Bird & Bird has added two dispute resolution partners in Asia, with one each in Singapore and Hong Kong.
Jonathan Choo has joined the firm in Singapore from Olswang, while Robert Rhoda has moved to the firm’s Hong Kong office from RPC.
Choo has particularly experience in international arbitration with a focus on the infrastructure, technology and telecommunications sectors.
Rhoda is also experienced in international arbitration and in the financial services, energy and telecommunications sectors.
Bird & Bird’s international dispute resolution co-head Steven Baker said: “Their shared sector focus is also a great fit with our own strategy.”
The latest partner hires follow the appointment of two corporate partners in Beijing, Jonh Shi and Shan Lai from DLA Piper, in December 2015.
In Singapore, Choo’s departure from Olswang coincides with the firm’s announcement of a new Asia managing partner. Asia Corporate partner Andrew Stott will take over the leadership role from incumbent Rob Bratby from 1 May 2016. Bratby, who relocated to Singapore and launched the Singapore office in 2011, will return to London to take up a global telecoms and emerging markets role.
The move also comes at a time when Olswang is seeking a potential merger, with Bird & Bird and Simmons & Simmons understood to be possible targets.