White & Case, one of six international firms awarded a license to practice in Singapore at the end of 2008, is launching an arbitration practice in its Singapore office. The practice will be headed up by Aloke Ray, who will relocate from London. Also joining the firm is Nandakumar Ponniya who comes on board as a partner from the local firm Rajah & Tann.
The arbitration practice group will cover all of Southeast Asia and reflects the firm’s belief that Singapore is poised to become a major arbitration center for the region.
Four UK firms and two from the US were awarded licenses to practice in Singapore at the end of 2008. Latham & Watkins along with White & Case make up the US contingent, while the UK is represented by Clifford Chance , Allen & Overy, Herbert Smith and Norton Rose. Under terms of the license, which are valid for five years, the six firms can practice all areas of local law except domestic litigation, criminal, family and administrative law.
