UK law firm DAC Beachcroft has applied for a license to set up a joint venture in Malaysia with local outfit Gan Partnership, its associated firm in Malaysia for the past few years. 

“Client demand tells us that a presence in Malaysia is increasingly important for activity in South East Asia,” said a statement from DAC Beachcroft. “By exploring this opportunity to apply, we are taking every possible step to ensure our offering in the region is sufficiently developed, scaled and skilled so that we can continue to provide our clients with the first-rate service they are accustomed to. The insurance landscape in South East Asia is changing rapidly and this move enables DAC Beachcroft to retain its position at the top of the curve.”

Gan Partnership, which counts litigation and ADR, IP and IT and corporate and commercial among its key practice areas, did not immediately reply to requests for comment.

Last year, the UK’s Trowers & Hamlins became the first foreign law firm to be granted a Qualified Foreign Law Firm (QFLF) licence in Malaysia.