Sidley Austin Brown & Wood has raided Hogan & Hartson’s Brussel’s office to launch a practice of its own.

New York-based Sidley has hired the head of Hogan & Hartson’s Brussels trade practice, Richard Weiner, and Belgian qualified Laurent Reussmann, who will join as a partner.

In addition, Sidley is relocating Maurits Lugard from the firm’s Washington DC arm to the new Brussels office. Lugard spent eight years with the European Commission.

“Opening in Brussels is a logical step in our global strategy,” said Thomas Cole, chairman of Sidley Austin’s executive committee.