Leeds-based chambers 6 Park Square (otherwise known as No. 6) has hired James Allen QC and Melanie Williamson from rival Chancery House Chambers.
Allen was the first chancery and commercial specialist to take silk on the northeastern circuit in 1995, when he also became a recorder.
Williamson, a commercial specialist, was called to the Bar in 1990. Both joined No. 6 on 13 September.
No. 6 practice director Tim Collins said the two barristers approached his chambers because they felt their commercial and chancery practice was not developing at their existing set.
He said his chambers' intention was to expand and fight fierce competition from the Manchester and London bars.
No.6 is also understood to be in talks with two other barristers as part of on-going expansion plans – another from a Leeds set and an ex-London barrister.
Collins said: "There is a view that Leeds' commercial bar is not as strong. It is critical that the Leeds bar builds a strong pool of commercial expertise if we are to challenge successfully the services offered by London and Manchester."
No. 6 is divided into four teams that specialise in crime, family and personal injury as well as chancery and commercial. It now has a total of 37 barristers, seven of whom are QCs.
Chancery House, a general commercial set, lost another commercial barrister Paul Morris to York Chambers a few months ago.
But the set has since hired Bruce Walker, a property specialist of five years call, from St John's Chambers, Bristol.