This week I had a bit of an argument with a Big Law firm leader whom I consider a friend. We’ve known each other for over a decade and even while I was working in-house at different law firms, we would meet often, exchange notes and chat about everything under the sun.

Our little disagreement stemmed from the news I had been chasing (and have now published)—the impending departures of veteran partners Nicholas Norris and David Zhang from Kirkland & Ellis Hong Kong. Rumors about Norris’ move had been swirling in the community for months.