Linklaters' former Asia managing partner Andrew Roberts has been appointed as in-house counsel by energy company Fontenergy.

Roberts, who began his career in 1981 as a solicitor at New Zealand firm Bell Gully, joined Linklaters in 1986 and became the magic circle firm's first Asia managing partner in 2000.

During this time at the firm, Roberts also spearheaded the development of Linklaters' Middle Eastern practice.

During his private practice career, Roberts specialised in advising on international capital markets and company law, and acted for corporate clients, investment banks and funds, focusing mainly on the emerging markets.

Fontenergy managing director Gareth Jones said: "Andrew has been working with us since our foundation and we are thrilled to have him join us full-time. His appointment helps us create the robust corporate and financial arrangements needed to ensure low carbon energy developments are successful and sustainable."

The news comes two weeks after it was announced that former Linklaters capital markets partner Stephen Edlmann is joining Ashurst as a consultant. Edlmann had held several senior management roles at Linklaters, including as head of international finance and co-head of equity capital markets.