Eversheds employment chief quits for Withers over conflict

Withers has raided the employment team at Eversheds, poaching London practice head Elaine Aarons, who left after complaining of conflict problems at the national firm.

Aarons said the move was motivated by a desire to build up her client base.

"The Eversheds client base has strengthened so much that I was regularly conflicted out of instructions," said Aarons. "At Withers I'll be in a better position to develop individual and owner-managed business clients."

Despite spending 16 years as head of the Eversheds London employment practice, Aaron will not have a management role at Withers. She will report instead into Meriel Schindler, head of employment at her new firm.

Aaron said: "It was never my intention to look for a head of employment role; I wanted to devote all my time to the client."

Roger Steele, head of HR for London and the South East, will take up the vacant London head of employment role at Eversheds.

No associates will be making the move with Aarons from Eversheds to Withers.