Withers is set to bulk up in London with the hire of Dawsons Solicitors' head of family law, with news of the departure coming as merger talks between Dawsons and City firm Fladgate come to a close.

Dawsons partner Suzanne Kingston is set to join Withers' London family team as a partner in May from the Lincoln's Inn firm. Assistant solicitors Jennifer Dickson, Richard Handel and two secretaries are set to make the move with her.

Following Kingston's departure, Dawsons will no longer practise family law, with the remaining three assistants in the team made redundant.

Kingston, who has been at Dawsons since 2001 and has headed the family practice since 2002, specialises in resolving complex financial matters for high-net-worth individuals, prenuptial agreements and cohabitation issues.

Withers family practice head Julian Lipson said: "We have been looking for some time for a strong lateral hire to add to our family team in London and Suzanne brings particular additional experience in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) as well as being an expert in top-drawer conventional family law work. ADR will be key to our practice, especially in light of the changes being brought in for divorce cases this year, where ADR is expected to become an obligatory consideration for all clients."

Kingston takes the number of partners in Withers' London family practice to nine, with 11 partners in the practice globally.

Dawsons managing partner Martin Codd said: "Suzanne is leaving Dawsons after nearly 10 years and we wish her all the best for the future. Dawsons has taken the strategic decision to focus on other practice areas going forward and, as such, those departing will not be replaced."

News of Kingston's departure comes as it emerges that merger talks between Dawsons and Fladgate broke down earlier this year. Neither firm would comment on why the discussions, which started in late 2010, ended; however, Dawsons confirmed that it is in ongoing talks with other firms.

The firm has also offered staff the option of moving to a four-day week in return for a reduction in pay. Codd added: "Like many other law firms at this time we are facing a challenging economic climate and we are taking the necessary steps to ensure the firm remains strong and profitable."