Mayer Brown makes capital markets hire in Paris

Mayer Brown has bolstered its French capital markets practice with the hire of Robert Flanigan to its Paris office.

Flanigan, who joined the firm on 16 June, will head the capital markets practice and brings the total Paris partnership to 15.

Prior to joining the Anglo-American firm, Flanigan headed up the capital markets practice at US rival Winston & Strawn in Paris for three years. He also previously worked at Shearman & Sterling.

Flanigan advises financial institutions and handles initial public offerings in both the French and Spanish markets.

Flanigan's arrival comes after a heavy recruitment period for Mayer Brown, with the firm seeing more than 16 lateral hires since January 2007.

Commenting on Flanigan's arrival, Paris senior partner, Jean-Philippe Lambert said: "We are certain that he will contribute greatly to developing our practice and strengthen our ability to offer a full range of high-quality services to our clients, both in France and internationally."

The news comes after US rival Bryan Cave launched a Paris office earlier this week, marking the fourth European office for the firm. Bryan Cave opened in Germany and Italy last year.

M&A partner Kathie Claret and public and private funds partner Joseph Smallhoover have been hired from Dechert's French practice to launch the new office.