Latham & Watkins has boosted its Asian energy and resources expertise with the hire of David Blumental as a partner in the firm’s corporate department in Hong Kong.

Blumental represents companies on a range of energy and natural resources transactions, including M&A, joint ventures, project financing and private equity investments. He also advises clients on cross-border disputes, arbitration, and compliance matters.

A bulk of Blumental’s work involves advising Chinese clients, including both state-owned enterprises and private companies, on their outbound investments and transactions.

Prior to joining Latham & Watkins, Blumental was a partner at Vinson & Elkins in Hong Kong.