It seems like there is some discontent over at respected law firm Webber Wentzel, the exodus of partners continuing as two more experts beat a hasty retreat.

With the departure of mining lawyer Peter Leon and energy and infrastructure expert Brigette Baillie the number now stands at 14 partners having left this year, with these details below taken from Business Day:

The resignations from one of SA’s top law firms since January comes amid reports of unhappiness with new management.

Whereas former senior partner David Lancaster adopted a hands off approach, his successors Christo Els and Sally Hutton tended to “micro manage”…

The alliance agreement of Webber Wentzel with international firm Linklaters three years ago was also cited by an existing partner as another possible cause of disgruntlement by staff at the law firm.

The nature of the relationship was reportedly one-sided and favoured the global law firm more, while constraining Webber Wentzel’s Africa practice.

Christo Els has hit back at suggestions that the exodus stems from unhappiness, citing the fact that moves between law firms is commonplace in today’s market. When Business Day spoke to Peter Leon, who had been a partner at Webber Wentzel since 1987, he had this to say:

This is just an incredible opportunity for me that can take my career to another level in a very different environment.”

Hmm, a ‘different environment’? One wonders what exactly he means by that…

[source:businessday]