Elizabeth Broomhall In Hong Kong

December 19, 2014 | International Edition

International lawyers working in the Asia's legal industry are well aware of the difficulties facing them. Yet 2014 was a reminder of the continent's ongoing allure for foreign law firms.

By Elizabeth Broomhall in Hong Kong

2 minute read

December 19, 2014 | International Edition

Hong Kong is among Asia's more developed legal markets, of key importance to firms mostly because of its proximity to China. There was no clear pattern of activity during 2014, with some firms ramping up and others seeing partner losses, and some new entrants at the same time as others retreated. Politically, the year was troublesome for the North Asian legal hub, with pro-democracy activists taking to the streets calling for more say in the 2017 chief executive elections.

By Elizabeth Broomhall in Hong Kong

5 minute read

December 19, 2014 | International Edition

Despite talks of high competition, interest in the South Korean legal market among foreign outfits only increased during 2014.

By Elizabeth Broomhall in Hong Kong

2 minute read

December 19, 2014 | International Edition

As the major hub for South East Asia, the island city-state of Singapore continues to attract investment. Yet it still posed a number of challenges for foreign outfits during 2014, ranging from local practice restrictions to fee pressure. Early in the year it was revealed that Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) had missed out on its local licence, and would no longer be practicing local law, as White & Case was given a conditional permit, with one year to meet certain targets.

By Elizabeth Broomhall in Hong Kong

3 minute read

December 19, 2014 | International Edition

The world's second largest economy continues to impose practice restrictions on foreign law firms. For this reason, internationals were focused on trying to crack the market.

By Elizabeth Broomhall in Hong Kong

3 minute read

December 19, 2014 | International Edition

Fast GDP growth in Indonesia, an end to sanctions in Myanmar and ambitious government plans in India are among the top reasons for recent foreign interest in South East Asia.

By Elizabeth Broomhall in Hong Kong

3 minute read

December 19, 2014 | International Edition

The Australian economy started to make a comeback in 2014, and firms responded with optimism.

By Elizabeth Broomhall in Hong Kong

3 minute read

December 19, 2014 | International Edition

Despite ongoing economic turmoil, Japan's legal market had a steady 2014, marked by a number of team moves among the international firms.

By Elizabeth Broomhall in Hong Kong

2 minute read

December 19, 2014 | International Edition

Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom has acted opposite Davis Polk & Wardwell as Chinese internet giant Baidu this week announced it was investing in US taxi-booking company Uber.

By Elizabeth Broomhall in Hong Kong

2 minute read

December 18, 2014 | International Edition

Withers has become the latest outfit to enter Australia after sealing an alliance with Ashurst corporate partner and former Asia practice head for Blake Dawson Justin Shmith, and Sydney tax boutique Balazs Lazanas & Welch.

By Elizabeth Broomhall in Hong Kong

2 minute read