Will Trump Boost Quinn Emanuel's Fortunes in China?

The 'McKinsey' of Law Firms in Asia. What's in a Name?

Jessica Seah | June 23, 2024

There isn't a single international law firm that is recognized worldwide for its prowess and gravitas. Law firm coverage around the globe is spotty at best, writes Asia Editor Jessica Seah. But does the legal industry need a global elite?

7 minute read

What Firms in Australia Are Doing to Attract and Retain Lawyers in a Competitive Market

Christopher Niesche | June 20, 2024

The market for legal talent in Australia is highly competitive, and law firms know there's a lot at stake in holding on to their talent.

7 minute read

Addleshaw Goddard Hires 20-Year Veteran From HFW in Singapore

Jessica Seah | June 20, 2024

Addleshaw's Singapore office, the firm's only office in Asia, now has five lawyers, including three partners.

2 minute read

Q&A

'It Concerns Me to See People Who Still Can't Be Themselves' HSF's Global Co-Head of Arbitration Shares His Pride Story

Habiba Cullen-Jafar | June 20, 2024

Simon Chapman KC, recently appointed global co-chair of international arbitration at Herbert Smith Freehills, talks about what it has meant for him, as a gay man, to work in an inclusive, open environment.

5 minute read

Allens Study Reveals Risks of Using AI for Legal Advice

Christopher Niesche | June 20, 2024

"I just thought that was quite staggering, that it could not only just get it wrong, but actually change things to make it look much more reliable,"—Allens' Miriam Stiel

4 minute read

Asia Hires: MoFo, HSF Add to Tokyo; Trowers Hires Another for Singapore

Jessica Seah | June 19, 2024

South Korea's BKL and India's SAM have also made partner hires recently.

5 minute read

MoFo Closing Beijing Office, Partners Relocate to Shanghai, Singapore Outfits

Jessica Seah | June 19, 2024

One of the office partners has relocated to Singapore while three others are now based in Shanghai.

3 minute read

Meta Must Face Australian Billionaire's US Lawsuit Over Facebook Crypto Ads

Michael A. Mora | June 18, 2024

The ruling is the first in which a social media company has been unable to invoke immunity under Section 230 of the federal Communications Decency Act in a U.S. civil case over its advertising business, according to Australian billionaire Andrew Forrest.

4 minute read

US Federal Trade Commission Suspects TikTok of Violating Children's Privacy Again, Refers Matter to Justice Department

Maria Dinzeo | June 18, 2024

Five years after paying $5.7 million to settle an FTC children's privacy probe, the parent company of TikTok is facing a new wave of children's privacy allegations.

4 minute read

Japanese Firms Lead as Kirin Offers $1.4B to Make Fancl Whole

Jessica Seah | June 17, 2024

Takeover offers and deals have been on the rise in Japan in recent months. Last month, Big Four Japanese firm Nishimura & Asahi also acted for Carlyle Group on its $910 million tender offer for Tokyo-listed KFC Holdings Japan.

2 minute read

Latham, SAM Act on Hyundai's $3B India IPO

Jessica Seah | June 17, 2024

The filing of Hyundai India's preliminary prospectus follows the recent conclusion of the government election in India.

2 minute read

Big Law's Favourite (And Least Favourite) Cities

Paul Hodkinson | June 16, 2024

Data shows the world's largest law firms are disproportionately weighted towards just a few key markets, writes the Global Lawyer.

5 minute read

Investigation Into $2.5B Deal Shows EU Means Business With New Foreign Subsidies Rules

Linda A. Thompson | June 16, 2024

Lawyers say companies needed to pay serious attention to the additional potential hurdle that the new rules pose to the closing of M&A deals.

4 minute read

The Hype Behind Harvey: How Firms Are Using the Gen AI Startup

Isha Marathe | June 14, 2024

Harvey, the OpenAI-backed legal tech startup, has nabbed several high-profile law firm and corporate clients. Here's how some of them are using the technology.

6 minute read

The Hype Behind Harvey: How the Stealthy Startup Is Raising Industry Eyebrows

Isha Marathe | June 14, 2024

Harvey, the OpenAI-backed legal tech startup, has nabbed high-profile clients and tons of cash, along with an air of suspicion around its AI capabilities.

11 minute read

White & Case Loses Beijing Local Partner and Hong Kong Partner in a Week

Jessica Seah | June 13, 2024

Earlier this week, White & Case lost its finance partner Daniel Abercromby from its Hong Kong office to Gibson Dunn & Crutcher.

2 minute read

Mayer Brown, JunHe Represent Dexin China in Yet Another Property Company Liquidation

Tony Sabine | June 13, 2024

The High Court of Hong Kong ordered Dexin to be wound up over its failure to repay more than $300 million to creditors.

2 minute read

Ashurst Adds Two Partners to West Australian Office

Christopher Niesche | June 13, 2024

The global firm has hired three disputes partners in Australia this year

2 minute read

Inflection Point: The Pecking Order of India's Top Law Firms is Set to Change

Jessica Seah | June 12, 2024

In this week's Asia Legal Briefing, Jessica Seah explains why the country's established leading law firms are set to lose ground to rivals.

6 minute read

Features

China Signals Ambitions to Become Key Player in International Arbitration

Tony Sabine | June 12, 2024

The new Hong Kong branch of the Shanghai International Arbitration Centre demonstrates China's desire to grow its presence in international dispute resolution. But some think the country has a way to go before it can compete with Hong Kong or Singapore as the region's premier arbitration destination.

4 minute read

Gibson Dunn Adds Hong Kong Partner from White & Case

Jessica Seah | June 12, 2024

Daniel Abercromby has previously worked at Weil Gotshal & Manges and Kirkland & Ellis as a partner.

2 minute read

Multinationals Face Huge Fines for Supply Chain Breaches Under New EU Directive

Rick Mitchell | June 11, 2024

International companies that fail to comply with the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive by 2027 could face fines as high as 5% of their worldwide turnover as well as increased compliance costs and lawsuits.

5 minute read

Dentons Adds Former Dechert Corporate Partner in Hong Kong

Jessica Seah | June 11, 2024

Stephen Chan is Dentons' second partner hire in Hong Kong this year. The firm broke with China's Dacheng Law Offices last year and now runs its Greater China operations solely from Hong Kong.

3 minute read

Asia Pacific Regional Firms Add to their Partner Ranks

Jessica Seah | Christopher Niesche | June 11, 2024

Firms including JSA, JunHe, Adnan Sundra and MinterEllison have all added new partners recently across India, China, Malaysia and Australia.

7 minute read

Another Judge to Leave Hong Kong's Top Court

Gail J. Cohen | June 10, 2024

Canada's former chief justice, Beverley McLachlin, said she will retire at the end of her term in July. Her announcement comes days after two British judges quit over concerns about the political situation in Hong Kong.

4 minute read

Young People are Setting the Political Agenda. Can Law Firms Cope?

Krishnan Nair | June 09, 2024

Social media has given a voice to young people who are setting the political (and moral) agenda—law firms are struggling to keep up, writes The Global Lawyer.

4 minute read

After EU Elections, Next Competition Chief May Preside Over New Chapter in EU Antitrust History

Linda A. Thompson | June 09, 2024

The next head of the world's toughest antitrust enforcer will be appointed after the European elections and faces two new and sweeping laws.

5 minute read

Features

Is the UK's Pro Bono Scene Underdeveloped?

Kasvi Sehgal | June 07, 2024

The U.K.'s pro bono culture is younger than those in America and Australia, owing to various factors around culture, politics, mentality and even insurance—but is the U.K. making up ground?

6 minute read

2 More Prominent Judges Step Down From Hong Kong's Top Court

Law.com International Staff | June 07, 2024

In 2022, U.K. Supreme Court president Lord Robert Reed and his colleague Lord Patrick Hodge also resigned from CFA.

2 minute read

India's JSA Raids Rival SAM for 20 Lawyers

Jessica Seah | June 06, 2024

SAM leader Shardul Shroff accuses the defectors of breaching the firm's partnership deed and said a minimum of six months' notice is required from departing equity partners.

4 minute read

Dentons LuatViet Merges with Vietnam Boutique EPLegal

Jessica Seah | June 06, 2024

EPLegal's managing partner Annie Ngo has also been appointed as the energy practice head of the combined entity.

1 minute read

India's Modi Wins Again, Lawyers Position Practices for Growth

Jessica Seah | June 05, 2024

He failed to win the supermajority he expected, but Modi will remain India's prime minister, and continuity in the government will aid the momentum of growth in India as well as the progress of the legal market liberalization, lawyers say.

7 minute read

Six Partners to Leave Clyde & Co in Australia Following Review

Christopher Niesche | June 05, 2024

The firm is trying to improve its operating model.

3 minute read

Looming Privacy Law Changes in Australia Bring Unmet Demand for Lawyers

Christopher Niesche | June 04, 2024

The changes, which will make Australian privacy law more like the EU's, "should be giving people nightmares," said one Sydney-based privacy partner.

6 minute read

TikTok Parent Hires Hollywood Heavy Hitter as Global GC Amid Showdown With US

Greg Andrews | June 04, 2024

Former Warner Bros. General Counsel John Rogovin is taking the legal reins of the popular social media app as its continued operation in the United States hangs in the balance.

3 minute read

The Americans Are Leaving China in Droves, but Will It Level the Playing Field?

Jessica Seah | June 04, 2024

The risks inherent to running a legal business in China now far outweigh China's appeal. But over the past 18 months, no U.K. law firms have exited China, nor have they closed any offices on the mainland.

6 minute read

Deacons Sexual Harassment Saga Takes a Turn as Judge Lifts Anonymity and Ex-Partner Sues for Defamation

Jessica Seah | Tony Sabine | June 04, 2024

A case brought against the former Deacons and Baker McKenzie lawyer has been discontinued and the claimant has been ordered to pay costs.

4 minute read

Litigation Funder Therium Accused of 'Wilful Negligence' in 'Rogue Arbitration' Lawsuit

Jack Womack | June 04, 2024

Therium is known for funding the postmasters' successful litigation against the Post Office over the Horizon scandal.

3 minute read

Features

How This M&A Lawyer Became the General Counsel and Project Governance Head of a Leading Publicly Traded Company in Australia

Christopher Niesche | June 03, 2024

Catriona McGregor, who is an experienced M&A lawyer, now oversees transformation projects and is the general counsel at Australia's Domain Group.

5 minute read

RPC Takes Another Corporate Partner from Singapore Boutique

Jessica Seah | June 03, 2024

RPC's latest addition, Kiat Wee Lau, is a former Big Four Singapore firm partner who advises on M&A, financial regulation, funds, private equity, venture capital, and private wealth deals and matters in Asia Pacific.

2 minute read

Gen AI Adoption Is Taking Off. Law Firms Are Finally Ready

Lisa Shuchman | June 02, 2024

This is good news, especially in an industry that is not known for readily embracing change. But in truth, firms don't really have a choice, writes The Global Lawyer.

8 minute read

Alternative Fee Arrangements Gaining Popularity in Australia Amid Economic Downturn

Christopher Niesche | June 02, 2024

Australian firms are also cutting costs and increasing their fees.

2 minute read

Australia's Gilbert + Tobin Advises in $1.5 Billion Mexican Food IPO

Christopher Niesche | May 31, 2024

Guzman y Gomez is also raising cash for expansion

1 minute read

Making Partner Isn't What it Used to Be. So What are Young Lawyers in Asia Made Of?

Jessica Seah | May 31, 2024

The stuff of hard revenue and profits, such as deal-making and bringing in new business, is still important. But now aspiring partners have to show they can offer a lot more.

6 minute read

Hong Kong Convicts 14 Pro-Democracy Activists in City's Largest National Security Case

Law.com International Staff | May 30, 2024

The 16 accused are part of a group of 47 pro-democracy activists charged for holding unofficial primaries in 2020 to select candidates for the city's Legislative Council election.

2 minute read

Korean Prosecutors Appeal Acquittal of Samsung Chairman Over Fraud Charges

Tony Sabine | May 30, 2024

Jay Lee is being represented by the South Korean Big Six firm Bae, Kim & Lee.

2 minute read

India's Luthra and Luthra Merges with Litigation Chambers Aishwarya AnanthKumar

Jessica Seah | May 29, 2024

The merger is the second tie-up in the past 12 months. Last year, Luthra and Luthra combined with 33-lawyer outfit Atlas Law Partners.

2 minute read

Linklaters, White & Case Act on Fosun's Latest $730M Private Bank Divestment

Jessica Seah | May 29, 2024

In a bid to pare down its debt, Fosun has been streamlining its portfolio for assets for years.

2 minute read

Alvarez & Marsal Unveils New AI-Powered Tool for Lawyers and Investigators

Tony Sabine | May 28, 2024

The global professional services firm says its ChatView product will reduce the workload of lawyers and investigators tasked with going through huge volumes of chat messages as part of their regulatory requirements.

2 minute read

White & Case Named in $1.83B Lawsuit Tied to Malaysia State Fund Scandal

Dario Sabaghi | May 28, 2024

1MDB states that it was misled into believing that PetroSaudi was owned by the late Saudi King Abdullah.

5 minute read

Pillsbury Hires Trade Partner from South Korean Big Six Firm for London Boost

Louis Altmann | May 28, 2024

The firm, which has been targeting London growth, makes a rare hire from a South Korean law firm.

2 minute read

Is There a Maximum Number in This Salary Race?

Paul Hodkinson | May 27, 2024

What we need is a market peak, a Usain Bolt of the legal world that sets a junior lawyer pay rate so far ahead that no one can beat it, but AI might make the problem worse, writes the Global Lawyer.

6 minute read

Singapore's Big Four Allen & Gledhill Launches Outfit in Indonesia

Jessica Seah | May 27, 2024

AGI Legal is being led by Allen & Gledhill partner Aris Budi Prasetiyo, as well as three former partners at Indonesian firm Ali Budiardjo, Nugroho, Reksodiputro.

3 minute read

Simmons & Simmons Hires I-Mab Chief Legal Officer in Hong Kong

Jessica Seah | May 27, 2024

Richard Li worked at I-Mab for over a decade.

1 minute read

UN Top Court Orders Israel to Halt Rafah Offensive

Alex D'Elia | May 24, 2024

The order of the International Court of Justice is binding, but the court does not have enforcement powers.

3 minute read

$8M of Misappropriated Oil Company Assets Fueled Quinn Emanuel Litigation, Court Filing Contends

Justin Henry | May 24, 2024

"In effect, Quinn Emanuel has been using millions of dollars of the bondholders' own funds to sue them," bankrupt Singaporean drilling company Oro Negro Drilling asserted in a May 17 discovery request.

3 minute read

Skadden Acts on JD.com's Billion-dollar Bond Issuance; Rival Alibaba Seeks to Raise $4.5B

Jessica Seah | May 24, 2024

Hot on the heels of JD.com's bond issuance, Alibaba has announced that it is also seeking to raise $4.5 billion via a convertible bond sale.

2 minute read

Asia Moves: Yulchon's Lateral Spree Continues, MoFo Veteran Defects to Japanese Boutique, India's JSA Seizes Team of 8

Jessica Seah | May 23, 2024

Yulchon has hired 10 lateral partners so far this year. India's talent movement also continues with a team defection from DSK to JSA.

4 minute read