Firm insider blamed for Shoosmiths speculation

Northampton-based law firm Shoosmiths & Harrison is merging the operations of its Rugby and Nottingham office, while strenuously denying that two of its satellite offices are to close.

But in an extraordinary twist, Shoosmiths managing partner Graham New has admitted that one of his own staff is spreading disinformation about the firm.

He claims that market speculation on whether the Solent office at Whiteley is to shut follows false rumours that the firm has lost the prestigious Touchline Insurance account.

In addition, the speculation that the Rugby office is to close is thought to stem from the firm's plans to merge the Nottingham and Rugby operations.

New says that the two offices will combine their commercial and corporate areas in one site although the Rugby operation will continue to run.

The rationale is that the teams would work more effectively together than split between two sites.

"We are doing extremely well so far this year and we have certainly not lost the Touchline account," says New.

"Our earnings are up 12 per cent on last year and we are recruiting heavily - our head count across the firm increased by 30 in January."