DWF is set to continue its recent rapid expansion, with a further tie-up in London on the cards as the firm also weighs up its options for international expansion. 

Managing partner Andrew Leaitherland (pictured) told Legal Week the firm is considering further merger options in the City in the wake of its recent takeover of London professional indemnity firm Fishburns.

The acquisitive northwest firm, which has undergone five mergers in little more than a year, is set to rise up the UK top 50 rankings this year following its pre-pack acquisition of collapsed firm Cobbetts, a deal that will add about £40m to its total turnover, which now stands at roughly £200m.

Following the mergers, the firm has been operating out of three offices in the capital, but is aiming to house the teams under one roof within the next 12-18 months. 

However, Leaitherland said that the size of location will largely depend on the firm's next merger partner. 

"Next on our list is to grow further in London and we are looking at additional bolt-ons there, while we'll also be looking internationally. We are a client-led firm, so these are inevitable," he said. 

"We are not feeling much pressure from our clients in relation to Europe at the moment so we're looking at the Gulf, Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region."

The firm recently followed its run of mergers with two notable UK partner hires from DLA Piper: Manchester litigation specialist Andrew Harris and Liverpool corporate lawyer Paul Rimmer.