A&O Shearman’s abrupt decision to shut its Johannesburg office has sparked a backlash, with one senior lawyer calling the move “incredibly distasteful”.
As part of sweeping post-merger changes, A&O Shearman plans to cut 10% of its global partners, with South Africa feeling the brunt of the impact. A&O Shearman is to part ways with more than 32 Johannesburg lawyers by the end of 2024, including eight partners. It seems even managing partner Gerhard Rudolph will be sent packing, according to multiple sources. Rudolph did not respond to a request for comment.