Bloomberg Law News · 19 Oct, 10:00 · Finance briefing

Sidley Lands Mayer Brown Partner Kunkes to Grow Finance Group

Sidley Austin has recruited partner Kunkes from Mayer Brown to strengthen its finance practice.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

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Sidley Austin has recruited partner Kunkes from Mayer Brown to strengthen its finance practice. This lateral move highlights the competitive nature of top-tier legal recruitment, particularly within specialised commercial sectors. For professionals, it signals a strategic push by Sidley to expand its market share in finance-related legal services. The acquisition of a senior partner suggests an immediate focus on high-value transactions and complex regulatory matters. This development reflects broader industry trends where firms prioritise niche expertise and proven leadership to attract corporate clients. Observers should note how such hires influence service delivery and client relationships in the financial legal market.

Employer demand for Law skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

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This lateral hire signals that deep, niche expertise in finance law is becoming a critical career differentiator. If you work in corporate legal or financial advisory, you must sharpen your technical knowledge of regulatory frameworks and transactional structures. Generalist skills are no longer sufficient; clients demand specialists who navigate complex financial landscapes. You should actively pursue advanced qualifications in financial regulation and compliance. Build relationships with senior partners who lead practice groups, as visibility is key to securing high-stakes assignments. Monitor similar lateral moves to understand which sub-sectors are growing. Ultimately, position yourself as a subject-matter expert who can deliver precise, high-value legal solutions in an increasingly competitive market.

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