Allen & Overy is holding one of its partners joining Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom to a nine-month notice period.

In a highly unusual move, London partner Simon Toms will remain at the Magic Circle firm on gardening leave until June next year, despite the fact he resigned for Skadden alongside fellow corporate partner George Knighton in September, according to two people close to the process. Knighton has already started at Skadden.