New Zealand firm Lowndes Associates has boosted its litigation and commercial dispute resolution capacity with the appointment of Michael McCarthy as a partner.

McCarthy has particular expertise in the shipping, transport and trade sectors, including ship sale and purchases, drafting ship-building contracts and drafting industry-specific contracts.

He has more than 20 years' experience, including seven years working in London. His clients are based across New Zealand, Europe, Australia, the US and the Pacific.