Linklaters scores Singapore law licence but 19 firms miss out
SINGAPORE has granted four international law firms the right to practice in the city state, in only the second round of licences to be awarded since it liberalised its legal system in 2008.
Linklaters, Sidley Austin, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher and Jones Day all won approval to practice Singapore law including corporate, project finance and banking, but excluding domestic litigation and general practice such as criminal law.
But 19 other firms failed to meet the Singapore Ministry of Law’s tough criteria, which look at the value of work a firm will bring to the jurisdiction, and the number of lawyers it would base there.
Linklaters Singapore managing partner Kevin Wong said the firm was delighted to be approved.
“Linklaters has a long-term commitment to Singapore and we are privileged to be an established member of its legal community,” he added.
Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance, Herbert Smith, Latham & Watkins, Norton Rose and White & Case won licences when the first round was awarded in 2008.