Ashurst chairman Ben Tidswell said that Mr Perry, who joined Ashurst as a trainee in 1987 and became a partner in 1998, ‘has decided that his priority is to continue to develop, with Jonny Gordon and Jake Green, our successful regulatory practice.’ He added that 'continuing to benefit from James' considerable experience and intellect in regulatory matters will be of significant benefit to us and our clients.’ He is the second Ashurst partner to reverse his decision to leave the firm in the last fortnight, with banking partner Nigel Ward also staying on rather than moving to Paul Hastings.

Other Ashurst moves

Recent departures from Ashurst include restructuring partner Simon Baskerville and financial regulatory head Rob Moulton, who moved to Latham & Watkins, and litigation partner Mark Clarke and capital markets partner Jonathan Parry, who joined White & Case.