OFFICE OPENING
Steptoe launches in Hong Kong with three-partner office
US top 100 firm says more hires to follow after launch of regulatory practice.
Asia
DIGITAL LAW
Facebook adds 'correction' to post under Singapore fake news law
Controversial law requires statements deemed false by government to be 'corrected'
SHIPPING
Squire Patton Boggs ship in new team
Reed Smith partners join firm to launch commodities and shipping group with more hires in the pipeline.
EXPANSION
HFW culls team from Locke Lord
Firm continues its Greater China transactional expansion with major team hire following recent hire of Locke Lord's Hong Kong managing partner and two other lawyers.
JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE
Law society asserts judicial independence
Hong Kong's law society takes unusual step of commenting in relation to ongoing case to express confidence in judiciary and assert rule of law.
MENTAL HEALTH
Toyota case takes mental health issues to new level
Toyota acknowledges employee suicide case as car giant says it hopes to prevent further cases after authorities ruled on employee suicide.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Linklaters launches digital transformation white papers
Firm collaborates with Microsoft to launch white papers on AI and open banking.
M&A
Nishimura & Asahi in Thai combo
Tokyo-based firm confirms it has purchased all outstanding shares in SCL Thailand's SCL Group to create new Thai powerhouse.
ROBOTICS
Clifford Chance in robotic pilot
Firm launches pilot and training with plan in place to expand across Asia Pacific and create fully-functional legal bots.
APPOINTMENTS
Disputes specialist makes a return
Clyde & Co secures a strategic partner hire in Shanghai as it welcomes back disputes lawyer.