Dechert shuts down private client group

Dechert has closed its private client practice after losing its sole partner in the department to Withers.

Ian Marsh, who has been with Dechert for 12 years, joins Withers today (20 November).

The move is the latest in a series of senior lateral hires by Withers' private client department, which took on Clive Cutbill from Herbert Smith in July.

Marsh says: "I have chosen to progress my career with a firm which has commitment to private client work at its core. Withers' strong global dimension is an added lure as I firmly believe that the future of private client work lies in international clients."

Dechert senior partner Steven Fogel says the firm is not actively looking to replace Marsh.

He says: "We are not worried about Marsh's departure. If we don't have a private client lawyer there are others who can do the work and we don't find that threatening."