Solicitors team up with former barrister to create City practice

A firm opening in the City this week combines the expertise of solicitors and barristers under one roof.
Barrister turned solicitor-advocate Michael Jones, formerly of 1 Essex Court, has created Jones Warner with two solicitors.
He says that instead of joining a firm as an employed barrister, he is using his experience of 20 years at the Bar to set up a new practice.
He says: "We were brainstorming about the ideal law firm and the idea took wings.
"We are very excited at setting up a firm from scratch which encompasses our ideals and experience of how best to serve clients."
Jones set up the practice with other named partner David Warner, a former solicitor at Lovell White Durrant and they are joined by former Baker & McKenzie associate, Jennie Wade, who will also be a partner of the firm.
Jones Warner will advise primarily on employment-related issues in the financial and commercial sectors. Clients will be drawn from the major corporations in the City.
A source at a leading employment firm says: "From a client's perspective, this is a fabulous idea, particularly as the client can have direct access to a specialist barrister. This may be the way forward for firms."
Under Law Society rules, solicitors cannot enter into partnership with barristers. However, Jones acquired solicitor status in 1993.
A Law Society spokesman described the new firm as "a bit of a first".