Dechert has continued its London expansion with the addition of two new banking partners.

Philip Butler and David Miles (both recognised as IFLR1000 Leading Lawyers) join the firm from DLA Piper.

Butler was the global co-chair of financial services at DLA and handles financing work for borrowers and lenders. Recent work includes advising the lenders on the financing of the acquisition of the IRIS Software and Services Group; advising Lloyds, HSBC, ING and Bank of Ireland on the refinancing of the debt of Aesica Pharmaceuticals; advising RBS and Santander on the refinancing of the acquisition of the Byron Hamburger chain by Hutton Collins investment; and advising the lenders to the McColl's group in connection with its recent IPO.

Miles was also part of DLA's finance team and his recent work includes advising the lenders on secondary buyout of Education Personnel Group of Companies by ICG; advising the Mill Group on its refinancing; and work for the lenders on the refinancing of the Acorn Care Group.

The move comes just a month after the firm hired private equity partner Ross Allardice and finance partner (and IFLR1000 Leading Lawyer) John Markland from White & Case and Kirkland & Ellis respectively.