McGuireWoods has recruited the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) chief criminal counsel David Kirk, in the latest example of law firms hiring lawyers with high-level experience of leading government prosecutions.

Kirk will join the US firm's government, regulatory and criminal investigations practice at the start of 2014, and advise clients on regulatory and compliance matters, as well as criminal investigations.

After joining the legacy Financial Services Authority in 2009, Kirk managed criminal investigations and prosecutions and acted as a liaison with enforcement authorities in Europe and the US.

He was previously a partner at Stephenson Harwood and Simons Muirhead & Burton, and worked as director of the Fraud Prosecution Service from 2006 to 2009.

At McGuireWoods, Kirk will join Vivian Robinson QC, former general counsel of the Serious Fraud Office, who moved to the firm's London office in 2011.

"I have had the pleasure of working with David in the past and I have enormous respect for him both professionally and personally," commented Robinson. "His experience will enhance McGuireWoods' position to advise clients on financial regulation and compliance matters in the UK."

This week the firm also brought in debt finance partner Asheesh Das from Stephenson Harwood.

Formerly based in Singapore, Das represents clients in the transportation, utilities and energy industries in connection with project financing, moveable assets, general banking and trade finance.

Recent roles include advising on the development of a crude oil terminal in UAE financed by $120m (£75m) Islamic loan, and providing counsel to Lion Air on a $21bn (£13bn) aircraft purchase from Boeing and Stolthaven.

"Ash's experience will not only enhance our practice in London, but it will strengthen the scope of services we provide to clients who operate in Asia and around the world," said Bob Cramer, chair of McGuireWoods' debt finance department.

Additional reporting by Grant Murgatroyd.