Withers And KARNA Partnership Form Association To Enhance Legal Services In Southeast Asia

April 10, 2024
  Withers has formed an association with KARNA Partnership, a dynamic and multi-service law firm based in Indonesia. The association strengthens both firms’ capacity to provide Indonesia and international legal advice to their clientele. As associated firms, Withers and KARNA Partnership will work closely to expand the range of cross-border advice available to their respective clients by sharing knowledge and expertise, collaborating on marketing efforts, making mutual referrals and developing joint training programmes. “Indonesia is the biggest economy in Southeast Asia, and represents a key market for us, and I am thrilled about our expanded presence in Indonesia. The synergy between Withers and KARNA Partnership stems from a shared vision to provide our clients with holistic legal strategies that are based not only on legal expertise but a deep understanding of the rapidly evolving business environment in Indonesia,” said Joel Shen, corporate partner and Head of Withers’ Indonesia practice. “We are excited to become a part of the Withersworldwide network, as it provides a platform for our clients to access experienced lawyers globally who will support their legal needs and international ambitions. At KARNA Partnership, we offer local value to global clients and aim to complement Withers’ international expertise, by leveraging our deep understanding of local markets and practice,” expressed Rizki Dwianda, Founder and Managing Partner of KARNA...

Withers KhattarWong Appoints New Joint Managing Partners

April 10, 2024
Withers KhattarWong, the Singapore office of Withersworldwide, announced that Deborah Barker, SC, will be stepping down as the firm’s Managing Partner. Shashi Nathan, Partner and Head of the Singapore White Collar Defence and Investigations Practice, and Daniel Yong, Partner and Head of the Singapore Funds Practice, will take over as Joint Managing Partners effective March 31, 2024. The appointment of Nathan and Yong coincides with the firm’s 50th anniversary celebration, marked by several initiatives to give back to the community. Their appointments also underscore Withers KhattarWong’s success in integrating into Withers’ international legal network, while still maintaining its strong Singapore branding and leadership in local law. Reflecting this are the two Managing Partners’ solid credentials in their respective Singapore and international practices. Nathan is one of Singapore’s leading white-collar and serious crime lawyers, with over 30 years of experience. He regularly advises clients on issues ranging from fraud and corruption to insider trading and market manipulation. Yong’s expertise in investment funds, cross-border private equity and M&A transactions has earned him recognition. Throughout his practice years across various international firms, he has managed complex fund formation and cross-border investment mandates in the region, including Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, India and China. Barker, SC, became one of the first female Managing Partners of a major law firm in Singapore when she took over leadership of KhattarWong in 2014. In the same year, she led discussions for a formal alliance with Withers, which led to the formation of Withers KhattarWong. A pioneer in the legal world, Barker, SC, was one of the first few women to be appointed SC in 2001....

Assegaf Hamzah & Partners Names New Managing Partner

April 10, 2024
As of February 25, 2024, Ibrahim Sjarief Assegaf takes over from Bono Daru Adji as Managing Partner at Assegaf Hamzah & Partners. “I am honoured to step into the role of Managing Partner at AHP. I look forward to the opportunities ahead, and am committed to building on Bono’s strong foundation. Together, we will continue delivering exceptional service to our clients, while upholding the values that define our firm,” said Ibrahim. Bono reflects on his decade-long tenure, and commends Ibrahim. “Serving as the Managing Partner of AHP has been a privilege. Together, we’ve navigated triumphs and challenges, weathering the storm of a pandemic, and celebrating noteworthy achievements. I am confident in Ibrahim’s ability to lead our firm to greater heights. His wealth of experience, innovative vision, and deep understanding of our firm’s culture make him the ideal choice to guide us forward,” Bono said. Co-Founder and Partner Chandra Hamzah commends Bono’s leadership, citing a tenure marked by unprecedented heights in the areas of practice and talent management. During this period, Chandra highlights that the firm has garnered numerous accolades, including being named law firm of the year for five consecutive years across major legal guides. Under Bono’s guidance, AHP successfully navigated the challenging landscape shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. The firm emerged triumphantly, a testament to the team’s meticulous preparedness, outstanding client relations, strategic management, and a steadfast commitment to prioritising the well-being of its people. Looking forward, Chandra expresses confidence in Ibrahim’s ability to seamlessly continue the firm’s upward...

A&O Shearman Announces First Senior Leadership Roles

April 10, 2024
Allen & Overy (A&O) and Shearman & Sterling (Shearman) has named the first of several senior leadership roles for the combined firm A&O Shearman, taking effect on May 1, 2024. Additional senior and other leadership appointments for the new firm will be drawn from both firms and announced in due course. Khalid Garousha has been elected as senior partner, and Hervé Ekué has been elected as managing partner of A&O Shearman. Adam Hakki, current senior partner at Shearman, has been appointed co-chair of the global A&O Shearman board and executive committee, and will also lead the firm’s US business as its chair. In addition to his senior leadership duties, Adam will continue to actively represent clients. Doreen Lilienfeld will serve as co-managing partner of the US business, and will also continue to represent clients in addition to this role. “I am honored that the partnership has put its trust in me to lead A&O Shearman as its first senior partner,” Senior Partner Khalid Garousha said. “Working closely with Hervé, Adam, Doreen and other senior leadership as A&O Shearman, we will take forward our combined expertise and deep legal knowledge to achieve unparalleled outcomes for our clients on their increasingly complex legal and commercial challenges, wherever they and we operate in the world,” he added. Adam Hakki, co-chair of the A&O Shearman global board and executive committee and chair of the firm’s US business, said: “I am honored and excited to be taking on these senior leadership roles for A&O Shearman. I am very much looking forward to working closely with our soon-to-be new partners and leadership team to deliver...

Clifford Chance Expands Use Of Generative AI With Deployment Of Copilot For Microsoft 365 And Viva Suite For Its Global Workforce

April 10, 2024
Following the global roll out last year of its own private and secured AI tool ‘Clifford Chance Assist’, Clifford Chance expands its use of AI technologies with the deployment of Copilot for Microsoft 365 and Viva Suite for its employees globally, making the firm one of the first organisations globally to deploy both AI technologies at scale across its entire workforce. These solutions use artificial intelligence and natural language processing to enhance productivity and employee experience by automating a variety of daily tasks, such as meeting and task management, drafting emails, inbox management and access to continuous learning and insights with Viva Insights and Viva Learning. Use of these solutions, including Copilot for Microsoft 365, are within a global, Principles and Policy framework that enables responsible AI adoption, and ensure that client consent is sought, where appropriate, when these solutions are deployed for client work outside the firm’s own business operations. The firm’s AI Principles and Policy framework align with international best practices, grounded in fairness, transparency, accountability, and privacy. Any legal output generated at Clifford Chance by an AI system is identified as such and validated by a qualified lawyer in that jurisdiction. “Harnessing digital innovation to enhance our business operations and continuously improve client delivery has always been at the heart of our successful growth strategy. We are now excited to be one of the first organisations to be rolling out Copilot for Microsoft 365 and Viva Suite globally at scale as part of our suite of AI-powered workplace solutions.  This will empower our workforce to automate routine tasks enabling greater productivity, faster turnaround and increased client...

Saraf and Partners Unveils New State-Of-The-Art Office In Bengaluru

April 10, 2024
Saraf and Partners has moved to a new, expansive office located in Embassy Square, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru, effective February 29, 2024. This significant relocation highlights the firm’s ambitious plans to strengthen its presence in Bengaluru and support its growing team. The grand opening of the new premises was celebrated with traditional fervor, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the firm’s Senior Partners. The festivities began with a Ganesh Pooja, continued with a Guruji’s Satsang, and concluded with a luncheon. This momentous event was attended by the firm’s Management Committee, along with all Bengaluru-based counsel and staff, marking a new chapter in the firm’s history. “The transition to our new Bengaluru office is not just a change of location; it’s a leap towards our commitment to growth, excellence, and enhancing our service to clients. This new space is designed to foster innovation and teamwork, providing an ideal environment for our team to thrive,” Mr. Saraf reflected on the move. Following closely on the heels of the firm’s expansion into Hyderabad, this move is a testament to Saraf and Partners’ dynamic expansion and its enduring vision for the future. Now with a robust presence in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, the firm has grown to include 38 partners and boasts a comprehensive strength of over 250. This growth cements Saraf and Partners’ position as a leading force in the Indian legal sector, ready to face the challenges and opportunities of the...