According to David Slessar, managing director and founder of the Walford Partnership, leaving a firm after years as a valued partner can be daunting and emotionally difficult, reports The Australian.

When they do eventually leave, voluntarily or, increasingly in this economic environment, otherwise, talking to someone who has been through the process can be invaluable in getting on with life. 

As a former lawyer, Slessar also mentors newly appointed partners, in addition to advising firms on how to deal with partners who want to leave the ranks or are being retrenched through an outplacement service.

Firms such as Allens Arthur Robinson, Blake Dawson, Corrs Chambers Westgarth and Clayton Utz have previously employed Slessar's services in recent months.