Gibson Dunn poaches Hong Kong PE team

The international law firm has hired four lawyers including Ropes’ Hong Kong managing partner Paul Boltz.

Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, a global law firm, has hired a four-strong team for its Hong Kong office from rival Ropes & Gray.

The team is led by Paul Boltz, who was Hong Kong managing partner at Ropes & Gray. His clients have included Bain Capital, TPG Asset Management and Sequoia Capital.

Joining him are private equity transactions partners Brian Schwarzwalder and Scott Jalowayski. AlpInvest, Baring Private Equity Asia, The Carlyle Group and CPPIB are among their clients.

All three practiced together in Morrison Foerster’s Hong Kong office, before leaving to join Ropes & Gray’s then newly-opened Hong Kong office in 2008.

A fourth private equity transaction partner, Michael Nicklin, is also making the move. Prior to Ropes, he practiced at Weil, Gotshal & Manges in London. His recent clients include Blackstone Group.

A Ropes & Gray spokesman confirmed the departures.