Thirty Nine Essex Street and 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square are in “advanced discussions” about a possible combination that could see the two sets come together under one brand.

Should the tie-up go ahead, it would create one of the largest civil sets in London with around 140 members including more than 40 silks, and would be a rare example of consolidation at the bar. It is unclear whether the combination would include all barristers from both sets.