Berwin Leighton loses property partner

Berwin Leighton is losing its second property partner in as many weeks.

Andrew Eastwood, a salaried partner within the commercial property department at Berwin Leighton, is leaving to set up his own property venture in Spain which he expects to open by the beginning of next year.

His departure comes a week after the revelation that David Taylor, head of the property department, is leaving Berwin Leighton to join Herbert Smith (The Lawyer, 7 August).

Berwin Leighton's highly-rated property partner Philip Bretherton is taking over as head of property from Taylor. Bretherton, who has been with the firm for four years, will also join Berwin Leighton's board.

Neville Eisenberg, managing partner at Berwin Leighton, says the timing of Eastwood's announcement will not have any adverse effect on the firm.

He says: "It doesn't make any difference.

"We have more than 300 lawyers in the firm and we have people joining every week and leaving just about every week."

Eisenberg adds: "We are disappointed to hear that Andrew is going but he is going off to set up a business on his own and wish him all the best."

Eastwood says: "This is a strong commercial firm which has allowed me to work with property investors and developers and I can use the experience I have gained here."

Eastwood says that he plans to stay at Berwin Leighton until the end of the year.