Alliance of Euro Lawyers chief goes to consultancy post at Hildebrandt

MARC BARTEL, the secretary general of the Alliance of European Lawyers, has left to join Hildebrandt, the international legal management consultancy firm.

Bartel's departure comes at a crucial time for the alliance, whose negotiations with Linklaters over a potential link-up are due to conclude before the end of the month.

He was brought in by the Alliance three years ago to act as a strategic adviser.

He refused to comment on the state of the Alliance-Linklaters talks, but said his offer to join Hildebrandts was "too good to refuse."

As a consultant at Hildebrandt's International Practice Group, he will advise US and UK firms on strategies for expanding their practices.

Brad Hildebrandt, chairman of Hildebrandts, said: "Bartel offers unique insights into developing international strategies for law firms."