DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary has hired White & Case projects partner Neil Upton as its first head of energy and water for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Upton, who was White & Case's chief operating partner in London before stepping down in June last year when the office overhauled its management, joined the firm's Birmingham office on Monday (6 February).

He decided to leave White & Case to spend more time with his wife and newborn son, who live in Birmingham.

Upton told Legal Week: "I am joining DLA Piper for entirely personal reasons, but it is also an immense organisation with a fantastic brand. There is a massive opportunity for my practice there."

The hire is part of DLA Piper's strategy to grow its energy practice in the UK and internationally.

Upton's work focuses on the power and water sectors, advising clients on issues including project finance, privatisations, energy and carbon trading, as well as outsourcing and regulation.

His most recent transactions include working on a major bid to provide outsourcing services to the Abu Dhabi electricity and water industries and on two independent power projects in South Africa.

Nigel Knowles, DLA Piper's UK chief executive, told Legal Week: "We are looking to develop our energy and project finance practice globally and Neil is a man with a massive reputation.

"We have a great projects team, headed by Mark Swindell, and Neil reinforces our position. Energy is a vital and growing sector worldwide, so it is a sensible move to expand our practice."

Upton worked at Slaughter and May before joining Birmingham's Wragge & Co. He joined White & Case in 2002. White & Case said it has no plans to replace him.

First reported on legalweek.com (2 February).