Sidley & Austin poaches partner from rival US firm

International law firm, Sidley & Austin has poached Robert Asher from the London office of US firm, Hogan & Hartson and installed him as partner in the corporate group.

The US qualified lawyer joined Sidley & Austin's London office yesterday and will boost the team of US lawyers working on finance, securities and acquisition deals.

Asher has had nearly 12 years experience in project and structured finance transactions, with particular emphasis on energy, telecommunications and hotel/leisure industries.

The firm's London managing partner, Drew Scott says: "Robert's appointment enhances the existing team of US lawyers in the London office and will add to the dual English and US law capacity which drives so much of the work which we do in London."