKinsey & Co.

The main focus of the changes is the creation of regional groups in the Americas, Asia and Europe, the Middle East and Africa, as the company looks to move away from the separate office structure it has recently employed.

A number of new legal jobs will be created as a result of the reshuffle, with London senior partner Peter Finlay being replaced by employment partner Oliver Brettle, who will receive the new title of executive partner.

And in New York, Neal Grenley will become a new executive partner, with David Koschik moving on to chair the Americas operations committee.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett has also recently made some personnel changes, with two of the firm's London-based lawyers being promoted to partners.

Ian Barratt and Sinead O'Shea have both been granted partner status, with Ms O'Shea set to be relocated to Hong Kong as a result.