Manager leaves as Akin exodus continues.

AKIN Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP has suffered another key departure this time, its local director of administration.

Michael Palmer, who managed the Washington-based firm's Los Angeles, San Francisco and Pale Alto offices for three and a half years, has become executive director of Los Angeles-based Allen Matkins Leek Gamble & Mallory LLP. Palmer said the recent departures at Akin Gump, whose Los Angeles office has dwindled from 139 to 81 lawyers in the past four years, had nothing to do with his decision.

"This was a great opportunity and a good time to move," he said. "Akin Gump is doing fine. They've gone through some turnover, but they're well positioned to continue to grow."

Palmer will manage the accounting, building leases and library services of the firm, which has 210 lawyers in six California offices. He also expects to provide administrative support for the practice groups, which include real estate, litigation, bankruptcy, tax, labor and employment and environmental and land use. He replaced James McIntosh, who is retiring after 11 years at Allen Matkins.