Cadwalader ditches City managing partner role

Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft has scrapped its London managing partner role, leaving the UK office with no representation on the firm's global executive committee.

The move came after restructuring expert and former managing partner Andrew Wilkinson left the firm three months ago to join investment bank Goldman Sachs as co-head of restructuring. The firm has now confirmed that it will not replace Wilkinson.

New York-based firmwide chairman Bob Link has taken over responsibility for London, making regular visits to fulfil management duties. Partner Michelle Duncan and non-lawyer John Kulanayagam are responsible for administrative issues.

Link said: "Our practice department model, where issues including business development, client relationships, recruitment and training are managed by the department chair, has served us well and will continue to do so."

It is understood that the office has strived to develop its capital markets capability, emphasising this practice group as well as playing to its strengths in restructuring.

Wilkinson built a successful London restructuring practice at Cadwalader, advising high-profile clients including Eurotunnel, MyTravel and Telewest.

The firm's restructuring team now has four partners in Peter Baldwin, Michelle Duncan, Tony Horspool and Richard Nevins.