Involved parties: Primary target is Skadden; scammers also impersonated firms including Hogan Lovells, Sullivan & Cromwell, Linklaters, Travers Smith, Clifford Chance, Herbert Smith Freehills, Kramer Levin, Mayer Brown, White & Case, and Taylor Wessing in U.K.-tracked alerts.[3] The U.K. Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) monitors these via its scam database, noting a sharp rise; U.S. coverage by Above the Law issued the warning on April 7, 2026.[1][3] Prior incidents involved Latham & Watkins, Milbank, Dechert, Reed Smith, and Baker McKenzie.[1][4]
Context and timeline: Biglaw firm impersonation scams have surged, with SRA alerts up 180% over three years and further increases in Q1 2026 vs. 2025.[1][3] U.K. examples include Latham emails demanding payments using real partners' names, Milbank phone scams, and Dechert fake sites/WhatsApp.[1] U.S. cases feature phishing and wire fraud, like a $475,000 settlement scam via spoofed emails.[5] Broader threats include ransomware hits on Kirkland & Ellis, K&L Gates, Proskauer Rose, DLA Piper (2017), and Allen & Overy (2023).[1] Skadden.net alerts follow this pattern, exploiting firms' credibility for high-value targets.[2][3]
Newsworthiness: Published April 7, 2026, amid escalating Q1 2026 scam alerts, it highlights Biglaw's vulnerability as "ripe targets" due to client data and representation of major entities, urging immediate vigilance.[1][3]