Reed Smith's Foster gets Facebook fan club

Management changes at the London office of Reed Smith Richards Butler have sparked a rare outpouring of emotion from the firm's ranks.

Prompted by the announcement that UK managing partner Tim Foster is to step down from the role, an undercover group of associates and support staff has formed the Tim Foster Appreciation Society on the firm's Facebook page.

The society, which can only be accessed by Reed Smith employees, swaps tales in cyberspace of Foster's honesty, loyalty and all-round affability.

One insider said: "I guess this illustrates how people feel about the type of leader Tim has been."

It is, however, understood that Foster's standing among the associates may have slipped slightly after he asked "what is Facebook?". It is believed he is yet to access the site.

Foster stepped down as office leader last week with Richard Swinburn appointed to the newly created post of London managing partner.