KLM AirlinesLinklaters’ former Dutch ally, De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek, is facing the loss of trophy client KLM after a public dispute.

The leading airline and Dutch flag-carrier, which has been a long-term client of De Brauw, this week stated it will no longer use Dutch contact partner Pierre Nijnens following a dispute with Italian carrier Alitalia and may drop the Dutch firm altogether.