Australian law firm Allens Arthur Robinson has poached Clifford Chance asset finance partner Rod Howell and has transferred two other partners to its Singapore office, to focus on growing key practice areas in South-East Asia.

Howell had previously worked with Allens before leaving the firm in 1997 for Clifford Chance in London, becoming a partner in 2005 and later moving to the New York office. He will be responsible for leading the development of an aircraft financing practice for the Australian firm, working in the banking & finance practice alongside Singapore office head Robert Clarke and partner Robert Fish. 

In addition, Sydney-based insurance & reinsurance partner Matthew Skinner and Perth-based energy & resources partner Darren Murphy have both been moved to Singapore. Both partners will use the Singapore base to build their respective practices; Skinner heading a South-East Asian dispute resolution practice and Murphy working on regional infrastructure projects.

Clarke said that the firms’ strategy is based on South-East Asia’s swifter recovery from the global financial crisis. “It’s important to us that we continue to build a strong presence in Singapore given its role as a growing financial, insurance and arbitration hub for South-East Asia,” said Clarke.

Allens operates in Singapore – where its South-East Asia practice is based – through a joint venture with local firm TSMP, but works in a separate office. Clarke has reportedly ruled out applying for a local practicing license and said the JV continues unaffected: "We are very happy with the JV relationship that has been built up over several years. TSMP has also grown its numbers in the last 12 months," he said. 

However, Allens’ regional Asia strategy comes in direct contrast to many of its fellow Australian firms which are focusing instead on North Asia. Clayton Utz opened an office in Hong Kong this year while Blake Dawson opened in Japan.

Related stories:

• Clayton Utz: Fagan denies U-turn on Asia policy (Feb 2010)
• Blake Dawson may pave way for more Aussie firms in Japan (21 Apr 2010)