Morgan Lewis & Bockius beefs up its tax practice

US firm Morgan Lewis & Bockius is beefing up its international tax planning practice with a number of high-profile appointments across Europe.

David Way has joined the firm's London office from Simmons & Simmons, where he was the partner in charge of the private capital practice group.

Meanwhile, Alan Hamburger has moved to the firm's Brussels office from rival US firm Mayer Brown & Platt, where he was resident partner (see story above).

A third appointment to the Frankfurt office is expected to be announced shortly. London partner Robert Rakison would not reveal the identity of the lawyer, but revealed that he is a German-qualified lawyer currently with a US firm in Frankfurt. The lawyer will join the firm as a partner.

Rakison said, "It is part of our strategy to expand our practice in international tax structuring for high-net-worth in dividuals and companies."

The firm already has some heavy guns in this practice area, notably Charles Lubar and Howard Liebman in London.

Rakison added that a quarter of the firm's 20-strong London office was now involved in the international tax practice.

Morgan Lewis & Bockius is also looking further afield, and is understood to be looking to open in Hong Kong, although it is finding it difficult to find good recruits.