Macfarlanes has recruited Baker & McKenzie energy and projects partner Scott Brodsky to join its commercial practice, marking the firm's second lateral hire this month.

Brodsky is co-managing partner of Bakers' Johannesburg office and has advised on a broad range of global projects in the power, renewable energy, oil and gas and transport sectors.

He also acts on restructurings and insolvencies arising out of project financings, and on the acquisition and disposal of project assets.

Jeremy Courtenay-Stamp, head of the commercial practice at Macfarlanes, said: "We have known Scott for many years and admired his success in building a world class reputation in international projects work. When we took the strategic decision to develop our projects practice, Scott was our natural first choice to lead that initiative."

Earlier this month Macfarlanes added to its commercial real estate practice with the hire of Ashurst partner Anthony Burnett-Scott. His appointment followed the other recent additions to the practice of partners Clare Breeze, who joined from Shearman and Sterling in July and Ann Minogue, also from Ashurst, in August.

Charles Martin, Macfarlanes senior partner (pictured) added: "Scott is a highly talented and energetic projects/infrastructure lawyer with a proven track record who we have known for some time. This area has long been a gap in our practice. Whilst his experience is global, his focus on Africa comes at a time when we are seeing significant client interest in the continent. The fit with other existing practice areas in the firm is also good making this a compelling and exciting opportunity for us."

Macfarlanes saw revenue climb 11.6% with profits per equity partner (PEP) increasing by 9.5% for the 2012-13 financial year. Revenue rose from £102.3m to £114.2m while PEP jumped from £903,000 to £989,000 – within touching distance of the £1m landmark the firm achieved during the credit boom.