Squire Patton Boggs has rapidly grown its newly launched global commodities and shipping group with the hire of a partner duo from HFW, according to two people with knowledge of the situation.

International corporate head at HFW Brian Gordon has left the firm after a decade, and is joined in the departure by fellow longstanding partner Chris Swart.

Gordon joined HFW's London office as an associate in 2009 and was promoted to partner two years later.