The firm said Schimmelfeder will help to expand its reach in rail, aviation and defence while building on the team’s one-stop shop philosophy.

“[Schimmelfeder] is a perfect strategic fit for our transport, trade and logistics team,” Middletons’ managing partner Nick Nichola said.

“His rail, aviation and defence expertise is absolutely first-class and it provides a logical extension to our maritime, logistics and transport infrastructure work which has been a cornerstone practice area of the firm for the best part of 100 years.

Schimmelfeder said he believes his practice is an ideal fit with Middletons’ transport, trade and logistics offering.

“I have quite a specialised practice that sits well inside Middletons’ structure, not just in terms of transport, trade and logistics, but also in the broader scope of the firm’s commercial work,” Schimmelfeder said.

“I think the ability to provide a comprehensive service will sit well with my existing clients, and across the broader transport industry we are now well set-up to cope with a wide range of work, all the way from supply contracts to litigation and mergers and acquisitions.”