Husch Blackwell has hired its first lateral for the firm’s new virtual office, The Link, adding North Carolina-based lawyer Elizabeth Benefield, who expands the firm’s agricultural finance practice.

Paul Eberle, Husch Blackwell’s chief executive, said in a statement that hiring Benefield “validates our approach with The Link,” which allows the firm to recruit in areas outside its network of offices. The Link became the firm’s 21st office in July.