Eversheds ramps up banking side

EVERSHEDS has headhunted one of Berwin Leighton's top banking lawyers.

David Halliday joined the London office of Eversheds last week. According to managing partner Peter Scott, Halliday came on board "to develop the non-contentious banking side" of the practice.

"We are delighted to have his services on board. We were interested in him for his expertise and reputation. He has a super reputation," Scott said.

He added that the firm approached Halliday and that the parting from Berwin Leighton was amicable.

Scott declined to comment on whether Halliday would be bringing clients with him. He said he envisaged Eversheds' banking department would expand its non-contentious work and added that they planned to recruit other lawyers. The firm is currently in talks with Waltons & Morse about a merger (The Lawyer 20 February), which looks set to go through in the next few weeks.

Halliday, who has dual Scottish and English qualifications, has substantial Middle East experience. Prior to his stint at Berwin Leighton, he was in-house UK counsel for a Canadian Bank.