White and Case has lost another partner with the departure of antitrust specialist Elaine Johnston to Allen & Overy's (A&O's) New York office.

Johnston, who has worked at White and Case since 1993, also held the role of diversity executive partner at the US firm.

A&O said that Johnston will strengthen the firm's existing US corporate and litigation practices and add to the global capability of its antitrust practice.

A&O's New York managing partner Kevin O'Shea said: ''The expertise Elaine brings to the office, combined with the firm's pre-eminent global antitrust and competition practice enables us to serve our clients' needs. This also extends to our clients in Europe, Asia and the US in an integrated and efficient way."

In a statement, White and Case said: "Elaine Johnston has made many close friends at White and Case, and we wish her success in her future endeavours."

Johnston's move marks the fourteenth partner departure in just over two weeks for White and Case, with the other thirteen joining US rival Latham and Watkins.

A four-partner bank finance team led by Chris Kandel moved to Latham's London office at the end of January, with the quartet quickly followed by a further eight partners who joined Latham's offices in Abu Dhabi, New York, Riyadh and London.

White & Case has moved to respond to the departures by drafting in additional finance partners in the City and Middle East, including New York bank finance partner Jake Mincemoyer, who has permanently relocated to London, and global banking head Eric Berg, who will now split his time between New York and London.