Allen & Overy has appointed Patrick Mischo as its sole office leader in Luxembourg as activity in the grand duchy heats up.

Mischo will be the office's senior partner while Frank Mausen, who co-headed the office with Mischo, is stepping down as managing partner and will take on a strategic role as market intelligence and know-how partner, Allen & Overy said in a statement.

The change to single-person management is in line with much of the wider Allen & Overy network, the firm said.

Mischo's appointment is for four years. A tax specialist, he joined Allen & Overy in 2000 and was promoted to partner in 2009.

Mausen, who joined Allen & Overy in 2003, was promoted to partner in 2011. He will continue to co-head the capital markets and banking law department and will continue to represent the firm on the Haut Comité de la Place Financière, an advisory body.

Luxembourg, a headquarters for private equity and fund management in Europe, has been the scene of increased activity in the legal sector this week.

Among the most recent arrivals, KPMG Avocats has set up an office in the grand duchy with a four-lawyer team recruited from Charles Russell Speechlys.

Debevoise & Plimpton has opened an office headed by a former Allen & Overy counsel, Christopher Dortschy.