White & Case and Wragge & Co have both bulked up their Paris practices, hiring a number of local lawyers.

White & Case has joined forces with local litigation boutique Beaussier & Associes, adding a team of two partners, one counsel and four associates. The tie-up gifts the US firm a white-collar practice in its Paris office.

White & Case Europe head of dispute resolution John Willems said: "Beaussier & Associes is a prominent white-collar boutique in Paris and we have been looking to expand in the white-collar area in the city and in Western Europe for some time. We have worked together with Michel Beaussieron prior mandates and have common clients, so it made sense for us to link our resources."

Meanwhile, Wragges has made its first hire in Paris since opening in the city in January this year. The firm has taken on Bruno Richard from Orrick Rambaud Martel to grow its real estate practice, hiring its 11th partner in the region.

Richard will start at Wragges next week after four years at Orrick Rambaud. Prior to joining Orrick Rambaud, Richard was a partner at legacy firm Rambaud Martel for six years.

Wragges head of real estate Adrian Bland said: "Both appointments are part of our medium and long-term strategy, which is building a national and international business with a full-service commitment to real estate, particularly in Paris, London and Birmingham."

Wragges launched in Paris after hiring a 10-partner team from its French referral firm Lefevre Pelletier & Associes in January 2010, while the White & Case Paris office – the firm's first office outside the US – opened in 1926.

The firm has also further bulked up its real estate capabilities with the hire of former Macfarlanes partner Tim Steele as a consultant in its City real estate group.