International law firm Withers has further strengthened its dispute resolution capabilities in Asia with the appointment of two commercial disputes specialists – Soo Khim Keoy in Hong Kong, and Amarjit Kaur in Singapore.
This forms part of Withers' ongoing strategic expansion to grow its dispute resolution practice in the region following the hiring of restructuring and insolvency partner Justin Yip by Withers KhattarWong in Singapore earlier this year.
Soo Khim joins Withers' Hong Kong office as a commercial disputes partner from Baker McKenzie, where he was a commercial litigation partner. Soo Khim is qualified in Hong Kong, Singapore, England and Wales and is a seasoned litigator. For over 20 years, he has represented MNCs, Hong Kong-listed companies, C-Suite executives and financial institutions in multi-jurisdictional complex corporate, commercial and insolvency disputes in Court – at trial and at the appellate level, or in arbitration. He also assisted clients in investigations involving the Securities and Futures Commission and the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. He was recognised by the Legal 500 as one who “quickly identifies crucial points of disputes and associated risks”. He was also a finalist for the Individual Award as a Rising Star in Dispute Resolution for China Law and Practice Award, 2014. He is joined by two associates in Hong Kong.
Amarjit joins Withers KhattarWong in Singapore as a dispute resolution partner from Morgan Lewis Stamford, where she developed and headed its employment and global mobility practice. She is a commercial disputes lawyer who has acted in high-value and complex litigation and international arbitration matters. She has represented Fortune 500 companies and ultra-high net worth individuals in shareholder, corporate insolvency, employment, and large-scale professional negligence, as well as construction disputes. In 2017, she was recognised by the Singapore Business Review as one of Singapore's most influential lawyers aged 40 and under.
Peter Wood, CEO of Withers' Dispute Resolution division, comments: "Soo Khim and Amarjit deliver a major boost to our international disputes team in two important ways. Firstly, they strengthen our ability to serve clients in Asia, which we see growing demand for commercial litigation and international arbitration work. Secondly, they support our global clients who are investing in Asia in navigating through regulatory, employment and other legal risks which our clients may face.”
Rita Ku, joint regional leader of dispute resolution in Hong Kong adds, "Soo Khim is a highly renowned commercial litigator. His addition to our team complements our dispute resolution, commercial transactions and tax advisory services by providing our high net worth and corporate clients comprehensive solutions - including cross-border investment structuring, financing, M&A and regulatory advice."
Shashi Nathan, joint regional leader of dispute resolution in Singapore also comments, "Amarjit's strong practice in commercial disputes and employment augments our firm’s strength in these areas, representing senior executives and companies in Singapore and globally."
Soo Khim said: “I am delighted to be part of Withers where the people are passionate about the successes of their clients. Having previously been with firms that have an established commercial dispute practice, I am thrilled with the opportunity to work alongside the Withers team to develop and grow its commercial disputes practice in Hong Kong and the region.”
Amarjit adds: “I am excited to be joining Withers KhattarWong’s well recognised dispute resolution and employment team. I look forward to working with the team to support our clients on their commercial and employment matters.”
