Withers has appointed a senior partner for Asia with the relocation of Joe Field from the firm's New York office.

Field joins Withers' 15-lawyer Hong Kong base, which was launched in January last year.

The firm said the introduction of a regional senior partner was part of a bid to grow the City-based firm's business in the region. Withers has also added two former London-based associates to its Hong Kong office.

Field has spent the last seven years with Withers and most recently held the title of senior international partner. Before that, he was senior international private client partner at US firm Bryan Cave.

His practice focuses on representing international families on structuring their affairs and estate planning. He also advises financial institutions on establishing international trust companies and financial services such as life insurance.

Withers Hong Kong managing director Samantha Bradley said: "Joe is an extremely well-respected professional who has more than 20 years' experience advising families in Asia and we are thrilled to have him in the Hong Kong team."

Aside from London, Withers has three offices in the US as well as continental European offices in Geneva and Milan. The firm also launched in the British Virgin Islands this year. So far, Hong Kong is its only Asian base.