Dundas & Wilson has bagged a second partner in the space of a month for its burgeoning London arm as the Scots giant continues to focus its fire on the capital.

The hire, which was announced today (10 January), sees Martin Thomas join the Scots giant's City litigation practice after 20 years at Herbert Smith, where he currently heads up the property litigation team.

Solicitor-advocate Thomas, who will join his new firm in April, runs a practice that covers landlord and tenant disputes, complex negligence, contractual claims and major compensation work. He is expected to take a senior role in Dundas' City litigation team.

The latest hire follows the appointment last month of Lawrence Graham insolvency veteran John Verrill, which signalled the launch of Dundas' new London restructuring practice.

The 'big four' Scots firm now has around 90 fee earners, including 23 partners, based in its City arm and has made the office its top priority for recent expansion.

Dundas managing partner Donald Shaw commented: "[Thomas'] expertise as a property litigator is widely recognised in the market and his aspirations fit perfectly with those of our practice. We are delighted to once again attract someone of such high calibre and are confident that he will contribute strongly to the achievement of our UK strategy."