Dozens of lawyers are facing the axe as a Birmingham firm plans cuts just months after a major merger.

Newly-merged Shakespeare Martineau, only formed when the two firms came together in June, has launched a redundancy consultation which could see the loss of 45 jobs.

It is understood the cull will largely be focused on the business support group but is also expected to see some fee earners leave.

Jo Thornell, clients and markets director, said: “Following the merger between Shakespeares and SGH Martineau, there has been an ongoing business review.

“Regrettably, the review has highlighted that in some areas we currently consider that there is a need to reduce the size of some of our teams and we are proposing to make 45 jobs redundant.

“We will be consulting with our people whose jobs are affected by these proposals, and will work to avoid compulsory redundancies wherever possible.”

The Post reported on the merger of Shakespeares and SGH Martineau earlier this year, with the deal concluding on June 15.

A review was immediately sparked and has resulted in efficiency savings.

The new firm is expected to have a combined turnover of £75 million and employ 900 people, after the two workforces were united at No 1 Colmore Square.

Consultations with staff are currently underway with the firm pledging to make redundancies voluntary where it can.

The firm has offices in Birmingham, Leicester, London, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Solihull, Stratford-upon-Avon, Sheffield and Brussels.