Last month witnessed several interesting international lateral hires in North and Southeast Asia, including Milbank taking on a senior project partner from Linklaters in Seoul, Withers’ disputes hire in Tokyo and Gibson Dunn’s senior arbitration partner hire from Freshfields in Singapore. These represent international law firms’ continued interest in investing in more diversified jurisdictions in Asia.

The most alarming news was the collapse of the leading US law firm, Weil Gotshal. In Asia, it was especially surprising as they had announced the hire of a partner and team from Skadden to establish a new China and Hong Kong capital markets practice. In addition, Clifford Chance ended their local Singapore alliance relationship, attracting speculation in legal circles as to how the regulatory regime on foreign firms will develop next in the city-state.

Check out our final market update of November 2026:

https://ssq-online.com/cr/AQiYnwUQqrm-BxigxMu9ATCmtdtDmefbNdQgz4d5Ax1Jq5Vmb87vgJCXPGwlqLZs8i1qmb0