Proskauer Rose has added a leading corporate partner to its ranks in London from King & Wood Mallesons SJ Berwin (KWMSJB).

Steven Davis will join the US firm in order to boost its corporate and private equity practice. He had previously led the corporate department at legacy SJ Berwin before it's merger with the Sino-Australian outfit King & Wood Mallesons.

Before that merger took place SJ Berwin had been in talks with Proskauer Rose over a potential combination, with Davis one of the key partners involved in the potential deal.

Davis's departure follows that of private equity partner Tim Wright earlier in the year.

In response to the move it is believed that KWMSJB will relocate Australian managing partner Tim Bednall (who focuses on M&A and tax) to cover the loss.