Paul, Weiss' Scott Barshay: You Have a Problem

 Paul, Weiss, once a litigation powerhouse, has experienced a flight of high-profile partners in that practice. 

After the firm's deal with the Trump administration to lift the Executive Order but before Scott Barshay became chair, star litigator Karen Dunn left. A number of partners and associates went with her to form a litigation boutique. It's thriving.

Now this and it's on Barshay's watch. As The New York Times reports today:

"The partners — Kannon Shanmugam and Masha Hansford — are departing to start a practice focusing on Supreme Court and other appellate litigation at the rival firm Davis Polk."

Shanmugam has been a heavy hitter for wins for clients in front of the US Supreme Court. It had been rumored that when the EO was presented he argued to file a lawsuit, not negotiate with the administration. It was said that he had even drafted the complaint. 

Hansford, who started out as an associate at Paul, Weiss, then went to the DOJ for SCOTUS work, returned as a partner about a year ago. 

This development represents a major loss for Paul, Weiss. Although it is well known that Barshay is transitioning the firm to corporate, being a top litigation brand is still important. And the news of this comes out when the firm has been keeping a low media profile. So, it stands out since there has been no other buzz.

One wonders why Barshay, who had plenty of power and compensation in the M&A practice, accepted the chair job. He had plenty going for him without it. 

If we Paul, Weiss watchers are sizing up Big Law goings-on accurately, this might be the way to size up the firm currently: Crisis. Does Barshay have the leadership experience for this and probably more?

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