Macfarlanes corporate and M&A partner Garrett Hayes has left the firm to join Paul Hastings Janofsky & Walker in London.

Hayes, who specialises in M&A and private equity advice and acts primarily for private equity sponsors and portfolio companies on leveraged buyouts, restructurings and auctions, joins the US firm after 16 years at Macfarlanes. He had been a partner since 2005.

The hire takes Paul Hastings' City M&A practice to three partners, with total partner count in the London office now standing at 18.

Paul Hastings London chair and vice-chairman of the global corporate group Ronan O'Sullivan (pictured) said: "As a firm, we are focused on growing London and New York. Financially the firm is in good shape but we recognise that to continue our trajectory we need strength and depth in our corporate practice in these two jurisdictions. With the private equity market coming back to life, Garrett is joining us at a good time, ensuring that we are well positioned in London to service our firmwide clients."

Hayes' move follows the recent departures of two other Macfarlanes' City partners, with planning head Ian Ginbey and real estate partner Richard Reuben exiting the firm in March to join Clyde & Co and Fladgate respectively.

O'Sullivan, who joined Paul Hastings six years ago from Herbert Smith and made partner in 2006, was appointed as managing partner of the US firm's London office in April, following former office head Phil Feder's return to Los Angeles.