Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer high-yield partner Gil Strauss has resigned to join Weil Gotshal & Manges, marking the latest departure from the magic circle firm for a US rival.

Strauss, whose practice focuses on US corporate finance and securities, will join Weil in London in the New Year to help build out the firm's European high-yield practice.

The move comes just two years after Strauss joined Freshfields as a partner from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, where he was of counsel, as part of a wider initiative by the magic circle firm to advise on the full spectrum of leveraged finance products.

Since joining Freshfields, Strauss has acted on a number of deals for high-profile clients including Aston Martin on its £304m high yield bond offering on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange in June 2011.

Weil executive partner Barry Wolf said: "With a proven track record in helping build a team in the London market and strong client development skills, we are confident that Gil is the right candidate to further develop our global high yield offering."

The news marks the latest in a number of partner departures from Freshfields for a US firm, with corporate veteran Simon Witty joining Davis Polk & Wardwell's City arm in January this year followed by tax partner Jonathan Cooklin also joining the US firm in the summer.

Meanwhile, competition partner Nicholas Spearing left the firm to join the City arm of Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy in June 2012.

Following the departures the firm increased its notice period for partners from three to six months with effect from May this year.

The hire also adds to a spate of City hires for Weil in recent years, with Hogan Lovells restructuring partner Alexander Wood joining the firm in July this year shortly after Weil strengthened its London finance practice with the hire of Mark Donald from Hogan Lovells.

Weil London managing partner Michael Francies said: "Gil is viewed by sponsor and banking clients alike as one of the best high yield lawyers in the market.

"One of our key strategies for the last couple of years has been to strengthen our finance offering in London and globally. Hiring someone of Gil's calibre was a natural step to take – his addition leverages our US high yield capabilities in one of the key services groups to service the private equity and financial institutions in the market."

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