Patton Boggs says latest partner defections don't affect merger talks
Nine partners have apparently left Patton Boggs, but the latest defections won’t affect merger talks with Squire Sanders, according to a statement issued by the law firm.
Nine partners were removed from the firm’s website in recent weeks, the National Law Journal reports.
Where did they go? In a story quoting unnamed sources, Reuters broke the news on Friday that six partners, including strategic planning committee member Kevin Boardman, are opening a Dallas office for McGuireWoods. Two litigation partners, including commercial litigation and antitrust co-chair Benjamin Chew, are joining Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman. Another partner, Adam Connatser, is now with Dallas litigation boutique Palter Stokley Sims Wright, the NLJ reports, citing state bar records. The Wall Street Journal Law Blog and Above the Law also had the news.
The firm issued a statement explaining the departures. “As previously reported, in February we asked our partners to let us know if they remained committed to the firm, and more than 90 percent responded affirmatively,” the statement said. “The partners who have recently resigned were among the few who declined to make that commitment. Their departures do not affect our ongoing discussions with Squire Sanders, do not impact our strategic plan, and are not material to the firm.”
The statement said the firm is “moving forward with the confidence that the overwhelming majority of our partners, including those we regard as being key to our success, are rowing in the same direction and share a common strategic vision.”
Prior coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Patton Boggs plans to keep slimming down, partners asked to suspend draws”
ABAJournal.com: “Patton Boggs leader says any suggestion of bankruptcy issue is ‘laughable’ ”
ABAJournal.com: “Patton Boggs in merger talks with Squire Sanders”
