Bivonas's QC hire heralds alternative model

London litigation and commercial firm Bivonas has recruited 23 Essex Street head of financial fraud and crime Mark Rainsford QC.

Bivonas chief executive Antony Brown said: "We intend to expand with other senior advocates.

"This is the beginning of an alternative model - ultimately we'll be competing with both solicitors and chambers."

Rainsford said the firm's motivation was to drive down legal costs by having a barrister supervise cases from the outset.

"We'll be able to conduct litigation like a barrister would if instructed by a solicitor, without incurring the ;additional ;costs," explained Rainsford.