Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has suffered a blow in the Netherlands following the decision by the head of its Dutch tax practice, Charles Langereis, to join independent local firm Spigthoff.

Langereis, who was formerly a partner at top-rated firm Stibbe, starts at Spigthoff on 1 July and will lead the firm’s tax practice. He is taking one associate with him from the City firm.