King & Spalding is set to open in Singapore with the hire of Shearman & Sterling international arbitration partner John Savage.

The firm announced yesterday (9 August) that it has applied for a licence to set up an office in the region specialising in commercial arbitration and energy work.

The firm's global energy practice head Philip Weems will manage the new outfit alongside recent hire Savage and global transactions partner Daniel Rogers.

Weems was King & Spalding's managing partner for its Dubai, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi offices from 2007 until earlier this year.

King & Spalding chairman Robert Hays said: "Singapore's establishment as a key international arbitration centre for commercial disputes in Asia, the Indian subcontinent and Australia, coupled with a steady increase in energy and infrastructure investment throughout the region, make it a compelling centre for the continued expansion of our energy and arbitration practices."

Weems commented: "Our international energy clients are recognising Singapore's advantages as a stepping-off point for energy-related transactions and other activities across Asia."

New recruit Savage was the deputy leader of Shearman's international arbitration practice. He joined the firm in 1993 and made partner in 2000.

The news follows King & Spalding's recent opening of its Geneva office in June 2010, which came after its new Paris arm opened in September 2009.

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