Addleshaw Goddard has bolstered its City arm with the hire of leveraged finance partner John Cutler.

Cutler (pictured) joins the firm this week (6 September) as a partner in the national firm's London banking practice, which sits within the finance and projects division.

He formerly spent more than 15 years at DLA Piper, where he was a well-respected City partner, advising banks and financial institutions.

Cutler is the third partner to join Addleshaws' banking practice this year following the hires of Dominic O'Brien from Herbert Smith and Claire Denison from White & Case. Denison will be reunited with Cutler having previously worked together at DLA before she left to join the US firm.

Addleshaws managing partner Paul Devitt said: "John's reputation is outstanding and we are delighted that he has chosen to join us. His proven track record advising major lenders, combined with our existing capability, will be an attractive proposition, especially in the City."

The top 50 UK firm's finance and projects division comprises more than 30 partners and 130 other fee earners across London, Leeds and Manchester.

The division saw revenues drop by almost 10% during the 2009-10 financial year to £37.3m from the total of £41.4m took in during 2008-09.