HFW expands Singapore office with Withers disputes duo

UK-headquartered law firm HFW has strengthened its APAC disputes offering with the hires of partner Shaun Leong and senior associate Theodore Ang from Withers in Singapore.

• HFW has expanded its APAC disputes team by hiring partner Shaun Leong and senior associate Theodore Ang from Withers in Singapore.  
• Leong is known for successfully obtaining a worldwide injunction for freezing an NFT in a commercial case.  
• Leong enhances HFW’s strategic capabilities in Singapore and the broader region, joining a growing team of 40 lawyers at the firm’s Singapore office.  

Leong, who specialises in international arbitration with a focus on emerging technologies and energy disputes, joins from Withers along with Senior Associate Theodore Ang. The move follows HFW’s hire of Singapore Legal Director Sinyee Ong in March.

With over 15 years of experience, Leong has handled complex cross-border disputes involving artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cryptocurrency, as well as energy and sustainability matters. He made legal history as the first lawyer to successfully obtain a worldwide proprietary injunction freezing a non-fungible token (NFT) on the blockchain in a commercial dispute.

“Shaun’s diverse sector experience and international background make him a valuable addition,” said Adam Richardson, HFW’s Singapore office head, in a statement. “His practice aligns with our strategic focuses in Singapore and the wider region.”

Leong’s energy sector expertise includes advising on carbon credits, clean power purchase agreements, renewable energy certificates, and disputes related to sustainability standards and emissions compliance. He has represented clients in multi-million-dollar arbitrations involving power plants and energy infrastructure across Asia.

A recognised arbitration expert, Leong serves on panels for multiple international arbitration centres, including the Singapore International Arbitration Centre, Korean Commercial Arbitration Board International, and Japan Commercial Arbitration Association. He is also a specialist mediator with the Singapore International Mediation Centre.

Leong joined Withers as a partner 2020 from Eversheds Sutherland and previously worked at Linklaters and Allen & Overy. His legal career began in the judiciary, where he served as a Magistrate and Assistant Registrar at the Supreme Court of Singapore for four years after working as a Justices’ Law Clerk to the Chief Justice. 

HFW’s Singapore office, established nearly 35 years ago, now houses 40 lawyers and more than 70 staff total. They include legal director Sinyee Ong, who joined the firm earlier this year from Chua & Partners.