To boost the support for Asian clients who are increasingly investing in the Middle East and Middle Eastern clients who are looking to do business in Asia, Simmons & Simmons has brought onboard dispute resolution expert James Kwan as a partner of its China Disputes Group team. Kwan has advised on disputes over energy sales and joint operation agreements in Asia, and oil concession agreements in the Middle East.
“James’ appointment is part of the strategic growth of our energy and infrastructure sector, one of our four key sectors globally,” said David Shasha, head of Simmons & Simmons’ energy and infrastructure sector. “We believe his solid experience will put us in a good position to further strengthen our presence in the marketplace.”
Kwan will be based in the firm’s Hong Kong office. Prior to joining Simmons & Simmons, he had been a dispute resolution consultant with Allen & Overy, based in Dubai for two years. He is on the arbitration panel of the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC) and an honorary member of the Dubai International Arbitration Centre.