Allen & Overy (A&O) has made its second hire in the space of week after bolstering its London equity capital markets practice with a hire from a US rival.

Robert Williams joins the magic circle firm's partnership today (5 October) from Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, where he has been a partner for ten years.

Williams is a dual-qualified expert in cross-border M&A and corporate financing, and will work closely with the firm's US corporate finance practice. He regularly advises investment banks on securities, private placements and offerings and international capital markets.

He has been a partner in Skadden's City office since 2008 after moving from the firm's Sydney outpost, where he spent ten years advising on US-related matters.

Commenting on the hire, US practice managing partner Thomas Jones said: "The US remains the largest capital market in the world. It is a vital source of funding, not just for the domestic economy, but for companies around the world. Robert will greatly enhance our ability to help clients in Europe access the US capital markets."

Williams' move follows swiftly on the heels of the hire of high-yield expert Kevin Muzilla from Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCoy.

Muzilla, who will join as a partner next month, will work alongside A&O's US securities group in London. He is expected to bring a heavy book of client relationships along with him.