Following the news yesterday (20 August) that Proskauer Rose had hired from Dentons‘ private equity practice, the firm has lost two partners , one to Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in private equity, and another in private investment funds to Morrison & Foerster (MoFo).
Oliver Rochman will join MoFo’s corporate practice as part of the firm’s push into European corporate capabilities and the expansion of its global private investment funds practice following the arrival of four corporate partners from Latham & Watkins.
Rochman joined Proskauer from SJ Berwin in 2011 with fellow funds partner Nigel van Zyl and six associates, in which was a large hire at the time. His practice focuses on advising international funds such as buy-out funds, infrastructure funds and funds of funds.
‘We have significantly invested in our UK Corporate practice over the last year, building a highly impressive group and deep bench of top tier partners and associates. Oliver is another important addition to the team,’ said Paul Friedman, Morrison & Foerster’s managing partner for Europe.
Meanwhile, James Howe will join Gibson Dunn’s London office, continuing his private equity and mergers and acquisitions practice at the firm.
Ken Doran, chairman and managing partner of Gibson Dunn said that continuing to build the firm’s transactional capability in London was critical to establishing the bench strength and visibility needed to achieve long term success in the UK and global markets.
Charlie Geffen, chair of the London corporate practice added: ‘James is a rising star in the London private equity arena. He has excellent technical skills, and the combination of his intellect, energy and ambition will ensure his success on our platform.’
Yesterday, Proskauer took private equity partner Eleanor Shanks from Dentons following a rapid scaling up of its private equity practice since the hire of City heavyweight Steven Davis from King & Wood Mallesons in 2014. This year, the firm has already added leveraged finance partner Ben Davis from Reed Smith and private equity real estate duo Jo Owen and Vikki McKay from DLA Piper in London. ‘Eleanor’s strong track record advising private equity players further strengthens our position in the industry as we continue to expand our presence in Europe,’ said Davis.
kathryn.mccann@legalease.co.uk
