Lovells’ coping strategy for dealing with the loss of high-profile partners is well honed. Sure enough, the firm wasted little time in stressing the amicable nature of Hugh Nineham’s impending departure for McDermott Will & Emery.

While the corporate finance head is the first high-profile partner to quit the firm for some time, Lovells is nevertheless well versed in the art of putting a positive spin on the departure of senior lawyers.