DLA Piper serves notice of arbitration to former litigation co-head

DLA Piper's former global co-head of litigation Neil Gerrard (pictured) has become embroiled in a dispute with his former firm over the terms of his departure to Dechert, it has emerged.

Gerrard, who handed in his notice in late March, has been served notice of arbitration by DLA over the dispute, which centres on his departure date and whether he should have had to serve a period of gardening leave.

Gerrard formally joined Dechert on 23 April, having initially discussed a leaving date of 22 April with DLA, which was also mentioned to clients. It is understood DLA then asked for a longer notice period, including a period of gardening leave.

In addition to serving notice of arbitration to Gerrard, DLA is also understood to have declined to transfer across client records for matters Gerrard is currently working on. If DLA goes ahead with its arbitration, Gerrard could be prevented from serving his clients while the matter is being resolved.

Mark Howard QC of Brick Court Chambers is understood to be advising Gerrard in relation to the dispute, while DLA is thought to be taking advice from Stephenson Harwood.

News of Gerrard's departure emerged in early April, with DLA's EMEA corporate crime head Jonathan Pickworth also resigning to join Dechert in London. Pickworth joined Dechert on 16 April and is not involved in any dispute with his former firm, which earlier this year opted to introduce a three-month period of gardening leave for departing partners. The change came into effect on 1 May.

One partner at a rival firm said: "I think DLA is being a bit silly, considering how it has gone about its business in the past, recruiting teams from other firms. You can't have double standards – if you live by the sword you have to die by it, too."

DLA, Gerrard and Dechert declined to comment.