Pinsent Masons has launched a technology media and telecoms (TMT) practice in its Singapore office through the hire of local specialist Bryan Tan. Tan is moving from
Keystone Law Corporation, a boutique law firm in Singapore specialising in TMT, where he was founding partner and director.
Tan also founded Singaporean heavyweight Rajah & Tann’s leading technology group and also has experience working at Baker & McKenzie and another leading Singaporean firm, Allen & Gledhill.
Tan told Legal Business: ‘It’s a great opportunity, Pinsent Masons is on the up. The firm is aligned to my area of practice and there is great growth potential.’
Clive Seddon, head of TMT at Pinsent Masons, said: ‘Bryan’s arrival shows Pinsent Masons’ commitment to become a leading global TMT and sourcing practice, serving international and regional clients.’
Tan will lead and develop the TMT and commercial practice in Singapore and source work locally and internationally working closely with Peter Bullock in Hong Kong.
‘It’s a growing market, most Fortune 500 companies come here more than anywhere else in Asia, it’s especially good opportunity for localised lawyers,’ said Tan.
Pinsent Masons represents a good opportunity for Tan, as although the firm does not have the qualifying foreign law practice licence (QFLP) needed to practise Singapore law, its has been in a joint venture with local firm MPillay since 2010.
David Ryan, Pinsent Masons’ managing partner, said: ‘Bryan is a significant appointment for us in Singapore given its increasing prominence as a global hub for the technology sector.’
A rival local practitioner suggested that the increased presence of international firms in Singapore was a key motivating factor behind the move. ‘I think the local firms are feeling the chill wind of competition and there is still a perception gap between an international law firm platform and a local platform from clients,’ they said.
david.stevenson@legalease.co.uk