Reed Smith has launched its corporate practice in Southeast Asia by hiring Matt Gorman as a partner in Singapore from Stephenson Harwood, where he headed that firm’s Southeast Asia corporate practice.

Gorman’s practice covers energy and natural resources, TMT, real estate and financial services to both private and public companies on joint ventures, corporate restructurings, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, venture capital and initial public offerings (IPOs).

During his career, Gorman has advised companies, international financial institutions and intermediaries on transactions on the London Stock Exchange and its AIM market in particular. He has also represented both public and private clients in various industries and from countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, China, Vietnam, Myanmar and Indonesia.

“We have built a strong platform in Singapore since we established our office, and Matt’s arrival now ensures we are able to fully support the transactional needs of our clients,” said Gautam Bhattacharyya, Reed Smith’s Singapore office managing partner, in a statement. “Given Matt’s proven track record and considerable experience, we are delighted to have him as part of our growing office,” he added.

Gorman spent nearly 15 years with Stephenson Harwood in London and Singapore, prior to which he was with Salans in London for about five years.