(EnergyAsia, November 20 2012, Tuesday) — Law firm
Herbert Smith Freehills said it has strengthened its Greater China energy and natural resources practice with the addition of David Clinch, a senior partner from the firm’s global energy and natural resources practice.

Hong Kong-based Clinch will work with partners Anna Howell and Hilary Lau, and China corporate partner Tom Chau to continue developing its market-leading Greater China energy and natural resources practice, which already advises some of the world’s biggest companies in the sector including CNOOC, CNPC, Sinopec, State Grid and Shenhua.

Mr Clinch has worked with the firm for almost 19 years, of which over 14 years have been spent in our Asia offices. He has been based in the firm’s Hong Kong, Bangkok, London, Singapore and Tokyo offices.

Widely recognised as a leading energy lawyer, his practice includes acquisitions and disposals, project development, project finance, joint ventures and offtake arrangements within the oil and gas, mining, power, refining, chemical and infrastructure sectors. He has advised on projects and acquisitions in Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, the Middle East, Europe, the former Soviet Union and South America as well as on a number of restructurings in Asia.

Mark Johnson, the firm’s Asia managing partner, said:

“We are delighted to have David rejoin our Asia team. His leading experience in working with Asian and international clients will be instrumental for us as we further develop our leading energy and natural resources practice.”

With more than 2,800 top-flight lawyers, operating from over 20 offices across Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, Africa and North America, Herbert Smith Freehills provides premium full-service legal advice.