Allen & Overy (A&O) has boosted its global IP practice with the hire of a partner from Simmons & Simmons.

Marjan Noor, who had been a partner at Simmons since 2010, is a patent disputes and regulatory partner with a particular focus on the life sciences sector. Her hire takes A&O's global IP practice to 16 partners.

In addition to her legal qualifications, she also has a medical sciences and pharmacology degree, with her legal practice focused on patent litigation for research companies as well as pharmaceutical regulatory advice and litigation.

Noor has previously represented clients in proceedings before the UK courts and the European Court of Justice.

Tim House, global head of litigation at A&O, said: "Marjan is an excellent patent litigator and life sciences regulatory specialist. We are confident that her appointment will boost and strengthen our client offering."

She joined Simmons from the London office of Howrey, the US law firm which dissolved in 2011. Prior to Howrey, Noor was a partner at Taylor Wessing. 

Her appointment at A&O comes as the magic circle firm moves to boost its global litigation practice.

In an interview with the firm's newly elected management team, managing partner Andrew Ballheimer said the firm plans to raise litigation revenue from 18% to more than 20%.

Ballheimer and senior partner Wim Dejonghe also discussed the firm's plans for further expansion in Europe and the US.

As both made clear before they were elected, growth of the firm's US practice will form a central plank of targeted investment, with Europe seen as "90% built", allowing for some expansion in Germany, France and Spain.