Hong Kong recorded the most lateral partner movements (12) last month among Asia jurisdictions – half made by international law firms with the other half by local players. However, Japan saw the most eye-catching developments with Kirkland launching a brand-new office there with a couple of major PE/M&A hires, and White & Case obtaining an M&A team from Freshfields in Tokyo.

K&L Gates changing its Singapore entity structure, and SIAC launching an office in Beijing, is telling how opportunities can quickly evolve in a highly regulated Asian jurisdiction. Many are watching closely the new regulations on foreign law firms in Singapore which will surely bring a new wave of opportunities and challenges to both international and local players.

Check out our final market update of June 2026: https://ssq-online.com/cr/AQiYnwUQqvayBxigxMu9ATCs9K5CtKORKZcwrsz-uwNoRW0vHM-VBLqTWnKp6hK2GjLvWso