Freshfields to reopen in Singapore five years after 2007 exit
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is gearing up for a relaunch in Singapore, almost five years after the firm shut down its former office in the region. The magic circle firm is planning to open the new arm this autumn, with the move expected to be discussed at a meeting of the firm's partnership council this week. The new office will focus on arbitration, corporate, projects and energy work, with the firm also looking to use the base as a strategic access point for India.
February 09, 2012 at 07:03 PM
2 minute read
Magic circle firm assesses plans to relaunch in key Asian hub
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is gearing up for a relaunch in Singapore, almost five years after the firm shut down its former office in the region.
The magic circle firm is planning to open the new arm this autumn, with the move expected to be discussed at a meeting of the firm's partnership council this week.
The new office will focus on arbitration, corporate, projects and energy work, with the firm also looking to use the base as a strategic access point for India.
One Freshfields partner said: "Singapore is being talked about all the time as the firm's next strategic move. Hong Kong has become a greater China hub and Singapore is becoming the hub of Southeast Asia.
"A Singapore office is definitely something people would like to see happen – and soon. All of the big global firms have a base there, so for us, it's really a must."
Freshfields closed the door on its two-partner Singapore branch in April 2007 as part of a move to refocus its Asia efforts on China and Japan. The closure of the office, which operated as a joint venture with local practice Drew & Napier, saw partners Bruce Cooper and Yeelong Tan relocate to Hong Kong. The move followed the closure of the firm's operations in Bangkok in 2004.
The news comes as part of Freshfields' wider strategy to bulk up in Asia. The firm signalled its commitment to the region last year with the relocation of two City partners and the appointment of its first-ever local chairman, former China managing partner Teresa Ko, who was also elected to the partnership council.
Freshfields currently has around 150 lawyers across six offices in Asia in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
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