Dave Poddar has emerged as a partner at Clifford Chance in Sydney after leaving Allen & Overy last October in mysterious circumstances. Poddar resigned from A&O after just one year, having previously been a partner at King Wood & Mallesons for over a decade.

Poddar's sudden departure from A&O following such a brief tenure was controversial. His exit was accompanied by rumblings in the Australian legal press of clashes with the partnership and allegations of inappropriate behaviour. None have been substantiated.

    Poddar's new team used a variety of grimaces to express their delight

Clifford Chance has been quick to defend its new recruit from the scuttlebutt. A spokesperson said that "as with any partner joining our firm, we spoke extensively to his clients, colleagues and senior industry peers and were very satisfied by the outstanding references provided for him." Insiders have also told RollOnFriday that CC's due diligence included talking to Poddar's ex-colleagues at A&O. And as nothing seems to have popped up, reaching the two year mark this time should be a breeze.
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