Norton Rose Fulbright (NRF) is looking to introduce a formal programme of secondments for lawyers at its partner Indonesian firm as a means to provide a more seamless service to clients in Asia.

The firm, which already has an inter-office secondment programme globally, is considering plans to second lawyers from local outfit Susandarini & Partners to its Asian offices in cities such as Hong Kong or Singapore, for a period of six months and at all levels.

"One thing we'd like to do more of is to have Indonesian lawyers come and work in our other offices on secondment… ideally for several months," said partner Ross Ramsay, who is based in Sydney but focuses on Indonesian work.

"At the moment we offer international training programmes, but these tend to be short four-day courses. The secondment programme isn't something we have right now but it's something that we would like to do to add to the relationship with Susandarini & Partners. We also want to get the message out that we have consistency of service. The secondment programme would help."

Alongside interoffice placements, NRF is also mulling plans to introduce a formal programme of client secondments for Indonesian associates whereby they would work in the Asian offices of its multinational clients.

The aim would be to ensure standards at the Jakarta-based firm are similar to those at NRF offices in Asia.

NRF sealed its association with 15-lawyer Susandarini & Partners in March 2011, ending its previous relationship with local firm Brigitta Rahayoe & Partners.

The tie-up sees the two firms referring work to each other and working closely on deals, though they remain separate legal entities. 

Currently in Indonesia international firms are not permitted to have branch offices, advise on local law or share profits with local firms, under rules which aim to protect the interests of Indonesian lawyers.

However, at least 15 firms from the US and UK have associations with outfits in Jakarta which allow them to have lawyers on the ground and advise on international law.

Indonesian partners say they are keen to receive training and support from their international counterparts as they look to become more sophisticated.

Ramsay said he expected a secondment programme could create an incentive for lawyers to work at the partner firm.

"It is also something that Indonesian lawyers are very enthusiastic about so it would help with recruitment in Indonesia," he added.

"I think Indonesia wants the international firms to bring to Indonesia some of their systems and training, and they encourage this model."