Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP ("BLG”) has shown further commitment to its plans to invest and expand in Asia with the appointment of Partner Andrew Horton to its Marine, Energy & Trade (“MET”) Practice in Hong Kong, and the promotion to Partner of MET specialist Patric McGonigal in Singapore.

This further commitment to Asia follows BLG’s expansion in China with the recent appointments of Brinton Scott and Steven Fieldman in its Shanghai office to spearhead the China Corporate Practice, and the arrival of Mark Errington to lead the firm’s non-marine insurance practice in Singapore.  These recent and significant appointments are evidence of BLG’s intention to invest and grow its presence in Asia.

Andrew joins BLG from the Hong Kong office of Richards Butler (in association with Reed Smith LLP) where he was a partner.  Andrew is recognised as one of Hong Kong’s leading marine lawyers and has over 19 years’ experience in shipping and insurance litigation, more than 17 of which have been spent in Hong Kong.  He will work closely with Singapore based Partner Patric McGonigal to grow and develop BLG’s MET practice across Asia. 

The Asia MET Group will be further bolstered with the appointment of Senior Solicitor Gary Yin who joins BLG from DLA in Hong Kong.

David Smyth, BLG’s Managing Partner for Hong Kong and China, said: “We are delighted to welcome Andrew and Gary to our Hong Kong team. Andrew’s shipping practice complements our MET practices in London, Shanghai, and Singapore, and there is wide scope for inter-office referrals. Andrew and Gary have specialist knowledge in marine disputes and arbitrations which will be invaluable to BLG’s global marine practice.” 

Andrew Horton said: “BLG is a recognised leader in insurance and dispute resolution. BLG’s existing strength in MET offers me an excellent opportunity to develop my practice and grow it to its full potential. I was also very impressed with BLG’s genuine commitment to Asia and its clients, and the strong sense of collegiality amongst the Asia team. ”

Patrick Foss, head of BLG’s MET team in London, said: “Clients are looking for a law firm that offers a comprehensive service. With dedicated marine and energy teams in Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai, the firm will cover the main litigation and arbitration centres in Asia. The appointments of Patric, Andrew and Gary enhance our offering to clients, which is a key priority to the firm.”