Barlow Lyde & Gilbert has lost its sole Singapore partner after the City firm announced yesterday (6 August) that office head David Johnston is to launch a local base for aviation boutique Gates & Partners.

Johnston focuses his practice on acting for aviation insurers and airlines on aviation liability claims and related matters in the Asia Pacific region. He previously headed the Singapore office of legacy aviation firm Beaumont & Son, which merged with top 20 UK law firm Clyde & Co in 2005.

The new Singapore venture becomes the first international office for 20-lawyer Gates, which was set up by former Beaumonts senior partner Sean Gates.

The move marks the second occasions the City-based boutique has raided Barlows for a senior lawyer. In May, London aerospace litigator Sue Barham joined Gates as a partner.

Barlows says its has no plans to close the Singapore office, which opened in October 2004, and intends to rebuild its local team.

More news, deals and comment on Barlow Lyde & Gilbert