SJ Berwin has recruited Ofcom head of legal Sarah Turnbull in a double partner hire for the firm's EU, competition and regulatory practice alongside Berwin Leighton Paisner's (BLP) Elaine Whiteford.

Turnbull, who will join SJ Berwin in April next year, returns to the firm after leaving as a senior associate in 2005 to join the media regulator.

She trained at legacy Lovells, and has extensive experience of defending Ofcom decisions before the Competition Commission, Competition Appeal Tribunal, High Court, Court of Appeal and the European Court of Justice.

Her successor as Ofcom head of legal is yet to be named, with a decision expected to be taken ahead of her departure in April.

Meanwhile, Whiteford, who is a qualified barrister, is exiting BLP after joining the firm's City competition, EU and trade group as a partner in 2011 after 11 years at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, where she was a counsel.

She has particular experience of advising companies on private damages claims arising from European Commission and national competition authority decisions, particularly concerning cartel activities.

SJ Berwin cited the hires as part of a concerted drive to boost its contentious business and expand the competition practice.

Senior partner Stephen Kon commented: "As a firm we are focused on strengthening the contentious side of our business, and EU and competition litigation has always been at the forefront of our practice. Sarah and Elaine each have a wealth of experience and superb industry knowledge, which will be of huge benefit to our clients."