The firm is planning to launch its flagship Malaysia office in Kuala Lumpur this year after securing a securing a qualified foreign law firm (QFLF) license from the Malaysian Bar Council. The plan will make HSF only the second ever firm to launch an office in Malaysia without a local association. The QFLF scheme was established in 2014 to give foreign firm’s the ability to practice foreign law in Malaysia, with the first ever QFLF license being awarded to Trowers & Hamlins in 2015. HSF has not yet finalised who will be leading and staffing its newest office, but has announced that the Malaysia office will initially focus on transactions, disputes and Islamic finance. The office will be the firm’s ninth location in Asia, following the launch of associated offices in Jakarta and Singapore and stand-alone outfits in Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, Seoul and Bangkok.

Sources: The Lawyer; Legal Business