DLA mounts Asian offensive with an office in Singapore

DLA has taken the unusual step of both opening an office in Singapore and adding a Singapore law firm to its international association, D&P.

DLA's Singapore office, to be headed by Mike Melwood-Smith - currently a partner in DLA's Hong Kong office - will initially focus on shipping, marine insurance and international trade disputes.

DLA managing partner Nigel Knowles, also chief executive of D&P, said: 'Singapore has the world's busiest port and with our specialist skills in the marine and aviation sector we could not ignore its importance to our existing clients.'

J Koh & Co, a Singapore-based firm specialising in securities, regulatory and corporate work, will be joining D&P to handle the domestic law side of the practice.

Mr Knowles said the moves are part of a drive to give DLA a substantial Asian presence.

'With Singapore acting as a gateway to Indonesia and Malaysia, we hope to create a very sensible Asian practice.'

Victoria MacCallum