All of Shearman & Sterling's Brussels partners are in talks to leave for fellow US firm Quinn Emanuel.

The headcount peaked when Shearman poached four partners and 13 associates from bankrupt Howrey two years ago, but has been dropping ever since. Its Brussels office, described by the US firm as a "key location", currently comprises just three Brussels-based partners, one Brussels-based counsel and three associates. It's about to get a lot smaller. RollOnFriday understands that all the partners are now in advanced talks to join Quinn Emanuel, with other Brussels staff expected to follow.

    Yes, she was lonely, and in Brussels, but she was also now Head of Office

In London, Shearman's lawyers voted it joint RollOnFriday Firm of the Year 2016, and this year the office hiked pay and announced another 100% trainee retention rate. But in the States, where associates busy themselves suing Airbnb, New York-based senior partner Creighton Condon said it had been a "disappointing year". An insider told RollOnFriday that Shearman in Brussels, "can't reward the big hitters adequately and they are done subsidising New York". Profit per partner dropped 3.7% at the firm in 2015, standing at £1.32 million. Barely enough to buy a bowl of moules-frites.

Both Shearman and Quinn Emanuel declined to comment.
 
Tip Off ROF