Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson has boosted its presence in London with the hire of two new partners from fellow US firm Bryan Cave.

Litigation partner Nick Cherryman joined the US firm last Wednesday (26 May), while James Kitching is set to follow him after serving his notice period at Bryan Cave.

Cherryman joins Fried Frank's international disputes practice after six years in the commercial litigation department at Bryan Cave. His practice focuses on international arbitration and large multi-jurisdictional and international commercial disputes. He has substantial experience in handling fraud-related matters.

Kitching, who was an associate at Bryan Cave, focuses on white-collar crime, enforcement and special investigations work. He also handles litigation and international arbitration proceedings, principally in relation to high-value commercial contract and fraud disputes.

Cherryman commented: "Working with James will be business as usual and I look forward to it. Joining Fried Frank's vibrant and successful international disputes practice in London is very exciting, and I intend to grow the practice based on the firm's outstanding list of clients."

William McGuinness, the New York-based chair of Fried Frank's litigation department, added: "Investigatory and commercial dispute resolution matters are becoming increasingly cross-border, and London is an important centre for these matters.

"Nick and James' experience and expertise greatly enhance our ability to serve our clients' needs in these areas as we further extend our established international arbitration, investigations and litigation practices in the US and the UK."

The moves come after Fried Frank last month added to its London base with the hire of Olswang competition partner Alasdair Balfour.

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