Withers and Speechly Bircham have opted against a merger of the two firms, following votes at both firms earlier this week.

A spokesperson for both firms said: “Following detailed discussions between the management and partnerships of Withers and Speechly Bircham, both sides have now concluded that a merger would not be in the best interests of both firms and have agreed not to pursue this further. The talks have enhanced the respect that both firms have for each other.”