Partner walkout puts Rowe & Maw department under threat

Westminster law firm Bircham & Co has poached two partners from Rowe & Maw's private client department.

The departures of James Denker and Penny Chapman leaves Rowe & Maw's department with only one partner, who is carrying out a review to determine whether the section should continue. A decision is expected within a few weeks.

Denker, who joins Birchams' private client department, had been with Rowe & Maw for 25 years, while Chapman leaves after 12 years

for Birchams' charities unit.

A Rowe & Maw spokesman admits the firm was disappointed to see them go.

Chairman of Birchams' executive committee Nick Brown says: "We are delighted to welcome both James and Penny to Bircham & Co.

"Their arrival will mark the realisation of a further stage in our strategic development plan which has now witnessed the arrival of five new partners in just six months."