Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton has launched an EU competition practice through the hire of a number of lawyers in Brussels.
The most high profile addition is that of Jacques Derenne (an IFLR1000 Leading lawyer) who joins the firm from Hogan Lovells where he had led the firm's Brussels practice. Derenne focuses on investigations and litigation with a particular focus on state aid matters.
Joining him in the new practice are fellow partner Robert Klotz, who makes the move from Mayer Brown, counsel Chris Guirado, who joins from an in-house role at Fusion Energy and fellow counsel Yaniss Aiche.
Klotz previously worked at the European Commission and has a focus on the energy, telecommunications, postal and transport sectors.
Guirado focuses on public procurement matters in the energy, transport and construction sectors. Aiche focuses on regulatory policy.
The new recruits will join the team in Brussels which had previosuly focused on trade regualtory matters.