Bevans takes Veale Wasbrough team

Veale Wasbrough has suffered a major blow to its employment department with the loss of its head and three assistants to rival South West firm Bevan Ashford.

Sarah Lamont, head of the practice for just 15 months, says her departure is not a result of previous employment partners leaving.

"My decision to go was based on wishing to be part of a strong employment team and to continue private client work," she says.

A few months earlier Veale Wasbrough lost two key employment partners, Stuart Whitfield and Nigel Campbell. The firm is now left with a streamlined department of one partner, head of the practice Mike Davies, and two trainees.

Managing partner at Veale Wasbrough, Simon Pizzey, says the firm has no intention of closing its employment practice. He says: "I am regularly being contacted by skilled and able lawyers who would like to join us and be part of Veale Wasbrough."

Lamont and her team of associates, Anne Palmer, Tim Woodward and Bruce Rossington join the 11-strong department, creating the largest specialist employment department in the South West.