The firm remains committed to plans for Asia to contribute 20 percent of firm revenue by 2027
Herbert Smith Freehills has announced that it will close its Kuala Lumpur office by the end of April 2024. The Malaysian office was first opened in 2017 as Qualified Foreign Law Firm – one of only two foreign firms to earn the license.
The announcement comes just eight months after HSF announced that it will close its office in Seoul, Korea after 10 years.
"We remain committed to our successful and longstanding relationships with Malaysian clients but also recognize that their needs have changed dramatically since we opened in Kuala Lumpur in 2017," said Asia managing partner Graeme Preston.
"Those needs are now more regularly met from our other seven offices in Southeast Asia, China and Japan, our three local law alliances, and the rest of our international network,” he added.
According to HSF’s website, there are currently three partners and 12 associates at the Kuala Lumpur office. The firm has not stated if these staff will be re-located to other offices.
"We remain committed to our clients in Malaysia, as an important part of our plans for Asia to contribute 20 percent of firm revenue by 2027, and will continue to support them with international legal expertise and insight,” said Preston.
"We thank all of our people in Kuala Lumpur for their contribution to the firm, and will fully support them as closure plans progress."
