Watson Farley scoops top A&O lawyer

Shipping specialist Watson Farley & Williams has appointed a new head of European competition.

Ian Rose joins from Allen & Overy's competition and environmental law practice, where he has been for 10 years, spending the last four years in Brussels on secondment to the European Commission.

Rose, who will join as a partner, says his first job will be to develop Watson Farley's competition practice.

He says: "There are huge opportunities on the UK and EC side. I have done a lot of merger work in Brussels. I have also done a lot of distribution work and that is another area that is growing."

The head of Watson Farley's international corporate group Charles Walford says: "Ian will bring his extensive experience in EC competition and environmental law, enhanced by a period on secondment to the European Commission, to our international client base."

Rose qualified at Allen & Overy in 1992. He says that his decision to move was difficult but adds that he wants to take on a more managerial role.

The appointment coincides with a period of expansion at Watson Farley. In February, the firm bolstered its Singapore office by taking on Barry Irwin from Australian firm Allen Allen & Hemsley.

the lawyer 12 june 2000