Kevin Barnard, the former head of White & Case's bank advisory practice and a member of its management board, will join the New York office of Washington DC's Arnold & Porter, along with another former White & Case banking partner, Alan Avery.
Barnard said he was drawn to Arnold & Porter by the strong regulatory component of its financial institutions practice, which he said would give the firm a unique capability in the present economic environment.
A White & Case lawyer for over two decades, Barnard had been a leading contender in the firm's election last year of a new chairman, a position that ultimately went to former Moscow office head Hugh Verrier. But Barnard said his departure was unrelated to the election result, adding that he was pleased with the firm's choice and that he had great confidence in Verrier.
"I have every expectation of getting them involved in things where Arnold & Porter lacks capacity," he said, noting White & Case's much-larger overseas presence.
Arnold & Porter is hoping the arrival of Barnard and Avery will contribute to the growth of its 100-lawyer New York office.
The firm recently relocated partner Patrick Doyle, who will co-head the financial services practice with Barnard, from Washington DC to New York.
Prior to entering private practice, Barnard's previous clients include Deutsche Bank, which he advised on its acquisitions of both Morgan Grenfell Group and Bankers Trust, and UBS, which he has advised on regulatory matters.
Before entering private practice, he was general counsel of the New York State Banking Department and a former lawyer with the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
Avery, who was promoted to partner at White & Case last year, has worked frequently with Barnard on banking regulatory matters.
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