The recruitment of two high-profile lawyers from Paul Weiss, Christopher Boehning and Daniel Levi, marks a significant milestone in Linklaters' bid to establish itself as a major player in the US legal market. The duo's expertise in handling FIFA's most sensitive cases has been invaluable, and their decision to join Linklaters will undoubtedly enhance the firm's capabilities in the rapidly expanding sports law sector.
With a combined 20 years of experience advising on high-profile FIFA cases, Boehning and Levi bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will be critical in driving growth for Linklaters in the US. Their appointments are seen as a major coup for the firm, particularly given their track record of delivering results for clients in some of the most complex and sensitive disputes.
The recruitment drive is part of a wider trend among UK law firms to expand into the lucrative US market. According to data from the Law Society, the number of UK-qualified lawyers practising in the US has risen by 23% over the past five years, with many firms now having operations across multiple states.
Linklaters' own expansion efforts have been gaining momentum, with the firm reporting a 77% increase in its US headcount since 2022, taking it to 55 partners. This growth has been driven by a combination of organic recruitment and strategic acquisitions, positioning Linklaters as one of the leading UK firms operating in the US market.
The sports law sector is also witnessing significant growth, with private equity investments reaching record highs and regulatory frameworks becoming increasingly complex. As a result, firms like Linklaters are well-placed to capitalise on this trend, advising clients such as the English Premier League, Real Madrid, and Tennis Australia on high-stakes matters.
The firm's expansion plans have been further bolstered by the reported internal changes at competitor Freshfields, which has sought to boost growth and fund its own US expansion. This heightened competition will undoubtedly drive Linklaters to continue pushing the boundaries in terms of its recruitment drive and market presence.