What's Happening?
Seladore Legal, a UK-based disputes-only law firm, has opened its first overseas office in Singapore. The new office will focus on international disputes, particularly those involving the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) and the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC). The firm aims to handle complex commercial or fraud-related disputes with connections to Singapore and potentially London. Liang-ying Tan, the head of the Singapore office, highlighted the firm's focus on financial services, infrastructure, and energy sectors. Seladore Legal plans to act as managing counsel in high-stakes disputes, collaborating with independent practitioners and local counsel across jurisdictions.
Why It's Important?
The establishment of Seladore Legal's Singapore office underscores the growing importance of Singapore as a hub for international arbitration and dispute resolution. By setting up in Singapore, Seladore Legal positions itself to tap into the increasing demand for legal services in Asia, particularly in sectors like financial services and infrastructure. This move could enhance the firm's ability to serve clients involved in cross-border disputes, offering them specialized legal expertise. The presence of a UK firm in Singapore also highlights the city's strategic role in global legal networks, potentially attracting more international legal practices to the region.
What's Next?
Seladore Legal is in the process of recruiting lawyers for its Singapore office, with plans to hire locally. The firm is also seeking a foreign law practice license to expand its service offerings. As the office becomes operational, Seladore Legal may attract more complex international cases, leveraging its expertise in managing multi-jurisdictional disputes. The firm's entry into the Singapore market could prompt other international law firms to consider similar expansions, further solidifying Singapore's status as a key legal hub in Asia.
