Los Angeles-based Gibson Dunn, Washington’s Jones Day, Chicago-headquartered Sidley Austin and magic circle firm Linklaters were among 23 firms vying for a licence as the city state continues to open up its legal market.

High quality

Legal Week reports that the licences will allow the firms to practice Singapore law in all areas, barring domestic aspects of litigation and general practice, such as criminal law, retail conveyancing, family and administrative law.
The Singapore Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said in a statement: ‘The applications received were of high quality. The four firms that will be awarded the QFLP licences are ranked among the world's top 20 law firms. They have 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.’