James Corbett QC has left Serle Court and the Bar to gift US firm Kobre & Kim its first English law capability in London.

Corbett joined Kobre's City arm as a partner earlier this month (6 April), as the trial lawyer firm looks to bulk up its English law expertise following its London launch last summer. The firm plans to have five English-qualified lawyers in the City by the autumn.

Corbett, who did not have to requalify due to recent changes to the Bar Council's Code of Conduct, will begin practising English law as soon as the firm obtains clearance from the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

He will work closely alongside US-qualified partners Michael Kim and Robert Henoch, who divide their time between New York and London.

Corbett, whose practice has a Caribbean and Central American focus, will help to develop Kobre's presence in the Far East and Latin America. He will also spend some time in the firm's new Hong Kong office, which is due to open in September.

Corbett commented: "This is a trial law firm and I will continue to appear as an advocate in English litigation and worldwide arbitration. I have been at the Bar for a long time and although I was not looking for a change, this was an opportunity that came along and looked fascinating."

The Legal Services Board recently approved Bar Standards Board applications designed to relax Code of Conduct rules governing barristers' working practices, including allowing barristers to join law firm partnerships.