Global firm Reed Smith has rescued no fewer than 50 lawyers across several practice areas from across King & Wood Mallesons now defunct teams in London, Paris, Munich and Frankfurt. The mass hire, announced on Monday, has significantly boosted the scale of Reed Smith’s European platform, lifting its headcount in the region by 17 partners, three counsel, 22 associates, seven trainees, one jurist and nine other support staff. It is understood to be the biggest group hire to emerge from the collapse of KWM’s EUME arm, which entered administration last week. The hires came into effect on 16 January.

Reed Smith managing partner for Europe and the Middle East Tamara Box has described the hire as a ‘win-win’ for both firms: ‘It is a mutually rewarding opportunity’, she said. ‘These teams recognised that our global platform, strong collegiate culture, and high quality client base were a good fit for them, and we at Reed Smith seized the opportunity to expand our capabilities through top quality talent in industry sectors, practices and offices that are strategically important for our business.’