Stephenson Harwood snares Weil Gotshal's London energy head

In Paris, meanwhile, the firm has hired corporate partner Patrick Mousset from Mayer Brown, where he was a counsel. The funds and private equity specialist starts at the firm this week.

McLean, who also co-headed the firm’s consumer brands practice, specialises in M&A, private equity and joint ventures. He joins the City office in September.

He has been a partner at Weil since 2000, advising clients including Orangina, Czech energy company CEZ Group and Citigroup.

“I’m very much looking forward to working with the corporate practice at Stephenson Harwood. The team has undertaken some very exciting deals in recent years and I believe my experience and sector knowledge will enhance their corporate platform,” he said.

Stephenson Harwood chief executive Sharon White commented: “Andrew’s experience, particularly in the energy, food and drink and financial services sectors, has strong similarities to the expertise that our corporate practice provides, and his appointment will undoubtedly aid the group in developing work from existing clients and new contacts.”