Morgan Lewis has hired its second Simmons & Simmons partner in recent months, with private funds partner Noel Ainsworth set to join the US firm in the New Year.

Ainsworth, who will be joining as a partner in Morgan Lewis's London business & finance practice, advises on all aspects of private investment funds and investment management. His practice involves the formation and operation of funds including private equity, credit and distressed credit, clean energy, infrastructure, real estate and hybrid funds.

Ainsworth has acted on high-profile mandates, including the merger of the private equity arms of investment managers Gartmore and Hermes to create Hermes GPE, which has around £4.1bn worth of assets under management.

The hire comes after Morgan Lewis strengthened its London energy transactions practice with the hire of Simmons partner Martin Stewart-Smith. Stewart-Smith joined the firm in September after serving out his notice period.

New York-based private investment funds head Louis Singer said: "At a time when more than 50% of US funds work involves Europe, Noel is an important addition to our team, not only for our clients in Europe, but for our global capability as a whole. His experience in Europe, paired with our sizeable team around the world offers clients a tremendous resource."

London managing partner Chuck Lubar added: "We are thrilled to add another partner to our already sizeable private investment funds team. As we continue to focus on our core strengths in business and finance and private equity, someone with Noel's fund formation experience is an ideal fit."