Macfarlanes has appointed former 20 Essex Street barrister Guy Morpuss QC (pictured) to head its advocacy and arbitration groups.

Morpuss was called to the Bar in 1991 and took silk in 2008. He joined 20 Essex Street in 1994 where he had a wide-ranging commercial practice, both in court and in arbitration.

He has advised extensively in relation to international banking and acted at trial for one of the Lehman Brothers companies in a High Court dispute. For several years he acted for Equitable Life in relation to its disputes with former directors and professional advisers.

He has also been instructed in a number of sports law disputes relating to the London 2012 Olympic Games and arbitration proceedings between Formula One teams.

Iain Mackie, head of litigation at Macfarlanes said: "We have worked extremely closely with Guy for some years and it is a natural development of our working relationship for Guy to work directly with Macfarlanes on an exclusive basis."

Morpuss will not join Macfarlanes as a partner but will instead continue to work as a barrister.

Mackie added: "Guy did not wish to have a partnership role and he will provide advocacy and advice exclusively for our clients in his role as counsel."

Since 2013 Macfarlanes has made seven lateral hires including projects partner Scott Brodsky from Baker & McKenzie, and a trio of real esate partners including Claire Breeze from Shearman & Sterling and Ann Minogue and Anthony Burnett Scott from Ashurst.