Mishcon de Reya has hired dispute resolution partner Ben Giaretta from Ashurst, as the exits continue from the Anglo-Australian firm.

Giaretta is an Ashurst-lifer and has been a partner at the firm since 2009.

He moved over to Singapore from London shortly after his promotion, where he became the firm’s head of international arbitration for the Asia region.

Giaretta returned to the UK last summer, coinciding with the relocation of London disputes partner Ronnie King to Singapore.

Advising clients in the energy, construction and infrastructure sectors, Giaretta is appointed frequently as a sole arbitrator, party-nominated arbitrator, presiding arbitrator and emergency arbitrator in cases.

The exit makes three for Ashurst in as many weeks. Corporate partner Dominic Ross is to join White & Case’s M&A practice, while corporate colleague James Wood is to become a partner at Sidley Austin.

An Ashurst spokesperson said: ”Ben helped build our international arbitration practice in Asia during his seven years in Singapore and following his return to London last year, supported the growth of our global practice from there.

“Strengthening the international arbitration practice even further is a key priority for the firm. We have a very strong bench of arbitration talent in all regions at all levels and under the leadership of global international arbitration Head, Matthew Saunders, we are confident that the team will continue to achieve great results.”

Commenting on the appointment, Mishcon’s dispute resolution head Kasra Nouroozi said: “We are really excited that Ben is joining our growing international arbitration practice. His focus on commercial arbitration is the perfect complement to our existing strength in investor state work, as developed by Karel Daele over the past few years. Ben brings an exceptional depth of experience, and we look forward to welcoming him to the team.”

The exits from Ashurst come after a period of relative calm at the firm. The firm’s financials for 2016/17 were positive, with Ashurst revealing a rise in average profit per equity partner to £672,000.

Ashurst had a tumultuous 2016/17 full of partner exits, remuneration overhauls, office closures and office openings. Partner exits this year also include a real estate duo to Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson, while the firm’s Paris office saw two heavy rounds of exits to Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Gibson Dunn & Crutcher.