Lovells' former German managing partner and local head of private equity Oliver Felsenstein has resigned for Clifford Chance (CC), although it is not clear how much of his 12-month notice period he will have to serve before joining the magic circle firm.

Felsenstein, who stood down as German chief last year, resigned from Lovells this morning (20 September) with four associates to move over to CC's local branch.

He is currently the top 10 London firm's German private equity head and will be succeeded in the role by Joachim Habetha.

Felsenstein is one of Lovells' most senior German partners and has a 12-month notice period, with sources at the UK firm saying that negotiations over his exit terms are about to start.

The hire is a boost to CC's German arm, which recently ditched its Berlin office as part of a profits push.

News of Felsenstein's departure comes as two US firms announced the recruitment of Lovells partners. Los Angeles firm Paul Hastings Janofksy & Walker has hired corporate partner Keith Wilson and Washington DC's Howrey has taken commercial litigator Melanie Willems.