Berrymans moves closer to heart of commercial centre

City firm Berrymans is lightening its load by moving 10 of its lawyers to a new office on the second floor of number 2 Minster Court, next to the London Underwriting Centre and on the doorstep of Lloyd's.

The firm has just taken nine insurance fee earners from marine firm Ingledew Brown Bennison & Garrett.

The office will serve the practice's professional indemnity, insurance and marine clients. Four partners and six solicitors will move from its main City office in Salisbury House to the new accommodation.

David Wilkinson, the partner in charge of the new office, said: "This move demonstrates our commitment to the London market."

The move coincides with merger talks taking place between Berrymans and Manchester practice Lace Mawer, both leading insurance firms, described by Berrymans senior partner Paul Taylor as "serious".

The proposed new firm would combine Berrymans' offices in the south - in London, Birmingham and Southampton - with the Manchester and Liverpool offices of Lace Mawer.