Two senior Ince & Co lawyers in Singapore are quitting the firm to join rival law firm Stephenson Harwood, TradeWinds understands.
The two lawyers involved are managing partner John Simpson and head of Ince’s local ship finance team Martin Brown.
“John’s experience in marine-related disputes and offshore oil and gas complements our existing disputes capabilities in Singapore, and within the wider global MIT team,” said Martin Green, managing partner of Stephenson Harwood’s Singapore office.
“With the international shipping industry having been in a state of flux for some time, John's joining the firm will allow us to further support our clients in the region as they face the evolving challenges.”
Green added that Simpson’s experience advising on arbitration in Singapore, London, Kuala Lumpur and Indonesia will “further bolster” our offering to clients.
Gregg Johnston, Singapore head of shipping and offshore finance, Stephenson Harwood said the addition of Martin Brown would “further strengthen our capabilities in this area”.
“As the shipping finance landscape evolves, Martin's experience will enable us to support clients looking for innovative solutions which will put them in a strong position for long-term success.”
In an e-mail circulated to friends and contacts Brown said: "After almost 10 years, it is time for me to move on.
"In that time, I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to establish and grow a successful and well respected maritime finance and transactional team with Ince & Co Singapore, and to have worked with some of the most engaging, interesting and challenging people on unusual and exciting projects."
Brown is set to start work at Stephenson Howard on 1 November, while Simpson will not be joining his new employer until May 2019.
