More and More Changes in the Legal Field

The London branch of Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC is reportedly merging with recently formed claimants litigation firm Hausfeld LLP, which Michael Hausfeld started after his ousting from Cohen Milstein in November. The merger will be official later this month and will mark Hausfeld's foray into the international legal scene.

King & Spalding LLP has boosted its intellectual property practice with a three-partner team from Baker Botts LLP, including the former co-chair of the firm's international patent practice group. The group consists of Bruce W. Slayden II, who served as the co-chair of Baker Botts’ international patent practice group and as head of its intellectual property department.

As the worldwide economic crisis continues, DLA Piper has launched a formal layoff consultation that will likely eliminate 140 jobs in its United Kingdom offices. Nixon Peabody LLP, meanwhile, has decided to axe 20 attorneys and cut 36 other staff positions. The firms each released statements on the layoffs on Tuesday, couching the cuts as necessary to survive amid a relentless economic downturn.