DWF has unveiled plans to double its London headcount to 600 staff as it prepares to move into London's 'Walkie Talkie' building in September.

The firm, which hopes to achieve its grow in the City over the next three years, has leased all of the 32nd and part of the 31st floors at the 20 Fenchurch Street site to house its London-based staff. It has retained additional capacity for future hires.

The firm currently has 305 London-based staff and lawyers, including 53 partners, who will move into the Walkie Talkie from its two current London sites at 85 King William Street and 60 Fenchurch Street.

DWF managing partner and CEO Andrew Leaitherland (pictured) said: "We are significantly expanding in London, deepening and broadening our talent base in the City to meet growing client demand for both our commercial and insurance services.

"We remain committed to growing and developing our regional offerings because our national footprint gives us a significant advantage in the market. It is due to the hard work and commitment of everyone across the business that we are now able to make this investment in the City, giving us an even stronger platform for future growth."

As part of its expansion strategy DWF has grown its 'agile' workforce to over 400 people and has employed over 120 homeworkers. Over the past year it has also invested £11m in its IT systems.

The firm has made 18 lateral partner or director hires in London over the past 12 months, aided by its acquisition of a 50-strong team from Bristol-based insurance disputes specialist Greenwoods in October.

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