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CMS Hong Kong maintains growth momentum adding Insurance capability with hire of two leading disputes specialists to Hong Kong association

9 August 2018

International law firm CMS is continuing its Hong Kong expansion with the appointment of two esteemed Insurance partners to associated Hong Kong firm Shirley Lau & Co. LLP. Dual-qualified Andrew Horton and Steven Wise will join the firm from RPC.

Ed Foss, Head of CMS’ Insurance & Reinsurance Group, comments: “The Insurance market is becoming increasingly global in nature and Asia is playing an important part in that, so it is vital that we continue to build out the practice to meet the needs of our clients and take on new opportunities. We are delighted that Andrew and Steven will join our associated firm in Hong Kong. They are both excellent disputes lawyers with considerable experience and knowledge of the Hong Kong insurance market. Their experience is complementary to our offering in London and internationally, particularly in Hamburg, and we see a number of synergies between our practices and clients, notably in the international trade areas."

Andrew Horton is a highly experienced litigator and arbitration lawyer, specialising in marine insurance. Andrew regularly advises P&I clubs, international insurers, trading companies and recovery agents on disputes involving bills of lading, charterparties, marine insurance policies, P&I and FD&D claims. Andrew also specialises in cross border disputes with particular emphasis on the PRC as well as goods, banking and trade credit disputes. Qualified in both Hong Kong and England & Wales, Andrew has significant experience in global enforcement actions involving arrest of ships and injunction orders to obtain security for his clients with regard to such disputes. He is highly regarded in the market, and is ranked as a leading lawyer for Shipping Litigation in China in the Chambers Asia-Pacific and Legal 500 Asia guides.

Steven Wise is an experienced dispute resolution lawyer, specialising in shipping and international trade. A qualified solicitor in both Hong Kong and England & Wales, Steven advises on charterparties, bills of lading, commodity contracts, trade credit and shareholder disputes, and has particular expertise in complex charterparty and multi-jurisdictional disputes. His clients include ship owners and charterers, traders, port and terminal operators, P&I Clubs and commercial underwriters. Steven regularly handles cases in arbitration and court proceedings in London, Hong Kong and other regional centres, and has represented clients in mediations. He was recently appointed as a Notary Public in Hong Kong. Steven is also ranked in Chambers Asia Pacific for shipping litigation.

Stephen Millar, Managing Partner for CMS, comments: “These appointments mark the next stage in our growth story in Hong Kong. With these new additions, we are adding further firepower to our contentious practice, which has been growing steadily since our launch in Hong Kong less than two years ago. Added to our recent tie-up with Shirley Lau & Co, which has boosted our Corporate offering and allowed us to provide Hong Kong law support to clients, we have a well-rounded practice, with a team of highly skilled transactional, finance and disputes lawyers.”

Tim Elliott, CMS Hong Kong, adds: “We remain motivated by the prospects that the Asia-Pacific market offers. These developments further reinforce our commitment to the region and growing our capability in strategic areas that best serve the interests of our clients.”