Avocado Roundup is a quick morning review of top tax, legal, and climate news stories. It’s written by humans.
- Sidley Austin told associates in its London office who hadn’t logged at least 1,000 billable hours over the last year they’re not getting pay raises or promotions, according to a report. The report said Sidley denied accusations that the new policy, which affects a “double-digit” number of associates, was demanded by a recently arrived lateral group of Paul Weiss partners. (Roll On Friday)
- A powerful French National Assembly member raised eyebrows by hiring a former AirBnb lobbyist to advise him on the government’s draft 2024 budget bill. Among tax measures in the text, at least one could have a significant affect on the giant online hospitality platform. (MediaPart)
- New York State’s $250 million civil fraud trial against Donald Trump and his company accuses the former president, among other things, of lying about his wealth to cheat tax authorities. The trial is due to start Oct. 2. (WaPo)
Tax Increases, Rulings
- France and Norway are among countries that could impose taxes on extremely large and heavy electric vehicles to counter their safety risks and carbon footprint. (Tech Dirt) (Journal du Geek)
- KPMG’s Spanish legal branch KPMG Abogados advised private equity firm Miura Partners on tax and other aspects of its acquisition of a 25% stake in GasN2Itrogen, a Barcelona-based designer, maker, and seller of industrial energy-efficiency equipment. CMS Albiñana & Suárez de Lezo advised GasN2 on M&A aspects of the deal. (Iberian Lawyer)
Laterals, Moves, Promotions
- Former Wachtell Lipton lawyer Daniel Villey joined French law firm Viguié Schmidt & Associés as partner in Paris. Arriving with an associate, he advises on corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, and strategic litigation. (Viguié Schmidt & Associés)
- DLA Piper brought in three investment funds partners from White & Case, including domestic and international tax law specialist Andrew Kreisberg in San Diego. Mara Topping and Kate McCullough join the firm in Washington. (DLAPiper.com)
