Park Nelson merges with Rayfields

LONDON specialist insurance practice Rayfields has merged with commercial law firm Park Nelson.

Founding partner John Rayfield is to become a full-time consultant at Park Nelson, while David Herbert, David Reid and Frank Hallam will be partners. Another five fee earners are also moving across.

John Kings, head of litigation at 15-partner Park Nelson, says: "This will provide an extended depth and resource to our existing insurance and construction-related practice."

Herbert denies Rayfields is being swallowed up. He says the merger came about because Park Nelson is expanding. "We are specialists in our own right. There is an area of overlap, but we will add to the practice rather than just disappear."

The merged firm, Park Nelson Rayfields, will operate out of Park Nelson's Bell Yard building and another, currently undecided, site.

Herbert denies Rayfield's move back from the front line is a step towards retirement.