Law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP has bolstered its Greater China practice with the addition of a team of lawyers in Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Led by partner Paul Ho – a shipping lawyer who brings 27 years of experience, including 21 years based in Shanghai – the team comprises two of counsels, three managing associates and two associates. Its practice has a strong focus on shipbuilding, offshore construction, ship finance, international trade and ship sale and purchase transactions, as well as general commercial litigation. The group's arrival, from Ince, comes at a time when the Hong Kong and Shanghai offices seek additional growth in the firm's areas of focus, and Paul's team adds to the strength of the firm's marine and international trade, and ship finance offering in Greater China.

"The Chinese mainland market is home to some of the world's biggest shipowners, shipyards and shipping financial leasing institutions," said Evangeline Quek, Stephenson Harwood's Greater China office managing partner. "The arrival of Paul and his team will add significant bench strength to our Greater China Maritime and International Trade practice and expand our Shanghai office significantly, and give us immediate opportunities to work with a greater pool of Chinese mainland clients, from shipyards to traders to LNG operators."

"Transportation and trade is a core area of focus for the firm – one in which our expertise is known worldwide," said Alex Davis, marine and international trade practice group leader at Stephenson Harwood. "Paul's arrival gives the firm the largest team of English-qualified MIT and ship finance lawyers in the Chinese mainland, and greatly deepens our credibility in that market and globally."

Stephenson Harwood's world-leading transportation and trade practice offers a breadth of services to clients in the aviation, shipping, trade, rail and road sectors. Clients include many of the world's largest airlines, airports, shipowners, shipyards, financiers, lessors, commodities traders and private sector rail operators and owning groups. Clients are supported throughout the full lifecycle, from financing and construction through to operations and dispute resolution.