Shearman & Sterling has hired Mayer Brown private equity lawyer Thomas Philippe as a partner in Paris.

Mayer Brown also is losing London tax partner Ben Fryer, who is leaving for Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.

Philippe leaves Mayer Brown after more than 17 years at the firm. He advises private equity firms on their investment activities and their work with their portfolio companies. He is particularly experienced in leveraged buyout transactions.

"Thomas has extensive insight into the French private equity market and the issues affecting private equity firms. This depth of experience will augment our Paris offering," said Guillaume Isautier, leader of Shearman & Sterling's Paris corporate practice and deputy head of its Paris office.

Last month, Mayer Brown recruited senior litigation lawyer Emilie Vasseur from French firm Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier as a partner in its Paris office.