Pinsent Masons has raided rival Eversheds in Manchester for the third time in a year, scooping commercial partner Scot Morrison.

He will be reunited with former Eversheds partners Helen Ridge and Howard Gill, who joined Pinsents in November 2005.

Morrison’s practice focuses on commercial contracts and real estate joint ventures, particularly in relation to regeneration projects.

Pinsents managing partner David Ryan said: “[Morrison] will help build the commercial practice in Manchester and also take a strategic role in the regeneration group.”

Hiring Morrison is part of Pinsents’ strategy to rebuild its Manchester office.

The firm experienced problems integrating the Pinsent Curtis Biddle and Masons offices following their 2004 merger.

“We’re very committed to Manchester and our expansion plans there,” said Ryan.

Pinsent Masons Manchester managing partner Carl Garvie said that he had hired a number of associates in the employment and corporate practice areas, with a view to expand further.