US firm boosts ranks with DJ Freeman partner

The London office of US firm Sonnenschein has taken a partner from DJ Freeman to help develop its growing corporate practice.

With the appointment of Antoinette Jucker, Sonnenschein now has five partners in London and more than 450 lawyers worldwide.

Jucker spent 11 years with DJ Freeman where she dealt mainly with property, construction and media matters.

She is also chair of the legal committee of Cisco, the ginger group in the City for smaller quoted companies.

Jucker said her decision to leave DJ Freeman had been a question of 'timing and opportunity'.

She added that she looked forward to dealing with a more international clientele.

Peter Borrowdale, Sonnenschein's London office managing partner, described Jucker as an 'extremely fine lawyer'.

He added that the office was growing fast and other appointments would follow.

The office boosted its partner count with the arrival of property partner Rupert Jones from Allen & Overy at the end of last year.

US firms have been extending their European reach recently, with several opening offices in London last year.

Borrowdale commented: 'The US has invested heavily in the UK and I'm not surprised it makes sense.'