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By Sara Merken

REUTERS/Toru Hanai

Large U.S. law firms recorded double-digit revenue gains in the first half of the year, driven by increasing billing rates and strong demand fueled in part by work related to ‌AI, according to new survey data released by Wells Fargo.

Revenues grew 12.4% on average during the first six months of the year, up from an 11.2% increase during the same period last year, according to data from Wells Fargo's Legal Specialty Group. "It’s a very strong market," said Owen Burman, a senior consultant and managing director of the unit.

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In New York:

Venable added advertising partners Stacy Marcus and Michael Isselin from DLA Piper … Sidley hired energy, transportation and infrastructure partner Michael Pikiel from Winston Taylor … Norton Rose Fulbright picked up Steve Olenick from Mintz as U.S. head of sports capital and transactions … Nelson Mullins added real estate partner Kristen Andreoli from Polsinelli … Gibson Dunn tapped Jonathan Ashtor as co-chair of technology transactions from Paul Weiss.

In Houston:

Mayer Brown tapped leveraged finance and private capital partner Justin Hewett from DLA Piper … Gibson Dunn added private equity and energy and infrastructure partner Clay Brett from Baker Botts … Sidley hired energy, transportation and infrastructure partner Tom Millar from Winston Taylor.

In Chicago:

Winston Taylor brought on investigations and white-collar defense partner John Mitchell from Willkie … Milbank added project, energy and infrastructure partner Nadav Klugman from White & Case … Vedder hired executive compensation and employee benefits partner Erin Weber from Reyes Holdings.

In Boston:

Troutman Pepper Locke added real estate partner Dan Monger from ArentFox Schiff … Kirkland picked up litigation partner Aaron Katz from Aaron Katz Law.

In D.C.:

Arnold & Porter hired financial services partner Brendan Clegg from Luse Gorman … Sidley tapped energy, transportation and infrastructure partner Richard Puttré from Winston Taylor.

In Los Angeles:

Kaufman Dolowich added construction litigation partner Kenneth Coronel from Freeman Mathis & Gary … Ogletree Deakins brought on employment litigation partners Frank Olah from Carlton Fields and Alexander Harwin from FordHarrison …  Holland & Knight hired private equity and M&A partner Kristie Shu from Kirkland in Century City. 

Across other cities:

Morgan & Morgan added personal injury litigation partner Daniel Iracki from Coker Law in Jacksonville … Spencer Fane brought on banking and financial services partner