Debevoise & Plimpton has hired Clifford Chance insurance and regulatory partner Clare Swirski as a consultant for its London office.

Swirski joined the magic circle firm as an associate in 1996 and was promoted to partner seven years later. She specialises in advising insurers and other financial institutions on corporate matters including share and business acquisitions, joint ventures, reinsurance and group reorganisations.

Clifford Chance confirmed that Swirksi retired from the firm in April 2017.

In her new role Swirski will advise some of the firm’s largest financial institution clients, which include Adveq Managment, AIA Group, AIA Insurance Lanka, Alliant Insurance Services and American International Group.

Swirski said: “Financial institutions demand senior lawyers that are hands on and with complex problem solving skills. That is something Debevoise has a reputation for, and something I have always strived to live up to. I am looking forward to the next stage of my career at Debevoise, working with the firm’s clients on their most critical matters.”

Debevoise presiding partner Michael Blair added: “Our insurance practice is centred on strong teams in key financial centres, which we have reinforced in recent times with promotions in Hong Kong and London.

“The arrival of Clare is the latest step in that strategy, bringing as she does a wealth of experience and a deserved reputation as one of the sharpest lawyers in the market.”

Last month Clifford Chance lost head of private equity Christopher Kellett to Linklaters after he announced his retirement from the firm.

Kellett was replaced by Anselm Raddatz in what the firm described as a “natural move”.

Debevoise’s financial results suffered slightly for the 2017 financial year when it turned over $735m, down 3 per cent on 2015/16 when the firm’s global revenue stood at $756.9m. Blair said that that year has been a year of “significant growth” for the firm.

Clifford Chance topped magic circle growth in 2016/17, posting turnover growth of 11 per cent. Allen & Overy closed in on its rivals Linklaters and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer to become the second most profitable corporate powerhouse.