Jones Day is bulking up its Singapore practice with three partner hires from UK and Australian law firms.

Former Herbert Smith Freehills partner Michelle Chen is set to join the office later this year after leaving legacy Herbert Smith's local office in June. The banking and finance partner has particular experience in the energy sector.

Meanwhile M&A partner Darren Murphy joined from Linklaters' Australian partner Allens (formerly Allens Arthur Robinson) earlier this month. His hire comes shortly after Jones Day brought in Murphy's former Allens colleague Matthew Skinner, a dispute resolution specialist .

In June, the firm hired two partners from K&L Gates in Singapore – corporate and restructuring partner Kevin Murphy and dispute resolution specialist Michael Pollen, whose background includes work in offshore oil and gas.

Jones Day is one of 23 international law firms applying for the QFLP licence to practise foreign law in Singapore, with licences expected to be awarded later this year.

The US firm is currently working to boost its headcount in the city state, particularly in the energy sector, which is seen as a growing market in Southeast Asia.

Including its new hires the firm will have 27 fee-earners in Singapore, including 11 partners.

It has six other offices in the Asia-Pacific region, including Tokyo, Tapei, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Sydney.