Leading French law firm Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier has bolstered its practice with the hire of three new partners, including one from Linklaters.

Corporate partner Bertrand Cardi joins Darrois, having been a partner at Linklaters in Paris since 2004. He joined the magic circle firm as an associate in 2000, having previously worked with Gide Loyrette Nouel.

Cardi, who spent two years in New York during his time with Linklaters, focuses on M&A, particularly public M&A and private equity transactions.

The French firm has also hired litigator Christophe Ingrain, who joins from the French Government, where he served as technical adviser for legal to the president. Prior to this he was chief of staff to the Minister of Justice from 2005 to 2007.

In addition, public law expert Henri Savoie joins Darrois as a partner from the Paris office of US giant Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom where he has been since 2007, most recently as a counsel. Before going into private practice Savoie was an adviser to former French prime minister Alain Juppe between 1995-97.

Name partners Jean-Michel Darrois and Emmanuel Brochier said of the expansion: "[The hires] mark an important step in the evolution of our firm and demonstrate our determination and ability to continue to attract the most talented lawyers to reinforce our existing teams and capabilities in the firm's principal practice areas: corporate law, major domestic and international M&A and financial transactions and complex litigation."