Despite this, no matter how much we, or the legal sector in general, attempt to move from the debate regarding his appointment at Allen & Overy, it's difficult to deny the game-changing move Fuzi made in accepting such a role, and taking 13 partners from Clayton Utz along from the ride.

The Magic Circle firm's arrival to our shores sent shock waves through the profession and no doubt left plenty of partners in the top-tier nervous about what this meant for the future of legal services in Australia.

Although Allen & Overy's Sydney and Perth offices have remained relatively small during the course of the year - and have not dramatically stolen the legal work of existing law firms, or even much of their talent thus far (aside from Clayton Utz's dramatic loss) - the firm's arrival was symbolic.

The Magic Circle finally had reason enough to land in Australia and Allen & Overy was willing to be the firm that put up its hand to break the ice. Few commentators would deny the prediction that Allen & Overy won't be the last Magic Circle firm to make the move.

And Fuzi was the man to do it. Having recently settled a dispute with his former employer regarding his departure from the firm, Allen & Overy's Australian managing partner is forging ahead with taking advantage of the legal opportunities available at home.

"Why did this number of partners join A&O? I have thought about that a lot, actually," Fuzi told Lawyers Weekly earlier this year.

"It was simply the excitement that a global law firm - for the first time and in a big way - was coming to Australia. We thought it was big, it was exciting. It was not what I call a push factor, but a pull factor. It was an opportunity that was almost impossible to say no to. That's why we joined. It's as simple as that."

As for Clayton Utz, the firm fought back, vowing to replace the lost talent and itself seek out opportunity from the sudden departure of 13 of its partners. The firm made six internal appointments, effective from 1 March, following the departures; a further partner promotion on 1 July; and two more lateral partner appointments later in the year. Meanwhile, 64 lawyers were promoted to senior associate, special counsel and consultant roles effective from 1 April.

Related articles:

>> Nov 4, 2010: Fuzi says dispute with Clutz was much ado about nothing

>> Sept 2, 2010: Legal Leaders: Grant Fuzi, Allen & Overy's man in Sydney

>> Feb 25, 2010: Allen & Overy appoints Australian managing partner

>> Feb 8, 2010: Allen & Overy outlines Australian push

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