UK firm Barlow Lyde & Gilbert's China management has undergone some major changes. Following the May 2009 appointment of long-term Hong Kong litigation partner David Smyth as the new managing partner for Hong Kong and China, the firm has recently hired Brinton Scott to lead its Shanghai office and steer the future development of its China practice. The role is newly created to facilitate the firm's plan to develop the full potential of its China practice.

Brinton Scott joined from US firm Fredrikson & Byron's Shanghai office, where he had served as head of China practice since the office's inception in January 2008. Before joining Fredrikson, he was an associate with Herbert Smith in Shanghai. The US-qualified lawyer has 12 years of experience practising in China, with a focus on M&A, IP and construction.

The appointment will also help Barlows recover from the loss of a seven-lawyer team from its Asia practice in May this year, when former Hong Kong and China managing partner Camille Jojo joined Norton Rose as head of its Asia disputes practice, along with a team of six associates.

Related stories:

• Norton Rose grows Asia disputes with Barlow lawyers
• Barlow appoints new MP for Hong Kong and China