Lawyers in Southampton have launched a private client practice after a raid on a local rival. Clarke Wilmott, which is run from Bristol, has recruited three partners and a tax consultant to its Southampton office. Partners Jessica Wiltshire, Adrian Butterworth and Lee Young were poached on Monday from Southampton-based Moore & Blatch. Tax consultant Adrian Shipwright was also tempted to join the new practice. Clarke Willmott managing partner David Sedgwick said: “Private client will always be part of Clarke Willmott and Southampton is in the middle of the richest part of the country in terms of private wealth, so this is a crucial move for us.” Mr Sedgwick added that Clarke Willmott hopes to expand its Birmingham private client team as part of general office expansion over the next three years.