Firms mull opportunities to grow in region after missing out on local law licences 

Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP), Olswang, DLA Piper and K&L Gates are among a group of international law firms eyeing tie-ups with local firms in Singapore after missing out on licences to launch their own local practices earlier this year. 

The firms have confirmed they would be open to a partnership with a Singaporean outfit, with some looking at a Joint Law Venture (JLV) and others considering a Formal Law Alliance (FLA). 

All were among 19 unsuccessful applicants for Qualifying Foreign Law Practice (QFLP) licences.

Only four firms were awarded the coveted QFLP licences in February out of 23 applying to the Singapore Ministry of Law (MinLaw) last year: Linklaters, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Jones Day and Sidley Austin.

Alistair Duffield, BLP's Singapore-based head of southeast Asia, said: "Not getting [the QFLP] does not have any significant impact on our practice. But we are looking at other ways to enhance our capability, including a JLV. We're still mulling over our options."

Stephenson Harwood, meanwhile, secured an association agreement with Singapore's Virtus Law in April in a bid to enhance the scope of services it could offer, with the firm now able to provide Singapore securities and corporate advice. 

Singapore has so far seen only a few partnership arrangements, despite the Government introducing legislation last year allowing overseas firms to hold a 33% stake in local practices and to share profits with them as part of a joint venture arrangement. 

There are currently seven JLVs and five FLAs in the Asian city-state, with the latter allowing foreign firms to provide litigation services through their local partner.