In another active week for lateral hires, firms have expanded their ranks in the UK and internationally. DAC Beachcroft has added to its Manchester office, while ARC Pensions Law, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and McDermott Will & Emery have all also made key hires.
Adding to its Manchester-based employment and pensions group, DAC Beachcroft has hired Philip Harman as a partner. Harman, who joined the firm on 3 April, was previously head of DWF’s employment practice.
DAC Beachcroft head of employment and pensions Alex Lock commented: ‘I am delighted to welcome Philip to the firm and we all look forward to working with him. His depth of knowledge and aspirational nature make him a very exciting new addition to our team.’
McDermott has expanded its London restructuring and insolvency practice, hiring Alan Gar from Simmons & Simmons. Gar arrives at McDermott as a partner, bringing with him significant experience in advising financial institutions on restructuring and insolvency matters. Gar’s appointment follows a string of similar hires in the last year, with the firm appointing Piero Carbone, Michael Holter, Gary Howes and Alicia Videon into its corporate and transactional practice.
Head of McDermott’s London office Andrew Vergunst said: ‘His appointment will continue to build upon the positive momentum taking shape in London. Adding another quality lateral will enable us to further expand our client offering.’
ARC Pensions Law has also added depth to its London office by bringing in Gowling WLG’s partner Jane Kola. Kola, who is a specialist in defined contribution pension schemes, joined the firm on 18 April.
Kola said: ‘I’m convinced that the boutique law firm solution is the best for trustee and corporate clients alike, when it comes to specialist services like pensions.’
Elsewhere in the UK, Mishcon de Reya has hired Alessandra Buonfino as head of international development. Buonfino joined the firm this week, after previously acting as the head of GREAT investors programme and deputy director of the department for international trade.
In Hong Kong, Gibson Dunn has hired a four-partner team from Ropes & Gray. Among the partners moving to Gibson Dunn are the firm’s Hong Kong managing partner Paul Boltz. Joining him are private equity partners Scott Jalowayski and Brian Schwarzwalder and banking partner Michael Nicklin.
tom.baker@legalease.co.uk