Covington & Burling has boosted its City employment practice with a team hire from fellow US firm Paul Hastings Janofsky & Walker.

The firm has rehired Christopher Walter as a partner in its European employment practice after he left 2005 to join Paul Hastings as London employment chair.

He will be joined at Covington by special counsel Chris Bracebridge and associate Helena Laughrin.

Walter was formerly a counsel with Covington in London, before which he was an associate with Baker & McKenzie.

He advises employers on matters including the employment and employee benefits aspects of M&A, outsourcing and down-sizing and litigation.

Covington said the team will enhance the firm's capabilities to meet the needs of its growing European corporate practice.

Covington's European corporate head Mike Kingston commented: "The team brings additional depth and experience to our employment group, which will benefit our clients in many industries including life sciences and financial services."

Walter added: "Covington's international platform and client base, coupled with the firm's fast expanding European corporate presence, offer a very attractive proposition and an excellent vehicle for our practice."