Quinn Emanuel Expands Into Singapore, Focusing On International Arbitration

Quinn Emanuel Expands Into Singapore, Focusing On International Arbitration

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan (QE) has inaugurated its Singapore office, citing the city-state’s pivotal role as an arbitration hub. Leading the office is Duncan Watson KC, an international arbitration partner who has relocated from Hong Kong. He will be supported by Asia Managing Partner John Rhie, dividing his time between Hong Kong and Singapore.

The new Singapore operation will comply with the city-state’s Foreign License Practitioner (FLP) regulations, focusing on international arbitration, multi-jurisdictional litigation, international regulatory advice, and investigations. This marks QE’s 10th office in its Asia and Australia portfolio, complementing existing locations in Abu Dhabi, Beijing, Doha, Hong Kong, Perth, Riyadh, Shanghai, Sydney, and Tokyo.

QE had previously hinted at the Singapore opening in November 2023, underscoring its proactive approach to meeting client needs. Associate hires are anticipated in due course.

John Quinn, founder and chairman of QE, highlighted the strategic rationale behind the move, stating, “We have been engaged in significant Singapore-related work for many years. With the growth of Southeast Asia and India, and the increasing global prominence of Singapore, establishing a physical presence became essential.”

The decision to invest in a Singapore practice is supported by recent case statistics from the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), which reported its second-highest caseload last year with 663 new cases, 93% of which had international dimensions.

Indian arbitration work constitutes a substantial portion of cases handled by both SIAC and other Singapore-based arbitration proceedings, alongside ancillary activities at the Singapore International Commercial Court. Singapore is increasingly preferred as a common law disputes forum amid growing concerns over Hong Kong's rule of law issues.

Duncan Watson, a dual-qualified Australian and English solicitor who attained King's Counsel for England and Wales in 2021 at the age of 37, became a partner at QE in Sydney during the firm's 2016 partner round.

He emphasized, "Singapore is assuming an increasingly critical role in the global economy. Many of our clients are gravitating towards this jurisdiction, and the prevalence of cross-border cases continues to rise. Quinn Emanuel has been at the forefront of assisting clients with disputes across the Asia-Pacific region and intends to maintain this leadership."