A&O's tales of the unexpected
Many are predicting that Allen & Overy (A&O) managing partner David Morley taking over from senior partner Guy Beringer will be a shoo-in, but it is worth bearing in mind that the A&O partnership votes in mysterious ways.
In fact, Beringer's tenure as senior partner started after a bit of an upset itself. Bill Tudor John had led A&O for close on seven years by 1999.
Under his forceful leadership the firm had raided France and Benelux and had thrown underperforming partners overboard in 'Project Alpha'. The size of the firm had more than doubled.
However, in a surprise result, young Beringer defeated incumbent senior partner Tudor John, the partnership seemingly having tired of Tudor John's more aggressive approach.
Beringer's tenure was initially no financial success, but the Beringer and Morley team has during the past two years returned the firm to a more profitable footing.
But as history shows, money is not necessarily a measure of electoral success. Our money is still on Morley, though.Get the latest news and an irreverent commentary delivered to your desktop every day by subscribing to Lawyer News Daily.
