Maclay Murray & Spens LLP (MMS), the leading UK commercial law firm, has boosted its London corporate capabilities with the lateral hire of Darius Lewington, as a corporate partner. Darius brings significant corporate finance expertise and is set to reinforce MMS’ M&A and corporate offering.

The firm has also strengthened its highly regarded financial services practice, with the appointment of Ian Benson, a former head of legal at Norwich Union Investment Management. Ian, previously head of finance regulation and risk at Mills & Reeve, has become a director in MMS’ corporate department.

Chris Smylie, chief executive of MMS, said: "These appointments reflect our continuing commitment to the growth of both our London office and UK-wide corporate and financial services practices. The calibre of these lateral hires is a clear signal of our ambition to extend our reach in these sectors."

Darius Lewington joined MMS from Pinsent Masons’ London office, where he was relationship partner for a number of US and other multinational companies. Formerly with Allen & Overy, Darius advises on a wide range of corporate finance issues, including domestic and cross-border mergers, acquisitions and disposals, restructurings, capital reductions and corporate governance matters.

Ian Benson’s key practice area is FSA and CCA regulation in the banking, payment services, insurance and investment sectors, in addition to his practice in financial risk management.

In a separate move, MMS has appointed Jennifer Davis as an assistant in the firm’s oil & gas team. Jennifer trained with MMS in Edinburgh and brings significant experience in transactional, M&A and UKCS licensing work.