Squire Sanders has announced that it has been granted a license by the Attorney-General’s Chambers to open an office in Singapore.

The Singapore office will be headed by Ignatius Hwang, and he will be supported by a team of three lawyers. The office will represent multinational corporations, governments and banks on major infrastructure projects including public-private partnership projects, cross-border transactions, international arbitration, financing arrangements and corporate restructurings in Singapore, Asia and the Middle East. The team has a particular expertise in the field of energy, infrastructure and resources. 

The launch of the Singapore office is a key component of Squire Sanders’ Asia Pacific growth strategy. In February the global legal practice appointed partners Mao Tong and Peter Chow and a team of three other lawyers in Hong Kong and also announced its intention to open an office in Korea. 

James J. Maiwurm, Squire Sanders chair and global CEO, said: “Singapore is a major commercial center in Asia and has one of the most dynamic economies in the region. 

“Singapore provides a gateway to other rapidly growing economies such as Indonesia and India. It is a natural addition to our offices in Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Perth in Australia, building upon our strategy to become one of the leading legal service providers in the Asia Pacific region.” 

Ignatius Hwang added: “I am excited to join Squire Sanders and to have the opportunity to launch an office in Singapore for a global legal practice with real ambition in this market. Singapore is a launch pad for South and South-East Asia, particularly in energy and resources, which is an area of genuine expertise for both our team and across the wider firm. 

“Over time we expect to grow the office substantially, particularly in the area of cross-border transactions and international arbitration.” 

Ken Kurosu, Squire Sanders Asia practice coordinator, commented: “The addition of an office in Singapore is of strategic importance both in terms of geography, but also as we seek to develop our existing strengths in sectors such as energy and natural resources and practices such as cross-border M&A, arbitration and infrastructure development. Ignatius and his team have worked on energy and infrastructure projects spanning Asia, from China, India and Indonesia to Thailand and Vietnam. They are very highly regarded and we are delighted to welcome them to the firm.”