Clifford Chance has underlined its relationship with key client Merrill Lynch by hiring its associate general counsel into its New York office.
George Schieren, a securities litigator, joins the firm after 20 years at the investment bank. He was formerly a member of Merrill Lynch’s executive management committee.
Schieren said: “Clifford Chance offers a wonderful opportunity for me to move into private practice.”
“George Schieren is a valued and respected colleague who has brought exceptional talent, judgment and integrity to legal and policy matters central to Merrill Lynch's success over the past 20 years,” said Stan O'Neal, chief executive officer, and Rosemary Berkery, executive vice president and general counsel of Merrill Lynch. “He has been a trusted advisor, and we look forward to a continuing relationship and the benefit of his counsel.”
Schieren’s recruitment will further boost Clifford Chance’s securities litigation practice in the US led by global litigation head Jim Benedict. His move follows the firm’s mass raid on Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison – revealed by The Lawyer last year.
