UK-headquartered law firm Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) has appointed Sonya Kalnin as a partner in its Bangkok corporate team, bolstering its energy and infrastructure practice in Asia.

With over two decades of experience, Kalnin specialises in advising clients on cross-border M&A, joint ventures, and project finance in the energy and infrastructure sectors. She spent over 13 years at Linklaters, leaving as a counsel in 2023. Kalnin previously worked at the legacy Allen & Overy and Mayer Brown.

"Her energy and infrastructure expertise in both the Thai and broader regional markets represent a major boost for our Bangkok corporate practice," said Steven Burkill, the head of WFW's Bangkok office, in a statement.

Added Linh Doan, Asia projects and corporate group head: "Sonya is a highly regarded lawyer and her experience will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen and expand our corporate services offering for all of our Asian clients including those in our core sectors."

The addition of Kalnin brings the total number of lawyers in WFW's Bangkok office to 29, including six partners.

In October last year, Christopher Osborne, the office’s head of corporate, moved to SCL Nishimura & Asahi.