Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) banking and capital markets partner Mark Waghorn is set to leave after 21 years at the firm.

Waghorn has handed in his notice and will officially leave the partnership next week (28 April), but will continue to serve as a consultant partner for a short time to assist in handing over client matters. He will not be based in the office during this time.

Waghorn, who specialises in property finance, corporate recovery and turnaround work, joined BLP in 1990 and was made up to partner in 1997, acting as head of real estate finance between 1999 and 2009.

In an email sent to clients and contacts yesterday (20 April) Waghorn said: "After 21 years at BLP, I have decided to leave the firm to take a break, before I then look forward to new challenges. Thank you for your support. I have enjoyed our dealings together. The decision has been relatively quick so I am sorry if I have not managed to speak to you personally."

Waghorn's next move is currently unknown. BLP declined to comment.

Separately, Legal Week reported last month that BLP is to restructure its finance practice around the more profitable areas of work. The firm's finance practice had 42 partners and 120 other fee earners in London when the review was announced in March.

The practice advises clients including RBS, Lloyds Banking Group, Barclays, Wilmington Trust, Tesco, Philips and Capita.