Weil Gotshal & Manges has boosted its Asia practice with a double hire from Simmons & Simmons in Hong Kong.

Henry Ong has joined Weil's Hong Kong office as a partner along with Jasson Han, who joins as a partner-level senior consultant, the same title he held at Simmons.

Ong's practice focuses on M&A and technology, media and telecoms, while Han specialises in energy-related work.

In addition to joining Weil's corporate department, Ong will also set up his own local law firm, Henry Ong & Co, which will operate in association with Weil, as firms must practise for three years in Hong Kong before being allowed to practice local law. Weil launched in Hong Kong in 2007.

Weil chairman Stephen Dannhauser said: "We are continuing our strategic expansion in Asia with the addition of two excellent and seasoned practitioners. Henry and Jasson bolster our position as a market leader in Asia-related cross-border M&A and private equity transactions."

Weil's Asia and Hong Kong managing partner Akiko Mikumo added: "The broad experience Henry and Jasson have in Chinese and Hong Kong transactional M&A and securities offerings are an excellent addition to our growing Asia team and provide our clients with an outstanding platform for their activities in China and Hong Kong."

Simmons recalled two City partners from its Hong Kong office earlier this year, while the firm also laid off three corporate associates in the office in March.