Allen & Overy (A&O) has added to its Australian litigation practice with the hire of Corrs Chambers Westgarth (CCW) partner Mark van Brakel.

Brakel, who is based in Perth as the first litigation partner in that office, specialises in advising energy and resources companies on everything from engineering, project and joint venture disputes, to contentious matters involving directors and shareholders.

Previously a partner in the Perth office of Australian firm CCW for three years, Brakel has a deep understanding of the Australian market. Prior to working for CCW, he also spent 13 years at local firm Clayton Utz.

His appointment comes less than two years after the magic circle firm launched its litigation and regulatory investigations practice in Australia with the hire of disputes partner John Samaha in Sydney.

Brakel brings the total number of partners in A&Os Perth office to five and its Australian tally to 21.

"Allen & Overy's litigation practice is now well established in Australia," said Tim House, global head of litigation at the firm.

"Mark's appointment is a necessary step in meeting client demand for our offering. It also reflects our determination to be recognised as a compelling choice for complex and significant disputes and contentious regulatory issues."

A&O first entered the Australian market in March 2010 with the hire of 17 new partners and the launch of offices in Sydney and Perth covering a range of sectors.

Of the new recruits, fourteen joined the magic circle firm from Australia's Clayton Utz, whilst a further three joined from other firms or banks.

Senior partner for A&O David Morley told Legal Week at the time that partners had decided to launch in Australia after spotting increasing amounts of inbound and outbound investment activity.

However, the Australian market was hit hard at the end of last year, and a number of international and local firms have since been forced to cut back on staff.

A&O has not announced any Australian redundancies, but did lose two high profile Sydney partners last year. 

Competition and anti-trust partner Dave Poddar left the firm along with his wife, banking partner Angela Flannery in October, with Poddar joining Clifford Chance in January.