Two high-profile firms have announced major investments in the major injury and clinical negligence claimant and insurance sectors.

Fast-growing national business law firm DWF today confirmed the transfer of a team of 50 people from specialist insurance firm Greenwoods.

The TUPE transfer follows Greenwoods’ merger with Plexus Law in May 2013. The teams, which include 11 partners and a further 23 legal specialists, will move to DWF on 28 October.

Andrew Leaitherland (pictured), managing partner and chief executive, said the Greenwoods team ‘has an exceptional reputation for its advisory work on complex cases and this strength in catastrophic and large-loss personal injury and non-injury cases enhances our service offering to all insurer clients.

‘This opportunity supports our future growth in London and Bristol, is in line with our business strategy and will further establish DWF’s position as one of the UK’s leading insurance law firms.’

A Greenwoods spokesperson said: ‘Following the successful merger of Greenwoods and Plexus Law in May of 2013 Greenwoods confirm they have agreed the TUPE transfer of a team of fee-earners to DWF. The transfer to DWF will take place before 1 November 2013. Greenwoods wishes the departing team every success for the future.’

Meanwhile, Worcester-based full-service law firm Harrison Clark RIckerbys announced it is to set up a standalone practice focusing solely on the UK clinical negligence and major injury markets. The Medical Accident Group, a wholly owned subsidiary, will generate leads through direct marketing to the public rather than relying on referrals, the firm said.

The new subsidiary will be headed by partners Inez Brown and Peter Savage. 

Harrison Clark Rickerbys’ managing partner Rod Thomas said: ‘This market is expanding rapidly and the restrictions being imposed on referral fees provided the perfect opportunity for us to invest in growing an already successful division of the firm.’