Addleshaw Goddard is enhancing its Singapore practice with the appointment of energy, shipping and international trade expert Mike Melwood Smith. Mike will join the firm as a consultant as part of the firm’s ongoing investment in its international division in response to client demand.
Mike has considerable expertise in all matters relating to energy (primarily “down-stream” oil and gas), international trade and the carriage of goods by sea; documentary fraud & theft; and marine insurance issues, including casualty investigations and commercial dispute resolution.
He also has extensive experience of practice in South East Asia, having spent much of the last 20 years in the region, initially with Richards Butlers and then with DLA Piper. He joined DLA Piper’s Hong Kong office in 1997 before establishing its Singapore office in 2000. He is one of the few foreign lawyers ever to appear ‘in camera’ before the Supreme Court of China in Beijing and was recognised as one of Singapore’s leading shipping/trade lawyers in the Asia Pacific Legal 500 for eight consecutive years (2001-8).
Mike also has significant experience of practice in the GCC, having spent three years working as Senior Legal Counsel for Qatargas in Doha.
Addleshaw Goddard opened it’s Singapore office in May 2012. The office is led by international arbitration partner Jamie Harrison. Mr. Harrison commented:
“Mike’s hire is testament to our commitment to give our clients the best local market knowledge and expertise. His reputation and track record in the region is outstanding and he will play an important role in helping us grow the range of disputes we act on.”
