Daily Diary

Et tu, Burton?

Posted 27/09/2006 by legalweekblogs.com SU

It was always likely to be an emotional occasion. After an eventful 10 years marked by presidential-style leadership and repeated incursions into hostile foreign territory, messianic Watson Burton senior partner Andrew Hoyle yesterday exited stage left (see story).

Like a certain other Geordie lawyer-turned-visionary, Hoyle faces an uncertain future, although he should have plenty to keep him occupied over the next few months. Those piles of cash sure aren’t going to count themselves.

However, The Diary would not bet against the man who did for Watson Burton what Kevin Keegan once did for Newcastle United resurfacing rather quicker than people might think.

Certainly, his track record of boosting partner profits and turnover year on year might have caught the eye of a few in the City.

Indeed, with daredevil Lovells senior partner John Young reportedly planning to abseil from the 11th floor of Atlantic House in his pinstripes on 2 October – all in the name of charity, naturally – there might be a vacancy sooner rather than later.

Young had better check those rope are secure for – as Hoyle himself discovered – even the best-paid plans gang aft a’gley.