Quinn Emanuel hires LA 'superstar' for City launch

US litigation powerhouse Quinn Emanuel Urquhart Oliver & Hedges has hired a lawyer from elite Los Angeles litigation firm Munger Tolles & Olson, who will transfer to London to beef up its nascent City office.

Marc Becker, who will initially be based in Quinn Emanuel's LA office, will move to London in early July.

Quinn Emanuel Los Angeles-based partner Bill Urquhart said: "This is a major acquisition for us. Marc is a superstar."

Becker, who intends to become UK qualified, has some experience of the London market, having spent a year in the City during his time with Munger Tolles.

He joined Munger Tolles in 1989 and made partner in 1994. His practice focuses on the entertainment, media and telecommunications industries in copyright, trademark and other commercial litigation.

As revealed by TheLawyer.com (see story) Quinn Emanual is set to launch in the City after hiring Kirkland & Ellis restructuring and litigation partner Richard East.

The firm, which specialises in bringing litigation against major financial institutions, aims to have around 15 lawyers based in London within the next six months.