Duo target key regional hub for Asian private client push

LG and Withers are both set to open offices in Singapore this spring in a bid to capture a share of the region's growing private client market.

LG's Singapore launch, which will go live in the coming months through an alliance with local outfit PK Wong and Associates, marks the City law firm's first base in Asia.

Former senior partner Penny Francis will relocate to the region to head the office, which will carry out a mix of private client and other work. She will be joined by private capital partner Nick Jacob and corporate partner Geoff Gouriet, who will split their time between London and Singapore. The office will be LG's fifth alongside London, Dubai, Moscow and Monaco.

Five-partner outfit PK Wong was founded in March 2004 by Wong Peng Koon and Mark Wong and covers corporate, litigation, banking, property and intellectual property work.

LG managing partner Hugh Maule said: "Singapore is a significant hub for global business. This increase in corporate activity, together with our existing commitment to the Asian market with our private capital clients, has led us to conclude that having an office in Singapore is the next step for us strategically after our successful opening in Dubai."

Withers, meanwhile, is set to open in Singapore in May, with the base, its 10th office worldwide, adding to its existing Asia presence in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong office opened in 2008 and expanded into local law in 2011.

Hong Kong Asia wealth planning head Jay Krause will relocate to the region to head the practice, alongside Hong Kong associate Philip Munro. The firm is also planning to make a number of hires over the coming months.

Withers managing director Margaret Robertson said: "Even when we opened in Hong Kong we knew it would only be a question of time before we set up in Singapore. Having a presence in both locations along with our offices in Europe and the US enables us to deliver integrated advice both quickly and directly to clients 
across Asia."