Halliwells partner goes to Linnells

Halliwell Landau is losing one of its property partners after refusing to promote him to equity level.

Stanley Beckett is leaving the Manchester-based firm after nearly four years to join Linnells in Oxford as a fee earner in its six-strong property department.

Stephen Goodman, head of commercial property at Halliwells, says: "He wanted to be made up to an equity partner. But I would not usually make up someone from corporate support to an equity partner."

Goodman adds: "He has a small number of clients which will make a bigger difference in a small law firm."

The firm has 19 equity partners and 33-34 fee earners. An industry insider says: "There is not a lot of opportunity for equity advancement in the firm.

"Those who have it don't like to give it away."

A source says that the corporate support capability at Halliwells was unstructured before Beckett joined the firm and he played a significant role in building it up.

Although Beckett will join Linnells as a fee earner, it is understood there is the opportunity for him to become an equity partner in the future.