Leith Moghli

Proskauer Rose has hired funds partner Leith Moghli from U.S. rival Reed Smith, in a boost for its London office.

Moghli joined Reed Smith in 2017 from Kirkland & Ellis, where he worked for 10 years, making partner in 2015.

Proskauer is aiming to boost its funds practice in the city, with Moghli's hire following that of Stephenson Harwood corporate finance partner Warren Allan, who joined the U.S. firm last month.

Proskauer London funds partner Nigel van Zyl said in a statement: "We are committed to the strategic growth and expansion of our global funds practice to ensure our clients continue to have access to the very best talent. Leith's hire is one of a number of significant developments in our implementation of that strategy."

Moghli and Allan's hires are relatively rare additions to Proskauer's City base.

While the firm hired several King & Wood Mallesons partners prior to its European arm's collapse in 2016, it has been less active in the lateral market since then.

Proskauer grew its turnover by nearly 10% in its latest financial results, hitting a record high of $977.9 million in 2017-18. Meanwhile, profits per equity partner at the firm hit $2.66 million in 2018, up 12.4% on the previous year.

Other recent funds moves in London include a flurry of funds lawyers leaving O'Melveny & Myers to join Akin Gump.