BLP bounces back from exits with Jones Day partner coup

Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) has asserted itself following recent high-profile partner departures by poaching Trevor Wood from Jones Day as a partner in its banking and capital markets team.

Wood was counsel at Jones Day and previously worked at Clifford Chance. During his stint at the magic circle firm he spent three and a half years in the Hong Kong office.

The appointment follows the loss of two BLP partners in just over a month.

In August Catherine Cook left BLP to work for Clifford Chance, which also poached BLP real estate partner Frank Pena in July.

According to Wood, the move to BLP is a positive one. "Its finance practice has been growing rapidly and its banking and capital markets team is highly regarded," he said.

Last month BLP hired Philip Whale, the former head of acquisition finance at Norton Rose, while star real estate lawyer Chris de Pury is due to start as a partner at the firm in January.

De Pury left Herbert Smith earlier this month and will spend some time in-house with J Sainsbury bidder Three Delta before joining BLP.