London’s Druces & Attlee is looking to reverse its fortunes with the hire of ex-barrister and M&A/commercial partner Christopher Axford from niche firm Middleton Potts.

Druces’ partnership was reduced to just 12 and its revenue fell by 17 per cent to £5.8m after the retirement of two partners and the defection of two more in the past year.

The 200-year-old firm is now looking to rebuild and has kick-started an aggressive recruitment drive.