Chiraag Shah, Morrison & Foerster.

Kirkland & Ellis international arbitration and litigation partner Chiraag Shah is leaving the firm to join Morrison & Foerster's litigation practice in London.

Shah joined Kirkland in 2007 as a partner in its London international arbitration and litigation practice, according to his LinkedIn profile, and led the firm's contentious African practice.

In his new role at Morrison & Foerster, Shah will build up the U.S. firm's London arbitration offering.

Paul Friedman, managing partner of Europe at Morrison & Foerster, said: "We have been focused on bolstering our arbitration offering in London. I'm delighted that, with Chiraag's arrival, we have added significant depth to our international arbitration capabilities to complement our outstanding disputes, white-collar and investigations practices.

"London is a key hub for international arbitration, especially disputes arising in EMEA, and Chiraag's experience is a perfect match as we seek to further expand our arbitration offering."

Shah's practice focuses on cross-border commercial and investor-state arbitration. He is dual-qualified in both Kenya and England and Wales, and has represented clients in disputes across Africa and the Middle East.

Earlier this year, Morrison & Foerster hired Latham & Watkins' former banking co-head, Chris Kandel, to its London banking practice, and also added private equity and real estate partners Luke Mines and Oliver s'Jacob to its London office from Reed Smith.

Shah's departure follows that of two private equity partners from Kirkland's London base to join clients, while the firm's former London head and private equity heavyweight James Learner is set to retire from the firm later this year.