Linklaters has lost a leading Paris-based corporate partner to respected niche firm Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier, less than two years after he joined the City firm.

Olivier Diaz was one of three partners – the others being M&A specialist Thierry Vassogne and Marc Loy – to join Linklaters from Paris firm Gide Loyrette Nouel in October 1998.