SJ Berwin has grown its Dubai arm with the hire of Al Tamimi regional arbitration head Mark Hoyle as a partner for its local litigation and arbitration practice.

Hoyle joined the City law firm on 1 February from the Dubai office of Al Tamimi. He marks the third partner for SJ Berwin's local practice. He specialises in litigation and arbitration with a particular focus on the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan.

Prior to joining Al Tamimi, Hoyle was head of the business and commercial group and the international dispute resolution group at London's Tanfield Chambers.

SJ Berwin Dubai dispute resolution partner Tim Taylor said: "Mark's hire represents our continued investment in the region and his expertise really complements our core practice areas in the Dubai office.

"We will now be looking to increase our capability on the corporate side in the coming months to take advantage of the top deals lining the market. However, I do not envisage opening any further offices in the Middle East as Dubai acts as the centre point for the region and allows us to access the surrounding markets easily."

SJ Berwin launched its Dubai office in 2009 with the relocation of Taylor and Benjamin Aller from its City and Paris offices respectively. The practice focuses on funds, private equity and litigation and arbitration.