Micklethwaite to quit DLA

In a shock move, DLA partner Neil Micklethwaite has resigned from the firm.

He is one of the most powerful partners within DLA, described by a source as one of “DLA’s holy trinity”, along with managing partner Nigel Knowles and transactional head Andrew Darwin.

Micklethwaite led DLA’s solutions division, the contentious side of the practice, until 1 January 2004, when he took on a more operational role. This was effectively that of a chief operating officer, with Darwin responsible for most of the contentious practice.
Micklethwaite denied his changing role was linked to his departure.

“I’ve decided after 20 years that I need a break,” he said.

Knowles declined the opportunity to comment.