US firm Vinson & Elkins has brought six new lawyers on board after plundering a number of its international rivals.

In Abu Dhabi, the firm welcomes project development and finance partner Jon Nash from the London office of Chadbourne & Parke.

Nash’s clientele include public and private entities across the infrastructure, energy and logistics sectors. Nash will become the firm’s fourth partner in Abu Dhabi and its eighth in the UAE.

Nash said the move will not only allow him to get closer to his key clients but also singled out the firm’s presence in Asia as a major factor. “For a while, I had been looking for a move to better serve clients in the geographic area that makes up the bulk of my practice,” he said. “I felt the firm’s strong presence in Asia — from where so much of the world’s economy is now driven…made it the most compelling choice.” In Asia, Vinson & Elkins has offices in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Beijing and Shanghai.

In addition to the appointment of Nash, the firm has also added five new associates to its ranks. In Abu Dhabi, Fahad Bakheet AlMalki joins from the Riyadh office of King & Spalding, Owen Delaney relocates from the firm’s London office while Ziad Saad joins from Ashurst. In Dubai, Emile Boulos and William Page both come on board from Herbert Smith, and Carlo Pianese joins from Allen & Overy.

Vinson & Elkins Gulf arrivals