| High profile hires, KWM cash calls and an absence of women – the best of Legal Week this week The best news and analysis from Legal Week over the last seven days Firms may be vocal about their desire to increase the number of women in their partnerships, but research from Legal Week this week shows just how far they still have to go. This year, the number of women making partner at the UK's 10 largest law firms by revenue fell by 25% – highlighting the need to stop so many women leaving early on in their careers in order to build a solid pipeline of new partner candidates. Elsewhere King & Wood Mallesons' UK partners have agreed to pay in more than £14m to recapitalise the firm. The approval came after Legal Week revealed last week that salaried partners were being asked to contribute capital for the first time. They are being asked for around £60,000 each, with equity partners committing an extra £4,000 per point. The decision comes at a torrid time for KWM's European arm, which has seen numerous partner departures, only some of which were pushed towards the door. Elsewhere, Latham & Watkins has continued its aggressive City push with the high-profile hire of Allen & Overy finance partner and former senior partner contender Stephen Kensell. His hire comes on the heels of the recruitment of Dechert real estate finance partner Jeremy Trinder and Ashurst global co-head of regulation Rob Moulton in June and Ashurst restructuring partner Simon Baskerville in July. Other highlights on Legal Week this week include a piece looking at the merger discussions between Olswang and CMS Cameron McKenna, with Olswang (and Linklaters) also hitting headlines again in relation to the controversial BHS sale, with the firms facing criticism from MPs for their role on the deal . Other stories you might have missed: More exits for Ashurst as CFO Dunlop leaves Pinsent Masons to open in South Africa Schillings instructed as Sir Philip Green hits back at MP over BHS comments Who won what – and why – at the Legal Week Innovation Awards 2016 General see boardroom influence grow | 
