(EnergyAsia, February 10 2012, Friday) --- Reflecting the growth of the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) business, leading international law firm Wikborg Rein has recruited a specialist, Joe McGladdery, as a partner in its London, England office.

Mr McGladdery joins from Qatar Gas Transport Company Limited (Nakilat) where he acted as the company’s general counsel and was a board member for a number of its subsidiary companies and joint ventures.  He was responsible for developing Nakilat’s legal and insurance department and formed part of the senior management team which oversaw the expansion of the company into the world’s leading operator of LNG ships.

Before joining Nakilat, he worked as a shipbroker for H Clarkson & Co in London and Hong Kong before practising law at Simmons & Simmons and at Curtis Davis Garrard. He specialises in non-contentious shipping matters, and companies which he has successfully represented include Kuwait Oil Tanker Company, Novorossiysk Shipping Company, Marathon Oil, and Sovcomflot.

Mr McGladdery said he relishes the opportunity to develop his practice as a shipping projects lawyer, with particular emphasis on the LNG market, where he foresees an expansion in seaborne trade.

Finn Bjornstad, who was recently appointed senior partner of Wikborg Rein’s London office, said:

“We are delighted to have recruited a person of Joe’s experience, reputation and ability. He will form an important part of the team we are continuing to develop in London offering global English law capability in the maritime sector. Joe’s experience as a shipbroker and as part of the management team of a leading ship owner and operator will greatly supplement the knowledge base within the firm.”

Wikborg Rein is a leading law firm in the shipping and offshore sector, and a major player on the international scene. Its range of services include ship, project and lease finance, corporate, contract negotiation, offshore and construction projects, sale and purchase, ship registration, insurance, casualty response, carriage of goods, ship arrest and international dispute resolution.