Anglo-Australian law firm Herbert Smith Freehills has hired a second energy-focused M&A partner from U.S. law firm King & Spalding in Asia in less than a month, as Lachlan Clancy joins the firm in Tokyo.

Herbert Smith Freehills added energy pro-Anthony Patten from K&S in Singapore last month.

The latest hire is part of a planned expansion of its Asian energy practice in response to growing client demand, the firm said in a statement. "At such a critical time for energy transition investment, their appointments strengthen both the firm's energy credentials and its ability to respond to growing client demand in Asia and beyond," said Graeme Preston, Asia managing partner.

Other international law firms have also been expanding their energy offerings in Asia recently.  Hogan Lovells hired Matthew Bubb as the head of its infrastructure, energy, resources, and projects practice for the Asia-Pacific region, while Jones Day welcomed energy expert Paul Greening as a partner in Singapore from Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld.

Ashurst and Baker Botts have also added energy-focused lawyers in Singapore in the past few months.

Clancy advises clients on transactions and financing in the oil and gas, green energy and power and mining sectors. His clients have included Hague & London Oil, Brunei LNG, Mitsui & Co, Pavilion Energy, INPEX Corporation, Total, PETRONAS, British Columbia, Marubeni, CITIC and Rio Tinto Exploration.

"Lachlan has extensive experience in the energy and mining industries, including energy transition projects and transactions," said Andrew Blacoe, Asia head of corporate at Herbert Smith Freehills. "Our Japanese clients are active investors in this sector, and his hire strengthens our ability to advise on their investments into Asia, the Middle East, Australia and Europe."