Linklaters has hired a veteran Paul Hastings partner in Washington DC to co-lead its international arbitration practice. 

Joseph Profaizer has spent the past 18 years as a partner at Paul Hastings, where he was global co-chair of the firm’s international arbitration practice and a former vice-chair of its Washington DC office.  

Adam Lurie, head of Linklaters US litigation, arbitration and investigations practice, said Profaizer’s hire was “a significant step forward” as the firm continues to build its presence in the US. 

“His extensive experience and track record in international arbitration will be instrumental as we expand and solidify our position as a premier litigation, arbitration and investigations firm in the US and globally,” Lurie added. 

Profaizer maintains a first-chair arbitration and litigation practice that focuses exclusively on complex international disputes. He has represented clients in courts at the trial and appellate levels, as well as in more than 100 international arbitrations under the rules of the ICC, AAA/ICDR, LCIA, SIAC, HKIAC, ICSID, JAMS, CEPANI, CIETAC, WIPO, CeCAP and UNCITRAL. His industry experience spans pharmaceuticals, energy, private equity and technology, among other areas. 

At Linklaters Profaizer will co-lead an international arbitration practice that includes more than 40 partners and counsel globally, which the firm said made it one of the largest in the world. 

Profaizer, who is qualified in England as well as the US and has practised in both countries, said he was impressed with Linklaters’ vision for its global disputes, US litigation and international arbitration practices. 

“I look forward to working with my new colleagues to deliver world-class service to our clients,” he added. 

Profaizer continues a series of recent high-profile hires by Linklaters in the US, including the M&A team led by rainmaker George Casey that joined in New York at the start of the year from Shearman & Sterling ahead of its merger with Allen & Overy.

In September the firm also recruited restructuring partner Michael Torkin from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett in New York as head of capital solutions.

According to publicly available data tracked by Pirical the firm has grown US headcount by 8% in the last 12 months to 130 lawyers, including 42 partners. 

Linklaters has also seen departures recently, including private equity partner John Guccione, who returned to Latham & Watkins in London in August after a 14-month stint at the firm.