The recent decision by A&O Shearman to cut 10% of the equity partnership and close the Johannesburg office has drawn significant backlash, with many insiders expressing shock and disappointment.
Former A&O Shearman lawyers described the closure of the Johannesburg office, especially as it coincided with their planned 10th anniversary, as incredibly distasteful, signaling a loss of trust in leadership.
A rival firm’s lawyer recounted how Khalid Garousha had previously assured the Johannesburg office staff about a promising future, only for that vision to collapse, further fueling anger over the abrupt closure.
The decision to let go of lawyers who left successful domestic practices to join A&O was labeled 'disgraceful' by a source, highlighting the perceived betrayal felt by former staff.
[
Collection
]
[
|
...
]