Managing partner of Singapore firm Harry Elias Partnership, Tan Chee Meng, has jumped ship for fast-expanding rival WongPartnership, and taken colleague Josephine Choo and a team of three associates with him.

Tan Chee Meng has been with Harry Elias 14 years and managing partner since 2004. He has a reputation in the local Singapore market as one of its top litigators.

"I was impressed by the vision of the firm seeking to excel not just in Singapore but also in China and the Middle East," Meng said, following his move to WongPartnership, which has just christened a Doha office in Qatar. "I am looking forward to be part of the firm's push into the region, and add to its international arbitration practice," he said.

WongPartnership was formed in 1992 and now has approximately 180 lawyers. Chee Meng will be the third Senior Counsel (SC) at the firm.