SJ Berwin's London disputes partners Justin Michaelson and Tim Beale are set to depart for two US firms.

Michaelson, who is head of the firm's international arbitration practice in London, has resigned to take up a position at Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson.

He joined SJ Berwin as a partner in 2007 after a stint as a senior associate at Weil Gotshal & Manges. His London leadership role is not a formal position and the firm's global arbitration chief and disputes partner, Tim Taylor QC, will continue to head up the group.

Meanwhile, commercial litigation and fraud partner Tim Beale is leaving to join Reed Smith's City commercial disputes practice. He joined SJ Berwin from Simmons & Simmons in 1994 and made partner in 2003.

Reed Smith European and Middle East commercial disputes head Richard Spafford commented: "[Beale's] experience in running complex cross-border commercial litigation will make him a strong addition to the Reed Smith disputes team."

Beale's move comes after City corporate partner Perry Yam left SJ Berwin to set up a private equity practice in Reed Smith's London office last year.

Following their departures, SJ Berwin will have 11 partners in its litigation team. Neither partner has a formal start date yet.

SJ Berwin commented: "We thank Justin and Tim for their contributions and wish them both every success for the future."

Fried Frank was not available for comment.