Latham & Watkins has strengthened its energy finance and projects team in London with the appointment of a new partner. 

Oil and gas focussed energy specialist John Balsdon joins from Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF), where he was co-head of the firm's global energy group. 

This is the latest in a string of lateral hires for the firm this year, and is a show of intent for the firm to bolster its position as a global force in the energy market. 

Balsdon worked on several high profile projects while at HSF, including Vitol's oil and gas project in Ghana, and the South Stream Gas Pipeline project.