And another one from the Lawyer (UK) .. this sort of thing is happening fairly regularly. The days of Hong Kong and efficient mediation are ending
Linklaters has kickstarted a disputes offering in Singapore, with the relocation of Hong Kong partner Jelita Pandjaitan.
Pandjaitan joined Linklaters in 2005, and became partner in 2012. She has been based in Hong Kong for her entire career at the firm, but is set to join the firm’s Singapore office on Monday (10 November).
The partner has recently advised a number of major international banks in relation to Securities and Future Commission investigations and multi-million dollar claims.
She will become the office’s first litigation partner, sitting alongside its current nine partners who specialise in banking, corporate, capital markets and projects work.
Linklaters said that the relocation forms part of its plans to make Singapore its “second hub” for its disputes work in Asia.
The firm’s Hong Kong office currently houses 32 partners, of which four, including Pandjaitan, currently specialise in disputes matters.
Linklaters has had a presence in Singapore for many years. It had a joint venture with local powerhouse Allen & Gledhill for a decade, but this relationship collapsed in 2011 (3 November 2011). Last year the firm successfully applied for a licence to practise local law (19 February 2013).
Rival magic circle firm Clifford Chance formed an alliance with Singaporean litigation boutique Cavenagh Law in late 2012 (11 December 2012).
The move comes as Singapore launches its International Mediation Centre. The jurisdiction also houses the long-established Singapore International Arbitration Centre.
