White & Case adds 45 to global partnership

White & Case adds 45 to global partnership
Global firm White & Case will start 2020 with 45 new partners following its latest promotions round.

The firm has increased its promotions by four from 2018’s total and has marked a move away from its recent trend of adding to its London headcount, instead focusing on Continental Europe. It added 14 in the region, 8 in New York, and 5 in Asia Pacific.

The firm has said that its lower level of additions in the UK are the result of strong increases there in recent years and confirmed that it is still committed to investing in London.

French court to decide on unusual “excrement” case
A case involving a picture of a pile of excrement is the focus for a court case being heard in the French supreme court.

The picture was displayed by a French TV show when referring to right-wing politician Marine Le Pen and was first brought before the courts in a defamation case 7 years ago.

The involvement of France’s highest court marks the fifth time the case has been before the courts.

Le Pen’s lawyers say they that the TV show exceeded the boundaries of free speech and insulted their client’s dignity.

The Guardian reports that the initial case and appeal were thrown out but a third trial was ordered. An appeal then said it was offensive but the TV usage was not punishable by law.

Lawyer sues asset manager alleging “fraternity” culture
A lawyer says she faced race and gender discrimination while working at global asset manager Pimco’s California headquarters.

The Financial Times says that Andrea Martin Inokon, who is African-American, claims she was overlooked for promotion when she became pregnant.

In allegations that are strong denied by Pimco, she said the firm’s culture was a “fraternity in a perversely literal sense.”

Ms. Inokon is still working for the company, she has been with them for eight years.

She is seeking monetary damages, promotion, and an audit of the firm’s compensation practices.