Six international firms set to re-tender next year for QFLP licences to practise local law in Singapore

Six international law firms awarded licences in Singapore's first Qualifying Foreign Law Practice (QFLP) round will need to secure a renewal next year if they wish to continue practising local law.

Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance (CC), Herbert Smith Freehills, Norton Rose, Latham & Watkins and White & Case were the first group of foreign firms to be granted local licences in Singapore in 2009 as part of the Government's initiative to liberalise the legal market.

Their licences were valid for initial five-year terms, meaning they are due to expire in 2014. Firms were selected based on the value of offshore work that their Singapore branch would generate, the number of lawyers to be based in the office, and areas of legal practice that their Singapore base would offer.

The city state's Ministry of Law (MinLaw) also considered the extent to which the Singapore office would function as the firm's headquarters for Asia and the outfit's overseas track record. 

Depending on when applications were initially made, those keen to continue practising locally are required to apply for their licences to be renewed at some point between January and June 2014.

All six firms are keen to keep hold of their licences and will be applying for a QFLP renewal. However, MinLaw has said there are no guarantees that all licences will be reinstated.

"The QFLP licences are valid for a five-year period and the first round of QFLP licences will expire in early 2014," said a spokesperson. 

"The renewal of a QFLP licence will depend on the overall performance of the respective firm over the past five years and, in particular, whether they were able to meet their stated commitments."

Of the six firms, all but Herbert Smith have locally qualified partners, but it is understood that the firm may look to build up in this area. 

CC, which has a formal law alliance with Singapore firm Cavenagh Law – and can therefore offer local litigation services – has the largest Singapore practice of the group, with 16 partners and 69 other legal staff, of which some 10 partners and 34 other lawyers are locally qualified. 

Earlier this month, White & Case relocated Foreign Corrupt Practices Act partner Tom Benedict to Singapore from its Los Angeles office. It will soon move projects partner Steve Payne over from Beijing.

Latham is also expecting to add four lawyers to its office in the near future. Last year, it relocated two London partners to join the team: outsourcing and technology partner Luke Grubb and M&A partner Rod Brown. 

"Since the firm received its QFLP licence in 2009, we have undertaken a steady growth of our Singapore law capabilities," said Latham managing partner for Singapore Stephen McWilliams (pictured). "We expect to continue this growth over the years to come."

• Related: Links among just four firms to win Singapore licences after 23 apply

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