Debevoise & Plimpton has bolstered its white-collar crime and regulatory offering in Asia with the hire of Herbert Smith Freehills’ Asia managing partner Mark Johnson in Hong Kong.

Johnson, who will join Debevoise as a partner, specialises in white-collar and regulatory defence matters, and advises both Asian and international clients on commercial litigation, shareholder and director disputes and regulatory investigations.

A media representative at Debevoise said that Johnson’s official start date at the New York-headquartered firm has yet to be confirmed.

“Mark is an exciting addition to our global litigation practice,” said Michael Blair, Debevoise’s presiding partner, in a statement.

“We now offer clients an unparalleled lineup of deep regulatory and white-collar strength in each of the key markets of the U.S., London, Europe and Hong Kong.”

Johnson became a partner at Herbert Smith Freehills in Hong Kong in 1993, and assumed the role of Asia managing partner in September 2011.

In a written statement by Herbert Smith Freehills, the firm’s joint CEO Sonya Leydecker thanked Johnson for his significant contribution to the success and growth of the firm’s disputes practice across Asia.

“I've had a great time with the firm in the last 30 years, and have had the opportunity of working with many of Asia's leading lawyers who have become close friends,” said Johnson in the statement.

“Now it's time for a change and a new challenge. I have no doubt that the firm will go from strength to strength.”