White & Case continues to expand its Singapore office, having just launched an international arbitration practice comprising two partners and two associates. Aloke Ray, a partner from the firm’s London office, has been transferred to head the new practice in Singapore. He is joined by Nandakumar Ponniya, former partner at Rajah & Tann, and two associates Matthew Shaw and Dian Chen.

“Launching an international arbitration practice reflects our belief in the growing importance of Singapore as an arbitration centre for disputes involving Southeast Asia and India, and our commitment to building a full-service practice in Singapore,” said Doug Peel, Singapore office executive partner.

Ray felt that the move from London was necessary if he was to be a part of the growth in the Asia region. “It is an exciting time to be an arbitration practitioner in Asia,” said Ray. “There’s a lot going on… Asia continues to see significant investment in areas which typically give rise to cross-border disputes.”

Ponniya was drawn to White & Case because it had a wider geographical reach. “There is a demand for legal services not just in Singapore but beyond Singapore as well. At White & Case I can see that there is a demand for such [regional] services,” said Ponniya.

The Singapore-based international arbitration practice will work on development with the other Asia-based teams in China, Hong Kong and Japan, which number 20 disputes lawyers. “Across the Asia region as a whole, arbitration remains the preferred approach to resolve disputes, particularly those of a cross-border nature,” said Ray.

Although the arrival of this team highlights White & Case’s intentions to capitalise on the pick-up in economic activity and the region’s potential for growth, the firm is still exercising caution in its expansion. This makes sense considering the firm cut 3% of its workforce in November 2008 and then another 400 staff members in March last year. “We are already busy but the hope and the expectation is that, as we get busier, we will grow,” said Ray.

Recent additions to White & Case, Singapore