Former Masons senior partner John Bishop, who stepped down in November 2002, is jetting out to head up the firm's Hong Kong office

Despite a depressed construction market, Masons wants to develop in the region after recently winning a licence to open in Shanghai.

“While there have been concerns about the unpredictability of Hong Kong's economy and business environment, we see significant opportunities ahead,” said Bishop, who will become Hong Kong senior partner.

The return of international division manager Chris Dering to the UK and the relocation of Hong Kong partner Hew Kian Heong to Shanghai created the need for more partnership support.

Bishop will take charge of six partners and 23 lawyers and will develop the practice across Asia. The firm also has offices in Shanghai and Gwangzhou, and has alliances with Singapore practices Chan Tan & Partners and Lim Ang & Partners.

Over the past two years Masons has lost a number of lawyers in Hong Kong.