Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge has added to its City transactional practice with the hire of a former corporate partner from CMS Cameron McKenna.

Niall McAlister (pictured), who left Camerons last summer, joined the London office of the US firm earlier this week (4 January).

His practice focuses on M&A, joint ventures, private equity and venture capital transactions, in particular cross-border transactions in the life sciences sector.

During his time at Camerons, McAlister notably stood for the managing partner position in 2007′s contested election that saw Duncan Weston take the role ahead of McAlister, corporate partner Louise Wallace, property partner Edward Benzecry and commercial partner Nigel Moore.

Edwards Angell managing partner Walter Reed said: "The growth of our life sciences practice group in vital markets like London is a strategic priority for our firm. With his experience and expertise in the life sciences sector, as well his background in complex transactions in other industries, Niall will make a substantial contribution to this important objective."

London managing partner Laurence Harris added: "Niall immediately enhances our already strong capabilities in life sciences and other corporate transactions."

Edwards Angell most recently made a lateral partner addition in London in November 2010 when it hired the head of Rouse Legal, IP specialist Ben Goodger.

However the US firm lost a partner in December when contentious insurance partner Antony Woodhouse joined LG.