Ian Hardee joins White & Case

Ian Hardee is joining White & Case as a partner in the firm's capital markets group, focusing on debt capital markets. He will be based in Hong Kong. Hardee joins from Clifford Chance where he was a partner, having worked on the whole gamut of Asian debt issues.

The hiring is a significant move for White & Case as it seeks to boost its capital markets business. Given the multi jurisdictional nature of the international debt markets, it makes sense for clients to have a locally based, English qualified, US employed lawyer.

"The firm has a US background coupled with a substantial London office and English law capability, which many US firms lack," says Hardee. "This is important given the prevalence of English law work in the region. A significant portion of my practice involves debt restructuring. I was particularly attracted by the firm's strength and reputation in that area and the quality of the restructuring team in Hong Kong."

At White & Case, Hardee will work closely with Olivia Lee who heads the firm's Hong Kong capital markets group.