Partner of Simmons joins Withers KhattarWong as head of international arbitration division
In the growing landscape of international arbitration in Asia, Withers, a leading global law firm, has made a strategic move to bolster its Singapore team. The firm has appointed Mohammed Reza as partner and head of international arbitration in Singapore [1].
Reza, who joins Withers KhattarWong, the firm's Singapore member firm, brings a wealth of experience in cross-border litigation. His extensive expertise spans various sectors, including banking, energy, insurance, and sports disputes [2]. Reza is an elected Fellow of the Singapore Institute of Arbitrators and serves as a specialist mediator with the Singapore International Mediation Centre [3].
This strategic hire aligns with Withers' broader strategy to enhance its Singapore team amid the growing importance of international arbitration in Asia. Peter Wood, CEO of the global dispute resolution division at Withers, emphasized the need for sharp, strategic lawyers to navigate the continued internationalization of arbitration, particularly in Asia [4].
Chenthil Kumarasingam, Withers' regional division leader for dispute resolution in Asia, emphasized the strategic timing of Reza's hire, stating that it positions the firm to meet the increasing demand for effective resolution of complex, cross-border disputes [5].
This year, Withers has made substantial moves to grow and strengthen its disputes team in Singapore. The firm now boasts 21 partners in Singapore, including litigator Pardeep Khosa and corporate lawyer Gary Beh, who joined earlier this year [6].
However, this is not the first time Withers has made strategic moves in the Asian arbitration scene. Khosa and Beh joined Withers from Morgan Lewis & Bockius and Linklaters, respectively [7]. Reza, previously with Simmons & Simmons, also brings a wealth of experience to the table [8].
Singapore's position as a leading arbitration hub is solidified by these moves. With its strategic location, robust legal infrastructure, and commitment to innovation, Singapore continues to attract international law firms seeking to expand their presence in Asia [9].
While specific details on Withers’ direct initiatives or contributions in Asia’s arbitration landscape are not readily available, it is clear that the firm is positioning itself to capitalize on the dynamic growth and evolution of international arbitration in the region.
References: [1] Withers Appoints Mohammed Reza as Partner and Head of International Arbitration in Singapore. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.withersworldwide.com/news/withers-appoints-mohammed-reza-as-partner-and-head-of-international-arbitration-in-singapore/ [2] Reza specializes in cross-border litigation, with extensive experience in various sectors, including banking, energy, insurance, and sports disputes. [3] Reza is an elected Fellow of the Singapore Institute of Arbitrators and serves as a specialist mediator with the Singapore International Mediation Centre. [4] Peter Wood, CEO of the global dispute resolution division at Withers, stated that the continued internationalization of arbitration, particularly in Asia, requires sharp, strategic lawyers. [5] Chenthil Kumarasingam, Withers' regional division leader for dispute resolution in Asia, emphasized the strategic timing of Reza's hire. [6] Withers now has 21 partners in Singapore, including litigator Pardeep Khosa and corporate lawyer Gary Beh, who joined earlier this year. [7] Khosa and Beh joined Withers from Morgan Lewis & Bockius and Linklaters, respectively. [8] Reza, previously with Simmons & Simmons, specializes in cross-border litigation. [9] Singapore solidifies its position as a leading arbitration hub.
With the strategic hire of Mohammed Reza, Withers aims to strengthen its position in corporate law, particularly in dispute resolution and technology-related matters within the international arbitration landscape in Singapore. As the regional division leader for dispute resolution in Asia observes, this move positions the firm to better address the increasing demand for effective resolution of complex, cross-border disputes.
