Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) has boosted its Moscow office with the hire of K&L Gates partner Sergey Milanov.

Milanov is being brought in to lead the firm's Asia practice, in its Moscow office.

BLP operates in Russia via Moscow firm Goltsblat BLP, led by managing partner Andrey Goltsblat.

Milanov focuses his practice on oil and gas transactions and joint ventures involving Russian entities. He is also experienced in advising companies on establishing a presence within Russia, including advice on trade, foreign currency and regulatory issues.

Milanov joins BLP from K&L's Tokyo office and has previously worked at Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe in Tokyo; and White & Case in Moscow, New York and Tokyo.

BLP's Asia head Bob Charlton said: "We are consciously aware of the Russia pivot to Asia and when this opportunity came up for Sergei to join us, it became a very sensible thing for us to take very seriously."

The hire follows the relocation of BLP corporate partner Ian Ivory from Moscow to Hong Kong in September 2015, to take up the role of head of corporate for Asia.

Charlton, who joined the firm in September 2014 from DLA Piper, is currently undertaking a review of the firm's offering in the region as part of his 'One Asia' approach.

This strategy seeks to move away from the concept of geographic and practice area distinctions, focusing instead around sector groups. These groups include construction, shipping, private wealth, oil and gas, and aviation.

Under his stewardship, the firm has expanded into Myanmar and expanded its Hong Kong office by adding two boutique firms in the city.