Magic Circle firm Allen & Overy has hired London-based partner Suzanne Spears from specialist public international law firm Volterra Fietta. US-qualified Spears is a renowned expert in the field of business and human rights (commonly abbreviated to BHR) law, having previously worked for major human rights and international affairs organisations, including the United Nations, the Inter-American Institute of Human Rights and the Council on Foreign Relations. She headed the BHR practice at Volterra Fietta, where she advised businesses on their compliance with human rights standards. She is also very experienced in handling investment treaty disputes, acting for both governments and investors, with a focus on energy and natural resources.

This recruitment is part of Allen & Overy’s wider investment in its arbitration and litigation practices, which the firm presents as “a strategic priority”.