Bevan Ashford keeps PFI team

Bevan Ashford claims its battle for the hearts and minds of nine PFI associates and assistants who were approached by Masons has been won.

As revealed by The Lawyer on 21 April, the firm's two PFI partners, leader Iain Fairburn and Cathryn Vickers, resigned to join Masons in Bristol. Masons also approached four associates and five assistants - virtually the rest of the team.

Bevan Ashford said last week: "We can confirm that the battle has been won - with Bevan Ashford the victors. Out of the nine people approached, eight have confirmed they are staying with Bevan Ashford."

Senior partner Nick Jarrett-Kerr said: "The attempt has strengthened loyalty within the firm and provided the opportunity for the strong, directed leadership needed by the team."

Partner David Hughes is the new team head. One other PFI partner has just been made up.

Meanwhile, Warner Cranston partner Particia Mitchell is moving to Bristol to head Bevan Ashford's litigation department. She said she had chosen Bevan Ashford because of its IT links with London.

She replaces David Widdowson, who is heading the firm's new London office.