National firm Hammonds has hired EDF Energy in-house lawyer Adam Langridge as a partner in its London office.

Langridge, who previously worked at Denton Wilde Sapte, specialises in energy-related M&A, regulatory and commodities work. He joins Hammonds this month.

He will work as part of the firm's national energy and utilities group, which has recently worked on deals including energy giant Beaufort's £165m acquisition of a quartet of wind-farms.

Hammonds head of corporate William Downs said: "Adam is a welcome addition to the team and he will undoubtedly strengthen our expanding energy and utilities group. He has in-depth knowledge and experience [which] will compliment the current offering of the group."

The hire marks a rare appointment by Hammonds after the firm last month saw the end of its controversial lock-in deal, which was designed to stem the flow of partner departures after a troubled period.

Hammonds also last month posted a 61% rebound in average partner profits to £328,000 as the firm continues its drive to regain the initiative in the national market.