A statement from Paul Hastings has confirmed the rare about-face, but stops short of elaborating on the finer details of the unusual move: ‘For reasons that must remain confidential, regrettably Nigel Ward’s move to Paul Hastings could not proceed. We wish him well.’ Ashurst, on the other hand, is retaining one of its most reputable banking heavyweights amid a slew of exits which has already seen three other finance partners – Michael Smith, Diala Minott and Cameron Saylor – defect to Paul Hastings. Ashurst chairman Ben Tidswell said he was ‘delighted’ that Mr Ward remains committed to Ashurst after more than two decades with the firm: ‘[The decision] reflects on Nigel’s deep relationships across our strong international platform and the confidence we all have about the opportunities for the firm going forward,’ he commented.

Sources: Legal Week; Legal Business