Baker & McKenzie has expanded its South African offering with the addition of two new partners in Johannesburg.

The firm has hired DLA Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr banking and finance partner Jennifer Stolp (pictured) and relocated London-based capital markets and banking partner Chris Hogan to the South African office.

The two partners build on Baker & Mckenzie's rapidly growing offering in the country after launching its office in May 2012 through the hire of a 31-strong team from the now defunct Dewey & LeBoeuf.

In August the firm launched a competition practice in Johannesburg with the bolt-on of local boutique Van Chetty Competition Law.

Managing partner of Baker & McKenzie's Johannesburg office and head of the banking and finance practice, Wildu du Plessis said of Stolp: "Having led on some of the most high profile deals in the market, she brings with her a huge wealth of knowledge and experience particularly in project and acquisition finance and is an additional boost to our growing banking and finance practice."

Hogan's transfer will boost the English law capabilities of the office following the move of banking and finance partner Frances Okosi from London to Johannesburg earlier this year.

Stolp's exit from DLA Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr comes as management figures from DLA Piper and its South African ally are engaged in talks over the nature of the relationship, following client conflict issues on the continent.