Reed Smith Richards Butler has hired two shipping lawyers from Stephenson Harwood in Hong Kong, including partner Jason Toms as it seeks to expand its global shipping group there.

Toms, a litigation partner, advises on all aspects of wet and dry shipping issues, acting for shipowners, underwriters, charterers and freight forwarders on matters regarding charterparty, transportation and shipping disputes, and claims and collisions. Aside from Toms, Reed Smith also hired associate Joyce Cheung from Stephenson Harwood.

"We’re delighted that Jason is joining us," said Reed Smith Hong Kong partner Andrew Brown in a statement. "Not only is he a great addition to our shipping litigation team, it’s further support to our ship finance practice in the region at a time when clients are going to be looking increasingly for full service shipping capability across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the US."

Reed Smith opened an office in Singapore – its fourth in Asia – earlier this month, headed by partner Gautam Bhattacharyya.

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