Gibson Dunn snares Jones Day NY finance head

Gibson Dunn & Crutcher’s New York office has pounced on the joint head of Jones Day’s global lending and structured finance, in a move that will significantly boost the Los Angeles-based firm’s New York offering.

Robert Cunningham will head Gibson Dunn’s global finance practice. Although the West Coast firm has a total of 60 attorneys in global finance, Cunningham will be leading 14 partners in New York.

Gibson Dunn’s managing partner Ken Doran said in a statement: “We are committed to expanding our New York office and Bob’s arrival is a key step in furtherance of our strategy.”

Cunningham, who has represented both lenders and borrowers, arrangers and sponsors, has been at 645-partner Jones Day since 1995. His departure, leaves the firm's New York office with just 13 lending and structured finance partners.

Gibson Dunn has 253 equity partners who enjoy an average profit of $1.64m (£869k). The firm is hopeful that Cunnigham can bring his investment bank and hedge fund clients with him.