3/4 South Square wins insolvency star from US

DeKoven retired from the Shearman & Sterling partnership in 2000, where he had led the leasing and bankruptcy practices, to pursue a number of business projects. His practice experience includes acting for the provisional liquidators of BCCI, the administrators of Barings and the Society of Lloyd's of London.

3/4 South Square has long held international ambitions, having recently pursued a marketing push into Europe, and is hoping that DeKoven will improve the set's exposure in the US.

For DeKoven, the opportunity to join a set of chambers was made especially attractive as it allows him to avoid getting conflicted out of major instructions. "If I'm in a particular firm, my ability to get involved in major matters is limited by conflicts, whereas all principal firms in London could consider instructing me [at 3-4 South Square]," he said.

DeKoven is relocating to the UK, and although he will practise full time, regulatory restrictions require him to join the set as an associate tenant.