Exclusive: Clydes' head of fraud leaves for rival firm Keoghs

There may be trouble afoot at Clydes' Manchester office, as the firm's head of fraud resigns for Keoghs and other members of his 50-strong team are rumoured to be weighing up job offers from the rival Northern firm.

Clydes did not wish to comment on the departure of star partner Damian Ward, who is currently on gardening leave although his profile remains on the firm's website. But insider sources have told RollOnFriday that he is upping sticks for Keoghs and there are rumours that several members of the team he left behind have been offered jobs there too. Given the size and reputation of Clydes' fraud team an exodus of lawyers would be a significant blow for the firm.

Enjoying a spot of gardening leave yesterday

Sources suggest that the departure of Harris and possibly other members of his team are indicative of unhappiness with new contract terms following the firm's merger with BLG. Know more? Spill the beans (anonymously of course) here.

A spokeswoman for Keoghs confirmed that it was the firm's policy was not to comment on any matters relating to recruitment.

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Comments

Have Clydes merged with BLP? I thought it was BLG.

Good picture, but Ward has less hair.

Departure of Harris?

Having worked at Keoghs, I'd imagine that unless Clydes is a truly, truly awful place to work, they'll be screaming to be let back in after about six months at Keoghs.

Agreed - also having worked at Keoghs the fraud team would be crazy to make that move. What a dump Keoghs is, no appreciation of staff who aren't partners. Clydes surely isn't that bad.

It's just a matter now of watching this space!

One other point, there are a few mistakes in this article, including the Harris comment, the biggest one I would say is referring to Ward as a 'star'.

There's a bit of irony here, Ward left Keogh's previously to join Halliwells (in fact it may have been James Chapman who merged with Halliwells) then landed at BLG who merged with Clydes. So it's been a bit of a merry go round really.

I worked at Keoghs for 2 years prior to joining Halliwells/BLG/Clyde & Co. The latter was definately the better place to be. Keoghs will never reach city firm status whilst being placed in a tin shed on the outskirts of Bolton. The majority of the work force werent even legally qualified. Bad move for Mr Ward and his team. How the mighty fall.

Everyone is missing the point here. The insurance rates continue on a downward spiral and Keoghs are best placed to compete without having to answer to many international partners and expensive city centre offices to pay for. Perhaps Ward sees it as long term survival for the future of his practice.

Funny that. Wardy, the Intel team and his side kicks originally came from Keoghs to Halliwells. What a fall of grace to be going back to where you left after 4 years of failure. I say Clydes are better off without the lot of them! Bit strange how Keoghs would even have them back after Ward upped and left taking half of Keoghs with him to Halliwells!! So incestuous!!

I think Ward finally realised that his team of 30 (including Intel) had no work and no prospect of gaining any new clients. Grass is always greener, even if its on a motorway in ~Bolton!