The Singapore office of 39 Essex Chambers has hired arbitration expert David Bateson from King & Wood Mallesons in Hong Kong.

Bateson, who has more than 35 years of experience in dispute resolution in Asia – including arbitration, litigation and alternative dispute resolution – will continue to be involved with King & Wood Mallesons as a consultant. He also has significant experience as an arbitrator, and is currently on the panels of SIAC, HKIAC, CIETAC, KLRCA, FACT and APRAG.

Beginning his career at Denton Hall & Burgin in Hong Kong in 1980, Bateson was a partner at Mallesons Stephen Jacques in the SAR from 1990 to 2012, when that firm merged with King & Wood.

“We are absolutely delighted that David will be joining us,” said David Barnes, chief executive of 39 Essex Chambers. “He comes with an outstanding reputation. His expertise and focus on international arbitration fits perfectly with our rapidly growing practice and offering in this area across the Asia-Pacific region.”