Jones Day has strengthened its London litigation practice with the hire of Christopher Braithwaite and Baiju Vasani from Simmons & Simmons and US firm Crowell & Moring respectively.

Braithwaite, who is joining Jones Day's City arm later this month (16 July), advises banks and financial institutions on financial litigation and arbitration, regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings, as well as insurance coverage issues and associated litigation.

Notably, he led the team at Simmons advising hedge fund RAB Market Cycles Fund on disputes relating to the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy saga in 2009.

Vasani, who is both UK and US qualified, will split his time between London and Washington DC, where he was based with Crowell. His arbitration practice focuses on international investment and commercial arbitration covering parties including national political establishments and inter-governmental organisations, as well as private companies and state-owned enterprises.

London managing partner John Phillips commented: "Christopher and Baiju are joining what is already one of the leading international disputes practices and they will further enhance its reputation."

Braithwaite said: "There remain many financial and regulatory issues to resolve arising out of the financial crisis and I am looking forward to working with the litigation, regulatory, and banking and finance teams to provide an integrated and service to Jones Day's clients."