Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) Germany managing partner Michael Dietrich is leaving the firm to join Clifford Chance's (CC's) Duesseldorf office just five months after he took up the leadership post.

The departure of competition, regulation and trade partner Dietrich comes after he succeeded outgoing HSF German managing partner Ralf Thaeter – who had been in the role for five years – this January.

Dietrich, who started his career at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in 2007, joined HSF in 2014 from Taylor Wessing, where he led the firm's German competition, EU and trade practice.

Alongside his regional managing partner duties, he also led HSF's Germany antitrust practice. He relocated to Duesseldorf from Frankfurt in 2016, when HSF launched in the city.

It is understood that discussions are now underway to appoint a new Germany managing partner. Dietrich's departure date is yet to be confirmed.

CC Germany managing partner Peter Dieners said: "When selecting new partners, we focus on personalities with particular ambition and potential to advance our team and strategy. We are pleased to have found, in Michael Dietrich, a partner who matches this profile.

"His expertise and experience perfectly complements our strong antitrust team, which our clients will certainly appreciate."

Dietrich's hire comes weeks after CC added former Freshfields regulatory partner Thomas Voland to its corporate practice in Duesseldorf, while the magic circle firm also hired White & Case corporate partner Markus Stephanblome for its Frankfurt office in November last year.

CC antitrust partner Joachim Schuetze added: "We are committed to dynamically expanding our antitrust practice and to further strengthening our client offering and market position. We will continue our growth both by winning experienced laterals to our platform and by further developing our talented counsels and associates."