BURNESS Paull has continued its strategy of hiring solicitors from City law firms, turning to magic circle stalwart Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer for the addition of a litigation partner.

Jody Crockett, who was a junior lawyer at Burness Paull legacy firm Burness between 2007 and 2011, has returned to Scotland to take up partnership at the firm after spending six years as an associate with Freshfields, one of the most respected firms in the City.

Mr Crockett, who specialises in cross-border disputes and is also experienced in international arbitration and mediation, is one of 11 Burness Paull partners to gain experience in the City.

Others include funds partner Paula Kennedy, who joined Burness Paull from Travers Smith, and pensions head Sarah Phillips, who joined from pensions boutique Sackers.

In addition to hiring Mr Crockett, Burness Paull has promoted five of its lawyers to partner. One, corporate lawyer Lindsay Wallace, who was previously director of knowledge and risk management at the firm, has also taken on the newly created role of general counsel.

The other promotions are product liability lawyer Joanna Fulton, property expert Graeme Bradshaw, banking and funds specialist Andrew Christie and public procurement lawyer Graeme Palmer.

Burness Paull chairman Philip Rodney said the new partners “demonstrate the depth of talent that is being nurtured through our leadership development programme and our ability to attract top talent from other firms”.

Mr Rodney added that they would “play a key role in the firm’s ambitious growth plans”.