A group of lawyers has left Reed Smith in Hong Kong to set up an independent firm. Howse Williams Bowers, led by partners Chris Howse, Christopher Williams and Kevin Bowers, will focus mainly on health care matters. Two other Reed Smith lawyers are joining as partners, and some 15 counsel and associates have also made the move.Visit International News

Gerson Zweifach, a partner at Williams & Connolly in Washington, D.C., is reportedly in line to become the News Corp.’s next general counsel. Zweifach’s previous high-profile clients include former New York Stock Exchange chief executive Richard Grasso.

Hunton & Williams has downsized its London office after a series of partner departures dragged attorney headcount in the office down 60 percent in less than three months. A total of nine staff positions have been eliminated in an attempt to refocus the practice after the loss of five energy and corporate partners to rival U.S

Hunton & Williams’ bid to discredit Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll and win the dismissal of a securities fraud case against client Dynex may have backfired. A federal judge has refused to dismiss the suit, and expressed annoyance at their criticism of a magistrate judge’s work.

A former Williams & Connolly secretary is appealing a judge’s dismissal of her discrimination suit against the firm. Julie Gaskins accused the firm of paying her less and denying her advancement opportunities because she is African-American.