Herbert Smith Freehills' (HSF’s) former co-head of German disputes has joined Jones Day in Düsseldorf as part of a drive by the top 10 US firm to grow its arbitration practice in Europe’s largest economy.

Thomas Weimann is making the move after a short spell as a solo practitioner, having left HSF after five years in March.

His arrival follows that of Frankfurt-based partner Amy Kläsener in May from Dentons, where she was head of arbitration for Germany.  

Ansgar Rempp, head of Jones Day's German practice, said the duo would help the firm become a leading arbitration practice in Germany, building on its strong US and international reputation.  

Weimann has 30 years of experience in construction, infrastructure and technology disputes, having previously spent 25 years at Clifford Chance, where roles included that of head of German disputes.

He is well-known in Düsseldorf for his strong arbitral connections and previous work as an academic and legal publisher, a business he ran in parallel with his legal practice from 1986 to 2010.

He is particularly recognised for his work in Germany, the Middle East and China. In 2007, he co-founded the Chinese-European Arbitration Centre, leading the institution for twelve years until 2018.

Ulrich Brauer, head of Jones Day's Düsseldorf office, said his arrival was a milestone, describing him as "a top-class international arbitrator, [who] is also highly regarded as a leading legal personality in the Düsseldorf economic region, [with] an excellent network".

Weimann said moving to Jones Day was "a new challenge", following his work “for two internationally recognised law firms dominated by British [lawyers], to which I am very much looking forward".

Earlier this week, Jones Day bolstered its global arbitration capability in Australia with the addition of a team from Quinn Emanuel in Perth.