Dundas & Wilson is set to make a number of fee-earner redundancies after a review of the firm's "anticipated business needs".

In a statement, Dundas said: "We can confirm that the firm has undertaken a preliminary assessment of the nature and level of demand for its services over the next few years. The news was first reported on RollOnFriday today (24 February).

"Following this review we have concluded that it will be necessary to reshape some practice areas to reflect the anticipated business needs. Regrettably, this process of realignment will likely lead to the loss of some positions."

One Dundas partner told Legal Week that the pool of lawyers earmarked to leave is "in low double figures", adding: "It's a general exercise being undertaken at the moment and a sensible one. We're taking account of wider market conditions and looking at how you operate as firm. It's not an easy process – emotionally it's very difficult," he concluded.

It is understood that no partners will be affected by the consultation, but some longstanding Dundas lawyers will be among those asked to leave.

"The number of departures is not yet set in stone. It's a genuine consultation process that will take place over a relatively short period," the partner added.

The consultation, which kicked off yesterday (24 February), comes after the firm opened a new base in Aberdeen, sending two corporate partners and a senior associate to take up a permanent presence in the strategically important energy hub.

The firm which has around 80 partners and 370 fee earners, last October called off merger talks with London law firm Bircham Dyson Bell, a tie-up which could have bolstered its City presence.