Understand Your Rights. Solve Your Legal Problems
Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is currently working on behalf of investors who bought MicroStrategy Incorporated (NASDAQ: MSTR) shares between April 30, 2024, and April 4, 2025.
The complaint alleges that MicroStrategy may have provided misleading or incomplete information about its business, especially regarding its bitcoin investment strategy and treasury operations.
The lawsuit points out concerns about the way the company presented the risks of bitcoin’s volatility and the potential losses that could result from its adoption of new accounting standards.
If you invested in MicroStrategy during this period and experienced financial losses, you might be eligible to join the lawsuit. For more information, visit bgandg.com/MSTR or call Peretz Bronstein or Nathan Miller at (332) 239-2660.
The deadline to request to be appointed as a lead plaintiff is July 15, 2025, but participating in a potential recovery does not require you to serve as lead plaintiff.
Strategy (NASDAQ: MSTR), formerly MicroStrategy, is a global leader in enterprise analytics and digital asset innovation. In February 2025, the company rebranded to reflect its dual focus on AI-powered business intelligence and Bitcoin treasury solutions. With over 35 years of experience, Strategy serves thousands of customers worldwide and continues to pioneer digital asset management.
Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC (BG&G) is a well-established law firm specializing in securities, shareholder rights, and class action litigation. With a focus on representing individual and institutional investors, BG&G is committed to holding corporations and executives accountable for violations of securities laws. The firm offers a range of legal services, including shareholder derivative actions, securities fraud cases, and merger and acquisition disputes. Known for its experience and dedication, BG&G strives to recover financial losses for its clients and ensure justice in complex legal matters. The firm is headquartered in New York, with a national presence in litigation.
Ropes & Gray has advised American Industrial Partners (AIP), a New York-based private equity firm, on the financing that enabled the acquisition of FSV Group AS (FSV).
The transaction was carried out through AIP’s portfolio company, Aquaship | Intership, which has since been rebranded as Trident Aqua Services.
This consolidation has created the world’s second-largest maritime service provider specializing in aquaculture.
Trident Aqua Services will offer a broad range of services, including fish transportation, treatment, feed distribution, harvesting, and site support, designed to meet the evolving demands of the global aquaculture industry.
The financing was secured with support from lenders across the Nordic region and other international markets, providing the company with a flexible structure to pursue further investments and expansion opportunities.
Alex Schukin, a partner at AIP said: “Over the past year, the team at Aquaship and Intership have worked closely to deliver exceptional service for our customers."
"Now, we look forward to collaborating with the FSV team to create a highly complementary combination that will enable us to further support our customers as a key infrastructure partner in all manners of their aquaculture operations. This is an exceptional global platform in a rapidly growing and evolving industry.”
Ole Peter Brandal, CEO of Aquaship | Intership commented: “We are an excellent match as our companies share a similar mindset and are built around a culture of innovation, creativity, and solving real-world challenges and opportunities for the industry."
"At the same time, we each specialize in different segments of the service industry and global markets. Now combined, we are able to deliver even more vessel types and services while maintaining the same high quality.”
Arild Aasmyr, CEO of FSV said: “We are positioning ourselves for growth across the full spectrum of innovative technology and know-how across each of the critical services that the aquaculture industry increasingly demands worldwide."
"With global innovation hubs continuing to develop solutions to improve aquaculture vessel operations and resulting farmer production volumes and yields, but now with one of the industry’s largest network of vessel types and geographies to collaborate across, we will keep striving to anticipate and exceed customer expectations. This combination moves us still farther ahead of the curve.”
The group now operates a fleet of over 60 vessels, with eight more currently in the pipeline. With more than 1,000 employees spread across Norway, Chile, the UK, Ireland, Canada, and the Faroe Islands, Trident Aqua Services is well positioned to keep up with the increasing demand for sustainable aquaculture solutions.
Ropes & Gray has been alongside AIP every step of the way, from helping them acquire stakes in Aquaship AS and Intership AS to guiding the companies through their merger and initial refinancing. This latest deal marks another milestone in the firms’ strong working relationship.
The Ropes & Gray team working on the financing was led by finance partner Alex Robb and finance counsel Sean Darling, with support from associates Kahill Sarronwala and Kwame Adzatia and trainee solicitor Jaycee How. Additional guidance came from private equity partner Victoria McGrath and associate Sam Wolfe-Murray.
FSV Group AS, established in 2011 and headquartered in Molde, Norway, provides specialized maritime services for the aquaculture industry. Operating a fleet of 23 vessels with over 270 employees, the company offers services including transport and towing operations, establishment of new sites, inspections of mooring systems, maintenance of sea-based facilities, diving, general service, and stun & bleed vessels. FSV Group serves clients along the coasts of Norway, Canada, and the Faroe Islands.
AquaShip, headquartered in Kristiansund, Norway, is a global provider of maritime services for the aquaculture industry. Formed in 2018 through the merger of GripShip AS and Johnson Marine Ltd, and later joined by Arctic Shipping AS, AquaShip operates a diverse fleet across all four main segments of aquaculture maritime services: service vessels, harvest vessels, live fish carriers, and feed carriers. With operations in Norway, Chile, the UK, and Canada, the company focuses on sustainable practices and aims to support the growth of fish farming through modern vessels and experienced crews.
Ropes & Gray is a global law firm providing comprehensive legal services to clients across a wide range of industries. With a reputation for excellence, the firm is known for its expertise in areas such as corporate law, private equity, M&A, intellectual property, litigation, regulatory matters, and finance.
Founded in 1865, Ropes & Gray has grown to include offices in major cities around the world, including New York, London, Hong Kong, and Boston.
Linklaters has advised the underwriters on L’Oréal’s debut Yankee bond issuance, conducted in reliance on Rule 144A and Regulation S.
The bond, issued in a single tranche of US$1 billion, carries a coupon of 5.00% and is scheduled to mature in May 2035. L’Oréal plans to utilize the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, further bolstering the Group’s liquidity profile.
The Linklaters team advising on this significant transaction was led by Paris-based Capital Markets partners Luis Roth and Véronique Delaittre, supported by managing associate Elise Alperte and associate Victor Duterne.
This issuance marks a strategic milestone for L’Oréal, underscoring the Group’s commitment to maintaining robust liquidity and financial flexibility as it continues its global growth trajectory.
L’Oréal is a French multinational and the world’s largest cosmetics and beauty company. Founded in 1909, it operates in over 150 countries with a diverse portfolio of brands including L’Oréal Paris, Garnier, Lancôme, and La Roche-Posay. The company focuses on innovation, sustainability, and delivering beauty for all.
Linklaters is a global law firm recognized for its deep expertise in banking, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, and dispute resolution. Operating in over 21 countries, the firm advises multinational corporations, financial institutions, and governments across the world’s major financial hubs. With nearly 200 years of experience, Linklaters has built a reputation for navigating clients through complex commercial, economic, and regulatory change. The firm is also known for its leadership in innovation, diversity, and sustainability, continuing to shape the future of the legal industry.
DLA Piper Expands Tokyo Office with New Investment Funds Practice
Latham & Watkins Advises on Topgolf Callaway’s Sale of Jack Wolfskin
Devonne Keith Brown, a former health teacher and track coach at IDEA Public Charter School, has been arrested by the FBI.
Authorities allege that Brown, 56, used Cash App to pay underage girls in exchange for explicit images, prompting widespread concern among parents and educators about the risks minors face in the digital age.
Court documents reveal that Brown, using the alias "Joseph", approached a 15-year-old girl he met at a Giant grocery store near her home.
He reportedly offered her money for ice cream and later initiated communication via Instagram and iMessage, eventually requesting nude photos.
Investigators found that from February to September 2024, Brown made 36 transactions to the girl through Cash App, totaling more than $10.
The payment notes included concerning comments such as "for ice cream" and other messages hinting at grooming behavior.
Another minor received over $120 with messages like "lunch donation" and "for breakfast, text me on Instagram."
IDEA Public Charter School has confirmed that Brown is no longer employed and stated that there is no indication any of its students were directly involved. The school expressed deep concern about the allegations and is fully cooperating with law enforcement.
Brown’s arrest raises serious legal questions about the use of digital payment platforms like Cash App to facilitate exploitation.
He is being held without bond pending a court hearing, facing potential charges that could include enticement of a minor, production of child pornography, and online solicitation of a minor.
Law enforcement agencies are urging anyone with information related to this case to contact them via email at DBVictims@fbi.gov, visitfbi.gov/DBVictims, or call anonymously at 800-225-5324.
With the widespread use of social media and digital payment platforms like Cash App, predators are finding new ways to exploit vulnerable youth.
Parents, educators, and technology providers must remain vigilant, fostering open communication and implementing safeguards to protect children online.
As law enforcement agencies continue to combat these evolving threats, this incident underscores the urgent need for education and proactive measures to safeguard minors from online exploitation and abuse.
Ron Paul addressed the escalating Ukraine conflict, referencing reports of a Ukrainian military strike on strategic bombers deep inside Russia.
Just hours before a massive Ukrainian operation targeting Russian strategic bombers deep inside Russia, Senator Lindsey Graham and his colleague Sen. Richard Blumenthal were in Kiev again urging Ukraine to keep fighting.
As President Trump has repeatedly stated that his policy… pic.twitter.com/xMBzXSwbmv
— Ron Paul (@RonPaul) June 2, 2025
Reports indicate that Ukrainian forces targeted strategic sites deep inside Russian territory. Ron Paul pointed to the timing of these attacks, noting they occurred soon after Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal visited Kyiv to express U.S. support for Ukraine’s efforts against Russia.
Ron Paul argued that this timing highlights a disconnect between the Biden administration’s official policy and public statements by key political figures.
While former President Trump has consistently advocated for ending the conflict, Paul suggested that certain U.S. lawmakers, whom he described as “neocons”, may be pushing Ukraine toward continued military escalation.
Paul has long raised alarms about U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts, warning that it often entangles the country in protracted wars.
His latest comments reflect a belief that Washington’s approach, whether through public statements or quiet diplomatic pressure, risks escalating the conflict rather than fostering a resolution.
With Ukraine stepping up its military push and some U.S. leaders voicing strong support, the situation is becoming more volatile.
Ron Paul’s comments add fuel to the debate about whether American policymakers are really working to end the war or are quietly backing more escalation.
A federal grand jury in Greenville has indicted Marion Keith Sheriff, a 60-year-old from Seneca, on four counts of filing false tax returns.
Court documents and testimony reveal that Sheriff ran a landscaping business in the Upstate and is accused of failing to report over $1 million in income from cashed business checks between 2019 and 2022.
Prosecutors say that Sheriff didn’t include roughly $1,006,633 in income when he filed his taxes during those years.
If convicted, Marion Keith Sheriff could face up to three years in federal prison, a $100,000 fine, and one year of supervised release after any prison time.
U.S. District Judge Jacquelyn D. Austin has been assigned to preside over the case.
The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Watkins prosecuting the matter.
Latham & Watkins Advises on Topgolf Callaway Sale of Jack Wolfskin
Exiled Titans: Russia’s Oligarchs and the Post-Sanctions Era
UK Legal Sector Showcases Cutting-Edge AI and LawTech in the U.S.
DLA Piper has expanded its Tokyo office with the arrival of a highly regarded Investment Funds team, marking an exciting new chapter for the firm’s presence in Japan and across Asia.
Joining from Withers, the new team is led by partners Koji Yamamoto and Yoshiyuki Omori, both recognized for their deep expertise in investment funds and management.
They are joined by Wataru Sasaki as of counsel, along with associates Hiroki Hosoda and Matthew Shiota, and paralegals Hirokazu Miyamoto and Noriko Narahara.
Koji and Yoshiyuki bring over two decades of experience in advising clients on investment fund structures and management. Both are qualified to practice in New York, and Yoshiyuki also holds a Japanese qualification.
Their team combines bengoshi and foreign-registered lawyers, offering a wealth of knowledge that spans domestic and international funds, financial institutions, capital raising, trading on Japanese exchanges, and navigating the complex local regulatory environment.
The team has also guided fund managers in setting up both offshore and onshore investment funds with a range of strategies that involve Japan.
Catherine Pogorzelski, International Sector Head for Investment Management and Funds at DLA Piper, said:
"This is an exciting development for our Investment Management and Funds practice in Asia. The arrival of Koji, Yoshiyuki, and their team significantly strengthens our client offering in Tokyo and deepens our global investment management bench."
"Their cross-border expertise and deep knowledge of the Japanese regulatory environment position us ideally to support clients looking to invest or raise capital through Japan."
Luke Gannon, Head of Corporate and Funds and Investment Management in Asia, added:
"I am pleased to welcome Koji and the team to the Asia Corporate and Investment Funds teams. This is our first Investment Funds team appointment in Japan, marking a significant milestone for our Asia Funds practice."
"The increasing demand from clients to invest in Japan, coupled with improved investor confidence, presents a substantial market opportunity and our expanded team is well-equipped to capitalize on this growth."
Masahiko (Masa) Ishida, Country Managing Partner in Tokyo, shared:
"With the continued support from our clients and colleagues around the globe, DLA Piper's Tokyo office has seen steady and significant growth. This strategic hire further strengthens our capabilities, building on recent senior-level appointments - including Lawrence Carter, who rejoined as Co-Head of our Japan Employment practice, and Ed Sheremeta, who relocated from Hong Kong to serve as Co-Head of Real Estate for Japan."
"With our exceptional investment funds team led by Koji and Yoshiyuki, and strong synergies across our existing practices, including our market-leading M&A practice and renowned Real Estate group, I am confident that DLA Piper Tokyo will continue delivering best-in-class service as a truly global, one-stop solution provider for our clients."
DLA Piper is a global law firm with a strong reputation for providing legal services across a broad spectrum of industries and sectors. With offices in more than 40 countries, the firm offers comprehensive legal solutions in areas such as corporate law, litigation, intellectual property, real estate, and regulatory matters. DLA Piper serves a diverse range of clients, including multinational corporations, governments, and individuals, delivering innovative and strategic advice. The firm is known for its collaborative approach, providing tailored legal expertise to address complex, cross-border issues while maintaining a commitment to exceptional client service.
Latham & Watkins Advises Topgolf Callaway on Jack Wolfskin Sale
Exiled Titans: How Russia’s Oligarchs Are Navigating Post-Sanctions
The term “oligarch” refers to a business magnate or powerful individual who wields significant economic and political influence, often derived from close ties to the ruling elite. In post-Soviet Russia, the rise of oligarchs began in the 1990s, a time of rapid privatization and weak state institutions following the collapse of communism. Those with access to capital, insider connections, and information seized state-owned assets at rock-bottom prices, transforming them into sprawling empires. Figures like Roman Abramovich, Vladimir Potanin, and others rose to prominence, dominating industries from oil and steel to banking and media. But with Ukraine’s resilience and sweeping Western sanctions, the era of unchecked oligarch power may be drawing to a close.
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in a meeting with Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich (on the left, in the center) in 2010.
Roman Abramovich, once a symbol of Russian wealth and influence in the West, became a focal point of this shifting landscape when his £2.5 billion proceeds from the sale of Chelsea FC were frozen by the UK government. The sale, finalized under intense international pressure following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, was intended to fund humanitarian aid for Ukraine. However, the funds have been locked in limbo due to complex legal and diplomatic wrangling. British authorities now signal readiness to pursue legal action to unlock the money, highlighting the intricate intersection of oligarch wealth, sanctions, and global accountability.
Once commanding vast empires and enjoying global influence, these exiled titans now navigate a transformed landscape marked by asset freezes, legal battles, and diminished clout. This article examines the trajectories of five key figures: Roman Abramovich, Oleg Deripaska, Alisher Usmanov, Vladimir Potanin, and Alexei Mordashov.
Roman Abramovich’s business empire grew through his knack for spotting opportunities in energy, metals, sports, and finance. His wealth really took off in the 1990s when he picked up the oil company Sibneft and later sold it to Gazprom for a cool $13 billion. Over the years, he’s also held major stakes in companies like Evraz, Rusal, and Highland Gold. Beyond his natural resources ventures, Abramovich famously owned Chelsea FC from 2003 until 2022, while managing his fortune through Millhouse Capital.
Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea Football Club back in June 2003, paying around £140 million for the team.
• Pre-Sanctions Wealth: £12 billion ($15 billion) in 2021
• Post-Sanctions Wealth: Approximately $9.18 billion as of June 2025
• Past Residences and Circles: Owned a £150 million mansion in London’s Kensington Palace Gardens, a château in the French Riviera, and mingled with Western elites at art events and football matches
• Current Residence: Now residing between Istanbul, Sochi, and Tel Aviv, maintaining a low profile
• Putin Ties: Historically close to the Kremlin and Vladimir Putin, played a role in political appointments and major deals
• Recent Developments: Sold Chelsea FC for £2.5 billion in 2022, intended for Ukrainian humanitarian aid, but funds remain frozen amid legal disputes. The UK government is preparing legal action to release the money. His superyacht lies unused, symbolizing his curtailed empire.
Roman Abramovich Net Worth: Approximately $9.18 billion as of June 2025
Roman Abramovich put his Kensington Palace Gardens mansion up for sale in early 2022, but things got complicated fast. UK sanctions froze his assets that March, putting the brakes on the deal. Now, the house sits unsold and locked in legal limbo.
Roman Abramovich’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was hit with a U.S. seizure order back in June 2022. It flew to Russia in March that year without the needed export licenses, breaking U.S. sanctions. This all happened as the West ramped up pressure following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Oleg Deripaska
Oleg Deripaska has his hands in just about everything—metals, energy, cars, and even agriculture. He’s the guy behind Rusal, one of the biggest aluminum producers on the planet, and En+ Group, a major player in energy. Through his company Basic Element, he’s got a grip on power with EuroSibEnergo, vehicles with GAZ Group, and even insurance through Ingosstrakh. Sanctions may have slowed him down, but he’s still a big name in Russian industry.
• Pre-Sanctions Wealth: $28 billion in 2008 (reduced post-2008 crash)
• Post-Sanctions Wealth: Approximately $4.3 billion as of January 2025
• Past Residences and Circles: Owned properties in London’s Belgravia, New York, and Washington, D.C.; mingled with global political and business elites
• Current Residence: Primarily in Moscow, with properties in Montenegro
• Putin Ties: Once a Kremlin favorite, though his criticism of the Ukraine invasion has strained ties
• Recent Developments: Sanctioned by the UK and EU; denied links to Redut, a private military company; publicly called the invasion “madness”
Oleg Deripaska Net Worth: Approximately $4.3 billion as of January 2025
Oleg Deripaska Washington, D.C mansion
Alisher Usmanov
Alisher Usmanov’s business empire touches everything from mining to media, telecom to tech. He runs the show at USM Holdings, which has big stakes in Metalloinvest and MegaFon. His portfolio’s pretty diverse—there’s AliExpress Russia in e-commerce and tech investments in Mail.ru Group and DST. And let’s not forget his ownership of Kommersant media and the Udokan Copper mining project.
• Pre-Sanctions Wealth: $21.5 billion in 2021
• Post-Sanctions Wealth: Estimated $16.8 billion as of November 2024
• Past Residences and Circles: Owned a mansion in Highgate, London, known for art collections and philanthropy, moved in elite Western business circles
• Current Residence: Resides in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, focusing on regional development
• Putin Ties: Described by the EU as a “pro-Kremlin oligarch with particularly close ties to Putin”
• Recent Developments: Sanctioned by the EU, US, and UK; assets frozen; investing in a business center in Namangan; legal appeals unsuccessful
Alisher Usmanov Net Worth: Estimated $16.8 billion as of November 2024
Alisher Usmanov $800M Superyacht. Dilbar was launched in 2015 at the German Lürssen shipyard, delivered in 2016, and is the world's largest superyacht in terms of its overall internal volume
Russian Oligarch Vladimir Potanin
Vladimir Potanin’s business empire is built around Interros, which holds a mix of mining, tech, banking, and tourism interests. He’s the top dog at Norilsk Nickel, the world’s biggest nickel and palladium producer. On the finance side, he’s got stakes in Rosbank and Tinkoff, plus a smart move into tech with a slice of Yandex. His empire also includes the Rosa Khutor ski resort and Petrovax Pharm in the pharmaceutical world.
• Pre-Sanctions Wealth: $17.4 billion in 2022
• Post-Sanctions Wealth: Approximately $24.2 billion as of June 2025
• Past Residences and Circles: Owned properties in Moscow; influential in Russian cultural institutions like the State Hermitage Museum
• Current Residence: Resides in Moscow, Russia
• Putin Ties: Historically close, served as First Deputy Prime Minister under Yeltsin; pragmatic relationship with the Kremlin
• Recent Developments: Expanded domestic investments, acquired a 9.95% stake in Yandex, exploring rare earth metals in Russia and Eastern Ukraine
Vladimir Potanin Net Worth: Approximately $24.2 billion as of June 2025
Vladimir Potanin moved his $300 million superyacht to the safe haven of Dubai
Alexey Mordashov
Alexei Mordashov’s business empire covers everything from steel and mining to tourism and energy. He runs the show at Severstal, which has a strong grip on Russia’s steel industry and mining. On top of that, he holds stakes in TUI Group, Power Machines, and even media outfits like National Media Group. His portfolio doesn’t stop there—it also includes retail, telecom, and banking.
• Pre-Sanctions Wealth: $29.1 billion in 2021
• Post-Sanctions Wealth: Approximately $28.6 billion as of June 2025
• Past Residences and Circles: Owned properties in Moscow; held stakes in international firms like TUI Group; active in global business circles
• Current Residence: Resides in Barvikha, a wealthy suburb of Moscow
• Putin Ties: Known loyalist, ties to Rossiya Bank, considered the “personal bank” of senior Kremlin officials
• Recent Developments: Assets seized, including the Lady M yacht; shifted focus to domestic investments; maintained strong ties to the Kremlin
Alexei Mordashov Net Worth: Approximately $28.6 billion as of June 2025
Italian police seized Alexei Mordasho 215 ft yacht, the 'Lady M' (pictured), which had a price tag of 65 million euros
Sanctions could potentially be lifted—but under strict conditions: a durable peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, leadership changes in the Kremlin, personal actions by oligarchs to distance themselves from the regime, and geopolitical negotiations. If lifted, these oligarchs could reclaim frozen assets, rebuild global empires, and rehabilitate their images. However, public and political scrutiny would likely remain intense. For now, the odds favor continued isolation as the war drags on.
Analysts and policymakers continue to weigh in on the long-term impact of sanctions. Tom Keatinge, Director at RUSI, emphasized that “for the Kremlin, outpacing sanctions is existential,” highlighting the regime’s focus on maintaining stability amid mounting pressure. The Wilson Center observed that “it took a while, but the pressure from the sanctions is mounting and having an impact on the Russian economy,” signaling that the measures are slowly constraining Russia’s ability to sustain the war. Chatham House added, “the current approach to sanctions on Russia presupposes that a decrease in living standards should prompt a change in the Kremlin’s calculations. This does not work (or at least, it does not work fast enough),” underscoring the limitations of relying solely on economic measures to prompt regime change.
The question remains: is this truly the end of the oligarch era—or just the beginning of a new chapter? The original oligarchs emerged from the chaos of the 1990s, but today’s centralized, Kremlin-controlled economy leaves little room for new freewheeling magnates. However, we may see a new class of state-appointed technocrats or rising regional tycoons in places like Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan. While the old model of oligarchs may be fading, the allure of concentrated wealth and influence persists. Whether through Kremlin loyalists, regional players, or new power brokers, the story of oligarchs may not be over—it’s simply evolving.
Latham & Watkins LLP served as legal advisor to Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. (NYSE: MODG) in the $290 million sale of its Jack Wolfskin business to ANTA Sports, subject to customary closing adjustments.
This transaction aligns with Topgolf Callaway’s strategic focus on its core operations and strengthens its financial position in anticipation of the planned separation of Topgolf.
Chip Brewer, Topgolf Callaway’s CEO and President, shared his enthusiasm for the transition.
"We are excited to announce the successful completion of the sale of our Jack Wolfskin business to ANTA Sports. We believe that ANTA Sports will continue to uphold the integrity and reputation of the Jack Wolfskin brand, and we extend our gratitude to our Jack Wolfskin employees for their hard work and dedication in positioning the business for its next chapter."
Latham & Watkins’ legal team brought extensive expertise to the table, with the corporate deal group led by San Diego partners Craig Garner and Kevin Reyes, and Frankfurt partner Leif Schrader. They were supported by associates Taylor Ashton, Madeleine West, Zach Kobayashi, Dominique Brieger, and Christopher Maier.
Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. (NYSE: MODG) is a leading Modern Golf and active lifestyle company based in Carlsbad, California. Formed by the 2021 merger of Callaway Golf and Topgolf, the company combines traditional golf equipment manufacturing with innovative entertainment, offering global brands like Topgolf, Callaway Golf, TravisMathew, Toptracer, Odyssey, OGIO, Jack Wolfskin, and WGT.
Latham & Watkins, founded in 1934, is a global law firm with more than 3,000 lawyers across major business and financial centers. The firm advises top companies, investors, and institutions on high-stakes transactions, regulatory matters, and litigation. Known for its collaborative culture and deep industry knowledge, Latham delivers practical, strategic legal solutions worldwide.
Justice Minister Sarah Sackman KC is in Chicago and New York this week, leading a group of British legal innovators who are showing the world just how much the UK’s legal sector is evolving with AI and tech.
This mission, conducted under the Great Legal Services campaign, serves to demonstrate the UK’s leadership in legal innovation and technology.
The delegation, supported by the Department for Business and Trade, comprises several of the UK’s most accomplished lawtech firms, many of which already maintain an international client base, including partnerships in the US, Singapore, Australia, and other key markets.
Justice Minister Sarah Sackman summed it up with energy:
“We’re powering up the economy by putting AI, technology, and innovation at the heart of legal services. Supporting British lawtech helps businesses thrive and brings in international investment. The UK’s legal and tech sectors are leading the way, and this mission is making sure we stay ahead while creating opportunities back home.”
During the trip, the team met hundreds of law firms, businesses, and investors from around the world at high-profile conferences in Chicago and New York.
These face-to-face connections don’t just help British companies expand overseas, they also spark interest from US-based lawtech firms considering setting up or growing operations in the UK.
Richard Hyde, His Majesty’s Consul General in Chicago, was upbeat about the visit:
"Chicago is home to one of the largest and most dynamic legal sectors in the US. There are huge opportunities for the brightest and best UK legal tech companies."
"We were excited to welcome this ministerial led trade mission; it is opening doors for UK innovators and driving growth in the UK and in Illinois."
This mission builds on the recent momentum from Lawtech UK, a government initiative designed to push the digital transformation of legal services.
The program was just extended for another year, giving British legal tech even more support as it continues to break new ground.
The UK legal sector already makes a huge contribution to the economy, bringing in around £37 billion a year.
In 2022, trade in legal services between the UK and the US was valued at approximately £2.2 billion. Recent agreements with countries including Switzerland, Japan, and Greece have further expanded opportunities for UK lawyers to practice internationally, enhancing the UK's global standing for legal expertise.
Since its launch in 2017, the GREAT Legal Services campaign has facilitated over 800 new business connections for UK legal professionals and engaged more than 2.6 million individuals online across key international markets.
In March 2025, the UK government announced a £1.5 million funding boost for the LawtechUK programme, further strengthening the nation’s position in legal technology. This investment will accelerate support for startups, attract private investment, and create jobs in the sector.
Since its launch, LawtechUK has supported over 170 startups, contributing to more than £1.7 billion raised across the UK lawtech ecosystem. The programme’s backing has helped companies secure a third of the £139.6 million raised by UK lawtech firms in 2024 alone.
