Linklaters loses three-partner Paris team to White & Case

The French team comprises debt capital market (DCM) partners Cenzi Gargaro, Philippe Herbelin and Séverin Robillard, consultant Gilles Endréo and associate Thomas Le Vert, who also joins White & Case’s Paris DCM team as a partner. Endréo was a partner at the magic circle firm until recently and also becomes a partner at the US firm alongside the rest of the quintet.

The departures leave Linklaters with two capital markets partners in Paris, according to the firm’s website. In addition, banking partner Bertrand Andriani also carries out capital markets work.

Linklaters said in a statement: “We have a very strong capital markets practice globally and we have plans in place for its continued development.”

The news comes shortly after the exit of a five-lawyer team from Linklaters’ New York disputes team to US outfit Pepper Hamilton, including former country chief Larry Byrne (21 February 2013).

In a statement, White & Case chairman Hugh Verrier said: “Investing in our global capital markets practice is one of our strategic priorities. These new partners will play an important role in building a market-leading practice for the firm.”

White & Case global capital markets practice leader Stuart Matty added: “The addition of these top-tier lawyers in Paris represents an important milestone in the development of the firm’s European finance practice. Following on from opening an office in Italy in 2011, these new partners are an excellent fit with our existing team and will help us build out our securities footprint in western Europe.

“Together, we’re able to fully support the needs of our banking and corporate clients, who are increasingly looking to the capital markets to provide financing options.”

Late last year Linklaters finance partner Olivier Jauffret also left the magic circle firm’s Paris office, joining Weil Gotshal & Manges (9 October 2012).