Barlow Lyde & Gilbert has expanded its Hong Kong practice with the hire of partner Andrew Horton from Reed Smith's local partnership.

Horton started work in the firm's marine, energy and trade (MET) practice on 2 June. He is joined in the group by senior associate Gary Yin, who comes to Barlows from DLA Piper in Hong Kong.

Horton will work with newly-elected Singapore-based partner Patric McGonigal to grow and develop Barlows' marine practice across Asia. Prior to working for Reed Smith, Horton was at Clyde & Co. His practice focuses on shipping, trade and finance litigation.

Barlows Hong Kong and China managing partner David Smyth 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."

McGonigal was promoted to partner in March 2010 prior to the firm's annual promotions round that saw one lawyer join the partnership in the City, in the casualty and healthcare team.

The firm has made a number of hires in its Asian practice recently, including the appointment of its first Shanghai office head, Brinton Scott, who joined in September 2009 from US firm Fredrickson Byron. The firm also took on Steven Fieldman as senior consultant to its China corporate commercial group, based in Shanghai.

Prior to joining Barlows, Fieldman worked with Herbert Smith in Shanghai and Beijing.

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