Terrence Allen, a corporate and securities expert who joined Pepper Hamilton's Los Angeles office a year ago, is on the move again.

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld announced Tuesday that Allen would join the firm as a partner in its Orange County office in Irvine, California. His departure marks the latest partner exit from Pepper Hamilton, which just saw a prominent construction group join Cozen O'Connor.

Allen said that Akin Gump's regulatory capabilities will help him handle deals in the heavily regulated life sciences sector, which make up a significant chunk of his practice. He has represented Irish drug giant Allergan Inc., which has a large presence in Irvine, on several acquisitions, including the company's nearly $1 billion buy of MAP Pharmaceuticals in 2013.