The firm announced today that has struck a deal with the Malaysia Investment Development Authority, allowing it to launch an office in the capital Kuala Lumpur. Trowers will become the first foreign law firm authorised to practise in any format by the Malaysian authorities.

Mobile partners

The regional office – which technically opened at the beginning of this month -- is to be led by partner Nick White, until recently the managing partner of the firm’s Dubai office. He will be supported in Malaysia by inward investment specialist partner Nicholas Edmondes, with the firm saying it will also allocate ‘a number of mobile partners and senior lawyers’ to travel regularly between London and Kuala Lumpur.
Mr Edmondes commented on the opening: ‘We have been visiting and working with clients in Malaysia and the region for many years. Our experience ranges from power and water projects and corporate and commercial matters, through to construction and disputes in the Middle East and inbound investment into the UK by major Malaysian institutions.’
A bill liberalising restrictions that currently prevent wider-spread foreign law firm involvement in the jurisdiction is currently before the Malaysian parliament. If approved, it will allow foreign law firms to open offices in Malaysia, form joint venture with Malaysian law firms and for foreign lawyers to be employed by Malaysian firms.