Chadbourne & Parke in five-partner raid on Dentons

Denton Wilde Sapte has lost five partners from its contentious insurance practice to US firm Chadbourne & Parke.

Senior equity partners Chris Cardona, Adrian Mecz and Michelle George announced their departures to Dentons management before Christmas. They were joined last week by salaried partners Mark Pring and John Barlow.

Dentons outgoing chief executive Virginia Glastonbury told The Lawyer that the contentious insurance team frequently faced conflicts with the firm’s powerful banking practice. “They will be better able to avoid conflicts at Chadbourne & Parke,” said Glastonbury.

The firm, which last year lost 11 media and telecommunications partners to DLA, claims to retain a non-contentious insurance expertise in its Fleet Place offices.

The departures, however, may solve a property problem for Dentons, with the lease on its Leadenhall Street premises due for renewal in 2006.

It is not yet known whether the three senior equity partners will be held to Dentons’ nine month notice period.

At the same time, real estate partner Martin Quicke has announced his departure for Clyde & Co’s Guildford offices.