Italian law firm Grimaldi Studio Legale has hired former Clifford Chance (CC) chief executive Michael Bray and ex-Allen & Overy (A&O) partner Riccardo Sallustio.

Bray is joining the firm as a partner, adding to its banking and finance practice, although Grimaldi has said it will continue to only practise Italian law from its City base.

Bray retired from CC at the end of last year after 45 years at the firm. In 1993 he founded Grimaldi Clifford Chance with current chairman Vittorio Grimaldi.