A Russell-Cooke litigation and regulation partner has passed away, the firm confirmed in a statement.

Paolo Sidoli, a partner in the litigation and professional discipline team at Russell-Cook, died earlier this week.

Sidoli first joined the firm as a partner ten years ago, according to his LinkedIn profile. Prior to joining Russell-Cooke, Sidoli was a senior associate at Wilmott Clarke's Bristol office for four years.

He spent a total of eight years as a trainee and later as an associate at Ashurst, before joining legacy Nabarro as an associate for five years.

A spokesperson for the firm said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that we confirm that our friend and colleague Paolo Sidoli, a partner in our regulatory litigation team, died suddenly and unexpectedly yesterday evening at the age of 51.

"It is believed that he suffered a heart attack at home. He leaves a wife and a daughter and our thoughts and sympathies are with them at this very difficult time."

Throughout his career, Sidoli advised a number of clients on fraud and asset freezing matters, according to his profile on Russell-Cooke's website.

He also often acted for the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) on several proceedings brought to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.