Shearman bulks up arbitration in Washington, DC

Shearman & Sterling has bulked up its US international arbitration group, moving Singapore partner John Savage to its Washington DC office.

The move reflect the firm’s increased focus on international arbitration in the US.

Shearman head of international arbitration, Emmanuel Gaillard, said: “The US environment for arbitration is changing and there is an increased need for specialist arbitration lawyers. John's experience in Singapore and Europe will be valuable to the US.”

Savage, who has been based in the Singapore office for eight years, first made partner in the international arbitration team in Paris.

Shearman's international arbitration group has 12 partners and 70 associates across the firm’s London, New York, Paris, Singapore and Washington DC offices.

Gaillard added: “There are a number of firms planning to build up in arbitration. Our emphasis at Shearman is on organic growth. As the trend for arbitration specialists grows in the US it will become increasingly important to grow our team.”