Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan has boosted its London office with the hire of corporate investigations and white-collar crime partner Robert Amaee, from Covington & Burling.

His arrival next month will see him head up a new London white-collar and corporate investigations practice for Quinn Emanuel.

Before joining Covington in 2011, he served as head of anti-corruption, head of proceeds of crime and head of international assistance at the UK Serious Fraud Office, leading the investigation and prosecution of high profile bribery and money-laundering cases. He was made partner at Covington in 2012.

Quinn's managing partner, John Quinn, said: "White-collar work has been the biggest growth area for our firm in recent years. Our goal is to be able to offer white-collar and investigations representation in every major venue. Adding a recognised leader from the English bar like Robert, in London, is a big step towards achieving that goal."

In June, the firm hired Herbert Smith Freehills partner James Bremen to lead its London construction disputes practice.

Last month, the litigation boutique announced plans to launch a £19bn class action against MasterCard on behalf of British debit and credit card holders.

The action will be the largest case by far under a year-old UK law that expands the ability of private parties to seek collective redress for violations of UK competition law.