Barlow Lyde & Gilbert is in negotiations over further partner exits as the firm moves to overhaul the structure of its practice groups.

Barlows is currently in discussions with four or five corporate partners and a number of associates about possible departures. The firm has recently merged its commercial litigation and arbitration practice with its professional and financial disputes group, with the new group led by partners Sarah Clover and Neil Jamieson.

Clover (pictured) said: "The idea is to bring together the enormous resources of the two previous departments which had some overlapping specialisms, and to focus our efforts by means of sub-groups concentrating on key practice areas within the merged group."

The firm has also appointed partner Simon Gamblin to head up its corporate and commercial practice, succeeding Mike Munro.

The changes have been made following a review focusing on three areas – core markets, plans for future growth, and increasing profitability.

Chief executive officer David Jabbari said: "The firm is entering a period of much increased profitability and confidence about its direction and its prospects for growth. With this confidence comes a greater ability to take bold, strategic decisions.

"We are determined to have real focus in our non-contentious capability, targeting areas where we can generate strong and lasting revenues. Increasingly, but not exclusively, we want to see our corporate practice focused on the opportunities afforded by our very strong links in the insurance sector internationally."

Barlows has also created an advisory team led by senior partner Simon Konsta to assess the possibility of overseas expansion beyond the firm's existing international presence in Asia and South America.

The news follows the announcement last week that commercial disputes head Julian Randall and litigation partner Andrew Howell are set to leave the firm to join Taylor Wessing.

Barlows financial services head Tim Strong also resigned from the firm last month to join Taylor Wessing, shortly after the firm's London head of international arbitration Peter Flint quit the firm to join Wragge & Co.