RALEIGH, NC (Reuters) - Proskauer Rose lured a top M&A partner away from Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, the firm announced on Thursday.

Los Angles-based Will Chuchawat, who was team leader of Sheppard Mullin's M&A group, focuses his practice on private equity, with a clientele that includes technology and aerospace companies and an emphasis on leveraged buyouts, growth equity and venture capital transactions.

At Proskauer, he'll be a co-head of the firm's private equity and global M&A groups.

During his 16-year run at Sheppard Mullin, Chuchawat advised Samsung on numerous matters, represented Primal Nutrition in its $200 million sale to Kraft Heinz Foods Company in 2019 and advised video game developer Obsidian Entertainment in its 2018 sale to Microsoft.

Steven Ellis, chairman of New York-based Proskauer, said in a statement that the firm will continue building out its L.A. office, where it has nurtured client relationships in the technology, media, sports, asset management, life sciences and health sectors.

"Will is a great fit for Proskauer and we are delighted to welcome him. He is a deal-doer, with great energy and drive," Ellis said. "Clients have a huge respect for his expertise and relentless commitment to their matters."

Chuchawat is at least the third private equity-focused attorney to join Proskauer's ranks within the past year. In May, the law firm hired private equity partners James Lee and Jae Woo Park to its M&A group in New York.

A spokesman for Sheppard Mullin said the L.A.-based firm wishes Chuchawat well in his move.