Paul Weiss adds more London litigation firepower with Quinn Emanuel hire

Paul Weiss has hired competition and financial services litigator Leo Kitchen from Quinn Emanuel, further expanding its recently launched London disputes practice.

Kitchen joined Quinn in 2019 from Slaughter and May and was promoted to partner in 2022. He advises on commercial, competition and financial disputes, including collective proceedings, banking litigation, restructurings and regulatory matters.

The hire comes just months after Paul Weiss launched its London litigation arm in April with the arrival of Akin litigation head Richard Hornshaw. The move marks more expansion for the New York‑based firm, which is broadening the private equity‑focused City platform it has aggressively built over the past two years into disputes - an area where it is regarded as a go-to adviser in the US.

What they said

Paul Weiss chair Brad Karp said: "Leo’s expertise in complex commercial and financial disputes will greatly enhance our growing litigation practice in the UK. His deep understanding of competition law and experience with high‑stakes financial matters will further strengthen our ability to provide our clients with creative and comprehensive legal solutions."

Hornshaw, head of the European litigation group, added: "His reputation for handling the most complex commercial, financial and competition disputes, combined with his experience across multiple jurisdictions, will be a tremendous asset to our clients and our practice."

Commenting on Kitchen's departure, Quinn Emanuel London senior partner Richard East said: "We thank Leo for his time at Quinn Emanuel and wish him all the best for the future. We hope the move will further develop the good relations between ourselves and Paul, Weiss."