If you were a summer associate at a major law firm this year, you likely had the chance to go on a boat. Many enjoyed boat rides and Broadway shows, but this year’s summer associates shared strong opinions on two major issues their firms were facing, according to Law.com’s annual survey.

Withers has appointed Ceri Vokes as the new CEO, succeeding Margaret Robertson after nearly 25 years. The firm has recently gained recognition for its diversity and inclusion efforts, receiving the Mansfield certification in 2024 for promoting leadership diversity.

Lipton Wachtell and Kirkland & Ellis As the main advisors in the largest-ever leveraged buyout, Rosen & Katz is helping a private equity group pay $55 billion to acquire Electronic Arts (EA), a game developer listed on the Nasdaq.

Michael Bowe, who cofounded Brithem with Lauren Tabaksblat, claimed that “Big Law is drunk on leverage and billables that give little bang for the buck.”

The L’Osteria Group received advice from Baker McKenzie about acquisition financing and refinancing. To support L’Osteria’s M&A strategy, the finance structure comprised an acquisition facility, a refinancing facility, and an incremental facility.

Yasmine Antoine has joined the Atlanta office of Baker Donelson as an attorney. As a member of the Real Estate Group, Ms. Antoine provides clients with advice on a variety of commercial real estate, development, construction, and general business issues. She focuses especially on family-owned enterprises and organizations that are diversified across multiple business lines.

With its 3.75% global bonds due in 2028, 5% global bonds due in 2032, and 5.625% worldwide bonds due in 2036, the Republic of Colombia finalized a €4.1 billion SEC-registered offering of global bonds.

Tower Arch Capital received advice from Gibson Dunn about the recapitalization of Documotion Research, Inc., the business that created StickyPOS, a cutting-edge linerless labeling system for the restaurant and hospitality sectors.

Lindsey Tomlinson Druhan has joined Burr & Forman as a counsel in the Birmingham office.

Horace Mann Educators Corporation received advice from a Gibson Dunn team about its $300 million issue of 4.700% Senior Notes with an aggregate principal amount.