Latham & Watkins has strengthened its City energy practice with the hire of partner Simon Tysoe from Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF). Tysoe will join the US firm as a corporate partner in London.

Tysoe, who joined legacy Herbert Smith as a trainee in 2000 and became partner in 2010, specialises in complex, cross-border mergers and acquisitions, investments, joint ventures and project development work in the oil and gas sector.

Nick Cline, London office managing partner, said:"[Simon] has significant experience in the African market that further enhances our credentials in the region following the arrival of Kem Ihenacho last year."

Latham hired Clifford Chance (CC) partner Ihenacho as a corporate partner last year. In addition to Ihenacho Latham has made a number of high profile hires in London in recent years. In 2014, it hired Berwin Leighton Paisner structure finance partner Lucy Oddy and Carlyle Group funds lawyer Tom Alabaster. Meanwhile, in 2013, it hired private equity chief David Walker and private equity partner Tom Evans from CC.

Michael  Darden, global chair of Latham's oils & gas transactions practice added: "Simon's arrival is another important step in building a market leading, truly global oil and gas practice following the opening of our Houston office in 2010." 

It is the second time Latham has hired a partner from HSF after appointing Simon Bushell as London chair of its litigation department in 2013.

Related: