Shockwaves from mass exodus shake city legal scene

Kennedys announced before Christmas that 60 members of staff would be leaving Halliwells to launch its new office in Sheffield.

The news rocked the city's legal scene, with the exodus led by managing

partner and high-profile businesswoman Suzanne Liversidge.

Ms Liversidge, who is set to become president of the city's chamber of commerce in September 2011, is one of eight partners joining Kennedys.

She has established a strong reputation in the insurance sector and beyond since the mid-1990s, twice being named businesswoman of the year in Sheffield.

A spokeswoman for Kennedys added: "She is still transferring across from Halliwells. We have not officially opened until spring. We have not confirmed a date. (We are] still in discussions with Halliwells on a release date for everybody."

The company is looking for premises in the city, she added.

Nick Thomas, senior partner at Kennedys, said he was delighted to welcome an excellent team with such strong reputations.

In a statement, Halliwells moved to play down the departures.

Neil Thompson, head of corporate in Sheffield, said: "Although a team of insurance lawyers will be leaving the firm to join Kennedys, Halliwells retains a strong and successful multi-disciplinary practice

in Sheffield covering insurance and healthcare, corporate, real estate, commercial litigation, regulatory, employment and construction."

A spokeswoman for Halliwells was unable to say exactly how many staff would be leaving pending the talks. She confirmed that the firm is still looking to move offices in 2010.

Nigel Tomlinson, chief executive of the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, said Ms Liversidge's departure would not affect her forthcoming presidency of the chamber.

He said: "Presidents as a rule across the country are chosen because of their skills, expertise and knowledge – not who they represent, providing the organisation they work for, own or operate is a

fully paid-up member of the chamber when people become president."