Naturally, Squire Sanders were cock-a-hoop with the news, trumpeting in a press release about the vast potential the tie-up with Minters partners would give the firm in the Asia-Pacific region. John Paulesen, who will resign as the head of Minters in Perth to be the managing partner of Squire Sanders in Australia, called the move "a fantastic opportunity for our lawyers and staff to be part of a global platform".

While Folklaw wasn't expecting a counter release from Minters along the lines of, "What the hell do you do when 15 partners walk out?" (which was what much of the legal world was thinking), we certainly admired the ability of Minters to attempt to turn a sow's ear into a silk purse.

With the headline, "Minter Ellison to establish its own fully integrated office in Perth", the firm said the "decision to go our separate ways is the right outcome" and that it will establish its own fully integrated office in Perth by October, when Squire Sanders is due to start up (previously, Minters traded in Perth under a licensing agreement).

"We wish the new office of Squire Sanders well in its endeavors," said Minters chief executive partner John Weber to conclude the release.

Folklaw is sure he does - in a way that a former spouse might wish their ex-better half well when they hook up with a new suitor.

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