Allen & Overy (A&O) is set to strengthen its Australian banking practice with the hire of a partner from Freehills.

Adam Stapledon is set to join the magic circle firm's Sydney office in April, after four years as a partner with Freehills in Australia. He previously worked as a lawyer with Shearman & Sterling in London.

Stapledon's practice focuses on structured debt products and derivatives and project finance transactions in areas such as resources, power, telecommunication and, infrastructure as well as acquisition and corporate financing transactions.

Commenting on the hire, A&O Australia managing partner Grant Fuzi said it comes on the back of swift growth for the firm's Australia practice, since its launch last year.

He said: "The demand for our services has driven the need to selectively grow. Based on our internal and external due diligence Adam is, without question, one of the most highly-regarded finance practitioners in Australia. His specialised expertise will further strengthen our banking capability. We are delighted that Adam saw what we are offering clients and staff here at A&O and decided to join the team."

A&O opened in Sydney and Perth in April last year with the hire of a 14-partner team from local firm Clayton Utz.

It has since added a number of lateral partners to the practice from other Australian firms, including energy partner Angus Jones from Allens Arthur Robinson and competition partner Dave Poddar from Mallesons Stephen Jacques.