Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is to lose five German partners next year, amid internal claims that the top London firm has begun to rationalise its 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 Global they believe that Freshfields is informally encouraging older partners in Germany to consider their position, partly by offering generous retirement packages.