Powell Gilbert grows by 200 per cent with associate hiring frenzy

IP boutique Powell Gilbert is in the midst of an associate hiring spree, bringing in 11 new lawyers since its launch in March.

The firm opened with five IP litigation partners from Bristows and now has a total of 16 lawyers, representing a growth of more than 200 per cent.

Almost half of the new recruits have joined from Bristows.

The firm has also brought in 8 New Square barrister James White on secondment to help out with the influx of IP litigation work.

Partner Alex Wilson said: "[White is] basically working as an associate at the moment, but being a barrister he brings other skills as well."

Last month the firm landed a role advising Human Genome Sciences on its High Court patent dispute with US pharmaceuticals company Eli Lilly and Company.

Powell Gilbert intends to review its salary and bonus structure in September to keep up with its competitors.

Wilson said: "The plan is to make sure we're competitive in pay. We don't want to fall into the trap of other specialist firms that pay below the market rate."