Bryan Cave poaches rival US firm partner

US FIRM Bryan Cave has appointed Walter H White Jr as a partner in its London office as part of plans to expand its corporate practice.
He joins Bryan Cave's international transactions practice from the Moscow office of rival US firm Steptoe & Johnson, where he was managing director.
White specialises in international utilities, telecoms and oil transactions.
He says that moving to London will allow him to serve his international clients more efficiently. "London has become the financing centre for most of the work I do. The majority of my work in the last few years has been in eastern Europe, but also in Africa, and it's easier to do that work from London than from Moscow."
Although based in London, he will also work from Washington DC. "I have a European client base that is active in the US, and I will provide them with national support in the US, as well as global sup port for my other clients."
White says his appointment signals an expansion of the firm's London activities. "I don't think there is any question that Bryan Cave is expanding in London. It wants to provide transaction capability from London and greater support to its clients around the world."
Harold Blatt, one of the office's senior partners, says: "Bryan Cave expects to expand its London office, including the addition of UK solicitors to enhance its current corporate practice."