CC poaches King & Spalding M&A boss

Clifford Chance’s New York office has netted the co-head of King & Spalding’s M&A group, John Graham.

He adds vital critical mass to the magic circle firm’s M&A team in New York, said Brian Hoffman, co-head of Clifford Chance’s 15-partner M&A group in the USA: “He’s a quality practitioner and fits with our strategy going forward: we’re hoping that he’ll be able to attract corporates to our practice. So far, we’ve very much been associated with financial institutions.”

Graham has particular expertise with media and communications companies and will be bringing with him such bluechip clients as wireless operator American Tower, which had turnover of $945m (£504m) last year, and telephone company Consolidated Communications.

Prior to Graham’s hire, the team’s last new lateral partner was Nick Williams from White & Case last year. It also made up two associates, Viqar Shariff and Roger Singer.

Graham’s departure leaves the 32-partner M&A team at King & Spalding under the auspices of John Capers, who formerly shared the top job with Graham.