The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has rejigged its legal team following the departure of two senior officials for of counsel roles at US firms Covington & Burling and White & Case.

The head of the SFO's anti-corruption team, Robert Amaee, has left the government body to join Covington & Burling as of counsel, as Covington moves to strengthen its London white-collar crime group.

Meanwhile, the body's head of policy Charlie Monteith has left to join White & Case in London.

Amaee will be replaced by senior SFO official Satnam Tumani, who will lead the anti-corruption team, which deals with investigating and prosecuting bribery and money-laundering cases, as well as developing the agency's policies in these areas.

Monteith will be replaced by Chris Walker, who recently joined the policy department recently from the Ministry of Defence.

SFO director Richard Alderman (pictured) commented: "It is a testament to the high levels of professionalism inside the SFO that our personnel are highly valued in private practice. At the moment, in particular, those with experience dealing with overseas corruption and bribery and an understanding of the Bribery Law and how it is likely to be implemented are even more valuable."

He added: "As director of the SFO I welcome enhanced links between the organisation and private practice, whilst assuring the public that there are other able and talented people inside the SFO to take on the responsibilities of those who have left."

White & Case litigation partner Alistair Graham commented: "Monteith is one of the key architects of the Bribery Act and will be seen as an asset to the firm by our clients.

"When it comes into force in April 2011, the UK's new Bribery Act will change the risk landscape for any company which carries out business in the UK, wherever it's located. Having Charlie onboard is going to be an enormous asset to clients in helping them understand and comply with this seismic piece of legislation."