Ex-Field Fisher Waterhouse intellectual property and technology head Mark Abell has turned to Herbert Smith Freehills to represent him in a partnership dispute with his former firm.

Abell, who has been at Field Fisher since 1984, was suspended from the partnership at the start of the month after he announced that he was resigning to join Bird & Bird.

Herbert Smith litigation partner Alan Watts is advising Abell, while Field Fisher has instructed Winckworth Sherwood employment partner Jo Keddie. It is understood that the claim alleges breach of partnership agreement.

Bird & Bird declined to confirm whether the hire of Abell had been finalised, although it is understood that his appointment has been voted through by the firm's partners. Herbert Smith declined to comment.

Keddie previously represented Field Fisher on a high-profile employment dispute in 2008, when the firm's former head of trademark and brand protection John Olsen issued a claim of harassment and age discrimination. Keddie was head of employment at Dawsons at the time.

The case was accepted by the Central London Employment Tribunal, but both parties reached a settlement before the claim reached the courts.

While at Field Fisher, Abell's key work has included acting for toy retailer Hamleys on its international expansion, as well as the development and brand expansion of recruitment giant Management Recruiters International. He is top rated for UK franchising work by Chambers and Partners.