...as Edge Ellison gains two partners

Edge Ellison is snapping up two partners from Edward Lewis.

The firm is hiring employment partner Brendan Murphy from Edward Lewis and is also set to take on the dissolving firm's sports unit head, Michael Breen.

Breen, a partner in the corporate commercial and sports law department, is in talks with the firm and is understood to be close to signing a deal.

The addition of Breen would be a major boost to Edge Ellison's sports law practice, which is already rated as the leader in the Midlands.

He has acted for athletes Linford Christie and Colin Jackson and racing drivers Damon Hill and Pedro Diniz.

Murphy, who joins at the end of this month, has a predominantly contentious employment practice with clients which include Hays Business Systems.

Head of employment at Edge Ellison Veronica Dean says: "We have gained some significant new clients during the past 12 months.

"Growth in London has been particularly spectacular and Brendan's arrival will strengthen our resources to meet client demand."