Magic circle firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has boosted its Brexit expertise by recruiting a former European commissioner for financial services. 

Former public relations adviser Jonathan Hill (now Lord Hill of Oareford) was the coalition government’s appointee to the European Commission headed by Jean-Claude Juncker in 2014. Hill held the role as commissioner for financial stability, financial services and capital markets - a portfolio interpreted as a reassuring gesture to UK eurosceptics - until his resignation two days after the June 2016 referendum. 

He will join Freshfields as a senior adviser, the firm said.  In a statement, Edward Braham, senior partner, said: ‘Jonathan brings outstanding experience and skill from a diverse and extensive career that is valuable both to our clients and to our firm.

‘We have shown significant strength as a firm with regards to Brexit related issues, and Jonathan’s contributions, while respecting his obligations, can only enhance our reputation and our efforts.’ No details of salary were released.