Wake Up Call: UK Law Firms Spend Thousands for Tory MP Speakers

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

• Several UK law firms are paying substantial sums to host or employ high-profile politicians. According to the Conservative Party’s latest register of MPs’ interests, A&O Shearman paid Sir James Cleverly £8,500 for 12 hours of speaking, while Crowell & Moring paid Sir Jeremy Hunt £16,000 for a three-and-a-half-hour engagement at its summer client gala. (Law.com)
• Aaron Siri, a New York attorney known for representing vaccine skeptics, is leading a lawsuit on behalf of West Virginia parents seeking religious exemptions to the state’s strict school vaccination requirements. Known for representing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Informed Consent Action Network, Siri has challenged federal vaccine policies and testified before Congress about what he calls the “corruption of science.” (West Virginia Watch)
• Two South Carolina attorneys have levied accusations against each other, ranging from stealing money from the law firm to discussions of drug use, in new court filings. Kevin Smith sued his partner David Hoffman Jr., alleging Hoffman diverted more than $9 million from their Charleston-based practice into personal expenses. Hoffman denies wrongdoing, saying both partners used firm money for personal costs and accuses Smith of neglecting the firm, focusing on a side yacht business and discussing drug use at work—claims Smith denies. (WCSC)

Laterals, Moves, In-House

• Daniel Graham joined Holland & Hart as a partner in its commercial litigation practice in Denver. He joins from Perkins Coie.
• Lauren Wolven joined ArentFox Schiff as a partner in its private clients, trusts, and estates practice in Chicago. She joins from Levenfeld Pearlstein.
• Andrea Paul joined WilmerHale as a partner in its life sciences group in Boston. She joins from Zentalis Pharmaceuticals.
• Sarah Kahn joined Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton as a partner in its corporate practice group in Washington. She joins from DLA Piper.