Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP announced today that it would further boost its international arbitration and litigation team in Asia with the transfer of partner Frances Kao from Chicago to Hong Kong.
Ms. Kao is a leader in the firm’s U.S. and international dispute resolution practice where she focuses on commercial litigation, arbitration, internal investigations, and civil and criminal government investigations. She is a native Mandarin speaker and, now based in Asia, will continue to focus on advising Chinese and other Asian clients on dispute prevention and resolution in the U.S. and globally.
“With her unique background in U.S. and Chinese dispute resolution, and her experience with FCPA issues, Frances is a superb complement to our Asian disputes practice,” said Paul Mitchard QC, leader of the firm’s Asian international arbitration and litigation practice and co-head of the firm’s global international arbitration practice. “Frances’ to move to Hong Kong is driven by the continued growth in our practice in the region and the need to provide an all-around dispute resolution capability to local as well as international clients.”
Skadden also announced that associate Calvin Chan will relocate to Skadden’s Singapore office to establish the firm’s presence there in international arbitration and litigation. Mr. Chan is a Singapore native and has practiced with Skadden in New York, London and Hong Kong.
The Asian-based team is being further strengthened by the relocation to Hong Kong of arbitration associate Kam Nijar, from Skadden's London office. Ms. Nijar speaks Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu.
“Following the establishment of our group in the region, we are intently focused on ensuring that we have the right resources, in place, where clients need them,” added Mitchard. “While the team remains integrated throughout the region and with the worldwide resources of the firm, we believe that both Hong Kong and Singapore are important, growing centers for dispute resolution.”