Reed Smith Richards Butler is launching a shipping team in Dubai with the relocation of City partner Adam Morgan, as the US firm gears up to develop its international shipping practice.
Shipping and aviation finance partner Morgan moves to Dubai on 1 April. His experience includes leading the shipping practice at legacy City firm Richards Butler between 2000 until 2004 and previously spent a decade in Hong Kong.
Reed Smith opened its Dubai office last year, with Morgan the first partner in the office to focus on shipping.
Meanwhile, London-based partner and admiralty manager Ron Clark is relocating to Hong Kong. Clark, who joined the firm in 2006 from Stephenson Harwood, will work alongside a local shipping team that numbers five partners and is led by Richards Butler Hong Kong senior partner Chris Howse.
Reed Smith global shipping chief Nick Shaw said the firm planned to further develop its shipping practice in the US, as well as Hong Kong, Greece and France.
He commented: “We opened in Dubai last year and shipping is one area of interest. There is a growing shipping sector. Given [Morgan’s] aviation and finance experience it made sense to have him located there.”
He added: “In Hong Kong, there were requests from clients to ensure we had a strong maritime admiralty capability. We already have a practice there, but it is important that we have a hands-on mariner to deal with issues that can arise.”
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