Herbert Smith Freehills has entered into a Formal Law Alliance (FLA) with Singapore law firm Prolegis, its erstwhile “best friend” in the city state.

Set up in 2012 by Ban Leong Oo, formerly of Allen & Overy and Drew & Napier, Prolegis entered into a “best friend” alliance with Herbert Smith Freehills in November 2014, months after the latter firm chose not to renew its Qualifying Foreign Law Practice licence in Singapore. The two firms have adjoining offices in Singapore Land Tower.  

"Herbert Smith Freehills' heritage in Singapore stretches back over 30 years, and this alliance marks the next stage of growth for both our practices," said Alastair Henderson, Southeast Asia managing partner for Herbert Smith Freehills, in a statement.