Venable LLP announced that experienced investigative attorney Janet C. Fisher has joined the firm’s Washington, DC, office as a partner in its Commercial Litigation Group. Ms. Fisher was most recently a member of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, where she handled classified counterterrorism and counterintelligence matters. She will work closely with the firm’s white collar and government investigations groups.

DLA Piper announced today that Darryl Steinhause has joined the Real Estate Capital Markets group as a partner in the San Diego office. Prior to joining DLA Piper, Steinhause was a partner at Luce Forward LLP.

Fasken Martineau, a leading international law firm, announced today that Stuart Hills has joined the firm’s London office as a partner.

Hogan Lovells has advised the Ecuadorian state-owned energy company, Corporación Eléctrica del Ecuador (CELEC), in the closing of a US$570 million credit loan agreement with the Export-Import Bank of China (Chexim).

Wragge & Co has advised private equity firm H2 Equity Partners on its acquisition of a majority share in automotive car part supplier Unipart Automotive for an undisclosed sum.

As part of its Middle East practice, Pillsbury is opening a new law office in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to better serve its clients’ interests in the region and throughout the world. The move expands Pillsbury’s global reach and capabilities in areas such as energy, infrastructure development, finance and international arbitration and dispute resolution. Pillsbury has selected a LEED-gold-certified office tower in Abu Dhabi’s Sowwah Square, a newly-developed island in Abu Dhabi’s financial center, as its newest international address.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP announced today that Adam Wenner has joined the firm’s market-leading Global Energy & Infrastructure Practice and will serve as partner-in-charge of the firm’s Energy Regulatory Group.  Wenner joins the firm’s Washington, D.C. office from Chadbourne & Parke LLP.  Amanda Riggs Conner will also join Orrick from Chadbourne and will be Of Counsel.