Simmons replaces Hong Kong IP head

Hong Kong: Simmons head of IP in the city is returning to England

Simmons & Simmons has raided leading firm Johnson Stokes & Master for a replacement head for its Hong Kong IP practice.

Present incumbent Angus Phang is returning to the UK to become a partner at Garretts' Reading office and John Slater is to fill the vacancy.

Simmons' senior partner Bill Knight says: "John's experience is on the contentious side. The office is doing very well because of the upsurge in work in the region as well as being involved in some big deals."

The office currently has 10 fee-earners but Knight rules out further recruitment in the immediate future.

He says: "We are looking at it but we are seeing a real resurgence in Hong Kong after a flat period and would now like to consolidate that."

Phang will concentrate on internet start-ups and internet service providers.

Knight explains that Phang wanted to return to the UK for family reasons, but "there was not a suitable opening for him".