Debevoise & Plimpton has hired former Allen & Overy (A&O) partner Peter Hockless to head its City finance team as the New York firm moves to bolster its UK practice.

Hockless, who is qualified in UK and French law and had been at A&O since 1981, left the magic circle firm earlier this year. He becomes the fifth UK-based partner in Debevoise’s London finance practice.