TWO city centre law firms in Manchester are to merge.

Hill Dickinson and Gorna and Co are to join forces on January 21.

Gorna and Co’s seven partners and 35 other employees will move to Hill Dickinson’s offices in Fountain Street, which recently underwent a facelift and expansion at a cost of more than £250,000.

Hill Dickinson is also recruiting Lisa Dunmall, Eversheds’ head of family advice, to lead a new team.

Lisa specialises in financially complex divorce cases which involve trusts, off-shore and business assets and landed estates.

Tony Wilson, senior partner at Hill Dickinson in Manchester said: ‘‘We are also looking at other opportunities. We are in talks with one or two individuals involved in corporate and insolvency work.’’

In Manchester, the firm has six partners and 30 staff. It also has offices in Chester, Liverpool and London. Nationally, there are 80 partners.

Mr Wilson said the firm wants to expand its commercial practice in Manchester. Talks with Gorna and Co, of King Street, began in September.

Gorna and Co, founded in 1923, is strong on commercial work.

Partner Michael Morrison said: ‘‘We will through this merger be able to provide an enhanced service to our clients.’’