Axiom hires for Amazon, Christie's

Secondee-based US firm Axiom Legal has boosted its ranks in London, placing lawyers in the legal departments of clients Amazon and Christie's.

Roger Wiegley, whose career has involved spells in private practice at Sullivan & Cromwell, Sidley Austin and Winthrop Stimson Putnam & Roberts, as well as an in-house stint with Credit Suisse, is currently working alongside Christie's general counsel Nick Deeming for an indefinite period.

Sarah Corbett, previously general counsel at Burberry, is working with Amazon's UK legal director Vincent Collins for three to six months.

Axiom, which launched in London at the end of 2007, does not operate as a traditional law firm. All its lawyers are seconded to clients on a case-by-case basis, which according to London co-founder Al Giles enables it to charge a fraction of the fees normally commanded by external advisers while still offering the services of senior legal advisers.

Corbett said this model attracted her because it is exactly the kind of thing that would have appealed to her during her time at Burberry.