Allen & Overy (A&O) has recruited the founder of Advocates for International Development (A4ID), Chris Marshall, as the head of its pro bono and community affairs department.

Marshall will join the magic circle firm in the New Year after spending six years at Reed Smith, where he was pro bono and community manager for the firm's Europe, Middle East and Africa offices.

A4ID is a not-for-profit organisation which provides lawyers to advise on legal matters in developing nations, working in connection with Make Poverty History.