Bloomberg Law cites Edwards Gibson data in article: ‘UK Poaching Frenzy Has Firms Locking Lawyers in the ‘Garden’”

Edwards Gibson's market-leading data has been cited in the recent Bloomberg Law article, ‘UK Poaching Frenzy Has Firms Locking Lawyers in the ‘Garden’”, in which Meghan Tribe examines the growing use of garden leave provisions by UK law firms amid sustained competition for partner talent in London.

The piece explores how firms including Freshfields, Ashurst and Clifford Chance are increasingly enforcing contractual notice periods and garden leave restrictions in an effort to retain clients and protect their businesses when partners depart for rival firms.

Drawing on Edwards Gibson research, the article notes that 319 London partners moved firms during the first half of 2026, the second-highest first-half total on record. It also references Edwards Gibson data showing that 81 partner moves were announced during July and August, an all-time high for what is traditionally a quieter period in the lateral market.

The feature places the growing use of garden leave within the broader context of heightened competition between UK and US law firms, with many of the City’s most active hirers continuing to invest heavily in strategic lateral recruitment.

The article also examines the practical impact of extended notice periods on partner mobility, including their effect on recruitment processes, client relationships and law firm growth strategies.

Read the full Bloomberg Law article here.