Former Barlows shipping partner joins Reed Smith's London base as insurance firm's merger goes live

Reed Smith has added a shipping partner to its City base with the hire of the latest partner to exit legacy firm Barlow Lyde & Gilbert.

Jeb Clulow (pictured) joined Reed Smith's London office this Tuesday (1 November) – the same day that Barlows' merger with Clyde & Co went live – along with senior associate Lyall Hickson.

Clulow, who was a partner in Barlows' marine energy and trade group, specialises in shipping and trade disputes. He was made up to partner in the firm's May 2009 promotions round and has worked with clients including Steamship Mutual, UK Club and Swedish Club.

Reed Smith global shipping head Nick Shaw commented: "Our aim is to be the premier global shipping practice and we are continually looking for new talent to achieve our goal. Jeb and Lyall are dynamic, 

well-liked and respected players in our industry and their arrival will enhance our practice.

"Both reflect the international feel of the group, with Jeb having qualified originally in South Africa and Lyall in Australia."

Separately, legacy Barlows also last week saw the departure of Aidan Thomson, who joined Berwin Leighton Paisner to extend its environmental and insurance practice. Previously head of environment at Barlows, where he joined the partnership in 2003, Thomson advises corporate and real estate clients on transactional matters, as well as standalone regulatory and 
contentious issues.

The departures of Clulow and Thomson are among a number of partner exits from Barlows following the confirmation of its merger with Clydes.

Singapore insurance and reinsurance head Mark Errington has joined Reynolds Porter Chamberlain (RPC) to launch a local office for the firm, while insurance partner Victoria Sherratt joined RPC's London office last month.