Barlow Lyde & Gilbert (BLG) has poached two partners from Oxford firm Henmans.

They will join BLG’s Oxford office, which traditionally was used as a base for support staff. BLG senior partner Richard Dedman said: “It is a significant move for the firm. Physically we have had an office in Oxford for sometime, but it has been home to support staff.

Now we are developing Oxford as an office base outside of London with partners based there.”

Tony Nurse-Marsh, formerly head of Henmans professional negligence practice and partner Clive Brett have been appointed as partners.

Nurse-Marsh focuses on defending professionals including solicitors, accountants, IT consultants, brokers in coverage disputes. Brett has been involved in the multi-million pound Accident Group litigation for the last three years.

A Henmans spokesperson said the firm would look internally to find a replacement for Nurse-Marsh.