Clifford Chance has established a new Southeast Asian dispute resolution practice and appointed Nish Shetty in its Singapore office.

The firm's SE Asia dispute resolution practice will boast some 40 lawyers and will be headed by Martin Rogers, the firm's head of litigation and dispute resolution in Asia. Peter Charlton, regional managing partner for Asia, says the creation of a devoted cross-jurisdictional group is not only called for in the current economic climate but mandatory for international firms operating in Asia. "With the reorientation of world markets, you cannot have a credible international offering without a robust Asian practice, with strength in all the critical areas."
 
Shetty's appointment is vital in strengthening the firm's offering in three 'critical areas': international arbitration, insolvency & restructuring and India, where the firm will be looking to solidify it's 'best friends' relationship with local firm AZB & Partners. Shetty, who will come on board in August 2009, joins from CC's former Singapore joint law venture partner WongPartnership, where he has been a partner since 2001.
 
Clifford Chance is one of only six foreign law firms to have been granted Qualifying Foreign Law Practice licenses by the Singapore government late last year. With the licenses, the firms are able to practice Singapore law in some practice areas. ALB understands that demonstrating a commitment to building and maintaining an international arbitration practice was one of the key eligibility criteria outlined by the Singapore government in the award of the licenses. "International arbitration is what put Singapore on the map," says Philip Rapp, managing partner of the firm's Singapore office. "The competition in this area between international firms is fierce, but it will only reinforce Singapore's position as an arbitration hub."

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