Sonia Goumenis has left Allen & Overy in Sydney to join Clayton Utz, returning to the Australian firm where she was previously a partner.

At Allen & Overy, where she was a partner, Goumenis acted for Australian issuers in their establishment of covered bond programmes, as well as working in the firm’s wider capital markets practice with a focus on securitisation in Australia.

She began her career as a graduate at Clayton Utz and became a partner in January 2008. Returning to the firm, she will work in its national securitisation practice, which is led by partner Andrew Jinks.

“We anticipate that securitisation will be a significant growth area as confidence returns to the Australian and global debt capital markets and clients look to raise more capital through issues into both the domestic and international markets,” said Jinks. “This requires an in-depth understanding of regulatory changes and an ability to provide clients with innovative and cutting edge product and services.

“Sonia has built a strong reputation in the market and her appointment will add significantly to our ability to service our clients’ needs in this area.”