Ashurst has strengthened its French projects practice with the hire of Orrick Rambaud Martel finance partner Sylvie Perrin.

Perrin, who joined the French arm of the City firm on Monday (16 April), focuses on project finance as well as asset finance and tax leasing. Prior to joining legacy firm Rambaud Martel – which merged with San Francisco giant Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe in January 2006 – Perrin was an associate with Watson Farley & Williams. She was admitted to the Paris Bar in 1997.

Ashurst now has around 70 lawyers – including 13 partners – in Paris, with M&A, acquisition finance and structured finance the main focus of the office.

The latest move continues a run of departures from Orrick's Paris arm in the period since its merger with Rambaud Martel, including former managing partner Raphaele Courtier, who left for Slaughter and May best friend Bredin Prat.

Commenting on the hire, Ashurt Paris managing partner Frederic Pinet said in a statement: "Finance and projects are key areas for us and Sylvie's experience in these fields provides an excellent fit with our existing capabilities."