White & Case has targeted greater underwriter representation in Asia with the hire of US securities partner Joshua Zimmerman from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.

US-qualified Zimmerman, formerly of Wall Street firm Cravath Swaine & Moore in Hong Kong and New York and in-house at Credit Suisse First Boston, joined the US firm in Hong Kong as international counsel. He specialises in US securities work and has worked in Hong Kong since 2001.

Kenneth Ellis, capital markets regional head and executive partner for the firm's China operations, said: "Josh brings strong capabilities and experience to our securities team, especially with respect to underwriter representation in Asia. Josh has significant debt and equity capital markets experience throughout Asia."

Ellis said the firm is targeting multi-jurisdictional listings and transactions involving US, English and local law in markets throughout the region.