Global law firm Clyde & Co has poached rival Norton Rose's Australian head of shipping Ernie van Buuren.
He will join as a partner there in December.
Van Buuren is also Norton Rose's head of transport for Asia Pacific.
Clyde said he brings a "wealth of legal expertise, in addition to being a qualified master mariner."
He has advised on high profile shipping, maritime and aviation matters in the Asia Pacific region, including Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
Maurice Thompson, partner and national group head of maritime and commodities at Clyde & Co, said: "His deep client relationships and technical expertise are a welcome addition to the firm."
Australia managing partner Michael Tooma said Clyde had made a "big impression" in Australia over the last five years.
"Ernie's appointment is part of the firm's strategic objective to capitalise on the growth potential of the transport sector in the Australian market and across the region," he added.
