Addleshaw Goddard's plans to launch in Singapore have suffered a setback, with the partner intended to launch the firm's first international outpost quitting to join Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP).

London-based litigation partner Kent Phillips was due to launch Addleshaws' Singapore office later this year; however, he will join BLP's local office instead, where he will head the firm's Asian arbitration practice.

Addleshaws said it intends to push ahead with plans to open an office focused on international arbitration in Singapore despite Phillips' departure.

A spokesperson said: "As far as Singapore, our investment and plans are progressing well: we've just confirmed a fantastic office in a great location and a team has just returned from a successful relationship building and preparation trip and have a second trip planned next month."

Phillips, who specialises in complex, high value, cross-border disputes before the English Courts and arbitration tribunals, focuses primarily on disputes in the energy and financial services sectors.

Before joining Addleshaws in September 2009, he originally trained as a barrister and solicitor in New Zealand, before moving to the UK and working in Linklaters' London office.

His hire will bring the total number of partners in BLP's Singapore office, which opened in February 2007, to five.

BLP Singapore managing partner Alistair Duffield commented: "We are pleased to be able to attract someone of Kent's caliber to spearhead our arbitration offering from Singapore."

The hire comes after BLP opened in Hong Kong in August this year, with the top 20 UK firm relocating two City partners to the region to staff the base. The firm is also planning to add one or more local lawyers to launch a separate associated firm that will enable it to offer clients Hong Kong law advice.