Shoosmiths has converted to a limited liability partnership (LLP) making it one of the last firms in the UK top 50 to make the change.

The national firm became an LLP last week (6 August), coinciding with the end of a 12-month review of the firm's brand and position in the market, which culminated in a brand and website re-launch.

The national firm, which is preparing for its forthcoming merger with Scottish firm Archibald Campbell & Harley in September, put together a branding committee comprising chief executive Claire Rowe, chairman Andrew Tubbs, practice heads such as commercial head David Jackson as well as partners and staff from other parts of the business.

Jackson said that as part of the exercise the firm reaffirmed its commitment to becoming a leading UK legal brand, rather than expanding internationally.

He said: "We set up an internal branding committee that looked at a number of things, including client relationships, the scope of services we offer, and where we sit in the marketplace. This doesn't signal a huge shift in direction, but we'll concentrate on what's been working, like the excellent working relationships we have with our clients. It will, though, act as a catalyst for a bolder approach when it comes to talking about our successes and telling prospective clients about the high-profile work we've been doing."

According to Jackson the firm's recent redundancy round, which saw 86 staff lose their jobs, was part of Shoosmiths' move away from high volume commodities work such as personal injury and increase the number of commercial contracts with blue-chip clients.

Shoosmiths' move to an LLP means Slaughter and May and Parabis are the only firms in the top 50 not yet to have converted.