While no one likes falling out with their partners, one usually hopes (and manages) to keep such disputes behind closed doors and see it settled either through negotiation or at least a confidential process.

The recent case of Tribe v Elborne Mitchell LLP EWHC [2021] 1863 (Ch) is a rare example of a relatively typical partnership dispute litigated to judgment in the High Court. Although it concerns a solicitors’ practice, the points it raises are of widespread relevance to any professional services firm structured as a limited liability partnership (LLP).

The claim was brough by Mr Peter Tribe, a retired solicitor, against his former firm Elborne Mitchell LLP.