Ashurst has picked up a partner from Weil, Gotshal & Manges for its restructuring and special situations group in Melbourne as the firm expects to see further demand in those markets.

Alinta Kemeny returns to Australia and rejoins the firm as a partner after having previously worked and trained in Ashurst's offices in both London and Melbourne. She was most recently counsel at Weil Gotshal.

Kemeny has broad experience across corporate restructuring, refinancing, formal insolvency and special situations work, specializing in complex multi-jurisdictional financial restructurings and advises stakeholders including banks, funds and debtors across a wide range of sectors, Ashurst said.

"Alinta has strong commercial instincts and her expertise in large, complex cross-border restructuring matters will add bench strength to our practice in Australia and regionally," James Marshall, head of Ashurst's APAC restructuring and special situations group, said in a statement.

"As the Australian restructuring and insolvency market continues to evolve, as the U.K. and Europe have, her strong track record and market knowledge will be a valuable asset to the team."

The hire comes as insolvencies are generally expected to pick up due to the economic impact of the coronavirus. In March, Dentons hired a commercial litigation partner from DLA Piper for its Melbourne, Australia, office to quickly meet client demand for recovery and restructuring advice.