HSF launches legal hub in China, appoints Brisbane managing partner
Herbert Smith Freehills has launched its alternative legal services business in China, the first of its kind in the country; and has also announced a new managing partner in its Brisbane office.
The new Chinese unit will operate in a similar way to existing hubs in Perth and Northern Ireland and is staffed by a team of 13 bilingual lawyers based in the firm’s Shanghai office.
The focus for the hub is processing high-volume or document-intensive work and it will complement the high end work done by the firm’s offices in Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, the firm has appointed current Queensland projects team leader Peter Butler as managing partner of its Brisbane office. He succeeds Michael Back who has held the role for 20 years.
Clyde & Co advises Hiscox on DirectAsia Hong Kong
International firm Clyde & Co has advised the Singaporean division of insurance group Hiscox on the sale of its Hong Kong DirectAsia business.
Counsel Kevin Martin led Clyde’s team and was supported by partner Ian Stewart and a transaction team including Gillian Morrissey and Wei Qi Jen.
Martin commented that there is continued interest in the Asian insurance sector and he expects further M&A activity in the sector during the remainder of 2016.
International firm boosts South African capabilities
DLA Piper has added to its capabilities in South Africa with the hire of a five-strong corporate team, led by Peter Bradshaw who joins from Wentzel as partner and head of corporate.
Meanwhile Jackie Pennington joins from Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr as partner in the finance & projects team and Janine Simpson is appointed as a director in the competition practice of the litigation & regulatory group.
