DLA beefs up aviation in Asia and South America

DLA is continuing to strengthen its practice in Asia as it recruits an aviation partner in Hong Kong.

Paul Freeman was previously based in Singapore, where he was a partner at Beaumont and Son.

He will work with London-based partner Nigel Wright to develop a network of specialist aviation lawyers in Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai.

The move follows the appointment of shipping and insurance partner Peter Shelford and commercial partner Keith Handley, both of whom will join DLA's Singapore office in May (The Lawyer, 8 April).

DLA is also expanding its aviation practice in Latin America with the formation of an alliance with Equador firm Romero Arteta Ponce (RAP).

RAP will act as DLA's aviation representative office in Latin America, and the two firms will advise on post-accident legal liability work for the whole of South and Central America.

DLA head of aviation Mark Franklin says: "The moves are a big step for us. Aviation is a global business, and there's a lot we can't do from London. We'll continue to expand the practice, especially in Hong Kong."

The aviation group at DLA was set up four years ago by Franklin and Graham Tyler, who joined from Frere Cholmeley Bischoff (now part of Eversheds), Nigel Wright from Beaumont and Son and Tim Scorer from London niche insurance firm Jarvis & Bannister.