London’s legal community has been called to support trainee solicitors impacted by the impending closure of a US firm’s London office, identified as Armstrong Teasdale.

The call was issued by Colin Passmore, chair of the City of London Law Society (CLLS), in a letter circulated to member firms last week. Although the letter does not name the firm, a CLLS spokesperson confirmed it was Armstrong Teasdale’s London office.

In the letter, Passmore said the office was closing imminently and it “has only recently become clear that they [the trainees] will not be part of any employee transfer”.

“We have some information on these future solicitors and are reassured they would be strong candidates,” he added, explaining that the situation is “now urgent”.

In July, the US firm announced it would end its relationship with Armstrong Teasdale Ltd, a UK-registered company with offices in Lincoln’s Inn. It also announced office closures in Boston and Salt Lake City, Utah.

“Decisions like these are part of a broader strategy to equip our team to continue to exceed our clients’ expectations in a highly competitive legal market,” an Armstrong Teasdale spokesperson told Bloomberg News.

The London office, formerly Kerman & Co, had joined forces with Armstrong Teasdale in early 2021. It remains branded as an Armstrong Teasdale branch, the US firm’s website stating that “Armstrong Teasdale LLP is operated by Armstrong Teasdale Limited”. It lists 23 professionals, including seven trainees. 

Daniel O’Connell, who became head of Europe at Armstrong Teasdale following the merger and remains listed on its website, has left the firm, according to an automated email reply to an enquiry by GLP. Partner Robert Paydon is on extended leave until leaving the firm on 4 October 2024, according to an automated email.

The affected trainees and future trainees include four current fourth-seat trainees due to qualify in September 2024, one third-seat trainee with a qualification date in March 2025, and one first-seat trainee also set to qualify in September 2025. Additionally, four future trainees, scheduled to start in September 2024 and March 2025, are affected; the latter group was preparing to commence the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) course.

The call for support follows a similar initiative following Axiom Ince’s closure when CLLS member firms successfully integrated many junior lawyers into new roles. At the time Passmore said those placed had reportedly expressed immense gratitude for the support provided by the legal community.  

CLLS representatives Liz Thomas and Patrick McCann are coordinating offers to help the Armstrong Teasdale trainees and future trainees.

Armstrong Teasdale has been approached for comment.