Ex-AG Walter Woon joins RHTLaw Taylor Wessing; Robson Lee to join Gibson Dunn

SINGAPORE'S eighth largest law firm, RHTLaw Taylor Wessing LLP on Wednesday said that former attorney-general Walter Woon, who is a senior counsel, has been appointed its non-executive chairman and senior consultant.

In his new roles, Prof Woon will further strengthen the firm's capabilities and scholarship in its various areas of legal practice, including corporate and securities law, besides providing strategic counsel and leadership to the management and board, said the law firm.

Prof Woon is currently the David Marshall Professor of Law and deputy chairman of the Centre for International Law at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the dean of the Singapore Institute of Legal Education (SILE).

He brings with him wide experience in academia, law, politics and diplomacy, having served in all functions throughout his three-decade career.

Among his previous accomplishments, Prof Woon served as sub-dean and vice-dean of the NUS Law Faculty between 1988 to 1995, was a Nominated Member of Parliament between 1992 to 1996, legal adviser to the President of Singapore and Council of Presidential Advisors from 1995 to 1997, solicitor general from 2006 to 2008 and attorney-general from 2008 to 2010.

He also served in a number of diplomatic functions for the Republic as Singapore's ambassador to the European Union, Germany, Greece, Belgium and Luxembourg from 1997 to 2006.

Tan Chong Huat, the law firm's managing partner, said: "Prof Woon's high standing in the academic, legal, political and diplomatic communities as well as his professional integrity and reputation will provide transformational leadership to the firm, guide and help us to fulfil our ambition to be the leading international firm in Asia with Singapore origins."

Prof Woon welcomed the appointment, saying that he looks forward to contributing to the firm's endeavours throughout the Asean region and internationally.

The Supervisory Council of the firm which comprised the late Subhas Anandan, Rajan Menon and Mr Tan was instrumental in seeking Prof Woon's chairmanship, the firm said.

Separately, international law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP announced on Wednesday that Robson Lee will join the firm as a partner in its Singapore office.

Mr Lee, previously from Shook Lin & Bok, will continue to focus his practice on mergers and acquisitions, and capital markets transactions.

Ken Doran, chairman and managing partner of Gibson Dunn, said that Mr Lee has deep connections in the Singapore business and legal communities.

"His practice will complement the existing transactional practices in our Asia offices. His addition takes us one step further in our efforts to expand our Asia presence."