Russell Jones & Walker is set to take on the Milton Keynes office of Gorvins Solicitors, as well as part of the firm's matrimonial practice.

Gorvins senior partner George Marriott, who also heads up the firm's regulatory practice and Milton Keynes office, will join Russell Jones & Walker next month (1 February) in a move that will see the whole office transfer to the national firm.

Marriott, who will join the private client team at his new firm, is one of two partners in the office, working alongside matrimonial partner Caroline Watson and a team of eight fee earners.

In addition to the two Milton Keynes partners, Gorvins' Stockport-based matrimonial head Amanda McAlister is set to join Russell Jones in Manchester along with four fee earners.

The Milton Keynes office will be the tenth UK office for Russell Jones & Walker, with the firm already operating in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Wakefield and Sheffield.

It is understood that Russell Jones has been looking to expand its private client and family teams for some time.

Gorvins, which has 17 partners split between Milton Keynes and Stockport, will continue to provide family law advice after the departures.

Gorvins managing partner Lorraine Lockie said: "We are excited about the opportunities that this change has afforded us and will look forward to continuing to develop our team at Gorvins to ensure that our reputation of excellence within our areas of expertise continues."