The new JLV will be branded as Simmons & Simmons JWS and will commence operations from 1 November. With the capability to offer both international and Singapore law advice to clients, the new venture has been launched in response to Singapore’s growing status as a regional and global hub for the financial services industry. Simmons & Simmons managing partner Jeremy Hoyland commented: ‘Given Singapore’s increasing importance as a commodities, asset management and financial institution hub we are excited about the opportunities [the JLV] brings to further expand our leading practices in each of these areas.’

Regional growth

Singapore boutique JWS is a three-partner law firm launched in March last year by former Allen & Gledhill funds partner Jek Aun Long. The Singapore JLV office will bring Simmons & Simmons’ local headcount to eight partners, and will operate alongside the firm’s existing teams in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai.

Sources: The Lawyer; Legal Week