BT Tower, London

DWF has acquired BT Law, which it had previously partnered with.

A spokesperson for BT confirmed that the telecommunications giant has transferred its property and volume claims litigation work to DWF and, as part of that transaction, staff have joined the listed firm.

DWF described the move as a "natural step" in the pair's relationship, via a statement.

A spokesperson for the firm said: "We can confirm that we have acquired BT Law Limited (BT Law) from BT plc. The acquisition follows our appointment in July as a strategic legal partner to BT. This is a natural step to take for both DWF and BT following our strategic partnership. It will ensure continuity of service for all of BT Law's clients, many of whom are also existing DWF clients."

A spokesperson for BT said in a statement: "Following on from the appointment of DWF as a strategic legal partner earlier this year, we are continuing to transform and simplify the way we work across BT. The acquisition of BT Law by DWF is an exciting step forward for both businesses, who will continue to deliver outstanding services."

When the strategic partnership between BT and DWF was signed, DWF said it would provide insurance and real estate legal services to BT in an initial five-year contract.

DWF has made a series of acquisitions following its initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange back in March.

Last month, the firm opened in Düsseldorf with a team hire from local firm Marccus Partners, while in May the firm acquired K&L Gates' 85-strong office in Warsaw. It also agreed an exclusive association with Spanish law firm Rousaud Costas Duran, which boosted the firm's presence in Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia.

In October, the firm appointed the former general counsel of Lukoil as its global energy head, to be based in Dubai. It also set up a regulatory consulting offering with two accountancy hires from BDO and Grant Thornton.