Olswang has strengthened its City litigation practice with the hire of an international arbitration and construction partner from Baker & McKenzie.

Andrew Aglionby, who will join the firm's London office on 1 October, is based in Bakers' Hong Kong office in the firm's dispute resolution group. He has also headed up the firm's construction group in Hong Kong, as well as its international arbitration practice for the Asia-Pacific region.

Aglionby has particular expertise in construction industry issues and technology-related disputes, and has led on matters in a number of jurisdictions throughout Asia, Europe and Africa.

Olswang CEO David Stewart said: "Andrew's arrival heralds an exciting time for our litigation and construction practices. With his experience of the Asian market we add a great new dimension to the team."

Aglionby, who is currently in the process of relocating back to London, added: "I am thrilled to be coming back to London, and look forward to working with my new colleagues and helping to grow the international arbitration practice at Olswang."

The news comes three months after it was announced that the firm is set to launch a new office in Madrid later this year with the hire of Bird & Bird's Spain corporate head Javier Vasserot.

The new office, which will open in September, will offer corporate, banking, restructuring and litigation advice in the Spanish capital. The Madrid launch marks the firm's third overseas office, adding to its existing bases in Brussels and Berlin.