International law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has expanded its energy, natural resources and infrastructure practices with two Asian legal hires, according to a press release.

Gavin MacLaren and Mark Plenderleith joined the firm as partners–coming from Australian-based Allens Arthur Robinson and New York-based Milbank, respectively.

“These two appointments, in addition to the new partners elected recently in the region, indicate how important the Asia markets are to the firm,” managing partner Robert Ashworth with Freshfields said of the legal recruitment. “Specifically, Gavin and Mark will increase the strength and depth of our specialist capabilities in the energy, natural resources and infrastructure sectors in the Asian region and substantially boost our client offering in what is a fast growing market.”

Plenderleith is slated to work with Freshfields’ partners in Tokyo to bolster investments overseas while also strengthening capacities in the Asian energy sector.

MacLaren’s experience lies in mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and project development, the press release states. His particular focus is the energy and natural resources sector.