DLA makes A&O corporate hire in Bangkok

DLA Piper has bulked up its capabilities in Thailand with the hire of Allen & Overy (A&O) corporate consultant Tim Dobson.

Dobson has joined DLA’s corporate group in Bangkok as a senior consultant, where he will work alongside the firm’s three resident partners in the region.

He has been based in Thailand with A&O since 2001 and leaves five partners in the office there.

Dobson cannot be appointed as a partner in the jurisdiction due to Thai bar rules that require lawyers to be locally qualified before they can assume the title of partner.

He said: “DLA has a good track record in Thailand and I am attracted to the firm because of its strength and depth in corporate and real estate work in Bangkok and worldwide.

“In addition, the firm is well-recognised in the market for bringing together cross-border teams on large-scale, complex transactions.”

Dobson specialises in advising multinationals on legal issues related to their investment and commercial activities in Thailand, including international and domestic M&A and disposals and joint ventures.

DLA office managing partner Peter Shelford, said: “We are looking to build our corporate and commercial practice and Tim is part of our strategy in developing that part of our business, both in Thailand and in Southeast Asia generally.”