Wake Up Call: Firms Build Free Network to Combat Antisemitism

Welcome to Bloomberg Law’s Wake Up Call, a daily rundown of the top news for lawyers, law firms, and in-house counsel.

• More than 40 major US law firms are working with the Anti-Defamation League to form a nationwide network offering free legal aid to Jewish people facing antisemitism, expanding a prior campus-focused hotline started by Gibson Dunn. The network connects victims through an app to a large roster of pro bono lawyers handling cases from harassment to hate crimes. (The Wall Street Journal)
• Cleary Gottlieb and McDermott Will & Schulte have announced record partner promotions as more law firms embrace two-tier partnership structures. Cleary elevated 20 lawyers to partner—the largest round in its history—after introducing a non-equity tier in 2024, while McDermott promoted 74 following its merger with Schulte Roth & Zabel, marking a 32% increase. (FN London)
• Furloughed IRS lawyer Isaac Stein has turned the government shutdown into an opportunity to chase a lifelong dream: running his own hot dog stand in Washington dubbed “Shysters Dogs,” billed as “the only honest ripoff in DC.” The stand offers a menu featuring “correct” hot dogs with mustard and sauerkraut, extras like MoonPies and RC Cola, and “penalties” for unconventional toppings. (NPR)
• Latham & Watkins, Steptoe, Lewis Brisbois and Squire Patton Boggs are among the law firms expanding or relocating their offices in Manhattan after signing new leases this year. (New York Law Journal)

Laterals, Moves, In-House

• Beth Fremal joined Frost Brown Todd as a partner in its real estate practice group in Cincinnati.
• Lena Serhan joined Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough as a partner in Houston. She joins from White & Case.