Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is to lose five German partners next year, amid internal claims that the magic circle firm has begun to rationalise its massive German practice.
Three 65-year-old partners, along with two partners aged around 60, are to leave in April 2003. The retirements come as a number of firm sources have told Legal Week they believe that Freshfields is informally encouraging older partners in Germany to consider their position, partly by offering generous retirement packages.
Fresh calls have also been heard this year for the compulsory retirement age in Germany to be lowered from 65 to the London limit of 62, with scope for partners to retire with pension entitlements as young as 54.
