Paul Hastings Janofsky & Walker has hired a former Goldman Sachs managing director as a partner in its Hong Kong office.

Steve Winegar worked at the bulge bracket bank for 12 years, originally in New York, and since 2005 led the legal coverage team for investment banking, capital markets and principal investment in Asia ex-Japan.

Winegar has been involved in deals including debt and equity capital markets transactions, financings and exits for private equity clients, as handling cross-border mergers and acquisitions both in and out of the region.

Paul Hastings Hong Kong managing partner Neil Torpey commented: "Steve is an exceptional talent and a highly regarded US lawyer who brings with him a wealth of experience and contacts with many of the major global investment banks and private equity firms."

The top 50 US law firm has been in Hong Kong since 2002 and has an established capital markets practice that advised on deals totalling more than $5bn (£3.3bn) in 2009, covering listings, rights issues and bond offers.

The news follows a series of recent hires for Paul Hastings in Asia, including the addition of legacy Hogan & Hartson Beijing managing partner Roger Peng, who left the US firm in the run-up to its merger this year with Lovells.