Bridgepoint Capital has appointed Travers Smith private equity partner Charlie Barter as its first-ever general counsel.

Barter will officially take up the post in October after spending 23 years at Travers, including five years as the head of the firm's private equity division. As legal chief, Barter will be responsible for internal regulatory work and will work with external firms on future Bridgepoint transactions.

The hire is likely to strengthen the links between the private equity house and Travers, with Barter previously acting as the company's key relationship partner.

Barter told Legal Week: "In the process of discussing the role it sounded like a once in a lifetime opportunity. I would have never gone to work for another law firm so it would have to have been something quite different - like the role at Bridgepoint."

He added: "I am very excited by the possibilities at Bridgepoint. First and foremost I will try and get a feel for the internal workings of the company by immersing myself in the new ambiance. I will then look at where I can add value both within the company and in its work with external counsel."

Travers senior partner Alasdair Douglas said: "From a business perspective the move will only strengthen our existing ties with Bridgepoint - they are one of our best clients and our relationship can only improve."

Travers Smith has held Bridgepoint as a client for the last 20 years, recently advising on the £350m buy-out of sandwich chain Pret a Manger in February, and the £360m acquisition of clothing company Fat Face last year.