Two partners have left Howrey's Brussels office to join Olswang and McDermott Will & Emery in the Belgian capital.

Patricia Cappuyns joins Olswang's intellectual property (IP) group today (1 September) after five years at Howrey, where she made partner in January 2009.

Her client portfolio includes MEGA Brands, DSM, Sara Lee and Elvis Presley Enterprises.

Meanwhile, fellow Howrey partner Martina Maier is set to join McDermott's antitrust and competition practice later this month before taking over the role of EU competition head when current incumbent Clive Stanbrook steps down in January.

Maier said: "This was not a decision against Howrey, but a decision for a great career opportunity.

"In taking on the responsibility for the EU competition practice at McDermott I will look to develop its business and raise its profile, as the recognition that it has at the moment does not reflect the quality of the people, the actual work done and the potential of the European practice for this great firm."

Olswang Brussels IP head Christine De Keersmaeker said: "Patricia's experience will add a new dimension and strength to our existing IP/TMT team here in Brussels and help us realise our ambitious growth plans."

The latest departures for Howrey come after partner Lars Kjolbye left the firm in June to join Covington & Burling's global antitrust and competition practice in Brussels.