DLA Piper has strengthened its German administrative law practice with the hire of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer partner Ludger Giesberts.

Giesberts, who joined DLA Piper's Cologne office last week (1 March), becomes a partner in the firm's litigation and regulatory group and is tasked with developing the team across Germany and Europe.

Giesberts, who is accompanied by two Freshfields associates, focuses on building, planning, environmental and aviation law. He has represented several German airports and recently advised on the financing of the new Berlin-Schonefeld airport.

Commenting on the appointment, DLA Piper German managing partner Ulrich Jungst said: "Administrative law and regulatory matters are becoming increasingly important to businesses and organisations of all sizes.

"[Giesberts] is one of Germany's most highly regarded lawyers in the field of administrative law and he will be key to the expansion of our litigation and regulatory practice group in Germany and beyond."

The departure of Giesbert comes after senior corporate partners Ralph Wollburg and Achim Kirchfeld quit Freshfields' German arm late last year. The duo joined magic circle rival Linklaters to launch a Duesseldorf office for the City giant.