Lovells looks set to join Herbert Smith in the hunt for a QC in a bid to bolster its in-house advocacy capability. Head of litigation Patrick Sherrington told The Lawyer: “We would certainly be open-minded about getting a QC. We’ve had it under review for some time.”

The news comes in the wake of Lovells’ recent hire of a former barrister to support the firm’s solicitor-advocates with drafting and court appearances.

The QC would join Lovells’ 39 solicitor-advocates and 14 employed barristers. Among them is successful fraud expert Annie Hockaday, who joined the firm from 3 Verulam Buildings. Another 81 solicitor-advocates are currently undertaking training.

Sherrington said: “It’s inevitable there will be a shift away from the junior bar in favour of firms using their own in-house advocates.”