The new partner is expected to be key to the development of KWM’s Asia-centric strategy
King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) has scored a major coup for its Singapore office by attracting the head of Herbert Smith Freehills’ (HSF) private capital practice.
A renowned M&A specialist in Singapore, Nicola Yeomans has been recognised by Chambers Global, Chambers Asia Pacific, Who’s Who Legal and the Legal 500. She has a wealth of experience working on private equity and complex cross-border transactions in Southeast Asia and India.
Her clients include asset managers, pension funds and sovereign wealth funds.
In addition to leading HSF’s Southeast Asia corporate team, Yeomans was a member of the firm’s governing council for three years as Asia representative.
“Our aspiration is to build an international top-tier law firm from the region. We’re delighted to have a leading practitioner of Nicola’s calibre share our vision and we expect her to play a critical role in the further development of our unique Asia-centric strategy,” KWM global chairman Wang Junfeng said.
The firm said that in addition to beefing up its offering in Singapore, Yeomans’ hire “continues to demonstrate the firm’s commitment to delivering unparalleled connectivity and expertise with the firm’s other core markets in China, Australia and Hong Kong.”
Yeomans, who starts with KWM early next year, pointed to the firm’s strength and depth in the private equity and private capital space as the ideal support for expanding her Asia practice.
“Nicola’s appointment enhances our offering to clients in the private capital space, adding quality and depth to our growing Singapore partnership and regional M&A capability. We’re excited by the opportunities Nicola’s appointment will open up for KWM and our clients and we look forward to welcoming her to our partnership,” KWM global chief executive Sue Kench said.
Yeomans will join John Shum (banking and finance), Amanda Lees (dispute resolution), Jake Robson (corporate – South and Southeast Asia head) and Nick Davies (corporate) on the Singapore partnership.
