International law firm Simmons & Simmons has continued its expansion in China with the appointment of an employment partner and a corporate partner.

Lesli Ligorner joins from Paul Hastings Shanghai, where she co-chaired the international Employment Law practice and chaired the Employment Law and Anti-corruption practices in China. She has extensive experience in transactions involving strategic employment counselling, litigation and labour issues for multinational companies, with a focus on anti-corruption matters.

The firm has also expanded its Energy & Infrastructure sector in Hong Kong, with the appointment of Corporate partner Vivien Yang. Vivien specialises in M&A, projects, and commercial contracts in the energy and natural resources sector. She has extensive experience in transactions involving regional LNG, natural gas and oil. She joins from  Clifford Chance’s Hong Kong office, where she was Head of Natural Resources.

Commenting on the appointments, Paul Li, Simmons & Simmons Country Head of China, said: “China is central to the firm’s growth strategy, and these appointments come as part of our commitment to build upon and develop our strength in the region, after finance partner Yongmei Evers Cai joined us in Beijing in the past week.”

”Lesli and Vivien are two outstanding additions to the team. Lesli’s appointment demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the strength and depth of our employment team is unparalleled in the region. Vivien’s specialist experience in the oil and gas industry in the Asia Pacific region and will strengthen existing  ties with our energy clients, particularly the region’s national oil companies who are looking to meet ever-increasing energy demands.”