Allen & Overy has launched its own iPhone application in order to make information about the firm more accessible, reports legalweek.com. Titled A&O Connect for iPhones and iPads, the app is a reference directory of the firm's lawyers, global networks and expertise. Features include a lawyer and office directory, maps and contact information for the firm's global offices.

JONES DAY GETS A BRAZILIAN

American firm Jones Day has revealed plans to open an office in Brazil, reports The Lawyer. Pending regulatory approval, the firm plans to operate as a foreign legal consultant in accordance with the rules of the Brazilian Bar Association, and will not operate in conjunction with any local firms. The office will be headed by the firm's Latin America chair and Madrid chief Luis Riesgo.

ABA DEMANDS HONESTY FOR STUDENTS

The American Bar Association (ABA) has heeded calls for more transparency regarding the cost of law school and the chances of finding a job after graduation, reports law.com. ABA president Steve Zack has told law school deans and professors that the organisation is considering forcing law schools to disclose costs and employment statistics to all law school applicants.

LITIGATORS STRUGGLE TO REACH TOP

The number of partner promotions are dwindling as firms try to adapt to more stringent economic models, reports The Lawyer. Research conducted by The Lawyer shows that reaching partnership is especially tough for litigators, despite the booming litigation market. Over the past 12 months DLA Piper was one of the biggest litigation promoters, appointing five out of nine litigation associates to the partnership.

UK CLAMPS DOWN ON COMPO ADS

Personal injury lawyers and claims management agencies may see their operations narrowed after a review of health and safety laws zoning in on the UK's compensation culture, reports legalweek.com. Lord Young's recent report, Common Sense, Common Safety, calls for limits on the volume and type of 'no-win, no-fee' advertising for personal injury claims, as well as restrictions on other operations.

SUPREME COURT DEBATES 9/11 SUIT

The US Supreme Court is set to decide whether an American Muslim can sue a former Bush administration official who was allegedly responsible for his improper arrest after the September 11 terrorist attacks, reports law.com. The arrest of Abdullah al-Kidd, along with dozens of other Muslims and Arabs without evidence, was part of the Bush administration's aggressive response to the attacks.