Wake Up Call: Ex-Cleary Chief on Future of the Billable Hour

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

• AI is beginning to disrupt Big Law’s long-standing billable-hour model by making routine legal work faster and cheaper, according to former Cleary Gottlieb managing partner Michael Gerstenzang. As firms invest more in the technology and clients demand efficiency, future pricing could shift toward fixed fees and outcome-based models rather than hours worked, undermining incentives for inefficiency and reducing reliance on large teams of junior associates. (Business Insider)
• Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh was detained by intelligence agents in Tehran, according to her daughter, amid an escalating crackdown on dissent. Sotoudeh—known for defending activists and women protesting compulsory hijab laws—was previously imprisoned and was out on bail for health reasons, raising concerns about her safety. (Associated Press)
• Herb Ely, a Democratic lawyer and activist died in Phoenix at 92. Ely said in 1962 that the best way to help marginalized populations was through the law and three years later co-authored the Arizona Civil Rights Act, which banned discrimination in public accommodations, voting, housing and employment. (AZ Central)

Laterals, Moves, In-House

• Beverly Oliver joined Greenberg Traurig as a shareholder in its health-care and FDA practice in Dallas. She joins from SightGrowth Partners.
• Shannon Reaves joined Dechert as a partner and co-chair of its national security practice in Washington.
• Nathaniel Halvorson joined Baker McKenzie as a partner in its international trade practice in Washington. He most recently was deputy assistant US trade representative for monitoring and enforcement.
• Steven Krivinskas and Marcus Lovatt joined Alston & Bird as partners in its structured and warehouse finance team in London.
• John McGaraghan joined Latham & Watkins as a partner in its data and technology transactions practice. He joins from Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati.
• Joo Cha Webb joined Barnes & Thornburg as a partner in its product liability and mass torts practice in Los Angeles. She joins from Venable.