Dundas & Wilson has finalised the appointment of five partners from Garretts' London office to re-launch an independent City practice for the Scots giant.

The Garretts partners joining Dundas are Carolyn Agnew (banking), Siobhan McCloskey-Oudahar (construction), and property specialists Andrew Lewry, Stephen McNaught and Richard Lampert.

The appointments come as the leading Scots firms confirmed its formal exit from Andersen Legal.

Dundas, once one of the leading firm's in the accountancy-tied network, has been in talks to restore its independence since March, when its big five parent Andersen was indicted by US prosecutors for its role in the Enron collapse.

"Since announcing our intention in March to withdraw from the network a great deal of work has been undertaken to prepare the firm for a seamless transition," said Dundas managing partner Chris Campbell.

"The move will see our London operation comprise some 50 people by the summer, giving a real breadth of expertise and experience in London," he added.

The firm will also be transferring a number of senior Scottish based lawyers to the London practice.

The Edinburgh-based firm had previously operated a London practice, but the office was merged with the City base of Garretts after Dundas signed up to the Andersen Legal network in 1997.

The Dundas appointments are the latest in a string of hires by London and national firms from Garretts following the break up of its accountancy parent this year.

Garretts closed for business at the end of May, though the business is still formally in operation while its obligations and outstanding invoices are paid.

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