Nationally-spread LB100 firms Addleshaw Goddard, DWF and Pinsent Masons were among those to make strategic additions both in the UK and internationally last week.
Addleshaw Goddard made the most sizeable move, after a recruitment drive in Manchester which saw six partners from Irwin Mitchell boost the firm’s already-sizable real estate team.
The six partners from Irwin Mitchell include outgoing head of real estate Anita Weightman, alongside Paul Barnard, Patrick Duffy, Chris Perrin, Tony Weightman and Emily Williams, and increases Addleshaw’s 2018 partner hires to 13.
Manchester real estate head Peter Kershaw said the appointments displayed a commitment to the real estate market and the growing local market. ‘Manchester has a key part to play in the ambitious strategy we have set for ourselves to service new clients and deepen some of our existing institutional relationships.’
Meanwhile in London DWF has launched a private capital team in the City with a double lateral hire. Partner Amanda Chapman and director Roger Holman both join from boutique practice Brecher.
Chapman specialises in advising high-net-worth individuals and has extensive experience in UK and cross-border succession, estate and tax planning. Meanwhile, Holman possesses over 20 years’ experience specialising in private wealth tax both in the UK and internationally.
Jon Gould, national head of private capital at DWF, said: ‘As we launch our private capital presence in the City and look to grow the practice nationally and internationally, Amanda and Roger bring technical knowledge and a strong commercial, client-focused approach that will ensure a strong start to the next phase of our growth.’
Pinsent Masons was among those to hire internationally, with Ann Henry being appointed to its Dublin office as it continues to expand its sector-focused, all-Ireland capability. Henry joins from Philip Lee with experience in commercial litigation, handling multiple disputes for some of the world’s leading energy, financial and pharmaceutical brands. She is Pinsent Masons’ fourth partner hire in Dublin.
David Isaac, head of the advanced manufacturing and technology sector group at Pinsents, said: ‘Ann is a skilled strategic litigator whose expertise in data and IP law is an excellent addition to our sector offering in Ireland.’
Elsewhere, French stalwart Gide Loyrette Nouel secured the hire of Olivier Diaz in Paris coup which sees him return after twenty years. The M&A expert has previously had stints at Linklaters and Darrois Villey Maillott Brochier before moving to Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom in 2014. Diaz will now see him occupy a role to explore opportunities for growth with clients and major partner firms alike.
Paris also saw activity for Dentons and Simmons & Simmons. Dentons boosted its Paris office with an intellectual property and life sciences team from Dechert. Partner Marianne Schaffner is among those who will strengthen the firm’s presence in the French capital and the firm also enhanced its French real estate practice with the addition of Pascal Schmitz from King & Spalding. Meanwhile, Simmons & Simmons boosted its offering in France with the hire of disputes partner Guillaume-Denis Faure from Winston & Strawn.
Back in London, Baker Botts hired energy transactions partner Lewis Jones to its global projects group. He left US firm Morgan, Lewis & Bockius after almost five years and was previously also a partner at Vinson & Elkins.
thomas.alan@legalbusiness.co.uk
