Offshore law firm Walkers has announced that it will set up shop in Singapore in February this year, making it the third offshore law firm in the Lion nation behind Cains and Conyers Dill & Pearman.

Walkers' global managing partner, Grant Stein said the decision to open in Singapore was vindicated not only by how much Singapore had grown in stature as an international financial centre, but also the extent to which it, and other jurisdictions in the region- namely India- demonstrated the capability for further growth.

"Singapore has enjoyed excellent growth in recent years and we have no doubt it will continue to do so in the future, despite more difficult current conditions."

John Rogers, co-managing partner of the firm's Singapore office and head of its finance team added. "Singapore's position as a key South East Asian hub for many international law firms and financial institutions will provide an excellent platform for growth in Singapore, India, and all of the members of the ASEAN."

Ashley Gunning will be the other partner charged with increasing the firm's footprint in Singapore and will also lead its investment funds and corporate groups.

The firm's entrance into Singapore is part of a larger assault on the Asian market. In 2008, the firm bosltered its Hong Kong office through a number of key lateral hires bringing on board ten new staff members including partner Everton Robertson from offshore rival Maples and Calder, yielding an increase of nearly 50 percent.

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