Bird & Bird intellectual property (IP) partner Trevor Cook has resigned from the firm after 32 years to join US outfit WilmerHale's New York office.

Cook was co-head of the Bird & Bird's international lifesciences group. He joined the top 20 firm as a trainee solicitor in 1974 and was made up as partner in 1981.

In his new role, which will begin at the start of 2014, he will focus on his international practice. The high-profile hire comes as WilmerHale seeks to expand its IP litigation practice outside of the US.

Cook said: "I have found a new home in WilmerHale, which is regarded in Europe as a preeminent force in the US IP litigation market. I very much look forward to […] helping to extend the firm's presence in Europe and Asia."

Bird & Bird has confirmed that Cook is "moving for personal reasons and remains a friend of the firm".

A statement from the firm said: "We can confirm that Trevor Cook has resigned from the partnership and that he will be joining the New York office of WilmerHale.

"We wish him all the best and would like to thank him for the very significant contribution he has made to building our IP and the Life Sciences teams into the leading groups that they are today. Within their specialisms, both are now amongst the largest teams globally; within IP there are over 70 partners and nearly 300 fee earners."

It is not known whether the firm will introduce a new lifesciences sector co-chief. Cook holds the role alongside Italy managing partner Massimiliano Mostardini.

WilmerHale's IP litigation team has acted on several major cases in federal district courts and the US International Trade Commission, and regularly takes roles on patent appeals before the United States Supreme Court and the Federal Circuit.