Norton Rose is to see a fourth partner leave for a US firm in as many months, with London and Moscow-based corporate finance specialist Andrei Yakovlev set to join Winston & Strawn.

Yakovlev has been a partner with Norton Rose since 2007, when he joined the top 10 City firm after a two-month stint at Baker Botts. He had previously worked at legacy Dewey Ballantine.

Eligible to practice in the US, Russia and the UK, Yakovlev has a practice focused on international debt and equity capital markets, M&A and sovereign finance matters, with a particular emphasis on emerging markets and the energy, metals and mining, telecommunications and financial services sectors. He will continue to split his time between Winston's London and Moscow offices.

Commenting on the hire, Winston managing partner Tom Fitzgerald said the hire comes in a bid to strategically grow the corporate finance practice in emerging markets.

He said: "Andrei brings truly exceptional experience that will enable Winston to service the increased corporate finance activity we're seeing in the emerging markets which are strategically important for Winston's further growth."

Yakovlev added: "My experience and established connections with many global players in the emerging markets will be important in further building the firm's corporate finance practice in the emerging markets."

Other recent departures from Norton Rose notably included former litigation head Antony Dutton, who left last month to join Dechert, corporate partner Anthony Riley, who joined the London office of Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe in November, meanwhile corporate partner Simon J Cox has resigned for McGuireWoods.

The firm also added two City partners in November, with Barlow Lyde & Gilbert's head of marine, energy and trade Patrick Foss joining alongside fellow marine insurance partner Chris Zavos.