Wake Up Call: ‘Giant’ New IP Firm Sprouts in Beijing, Hong Kong

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

• Three intellectual property law firms from Beijing and Hong Kong have merged to become the “giant” new East IP, which boasts more than 430 professionals and staff. Former Baker McKenzie partner Joe Simone serves as co-chair of the consolidated IP firm. (Law.asia)
• Chief Justice John Roberts and US Attorney General Merrick Garland are set to headline the Legal Services Corporation’s 50th Anniversary Gala April 9 at Washington’s Omni Shoreham Hotel. “It is an honor to have inspiring, bipartisan national leaders join us,” said LSC President Ron Flagg. (Legal Services Corp.)
• DC litigation boutique Cooper & Kirk landed an “emergency” no-bid contract from Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach to help the state sue social media company TikTok over posts Kobach said included profanity, sexual content, alcohol, drugs, and “filth” promoted to children. A prior authorization form lists the contract as being worth roughly $500,000. (Topeka Capital-Journal)
• Dentons’ UK, Ireland, and Middle East business has tapped a “shadow executive team” of 11 lawyers and business service professionals, “potential future leaders” who will help guide firm executives on operational initiatives. The team’s introduction comes as global CEO Elliott Portnoy prepares to step down in November. (Global Legal Post)

Laterals, Moves, In-house

• François-Guilhem Vaissier has joined Jones Day as a partner with the government regulation practice in Paris.