DLA Piper Takes Former UK Partner to Arbitration over Notice and ‘Gardening Leave’

DLA Piper has initiated arbitration proceedings against a former partner it accuses of leaving the law firm too quickly.

Neil Gerrard, DLA Piper’s litigation co-chair, gave notice in late March and joined Dechert on April 23, Legal Week reports in a story noted by the Am Law Daily. DLA had asked for a longer notice period, including a period of “gardening leave,” Legal Week reports.

The Am Law Daily explains the term. Gardening leave is a period of paid leave for lawyers leaving a law firm, and it’s common among U.K. law firms. DLA Piper recently adopted a requirement for a three-month gardening leave for departing partners, but it didn’t take effect until May 1.

DLA has reportedly withheld client records to Gerrard’s new firm, Legal Week says.