SCOTTISH law firm Brodies has signalled its hopes for further expansion in Aberdeen by switching to premises able to accommodate more than 100 staff.

The move comes amid a flying start for Brodies in Aberdeen, with staff numbers having grown from three to 53 since its first office opened in March 2011.

Brodies currently employs 13 partners and a further 21 lawyers across two offices in the city's Carden Place.

The firm's decision to consolidate operations in the 15,200 sq ft Brodies House is understood to reflect the success enjoyed by its oil and gas team, with both upstream and downstream clients.

But its growth is not ­exclusively driven by its work in the energy sector.

The new office, at 31-33 Union Grove, is currently being built. It was chosen for its central location and accessibility to local and international transport links.

Brodies is scheduled to move to the three-storey property, which it will lease from local developer First Scot, in early summer. It will be the building's sole occupant.

Chief executive Bill ­Drummond said: "The growth of Brodies in Aberdeen has been due to the sustained support we have received from our many clients in the city and region who have recognised the value of a permanent, locally-based team of lawyers regarded as leaders in their respective fields.

"When we first opened in Aberdeen we were clear that our investment was going to be for the long-term. Our decision to relocate was facilitated by the collaborative approach by the developer, First Scot Ltd, with whom we have worked closely to create an office in the heart of the city's business district which will work well for our colleagues and clients alike.

"Aberdeen is a thriving business centre that is home to some of the ­country's most successful organisations, both private and public. We hope that our sustained investment in the city will contribute to the future growth of the economy and, with the continuing support of our clients, allow us to build on the many jobs we have already created."

The move to a new ­Aberdeen home comes after Brodies reported solid ­financial results for the year ended April 30 in December.

Turnover grew 8% from £42.8 million to more than £46m, with profit before member remuneration and profit sharing rising from £17.6m to £19.1m.

While all practice areas were said to have performed solidly, corporate finance, banking and property were among those which did particularly well.