Ashurst has bolstered its Dubai construction disputes and international arbitration practice with the hire of Pinsent Masons partner Bill Smith.

Smith joined Pinsents in 2012 from Blake Dawson – now a part of Ashurst – in Sydney, where he had worked since 2005.

His practice focuses on international arbitration and he also advises clients on the restructuring of distressed infrastructure projects.

Ashurst global dispute resolution practice head Simon Bromwich said in a statement: "We are continuing to see high levels of infrastructure and construction disputes globally, and Bill's appointment demonstrates our commitment to strengthening further our sector capability and our international arbitration offering.

"I am delighted to welcome Bill back to the firm and I am confident that he will help our global team to capitalise on the major opportunities in the market."

In November, Ashurst hired White & Case project finance partner Matthew Wood to lead its London-based African project finance team. Wood, who is based in the United Arab Emirates, has joined Ashurst's Abu Dhabi base for a six-month term before he moves to its City base later this year.

Last May, Pinsents hired a pair of Middle East infrastructure and energy partners from Eversheds Sutherland, including the firm's regional energy and infrastructure head Tim Armsby.

Its Middle East head and construction partner Sachin Kerur, former international disputes head and construction partner Michelle Nelson, and arbitration partner Shourav Lahiri joined Reed Smith two months later.