Southeast firm Blake Lapthorn Linnell has hired a former Berwin Leighton Paisner finance lawyer to bolster its rail and shipping practice.

Edmund Woollam joins the regional firm as a partner in the finance & projects team, and will be based in its London and Southampton offices.

Woollam, who has also previously worked at CMS Cameron McKenna, specialises in project finance and asset leasing in the shipping and rail sectors.