Ashurst's London-based former oil and gas co-head Philip Thomson has left the firm to join Baker McKenzie, marking the third senior departure from the firm's London office this year.

He has joined Baker's energy, mining and infrastructure practice, which sits within its London corporate team.

Thompson joined Ashurst in 2005 and previously led the firm's energy practice in Singapore between 2010 and 2014. He also spent time on secondment to BG Group, working on a natural gas liquefaction project for the company.

His exit is the latest senior departure from the firm, following London head Simon Beddow and corporate partner Robert Ogilvy-Watson earlier this year.

Thompson is the latest transactional partner hire for Baker McKenzie. London managing partner Alex Chadwick has overseen a period of expansion for the practice in the city, with the firm making several lateral hires across corporate, finance and private equity.

Ashurst also announced on Thursday that it has expanded its Paris office with the hire of a real estate team.

The firm has boosted the base with Simmons & Simmons Paris real estate head Patrick Gerry, along with three associates from the firm.

A spokesperson for Ashurst said: "We wish Philip all the best in the next phase of his career and thank him for his contribution to the firm."