Ashurst international trade and regulatory offering expands with new partner hire

Global law firm Ashurst announces the appointment of international & EU trade specialist Claus Zimmermann as partner and head of international trade, based in Brussels, as the firm continues the expansion of its EMEA antitrust, regulatory and trade offering.

Claus, who will lead the firm's international and EU trade litigation, policy and regulatory practice, advises governments and private stakeholders on the full spectrum of international and EU trade and regulatory law. He also has extensive experience as a litigator before the WTO, the EU courts and at national courts.

"We are very pleased to welcome Claus to the team," said Denis Fosselard, Brussels office managing partner and EMEA head of competition. "Against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical complexity, the burgeoning importance of international trade law for our clients is stark. Claus' impressive track record of building and growing practices, and broad expertise in trade and trade-related areas, means he is well-equipped to lead our international trade practice and boost our response to this client demand."

Euan Burrows, global head of Ashurst’s antitrust, regulatory & trade practice added that Claus will be an important addition to the team’s international capability. "Claus is a very well-regarded trade lawyer and brings a wealth of experience to the firm. His strong background in EU trade policy and technical expertise adds significant breadth and depth to our international trade capabilities, and further expands our sanctions offering. He and his team will be a great asset to the firm, and we look forward to welcoming them to Ashurst."

Claus added, "I am excited to be joining Ashurst, which offers a fantastic platform from which to further expand my practice. I am very much looking forward to working with my colleagues in Brussels and from across the entire firm, to further expand Ashurst's international trade litigation, policy and regulatory offering both in Europe and globally."

Claus joins on May 1st from Noerr and comes to Ashurst together with associate Emilia Etz as well as with Giovanna Ventura, a senior regulatory affairs advisor. On October 1st, the team will be complemented by an additional associate, Nina Schwartz.