Ashurst has turned to Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer to boost its global energy, resources and infrastructure (ERI) team with the hire of Michael Burns as partner.

Burns, who was a counsel at the magic circle firm, will be based in London, taking the total number of City partners in Ashurst's team to 12.

He advises on M&A, disposals, joint ventures, project development and commercial contracts in the oil and gas and power sectors.

Prior to joining Freshfields, Burns undertook a six month secondment to BG Group. His clients include BG, BP, Itochu Corporation, Korea Electric Power Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation and Osaka Gas.

Ashurst's head of resources Geoffrey Picton-Turbervill said: "The energy and resources sector continues to be a key market for the firm and one in which there are considerable opportunities for the future."

Global head of ERI Mark Elsey said the group is looking to expand – it currently comprises over 150 lawyers worldwide.

In August the firm hired Allen & Overy (A&O) energy partner Charles Williams for its New York office.

In June, the firm won energy and infrastructure team of the year at Legal Week's Middle East Awards for its work advising Etihad Rail on the UAE's ambitious project to build a federal railway.