Standard Chartered Bank and KPMG have emerged as the two major clients at the centre of the ongoing litigation between Deacons and White & Case.
Deacons alleges that former insolvency partners Mark Fairbairn and Edward Cairns induced Standard Chartered, one of the firm’s key clients, to transfer its work to White & Case. The Hong Kong firm also alleges that Fairbairn was “instrumental in persuading KPMG to approach White & Case” in connection with work in the People’s Republic of China before he served notice to his old firm, the Hong Kong High Court heard last week.
White & Case, Fairbairn and Cairns are vigorously defending the action.
Deacons and White & Case became embroiled in the battle after White & Case poached an insolvency team from Deacons’ Hong Kong office. Deacons alleges that White & Case breached a confidentiality and non-solicitation clause from a 1999 merger agreement between the two firms.
The trial continues.
Simmons litigator heads for Reynolds Porter
Simmons & Simmons litigation partner Jane Howard is leaving the firm to join Reynolds Porter Chamberlain. Howard has specialised in professional liability at Simmons. She will pursue this further at Reynolds Porter, which is highly ranked for this type of work. Simmons senior partner Janet Gaymer said Howard’s decision was an understandable career move.
