Employment: International | Asia-Pacific

Herbert Smith Freehills has a top-ranked team recognised for its specialist focus on employment law. The firm's broad-ranging employment expertise encompasses investigations, terminations and restructuring as well as training and compliance. The team is also well-versed in employment matters arising from mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures. It is able to advise on local employment mandates as a result of the firm's alliance with Singapore law firm Prolegis, in addition to handling a wide range of cross-border mandates. Herbert Smith Freehills often acts for large multinational conglomerates on their full portfolio of employment-related issues.

Linklaters has a dedicated employment law practice in Singapore, assisting major multinational clients with cross-border employment issues. The team is particularly adept at providing employment advice in relation to major M&A transactions and employee incentive schemes. The firm handles a broad array of employment mandates, ranging from terminations and employment disputes to employee transfers. The impressive client base includes major financial institutions as well as multinational technology and energy companies.

Ashurst has an established employment group which regularly advises multinational corporations, banks and financial institutions on the employment law aspects of cross-border M&A transactions. The team is capable of handling a range of instructions, from contract drafting to investigations and employment terminations. The firm offers Singapore law capabilities through its formal alliance with Singapore firm ADTLaw. Its clients benefit from the firm's relationship with law firms across South-East Asia.

Baker McKenzie in Singapore has a well-respected team that pairs domestic expertise with a strong international practice, leveraging its extensive global network. The team works on a broad range of employment matters, including retrenchments, investigations, terminations, incentive schemes and employee transfers. It provides advice to multinational conglomerates across a range of industries including technology, retail and manufacturing.

DLA Piper is a well-known market name in Singapore, with sound expertise in regional employment advisory work, especially regarding employment law considerations that arise from cross-border transactions. The team is able to advise on employee transfers and also on contentious matters such as misconduct investigations.

K&L Gates combines local employment knowledge with notable cross-border capabilities, stemming from its regional network of offices. The firm advises on issues such as workforce restructuring, employment contracts, employee handbooks, terminations and trade union matters. The team is particularly adept at assisting clients in the TMT sector, as well as other sectors such as healthcare and manufacturing.

Simmons & Simmons has a busy employment law practice in Singapore, handling a range of advisory matters and internal investigations on behalf of international clients. Its areas of expertise include advising on employment contracts, remuneration policies and terminations, as well as non-compete provisions and immigration issues. The firm is often active for clients in the financial and technology sectors.