Kingsley Napley has secured the marquee signing of DLA Piper white-collar crime partner Jo Rickards.

The former head of Peters & Peters' fraud and regulatory group acted for former News of the World editor Andy Coulson in the recent phone-hacking trial, on which Kingsley Napley represented Charlie and Rebekah Brooks.

In addition to her work on the hacking trial, which resulted in a conviction and 18-month jail term for Coulson (pictured) and acquittals for Charlie and Rebekah Brooks, Rickards has been involved in a string of high-profile cases. These include the investigation into Libor fixing by UK banks and acting for former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in connection with corruption charges he faced in his home country.

Her appointment will be seen as a coup for Kinglsey Napley and brings the partner headcount in its criminal litigation team to 13.

"Kingsley Napley is the natural home for someone of Jo's talent" said practice head Stephen Parkinson. "Having worked alongside her in high profile trials, we recognise her tenacity, meticulous preparation and sound judgment. Her reputation is wholly justified. We are all delighted she's joining the team. Together we are confident of continuing to expand the service we offer to an increasing number of clients facing tumultuous times."

Rickards added: "I am very excited by the prospect of joining the most respected UK firm in this field and working with the talented individuals there. Criminal and regulatory scrutiny of major corporates and senior employees has never been more challenging for clients or for us."