The departing group includes Chris Kandal, who co-heads White & Case's London banking and finance team. 

The loss is a hard knock for White & Case, as it raises questions over its continuing relationship with key clients in London, including Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs and Nordic Capital, The Lawyer reports. 

The firm itself says that while "quite obviously this isn't good news for the firm's practice in London", it will rebuild the practice and remains committed to banking and finance globally, said London office head Oliver Brettle. 

Brettle admitted the exit of the four partners was "a serious blow" for the firm. 

Meanwhile, the firm is on the hunt for new lawyers, and plans on relocating lawyers from throughout the White & Case network.