Birmingham law firm Clarke Willmott has confirmed the departure of its former chief executive six months after he stepped down from the post.

David Sedgwick’s departure – after 11 years in the top job – comes just weeks after a series of high-profile resignations after Andrew Breakwell took his family law team to rivals Harvey Ingram and partners Kathy Toon and Simon Bradley both handed in their notices.

However, Mr Sedgwick’s departure was expected following his decision to step down earlier this year and current chief executive Stephen Rosser said he had played a crucial role in the success of the business.

He said: “We wish David well with his new role. During his time with us David made a huge contribution to the development of the business”.

Mr Sedgwick qualified as a solicitor in 1982 and joined Clarke Willmott in 1986. He became a partner in 1990 and was elected managing partner nine years later.

He was one of the founding partners of the firm’s Bristol office and credited with taking the firm from a £12 million practice with 13 offices in Somerset into a £40 million business with offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Southampton, Taunton and London.