Latest news with #AmLaw100
Toronto Star
31-07-2025
- Business
- Toronto Star
Epiq Billing Services Transforms Legal Billing Process at Am Law 100 Firm
NEW YORK, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Epiq announced today a new partnership with an Am Law 100 firm to provide Epiq Billing Solutions — the premier, reliable, secure solution to stabilize cash flow, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency. Epiq delivers end-to-end billing solutions designed specifically for the complex needs of law firms to enhance financial operations and accelerate cash flow. By leveraging deep expertise across major billing platforms, such as 3E/Elite, Aderant, BillBlast, LawPay, InTapp Billstream, Collaborati, eBilllingHub, CounselLink, and Tymetrix, Epiq is able to proactively resolve invoice rejections, streamline workflows, and deliver measurable results.
Hamilton Spectator
31-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Epiq Billing Services Transforms Legal Billing Process at Am Law 100 Firm
NEW YORK, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Epiq announced today a new partnership with an Am Law 100 firm to provide Epiq Billing Solutions — the premier, reliable, secure solution to stabilize cash flow, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency. Epiq delivers end-to-end billing solutions designed specifically for the complex needs of law firms to enhance financial operations and accelerate cash flow. By leveraging deep expertise across major billing platforms, such as 3E/Elite, Aderant, BillBlast, LawPay, InTapp Billstream, Collaborati, eBilllingHub, CounselLink, and Tymetrix, Epiq is able to proactively resolve invoice rejections, streamline workflows, and deliver measurable results. 'Partnering with Epiq underscores our dedication to legal innovation so that we can elevate efficiency and output while maintaining the high standards our clients expect,' said the firm's Chief Financial Officer. 'Epiq has a proven track record in driving process improvement in the legal billing space. The support provided by Epiq is strengthening our ability to overcome challenges in tracking billable hours while boosting productivity and ensuring compliance with complex billing guidelines.' Leveraging Epiq subject matter experts well-versed in common law firm applications and supported technological processes, including AI, law firms are now able to realize faster turnaround times, quicker invoice generation, reduced invoice errors, and improved cash flow. Epiq Billing Solutions is a proprietary billing solution where Epiq clients can expect to expedite: Services are provided by talented billing experts in Epiq Global Resource Centers , which provide 24/7/365 administrative and middle office support to some of the largest global organizations across the legal, financial, and corporate sectors. 'Our highly skilled billing specialists don't just respond to errors, they proactively identify patterns and streamline processes across all major legal billing systems,' said Michelle Connolly , Senior Vice President of the Global Business Transformation Solutions business at Epiq. 'Firms can now maximize realization rates, invoice faster, and reduce errors and lengthy appeals, ultimately leading to improved efficiency and profitability.' Epiq uncovered that the average law firm experiences an 18 percent realization loss due to billing challenges. 'This means that nearly one-fifth of billable work is not converted into revenue, negatively impacting a firm's profitability,' Connolly said. 'Even more, 81 percent of firms report having issues with a significant portion of invoices remaining unpaid or delayed, creating real cash flow challenges. These problems – coupled with resource constraints and the need for continuous training – highlight the importance of streamlining billing operations.' Epiq routinely works with the top law firms in the world to provide technical expertise and best practices so they can focus on core competencies and more strategic activities. By outsourcing business transformation services , such as billing , marketing and creative services , administrative support , office services , and records and information governance , law firms are able to increase efficiency, improve cost-effectiveness, centralize processes, add scalability, and standardize outputs. About Epiq Epiq, a technology and services leader, takes on large-scale and complex tasks for corporate legal departments, law firms, and business professionals by integrating people, process, technology, and data. Clients rely on Epiq to streamline legal and compliance, settlement, and business administration workflows to drive efficiency, minimize risk, and improve cost savings. With a presence in 18 countries, our values define who we are and how we partner with clients and communities. Learn how the approximately 6,100 Epiq people worldwide create meaningful change at . Press Contact Carrie Trent Epiq, Senior Director of Corporate Communications and Public Relations
Forbes
25-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Meet America's Best-In-State Lawyers 2025
getty T he story of 2025 is one of transformation and challenges that have reshaped business as usual. A confluence of policy decisions has roiled markets and left economic forecasts murky. Concerns about inflation, tariffs, trade barriers, the supply chain, labor markets—and war—have set many businesses in a holding pattern, with some tightening belts and reducing spending, particularly those that relied on government funding or have been directly impacted by global volatility. Yet even as clients face existential troubles, the legal industry has remained strong, unbound by bull or bear markets. Law is a sector that can prosper in hostile environments—litigation thrives during both prosperity and adversity, and downtimes can be a boon for countercyclical practices like bankruptcy and restructuring. And while the jury remains out on 2025, data shows 2024 was a blockbuster year for the legal sector as a whole. Buoyed by a strong economy, collective revenue per lawyer in the AmLaw 100 was up 5.2% overall last year, reaching $1.28 million. Hiring has remained steady and law firms have been increasing their spending and strategically investing in technology, AI and knowledge management to remain competitive. Whether the current economic climate is viewed as a glass half full or half empty, there will always be opportunity and need for lawyers, and fortune favors not just the brave, but the prepared mind. 'Economic uncertainty rewards those lawyers capable of transitioning from mere legal advisors to becoming their clients' trusted strategic navigators,' says listmaker and Denver-based Perkins Coie partner T. Markus Funk. 'Quick and nimble thinking by adaptable and empathetic lawyers with deep industry understanding and the ability to deliver tailored, contextual advice and steer clients through crises, are increasingly becoming the premium skill sets.' O ver the past year our editorial team set out to find lawyers with premium skill sets from across the United States, reviewing thousands of candidates for Forbes ' inaugural Best-In-State list. Vetted through outside nominations, independent research and consultation with experts and industry insiders, we've curated an elite cohort of lawyers from all 50 states, across a variety of specializations. And over the course of that research, we've gleaned insights into the state of the profession—and what today's best lawyers can deliver for you. According to the American Bar Association Profile of the Legal Profession, while there are 1.3 million lawyers in the U.S., more than a quarter of those reside in just two states—New York and California—with Washington, DC, having the most lawyers per capita. But top lawyers are practicing across the country, and those who stand out and thrive today are demonstrating a renewed focus on a concept rooted in sales and UX: customer service. In an increasingly competitive legal marketplace, centering client satisfaction is more important than ever. And in an era of emerging tech, economic uncertainty and geopolitical shifts, clients are looking for their lawyers to be both compass and counsel, providing direction and expertise. 'The momentum through the first half of 2025 is real, but fragile, with the biggest threat to continued growth being macroeconomic confusion,' says Mike McNamara, CEO of legal growth advisory firm Baretz+Brunelle and former CEO of Dentons US. 'Right now, some of the most valuable lawyers are not simply advisors, but sentries. If you are not calling with insight before a client asks for it, clients likely will turn to someone who is.' Client retention today is in part a function of foresight, McNamara adds, noting the firms that thrive are regularly mapping risks and engaging in scenario-planning, bringing in tech and AI and building internal protocols for clients as part of their service delivery. 'We are absolutely service providers but in providing that service there's so much opportunity to build depth of knowledge and expertise,' says listmaker and Morrison Foerster partner Val Dahiya. 'It's very easy to demonstrate to clients that you understand not just their business but the much larger market structure. There's a comfort level in having someone who knows the inside-out of agencies, and being able to navigate expertly can make a substantial difference for clients.' Dahiya, who practices in the securities compliance and regulation sector, says the rapid evolution of technology is upending the way consumers and investors understand and interact with markets, citing Blockchain, crypto assets and AI. Dahiya has worked through the dot-com bust and the 2008 credit crisis that threatened capital markets; she also served on the SEC's Enron task force. Now in private practice as co-head of Morrison Foerster's Securities + Derivatives Regulatory Solutions team and a partner in the firm's Capital Markets and Broker-Dealer Compliance + Regulation practice groups, Dahiya is in a unique position to help clients navigate complex and uncertain terrain. 'There have been so many crises in my career where I've been very hands-on and kind of in the eye of the storm,' Dahiya says. 'But you have to be able to step back, understand the fundamental principles, the client goals and connect the dots. The regulatory risk, compliance obligations, business considerations, what the industry is doing writ large, and making sure the client is in the best position to make the very best decisions.' Perkins Coie partner Funk agrees that an increasingly intricate and politicized regulatory environment is reshaping the legal terrain in real time, and that compliance, along with investigations, litigation and cross-border disputes, are areas where subject matter expertise will open opportunities for high-value work. 'Lawyers who truly own their space, have created a recognized brand for themselves, and have mastered the table stakes of providing proactive, timely and practical advice, along with a good dose of compassion, will thrive in the future, as they have in the past,' says Funk, who specializes in complex litigation and international law out of the firm's Denver office. O ne aspect of change that has come for the legal profession—as it has for all others—is AI. As growth explodes in the field of generative AI, staying ahead of the curve, remaining agile and spotting trends are proving to be significant competitive advantages. Firms are ramping up resources and expertise to not just meet client demand in the field, but to harness the next Cambrian iteration of the technology and improve their own bottom line. It's a moment that Seattle-based lawyer and listmaker Sumedha Ahuja is well prepared for, having been steeped in artificial intelligence technology for two decades, first as a software engineer and then as an IP lawyer. At Perkins Coie she manages five large teams and says harnessing AI has streamlined her work process, freeing up more time for deep-dives and holistic thinking to better serve clients. 'People who embrace AI and learn how to augment their work with AI will be successful—super successful,' predicts Ahuja, firmwide co-chair of the firm's artificial intelligence and machine learning practice. 'I feel like it's a great way to augment how we practice law. AI itself is not new but it's becoming mainstream. It's become more democratized.' Ahuja says clients are looking for practitioners who see the full picture from a business, legal and technological standpoint—what she describes as three-dimensional advice, a concept familiar to Fairfax Associates strategic legal consultant Lisa Smith. 'Firms need to focus on the combination of technical expertise and industry experience,' Smith says. 'Clients value lawyers who bring both of those dimensions, with technical expertise being the baseline expectation and industry experience being the value add.' Chicago-based lawyer and listmaker Annie Kastanek brings deep industry expertise to her role as co-chair of Jenner & Block's Appellate and Supreme Court Practice. Before entering private practice, Kastanek clerked for the Seventh Circuit and Justice Anthony Kennedy at the U.S. Supreme Court, followed by work at the U.S. Attorney's Office in Chicago. Kastanek continues to try cases—which provides a dual perspective she finds invaluable. 'When you understand both trial dynamics and appellate implications, you can craft strategies that work across forums from the very beginning of a case,' she says. Kastanek says today's lawyers must demonstrate value to clients early and often by being proactive and not just reactive, particularly in an increasingly unpredictable legal environment. She believes appellate work will continue to accelerate after recent Supreme Court decisions that have upended what was once considered settled law. Finding opportunity in the unpredictable, viewing this moment in time as a glass half full—these, Ahuja says, are the hallmarks of today's best lawyers: 'The way I see it, it's a great time to be practicing. It's a transformative time for the legal industry and the economy itself.' For the full list of America's Best-In-State Lawyers, click here. Methodology To create our inaugural list of America's Best-In-State Lawyers, Forbes assembled an editorial team with broad experience in law practice, coverage of legal news, and knowledge of the legal marketplace. The team then identified a wide pool of eligible candidates through hundreds of interviews with industry insiders, outside nominations, editorial research, and an independent, advisory board of experts. To qualify for consideration, lawyers were required to be active and licensed—and thousands of attorneys from a variety of backgrounds, specializations and jurisdictions were ultimately considered. For more information on the selection process see America's Best-In-State Lawyers 2025 Methodology. As with all Forbes lists, candidates do not pay any fee to be considered. For questions about this list, please contact lawyerlist [at]
Techday NZ
12-06-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
LevelBlue to acquire Aon's cyber consulting teams in global deal
LevelBlue has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Aon's Cybersecurity and Intellectual Property Litigation consulting groups, including the well-established Stroz Friedberg and Elysium Digital teams. This transaction will see more than 300 technology professionals join LevelBlue, bolstering its cyber risk and incident response capabilities on a global scale. These teams currently provide services to Fortune 500 companies, 80% of the Am Law 100, and most of the top 20 UK law firms. The acquisition positions LevelBlue as the largest independent pure play Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) worldwide. Consulting capabilities The addition of Aon's Cybersecurity and IP Litigation consulting groups brings specialised expertise in cybersecurity risk management and technology-related intellectual property litigation to LevelBlue's existing operations. These capabilities will now complement LevelBlue's 24/7 managed detection and response services, creating a broader offering that spans pre-emptive protection, digital risk management, and comprehensive incident response. "Cyber resilience is crucial for organisations of all sizes," said Robert McCullen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LevelBlue. "By combining LevelBlue's exceptional cloud-based, AI-driven managed detection and response platform with Stroz Friedberg's proactive cyber consulting and advanced digital forensic and incident response capabilities, we're introducing the industry's most comprehensive unified cybersecurity services platform. This platform will not only strengthen clients' defenses preemptively, but also empower them with deeper insights and faster incident resolution. Together, we're helping organisations stay ahead of emerging threats and recover with greater speed and confidence." David Yaches, Chief Executive Officer of Cyber Solutions Security Consulting at Aon, commented on the agreement: "We are thrilled to join forces with LevelBlue. Our teams are aligned in mission and values, and this acquisition will allow us to serve clients with an expanded suite of cyber solutions and deeper technical expertise." Maintaining core services Aon will continue to provide cyber brokerage services via its Cyber Solutions group, CyQu platform, and Cyber Risk Analyzer, focusing on serving a wide range of client risk and broking needs globally. The company's Cybersecurity consulting segment has been recognised in the 2024 Forrester Wave for Cybersecurity Incident Response Services, particularly for its coverage of adversary simulation, penetration testing, incident response planning, breach response, and digital forensics. "The incredible cybersecurity readiness and response capabilities of Aon's Cybersecurity consulting group, including the esteemed heritage of the Stroz Friedberg legacy, brings highly valued expertise to LevelBlue," said Mike Troiano, LevelBlue Board Member and Head of AT&T Business Products. "We expect this acquisition to significantly enhance the strategic cybersecurity services delivered globally by LevelBlue to AT&T's government and enterprise customers." LevelBlue and Aon will also establish a strategic collaboration as part of the agreement, allowing both companies to offer combined and complementary services to their respective clients. This partnership is intended to provide holistic cybersecurity support, integrating managed services and consulting expertise to address the evolving cyber threat landscape. Christian Hoffman, Global Specialty and Financial Products Leader at Aon, added: "Cyber remains a top risk category for our clients. Aon will continue to deliver leading cyber brokerage capabilities through our Cyber Solutions group, CyQu platform and Cyber Risk Analyzer to serve our clients growing cyber broking needs." The consulting teams from Aon are known for assisting clients with strengthening their operational readiness, protecting digital assets, and reducing the impact of cyber incidents, using a mix of technical know-how and established methodologies. Their track record has made them a choice partner for organisations looking to accelerate recovery in the event of a cyber event. Market perspective Christina Richmond, Principal Analyst at Richmond Advisory Group, shared her view on the acquisition: "This is a highly strategic acquisition for the cybersecurity services market. LevelBlue will strengthen its position at the intersection of managed security and cyber consulting services. By acquiring leading cybersecurity and IP litigation consulting capabilities, the combined organisation is now better positioned to proactively enhance organisational resilience. The strategic relationship with Aon bolsters LevelBlue's posture with cyber insurers and adds highly complementary risk analysis and advisory services." Santander is acting as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis as legal advisor to LevelBlue, while Lazard and Latham & Watkins are advising Aon for this transaction. Financial terms have not been disclosed, and the deal remains subject to standard closing conditions.
Business Wire
11-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
LevelBlue Agrees to Acquire Aon's Cybersecurity & IP Litigation Consulting Groups
DALLAS & DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- LevelBlue, a global leader in cloud-based, AI-driven managed security services, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Aon's Cybersecurity and Intellectual Property (IP) Litigation consulting groups, which include recognized cybersecurity firm Stroz Friedberg, and Elysium Digital, which is renowned for technology-related IP litigation matters. This acquisition represents a significant step in LevelBlue's growth strategy by adding deep cyber and high-tech IP litigation consulting expertise and world-class incident response capabilities to its expanding global portfolio. Financial terms were not disclosed and the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions. With this acquisition, LevelBlue gains a globally recognized cyber and IP litigation consulting platform that includes a team of approximately 300 technology professionals with strong relationships across Fortune 500 enterprises, 80 percent of the Am Law 100 and a majority of Top 20 law firms in the UK. The integration of consulting solutions complements LevelBlue's 24/7 managed detection and response services, creating a comprehensive cybersecurity risk management offering that addresses both digital risk protection and incident response, positioning LevelBlue to become the largest independent pureplay Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) globally. 'Cyber resilience is crucial for organizations of all sizes," said Robert McCullen, Chairman and CEO of LevelBlue. "By combining LevelBlue's exceptional cloud-based, AI-driven managed detection and response platform with Stroz Friedberg's proactive cyber consulting and advanced digital forensic and incident response capabilities, we're introducing the industry's most comprehensive unified cybersecurity services platform. This platform will not only strengthen clients' defenses preemptively, but also empower them with deeper insights and faster incident resolution. Together, we're helping organizations stay ahead of emerging threats and recover with greater speed and confidence.' 'We are thrilled to join forces with LevelBlue,' said David Yaches, CEO of Cyber Solutions Security Consulting at Aon. 'Our teams are aligned in mission and values, and this acquisition will allow us to serve clients with an expanded suite of cyber solutions and deeper technical expertise.' Aon's Cybersecurity consulting group is also recognized as a clear leader in the 2024 Forrester Wave™ for Cybersecurity Incident Response Services by providing organizations with a comprehensive range of cyber resilience services designed to help them prepare for, withstand and recover from cyber incidents. Its cybersecurity risk management portfolio covers adversary simulation, penetration testing, incident response planning, real-time breach response, and digital forensics. With deep technical expertise and proven methodologies, Aon's Cybersecurity and IP Litigation consulting groups assist clients in strengthening their operational readiness, protecting their critical digital assets, and minimizing the impact of cyber events and accelerating recovery times. 'The incredible cybersecurity readiness and response capabilities of Aon's Cybersecurity consulting group, including the esteemed heritage of the Stroz Friedberg legacy, brings highly valued expertise to LevelBlue,' said Mike Troiano, LevelBlue Board Member and Head of AT&T Business Products. 'We expect this acquisition to significantly enhance the strategic cybersecurity services delivered globally by LevelBlue to AT&T's government and enterprise customers.' As part of this transaction, Aon and LevelBlue will also establish a strategic relationship to collaboratively offer their respective services to clients in a holistic manner. This acquisition underscores LevelBlue's commitment to simplifying cybersecurity through award-winning managed services, strategic consulting, real-time threat intelligence and industry-renowned research, seamlessly integrated with its global operations and operational expertise to deliver solutions that help organizations of all sizes achieve their unique cybersecurity outcomes. 'Cyber remains a top risk category for our clients,' said Christian Hoffman, Global Specialty & Financial Products Leader at Aon. 'Aon will continue to deliver leading cyber brokerage capabilities through our Cyber Solutions group, CyQu platform and Cyber Risk Analyzer to serve our clients growing cyber broking needs.' According to Christina Richmond, Principal Analyst at Richmond Advisory Group, 'This is a highly strategic acquisition for the cybersecurity services market. LevelBlue will strengthen its position at the intersection of managed security and cyber consulting services. By acquiring leading cybersecurity and IP litigation consulting capabilities, the combined organization is now better positioned to proactively enhance organizational resilience. The strategic relationship with Aon bolsters LevelBlue's posture with cyber insurers and adds highly complementary risk analysis and advisory services.' Santander is serving as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal advisor to LevelBlue. Lazard is serving as financial advisor and Latham & Watkins LLP is serving as legal advisor to Aon. About LevelBlue We simplify cybersecurity through award-winning managed services, experienced strategic consulting, threat intelligence, and renowned research. Our team is a seamless extension of yours, providing transparency and visibility into security posture and continuously working to strengthen it. We harness security data from numerous sources and enrich it with artificial intelligence to deliver real-time threat intelligence; this enables more accurate and precise decision making. With a large, always-on global presence, LevelBlue sets the standard for cybersecurity today and tomorrow. We easily and effectively manage risk, so you can focus on your business. About Aon Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses. Follow Aon on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Stay up-to-date by visiting Aon's newsroom and sign up for news alerts here.
