When Hammonds partnership lock in for this year expired at the end of September three partners jumped.

Why? How? When?

Manchester corporate finance partner Gregg Davison leaves for Pinsent Masons

Leeds pensions partner Terry Saeedi is still negotiating leaving terms.

Birmingham dispute resolution partner Ann Benzimra resigned but plans to stay with the firm for several months. Then perhaps movie into a ‘consultancy’ capacity / relationship with the firm

One Hammonds source said: “The three of them will be a loss to the firm as they’re all pretty good in their respective fields. If Ann does stay on that will be come as some consolation.”

Hammonds rule allowing equity partners to resign specific dates each year was brought in as an emergency measure following the firm’s financial crisis a few years ago

The losses come as the firm prepares to meet former partners in court this November over a £3m profits dispute.

All handed in their notices 30^th September 2008.

A Hammonds spokeswoman wishes them well.