He is joined by special counsel Richard Arrage, also from the transport and logistics group.

Colin Biggers & Paisley transport and logistics team head Andrew Tulloch suggested the pair would add sector-specific experience to the firm's offering.

"Stephen has top-notch skills and a great client following," he said.

"The additional expertise brought to the group by Stephen and Richard in shipping and in relation to the offshore energy sector enables us to broaden our service offering and adds to our already considerable practice in shipping, marine and aviation insurance, road and rail so that we have the transport and logistics sector well covered."

Mr Thompson pointed to CBP's reputation in the transport sector as a primary motivation for the move.

"Richard and I are delighted to be joining them and contributing to what is already a formidable team, offering full service legal solutions to our clients in the maritime, logistics and off-shore support industries," he said.

In the past two months, CBP has also recruited special counsel Carlos Gouveia from Clayton Utz and partner Rebecca Castley from Mullins Lawyers.