Morgan, Lewis & Bockius has hired corporate partners in Russia and the Middle East in a bid to boost its transactional energy offering.

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld's former Abu Dhabi co-managing partner, Chadi Salloum, is joining Morgan Lewis after nine years at the firm. He was a corporate partner in the energy sector and became co-managing partner of the office in 2012.

Prior to that, Salloum held an international counsel role for Rome-based firm Chiomenti Studio Legale for four years, and was an associate in Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom's New York office for six years.

Meanwhile, corporate partner Jennifer Josefson is also joining in Moscow after almost nine years as a corporate partner at King & Spalding.

She has had experience as the vice-president of the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators from 2004 to 2012, and previously was a partner in White & Case's energy practice in Moscow for nine years.

Steve Browne, head of the firm's global corporate and business transactions practice, commented: "The wide-ranging global experience in the energy sector of both Jennifer and Chadi enhances our already robust corporate transactions services in Russia, the CIS, the Middle East, and around the world."

Salloum will be working across Morgan Lewis's Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices, while Josefson will be present in the firm's London and Moscow bases.

Both will be representing clients across the energy sector. Salloum focuses on transactions in energy, power and infrastructure, while Josefson primarily represents clients in oil and gas.

Their arrival follows that of London-based corporate partner Ayesha Waheed from Latham & Watkins, after more than a decade at the firm.

A spokesperson at King & Spalding said: "We thank Jennifer for her contributions to the firm and wish her well."

Akin Gump's spokesperson said the firm wished Salloum "all the best in his future endeavours".