White & Case finance partners Mike Goetz and Maurice Allen are set to leave the firm’s London office by the end of the week.
Global banking co-head Allen and fellow City partner Goetz are expected to leave White & Case’s City arm tomorrow (14 March), with the US firm’s associates learning of the impending departures earlier this week.
The duo had been linked to a number of City firms but Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is seen as the clear front-runner to hire the pair amid unconfirmed reports that the magic circle firm is set for a partner vote on Friday.
Allen and Goetz’s departures have been linked to strategic tensions between the firm’s central management and a group of partners in London who are pressing for more autonomy and a stronger voice in UK decision-making.
Partners had cited lack of representation on the firm’s central management bodies, following the election of firm-wide chief executive Hugh Verrier, as a key problem. However, it is understood that a number of City partners were sounded out about the option of joining the executive committee but declined in favour of remaining client-focused.
One finance partner at a rival practice commented: “The pair are very talented practitioners. It is no secret that there is a lot of unhappiness in that office.”
Freshfields, Goetz and White & Case declined to comment. Allen could not be reached for comment.
Where do the exits leave White & Case in the City? Have your say on the Legal Week Wiki.
Editors' Blog: 'Democracy White & Case-style leaves London with uncertain constituency'
