Linklaters’ chief operating officer (COO) – Arthur Andersen’s former worldwide managing partner and chief executive officer – has departed after completing his three-year term.
Jim Wadia first joined the magic circle firm in 2001 to help manage and implement Linklaters’ merger process.

As part of his remit, Wadia oversaw the implementation of the firm’s SAP IT system, which is believed to have cost Linklaters upwards of £30m.

The firmwide system went live last year and, after some initial teething problems where clients were not billed for a period of time, has been running smoothly for a number of months.

His role also included reviewing and streamlining the firm’s business support functions.

Although not employed at Linklaters as a lawyer, Wadia was believed to have been compensated at the same rate as plateau partners.

According to Linklaters, Wadia always intended to leave after completing his three-year term. He is now pursuing other interests.

There are no plans to bring in another COO since Wadia was appointed on a specific remit that has now been fulfilled.