A steady stream of partners has left PwC Australia’s legal practice since its tax advice scandal made headlines earlier this year, and former partners expect more to leave as they question PwC’s commitment to competing with top law firms.

But the recent scandal is only one factor that has impeded PwC’s once-touted promise to grow on the Australian continent. Partners had already started leaving the firm before this year, frustrated by what they said was a lack of investment in the legal arm.