Eversheds is set to strengthen its EU, competition and regulatory group with the appointment of SJ Berwin competition partner Lesley Farrell.

Farrell, who is highly rated by Chambers & Partners for contentious competition and European law, will leave SJ Berwin on 31 October and is expected to join her new employers early next year following a break.

She is particularly well known for her competition litigation experience, including advising on cartel damages actions before the High Court and the Competition Appeal Tribunal.

She joined SJ Berwin in 1998 and made partner in 2003, and also served as chair of the Law Society European Group in 2006.

Commenting on her appointment, Farrell said: "Eversheds is one of Europe's leading competition practices and has the largest dispute resolution practice in the UK. I am looking forward to joining a dynamic and well regarded team."

The hire comes after Eversheds boosted its City contentious regulatory practice with the hire of Greg Brandman from the Financial Service Authority's (FSA) enforcement and financial crime division last October.

Eversheds EU, competition and regulatory head Ros Kellaway added: "Lesley is a fantastic asset to our growing team – a heavyweight competition lawyer with excellent experience of follow-on damages litigation."