Farrer goes private as it lands Nabarro client agreement

City firm Farrer & Co has scooped up Nabarro Nathanson's private client department in what is being described as an amicable agreement which will see continued referral links between the two firms.The head of Nabarro's private client team, Jim Edmondson, and partner Caroline Kirby will move along with senior associate Helen Bryant and their secretaries on 1 September this year.Richard Powles, head of private client at Farrer & Co, said the move was a further step in the development of the firm's business strategy, and that it would help rid the firm of a perception that it is just 'aloof and expensive'.Mr Edmondson said that his team was looking forward to joining one of the country's pre-eminent private client practices.Simon Johnston, Nabarro's senior partner, confirmed that there would be a continuing referral relationship with Nabarro's partners.

He said: 'They will continue to work for Nabarro's existing private clients, and they will reciprocate by referring work back to Nabarros.'Farrer & Co recently merged with libel specialists Crockers Oswald Hickson.Jeremy Fleming