A large UK law firm has added a senior figure to its private wealth arm, recruiting from a rival.

The law firm Bircham Dyson Bell has appointed Karl Woolley as a partner to its private wealth management department. He formerly was head of private wealth at Pinsent Masons.

Helen Ratcliffe, head of private wealth at Bircham Dyson Bell, said: “Karl will bring a new dimension to the private wealth team and the services we provide to our clients. His addition builds on the recent appointment of Harriet Morgan as a corporate tax partner from Reed Smith and will enable us to enhance the services we offer to clients across the firm, particularly in the real estate and corporate departments.”

Bircham Dyson Bell, founded in 1834, is part of the Lexwork International network and has more than 45 lawyers.