Jones Day's London managing partner Russell Carmedy and European head of private equity Michael Nouril are leaving the firm to join Proskauer Rose.

The pair handed in their notice earlier today (1 April).

Corporate partner Carmedy (pictured) has led Jones Day's UK practice since the firm merged with Gouldens in 2003, when Carmedy was co-managing partner of the UK firm. His practice focuses on cross-border M&A and leveraged private equity and he has advised on deals in sectors including natural resources, healthcare, and technology.

His recent transactions include advising on Castorama Dubois Investissements' $7.5bn (£4.7bn) merger with B&Q, as well as advising Four Seasons Healthcare on its £1.2bn disposal to Allianz.

Nouril, who has also been at Jones Day since the 2003 merger with Gouldens, advises private equity funds, hedge funds as well as entrepreneurs and family offices. He has worked with clients including Admedia Group, AGF Private Equity, Aspen Finance, Azure Group, Inspicio PLC, Kelso Place Asset Management, Marwyn Capital and Merial.

Both will now join US firm Proskauer Rose, which recently held aborted merger talks with SJ Berwin.

One ex-Jones Day partner commented: "Proskauer wants to merge with a UK firm and has brought in Carmedy with a remit to make it happen."

John Phillips, formerly Jones Day's UK head of corporate, is taking of as partner in charge of the London office. London capital markets partner Giles Elliott will be taking over the role of corporate chief.

News of the departures comes after Ropes & Gray last month recruited Jones Day partner Peter Baldwin for its London private equity practice, while Jones Day restructuring partner Adam Plainer joined Weil Gotshal & Manges in London in January.

US-qualified investment funds partner Mary Kuusisto is currently serving as acting London head of Proskauer, after former London head Matthew Hudson left the firm last year to set up his own firm. Hudson had run the office since its launch in 2007.