DWF is set to acquire three-partner Bristol-based litigation practice Fox Hartley.

The merger with DWF is scheduled to take effect on 3 May and all of Fox Hartley's 16 staff and three partners are expected to join DWF.

Fox Hartley acts for UK and global insurers on litigation and alternative dispute resolution matters.

Its lawyers advise on a range of issues including property damage, catastrophic injury, product liability and business interruption claims.

The firm was founded in 2000 by former legacy Cameron Markby Hewitt partner Trevor Fox.

Fox, who trained at Barlow Lyde & Gilbert, focuses on insurance and reinsurance litigation, professional indemnity and aviation matters.

He will be joined by Michael Hitchings and Peter Barnes, both of whom made partner while at the firm.

Hitchings trained at legacy Beachcroft and focuses on employers', product and public liability claims for insurers and the insured.

Barnes, who made partner in 2009, advises clients on insurance litigation, product liability, aviation and coverage disputes.

DWF managing partner and chief executive Andrew Leaitherland said: "Fox Hartley has excellent litigation and insurance specialists with niche expertise that will complement our existing teams and sector expertise and help us secure new clients."

Adding that the merger "presents significant advantages and opportunities for both firms, our people and our clients".

Fox said: "This merger gives us the scale, geographic reach and resources to support our growing client base, and DWF's innovative approach to client service makes the merger a strong cultural fit for our people and beneficial for our clients."

DWF has been one of the fastest growing firms in the UK over the past five years, expanding its revenue by 167% between 2009-10 and 2014-15 after a series of mergers.

In December 2015 DWF merged with four-partner German firm BridgehouseLaw, which has offices in Cologne and Munich.

DWF is set to acquire three-partner Bristol-based litigation practice Fox Hartley.

The merger with DWF is scheduled to take effect on 3 May and all of Fox Hartley's 16 staff and three partners are expected to join DWF.

Fox Hartley acts for UK and global insurers on litigation and alternative dispute resolution matters.

Its lawyers advise on a range of issues including property damage, catastrophic injury, product liability and business interruption claims.

The firm was founded in 2000 by former legacy Cameron Markby Hewitt partner Trevor Fox.

Fox, who trained at Barlow Lyde & Gilbert, focuses on insurance and reinsurance litigation, professional indemnity and aviation matters.

He will be joined by Michael Hitchings and Peter Barnes, both of whom made partner while at the firm.

Hitchings trained at legacy Beachcroft and focuses on employers', product and public liability claims for insurers and the insured.

Barnes, who made partner in 2009, advises clients on insurance litigation, product liability, aviation and coverage disputes.

DWF managing partner and chief executive Andrew Leaitherland said: "Fox Hartley has excellent litigation and insurance specialists with niche expertise that will complement our existing teams and sector expertise and help us secure new clients."

Adding that the merger "presents significant advantages and opportunities for both firms, our people and our clients".

Fox said: "This merger gives us the scale, geographic reach and resources to support our growing client base, and DWF's innovative approach to client service makes the merger a strong cultural fit for our people and beneficial for our clients."

DWF has been one of the fastest growing firms in the UK over the past five years, expanding its revenue by 167% between 2009-10 and 2014-15 after a series of mergers.

In December 2015 DWF merged with four-partner German firm BridgehouseLaw, which has offices in Cologne and Munich.