Masseys founder quits to set up rival

A founding partner of litigation boutique Masseys has broken away to launch a rival firm because of ‘philosophical differences’ over how the firm should grow.

Masseys was launched in 2004 by Baker & McKenzie trio Gerald Cooke, Sean Upson and Jane Colston. In 2006 the firm hired Baker & McKenzie lawyer Philip Young to complete its ­partnership team. Cooke and Young have now quit the firm along with Masseys senior associate Marc Keidan to launch new firm CYK.

A Masseys spokesperson told The Lawyer: “Jane and Sean’s philosophy has diverged from Gerald’s, so he’s decided to launch a ­boutique partnership.”

While at Masseys Cooke specialised in trade disputes and Young on banking ­disputes.

Cooke admitted that the CYK business model is similar to Masseys’, but neither party would specify precisely how their commercial philosophies differed.

CYK, which Cooke said is “lodging with friends” until it finds permanent office space, has recruited Teacher Stern associate Joseph ­Dassas.

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