Squire Patton Boggs has launched a global commodities and shipping group with the addition of partners Barry Stimpson and Jessica Kenworthy, who join the firm’s Singapore office from Reed Smith.  This renewed focus on commodities and shipping augments the firm’s maritime and logistics practices.

More in pipeline

Chairman and global ceo of Squire Patton Boggs, Mark Ruehlmann said “This is an area in which we already have strong capabilities in London, Australia and the US, and with the addition of this team and future hires in the pipeline, we expect to very quickly ascend to become one of the premier firms in the commodities and shipping space.” Having worked in London, Hong Kong, Singapore and Sydney, Mr Stimpson brings over 25 years of experience handling matters in the international trade, shipping, offshore energy, construction and insurance sectors.  He has been in the Asia-Pacific region for over 20 years and was the founding partner of Reed Smith’s Singapore office when it was established in 2012, as well as the Office Managing Partner from 2016 to 2018. Ms Kenworthy’s practice covers a broad range of financings, with a specialization in complex commodity financings and ship financings.  She has been involved in a wide range of commodity finance related transactions, in particular acting for lenders, trading houses and multilaterals. 

"Ideal practice"

Commenting on his move, Mr Stimpson said, “Squire Patton Boggs’ Asia-Pacific network and its presence across the Middle East, London, Europe and the US, as well as its commitment to growing a global, market leading commodities and shipping practice makes the firm an ideal place to serve the diverse needs of our global clients.” Ms. Kenworthy further commented, “The culture and drive of Squire Patton Boggs to ensure its commodities and shipping capabilities are market leading, attractive and competitive for clients have been very compelling.” The Commodities and Shipping Group will provide a full range of legal services on all aspects of international trade and shipping and across all commodity sectors, including advice and assistance with transactions, corporate matters, trade finance, litigation and arbitration, regulatory matters, environmental law, renewable energy, derivatives and projects.