Allen & Overy’s (A&O’s) Italian arm has seen its fifth partner quit in the past 18 months with the departure of Milan corporate specialist Daniela Stele to the local practice of Willkie Farr & Gallagher.

Stele, who joined the magic circle firm in 1998 following the merger with legacy local firm Brosio Casati & Associati, moved to the New York firm last month to become only its fourth Italy-based partner.