Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan has boosted its international arbitration offering with a hire from U.S. rival Shearman & Sterling.

London partner Mark McNeill will join litigation powerhouse Quinn Emanuel’s New York office after 12 years at Shearman.

He joined Shearman in 2007 as counsel and was initially based in its Paris office. He was promoted to partner in its London base three years later.

Prior to joining Shearman, McNeill worked in the office of the Legal Adviser of the U.S. Department of State. He is admitted to practise in New York, Paris and England and Wales.

Quinn managing partner John B. Quinn described McNeill as “a seasoned arbitration specialist with tremendous experience and insight into the wide array of issues that routinely arise in cross-border disputes”.

A Shearman & Sterling spokesperson confirmed McNeill’s departure and said the firm wished him all the best for the future.