(LONDON) Katten Muchin Rosenman UK LLP announced today that Christopher Hitchins has joined the firm as a partner in the Employment Law and Litigation practice. Mr. Hitchins, who advises on the full range of employment law issues with a particular focus on the financial services industry, is the first Katten lawyer in London who specialises in employment law.

"Offering employment law and employment litigation services in the UK is part of our ongoing commitment to grow the firm's presence in London across the core areas of financial services, real estate, corporate and finance," said Katten Chairman Vincent A.F. Sergi. "The experience that Christopher brings to UK and international employment matters will be extremely valuable to our clients with a global footprint."

Mr. Hitchins has a very broad practice, but in particular assists partnerships and limited liability partnerships (LLPs), especially hedge funds, asset managers and other professional firms, on matters such as senior executive employment, partnership and investment documentation, as well as advising on employment issues associated with cross-border corporate transactions and outsourcing. He also has longstanding experience advising on benefits, pensions and immigration matters.

"Christopher's ability to work with both US and UK companies on employment matters will enable our clients to operate effectively across borders," said Peter Sugden, managing partner of Katten Muchin Rosenman UK LLP. "His cost-effective, consistent and solution-driven approach to employment law will benefit our clients in London and across the firm."

Mr. Hitchins has nearly 20 years of experience in private practice, most recently with Lewis Silkin LLP. He is the 18th lawyer to join Katten Muchin Rosenman UK LLP since Peter Sugden was appointed managing partner in February 2012.