Law360 examines Edwards Gibson data in article: ‘London Partner Moves Dip 26% To Start The Year After Spike’

Edwards Gibson is pleased to have its latest London partner moves data featured in Law360 article by Ashish Sareen, ‘London Partner Moves Dip 26% To Start The Year After Spike’, which examines trends in lateral hiring across the City.

The article draws on Edwards Gibson’s most recent report, which shows that 114 partners moved firms in London during January and February 2026. While this represents a 26% drop compared to the record-breaking 155 moves recorded during the same period in 2025, the article notes Edwards Gibson’s emphasis that the decline should be viewed in context.

Edwards Gibson analysis states that last year’s figures were driven by “an unprecedented spike” in hiring, fuelled in part by aggressive investment from US law firms, particularly in private capital, and exceptional market events such as the collapse of Memery Crystal. As such, year-on-year comparisons risks overstating any apparent slowdown.

The report highlights that, despite the drop, activity at the start of 2026 remains historically strong. The total number of moves is still 2% above the five-year average and 10% higher than the 10-year average for the same period, making it the third-highest level of partner recruitment on record for January-February.

The article also explores Edwards Gibson’s breakdown of firm-level activity, noting that Pinsent Masons, Sullivan & Cromwell, Paul Hastings and Winckworth Sherwood were among the most active recruiters, while DLA Piper and Latham & Watkins experienced the highest levels of partner losses. Notably, Latham & Watkins also made one of the largest team hires, bringing in three finance partners from A&O Shearman.

Overall, the coverage signifies Edwards Gibson’s position as a leading authority on lateral hiring trends in London.

Read the full Law360 article here (paywall)