Barlow Lyde & Gilbert is set to take legal action against a group of aviation partners departing to join Holman Fenwick Willan.

The eight-partner team, which announced its departure in March this year to join Holman Fenwick, comprises partner from Barlows' London, Hong Kong, Singapore and Sao Paulo offices.

The partners are Sue Barham (London), Peter Coles (Hong Kong), Richard Gimblett (London), Mert Hifzi (Singapore), Nicholas Hughes (London), Giles Kavanagh (London), Keith Richardson (Singapore) and Jeremy Shebson (London and Sao Paulo).

The specific nature of the legal action is understood to be for breach of fiduciary duty.

The team is currently being held to a notice period, with a start date at Holman Fenwick yet to be agreed. It is currently unknown what will happen to Barlows' Sao Paulo office, which focuses on aviation work.

However, the loss of the aviation group is understood to be one of the factors that has freed up Barlows to enter into merger talks with Clyde & Co.

The firms have historically monopolised the insurance litigation work in the aviation market, acting on opposing sides to each other.

One City aviation partner commented: "I don't know how Clydes and Barlows would have facilitated a merger if the Barlows aviation team was still with the firm, as they both act for London underwriters on insurance litigation for the aviation and aerospace market.

"I don't think that the move of the Barlows aviation group will really change the dynamic of the market, but just see Clydes and Holman Fenwick monopolise the top end rather than Clydes and Barlows."

Clydes cemented its place in the aviation market after securing the takeover of top aviation boutique Beaumont and Son in 2005.

Barlows and the aviation partners declined to comment.