Baker McKenzie has hired private equity partner Justin Hutchinson from Kirkland & Ellis in London, in the second private equity defection in a week for the the U.S. giant.

Hutchinson is leaving Kirkland after more than 13 years at the firm. With a focus on private equity, he made partner in 2012, leading for major private equity houses such as Bain Capital and Summit Partners on cross-border investments, leveraged buyouts, management equity arrangements and disposals.

For Kirkland's London office, it is the latest departure in a week, with partner Carl Bradshaw leaving for Goodwin. Bradshaw also acted for Bain Capital, as well as for HIG and other financial sponsors.

David Allen, chair of Baker McKenzie's global private equity practice, said in a statement: "Justin is a key name in the private equity community in London and widely respected.

"Our financial sponsor practice is going from strength to strength as sponsors continue to be attracted by the breadth of our geographical, industry and practice offerings. Justin will complement and strongly support the continued growth of our team. We are thrilled that he is joining us."

Hutchinson cited Bakers' "excellence across a wide range of practice areas and industries" as the key drivers behind his move.

Bakers has recently bulked up its London offering, hiring Ashurst's longstanding corporate partner Nick Bryans and White & Case's tax partner Prabhu Narasimhan this summer.