Global law firm Reed Smith is boosting its US capital markets and securities expertise with the recruitment of experienced lawyer Robert Lustrin.
Lustrin was previously a partner at New York’s Seward & Kissel for two decades, and more recently an independent practitioner.
He has joined Reed Smith's transportation industry group, also based in New York.
The lawyer brings more than 25 years of experience in advising shipping and offshore industry clients on all aspects of corporate and US securities law.
He has represented domestic and international companies in capital markets securities offerings, including initial public offerings, follow-on equity offerings and business combinations.
Lustrin also specialises in corporate governance, compliance and regulatory matters.
Strategic priority
Rob Wilkins, chair of Reed Smith's transportation industry group, said: "Expanding our capital markets capability for transportation clients is a strategic priority for the firm.
"Robert adds US corporate and deep industry experience as well as a technical skill set that, combined with our already strong corporate and capital markets capability, will enable us to further expand our practice in this area while continuing to provide the highest level of service to our clients," he added.
Lustrin, who has joined the firm as counsel, is admitted to practice in New York, Texas, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, home to one of the largest ship registries in the world.
He is known as a frequent speaker at shipping and offshore industry conferences on the subject of capital markets transactions.
"I am delighted to have joined Reed Smith, a firm which has a world class reputation in the shipping industry," he said.
Reed Smith told TradeWinds the US transportation group has five shipping partners: Greg Chase, Jane Sarma, Kevin Keenan, Oliver Beiersdorf and Jim Cooper, plus another in aviation.
There are also five counsels and associates in shipping.
'Impressive experience'
"Robert will be a tremendous addition to our team in New York. His impressive experience in capital markets securities matters will be of great value to our US and international clients," said Cindy Schmitt Minniti, Reed Smith’s New York office managing partner.
The global transportation group consists of more than 140 lawyers in New York, Houston, Princeton, Tysons and Washington DC, as well as London, Athens, Singapore and other key hubs.
The New York practice also covers the full range of traditional transactional shipping disciplines, including debt finance, structured asset finance, sale and leasebacks, sale and purchase and mortgage work.
The law firm told TradeWinds the New York team are already very active in advising private equity funds making investments in shipping, including structuring work, joint ventures, management arrangements, vessel acquisitions and disposals.
"In short we advise private equity on the full life cycle of a shipping investment, from inception to exit," the company said.
