Amery-Parkes set to quit London and focus on the regions

A specialist litigation firm has turned its back on the City to concentrate its efforts in the regions, it was announced last week.Solicitors at Amery-Parkes will work from its Chancery Lane office for the last time at the end of this week, after it was decided that it would be more cost effective to run the firm's business from its bases in Basingstoke, Bristol and Birmingham.Four lawyers have moved on to London firm Payne Hicks Beach as a result of the decision.Peter Black is a new partner in Payne's property department, with John Mills joining as assistant.

Richard Cowan and William Davis join as a corporate/commercial partner and consultant respectively.

Amery-Parkes managing partner Steven Slough said the moves were entirely amicable.

A break in the lease had presented an opportunity for the firm to move its business to its regional offices, which fitted in with its long-term aims, he added.

'Our main thrust is litigation, which we can do perfectly well from our regional offices,' said Mr Slough.

Paula Rohan