Halliwells ex-partner takes clients with him

Halliwell Landau's former head of licensing has resurfaced at Weightmans claiming he has taken scores of clients with him.

Anthony Horne, who joined Weightmans' Manchester office as head of licensing on 19 April, says: "I brought all my clients from Halliwell Landau."

He adds: "I sent out 115 letters of authority and I have received over 90 back."

However, Paul Thomas, head of litigation at Halliwell Landau, says: "Anthony came with a self-contained portfolio which he had brought from his previous firm which he didn't expand on while he was here."

Horne has since been replaced at Halliwell Landau by Chris Eddlestone, who joined the firm from Bircham Blackburn (The Lawyer, 19 April).

Thomas adds: "We wanted someone who would integrate licensing with our commercial practice, which Anthony didn't do."

But Horne, who specialises in liquor, gaming and entertainment licensing, says he did not get the support he wanted during his time at Halliwell Landau.