Ashurst is set to launch a Hong Kong dispute resolution practice with the hire of Simmons & Simmons China disputes head Gareth Hughes.

Hughes, who specialises in disputes relating to banking and financial services, will become the eighth partner in Ashurst's Hong Kong base.

Ashurst Asia head Geoffrey Green said: "We do a lot of work with investment banks in Hong Kong and Gareth, who has a strong reputation and is extremely well-known here, will fit in nicely with that work and offer our clients a new service."

Hughes qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales in 1994 and Hong Kong in 1997. He has acted for a number of major financial institutions as well as for the Securities and Futures Commission, the regulatory body for Hong Kong's financial markets.

Ashurst will recruit associates to work with Hughes, whose start date is as yet unconfirmed. Hughes will be replaced at Simmons by China chief Paul Li, who will head the local disputes team of four partners and nine lawyers.

Ashurst launched its Hong Kong office with eight lawyers in January 2009. Since then, the office has grown to a total of nearly 30 lawyers, with structured finance partner Chris Whitely set to become the office's ninth partner when he transfers from Ashurst's London headquarters later this year.

Green added: "We will continue to grow selectively. I do not see an immediate need for more practice areas but we will add more depth to our existing ones."

Separately, Simmons has recruited a new partner for its projects practice with the hire of Simon Barrett, previously a senior lawyer at Hogan Lovells in Tokyo. He will initially be based in Simmons' London office before relocating to Tokyo later this year.