Allen & Overy (A&O) has made its first lateral hires since its restructuring, with two new partners joining the firm.

The magic circle firm has bolstered its intellectual property (IP) practice with the addition of Neville Cordell, who joins from DLA Piper, and Huw Evans, who joins from Wragge & Co.

The duo will focus on contentious IP matters across a variety of industries, including life sciences, financial services, information and media, and technology.