Ropes & Gray has hired white collar crime partner Judith Seddon from Clifford Chance as co-head of its London international risk practice.

Seddon joined the magic circle firm in 2008 as a director in its business crime and regulatory enforcement group, before being made up to partner in 2014.

She specialises in advising clients on UK and cross-border regulatory and criminal investigations and prosecutions, with a particular focus on the financial services sector.

Fellow Ropes London international risk co-head Amanda Raad said: “After working alongside Judith for years, I have witnessed her substantive expertise and ability to exceed client expectations.  She is the perfect fit to help drive forward our growing global financial crime and international risk practice.”

Seddon’s hire comes after a number of partner walk-outs from Ropes’ London base last year.

The firm saw eight City partners depart during 2017, including funds partners Anand Damodaran, Michelle Moran and Monica Gogna to Kirkland & Ellis, K&L Gates and Dechert respectively.