Withers and K&L Gates have each merged with Singapore law firms, granting both further reach into Asia.
Withers has combined with Singapore's KhattarWong following a three-year formal law alliance (FLA) with the local firm, creating a new entity called Withers KhattarWong.
The pair allied in 2015, with Withers absorbing all KhattarWong's partners at the time. The newly combined outfit now has 90 lawyers in the city-state.
Withers' chief executive Margaret Robertson said the merger underscores Withers' commitment to Singapore and the region, and its belief in the immense opportunities arising from the growing wealth and business environment in Asia-Pacific.
Withers KhattarWong will focus on private client, tax, restructuring and insolvency, dispute resolution, investment funds, real estate, and hotels and hospitality work.
Meanwhile, US firm K&L Gates has combined with Singapore law firm Straits Law Practice, after receiving regulatory approval for the merger last year.
The outfits have formed K&L Gates Straits Law, with the merger also completing yesterday (1 January). Straits consists of 17 legal directors, with the new entity giving K&L Gates 90 lawyers in the region.
Under the FLA regime, which has been in place since 2000, foreign firms are allowed to enter a best-friend relationship with a Singaporean law firm while both sides remain legally distinct; but only the Singaporean firm is allowed to advise on a range of restricted practice areas such as litigation and conveyancing.
The FLA structure has been favoured by many foreign firms as it grants access to Singaporean law practice, especially court proceedings, without a full financial merger. Other firms that operate in Singapore under an FLA licence include Clifford Chance, Herbert Smith Freehills, Ashurst, CMS, Reed Smith, Watson Farley & Williams, Stephenson Harwood and Holman Fenwick Willan.
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