Dorsey & Whitney has boosted its London corporate capabilities with the hire of former DLA Piper partner Kate Francis.

Francis, who resigned from DLA last August, becomes the tenth corporate partner in Dorsey's London office. She joined the partnership at DLA in 2005 and her practice focuses on capital markets and M&A.

Her appointment follows that of fellow corporate specialist Matthew Doughty, who joined the US outfit from Addleshaws midway through 2009.

Paul Klaas, Dorsey's partner in charge of international, commented: "Kate adds experience and depth to our corporate group in London and is a fine addition to the firm."

London corporate head Mark Taylor added: "Kate and Matt are important hires for us and add considerable strength to our capital markets practice as well as deepening our contacts with the mid-market banks and corporates on whom we are primarily focused. We anticipate further hires in the short to medium term."

The hire of Francis follows the recent departure of London-based corporate finance partner Richard Baumann to New York firm Morrison Cohen.

DLA Piper recently saw the departure of banking and finance partner Matthew Morgan, who joined Pinsent Masons to lead the national firm's banking team in Manchester.