February 20, 2013
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is pleased to announce it has been awarded a Qualifying Foreign Law Practice (QFLP) license by the Singapore Ministry of Law (MinLaw) to practice in permitted areas of Singapore law which include corporate work (M&A, private equity), project finance, banking & finance, capital markets, energy, international arbitration, intellectual property, fund formation and restructuring.
Gibson Dunn is one of just four firms to receive the QFLP license out of a total of 23 applicants in this second round of license applications. The successful recipients were noted by MinLaw for their “extensive global networks and deep expertise in key practice areas that will support the growth of the Singapore economy and the development of our legal services.”
“We are excited to be among this elite group of international law firms permitted to practice Singapore law,” said Ken Doran, Chairman and Managing Partner of Gibson Dunn. “The firm continues to devote significant resources to its international platform, in particular expanding in Asia, in light of client demand.”
“Singapore is one of the leading financial centers in the world, and we are pleased to be a part of this sophisticated market,” said Jai Pathak, Partner in Charge of the firm’s Singapore office and the Pacific Asia region. “We are honored and privileged to be awarded this license. Having the opportunity to provide advice on many areas of Singapore law will enhance our capacity to service our clients around the world in cross border transactions and international dispute resolutions.”
“Our Singapore office, established in mid-2008, has US, English and Indian law capabilities servicing clients around the world,” said Elaine Chao, Singapore-qualified of counsel in the corporate practice. “We are thrilled to be able to provide our clients with Singapore law capabilities in our various practice areas. Obtaining a QFLP license gives us that extra edge to serve our clients better.”
About Qualifying Foreign Law Practice (QFLP)
The QFLP scheme was introduced in 2008 following the recommendations of the Committee to Develop the Legal Sector chaired by Justice V. K. Rajah. The Committee, which included senior lawyers from top local firms, assessed that local firms and lawyers would benefit from the increased foreign presence and competition over time. In determining the award of licenses, the Evaluation and Selection Committees took into account factors such as:
The scheme seeks to support the growth of key economic sectors, grow the legal sector, and generate more opportunities and exposure for Singaporean lawyers. For more information, please view Press releases.