OFFICE CLOSURE
Orrick pulls out of Hong Kong after conceding defeat on tech growth strategy
Four-partner office is to be wound down; firm pledges continued investment in other Asia markets
Asia
REGULATION
Hong Kong regulator imposes record penalties for public offerings violations
SFC levies $170m in fines as part of crackdown on IPO sponsors for due-diligence failings
LEGAL TECHNOLOGY
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Singapore government commits $11m to fund legal tech research programme
Project aims to digitise contracts and statutes as city state steps up research into legal technology
COMMENTARY
The South Korea coronavirus outbreak and force majeure in sales transactions
With South Korea facing a major COVID-19 outbreak, Bae Kim & Lee analyses the applicability of force majeure provisions
JAPAN
Clifford Chance hires Tokyo-based M&A lawyer from Skadden
Michihiro Nishi joins UK magic circle firm as a partner in its corporate practice
BIG FOUR
KPMG launches legal services business in Thailand as Asia expansion continues
Move by Big Four accountant follows similar openings in Hong Kong and Shanghai last year
OFFICE OPENING
Crowell & Moring's international trade consultancy arm opens Singapore office
C&M International office will be its second in Asia and will focus on digital transformation
SOCIAL MEDIA
Singapore judge rules burden of proof lies with government in first fake news court case
Judge sides with government in first appeal against online correction notices but makes key procedural rulings
FIRM LAUNCH
Two ex-senior lawyers from Clifford Chance's Singapore ally form boutique
Former Cavenagh Law managing partner and counsel pair up to set up Audent Chambers
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Shanghai slated to beat Hong Kong and Singapore in race to be Asia's top financial hub
Poll of senior executives predicts bright future for Shanghai despite lack of faith in its current regulatory regime