U.S. firm Covington & Burling (Covington) has added five new hires to boost its China and Silicon Valley corporate teams, which have a special focus on the technology and life sciences sectors.

Covington & Burling has hired experienced life sciences lawyer Shaoyu Chen to be managing director of the firm’s food and drug practice in China.

US firm Covington & Burling has secured Timothy Stratford’s services after he stepped down as assistant US trade representitive for China affairs.