Barlow Lyde and Gilbert (BLG) has appointed Matthew Durham as senior consultant to its Shanghai-based China corporate commercial group.

Previously with Simmons & Simmons in Shanghai, Durham has worked in China for over 10 years across sectors including insurance, aerospace and property. He has experience in commercial and corporate transactional work, and has advised on employment and labour law issues in China.

Working with partners Brinton Scott in Shanghai and Pádraig Walsh in Hong Kong, Durham will spearhead the development of the Greater China corporate commercial group, with emphasis on employment matters.

“Joining BLG offers me the opportunity to play an integral role in the growth of its Greater China Corporate Commercial Group. I am looking forward to utilising my experience and knowledge in this area to support and broaden BLG’s plans for the Greater China region,” said Durham.

Durham’s appointment follows that of Steven Fieldman, who was named senior consultant in Shanghai in January 2010.

BLG currently has 10 partners and over 45 legal professionals in the Asia Pacific region, with offices in Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai. ALB