Private client-focused firm Charles Russell Speechlys (CRS) has continued the rapid expansion of its Singapore office after hiring corporate lawyer Tun Zaw Mra as a partner from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP). 

This recent appointment marks the latest addition in Asia for CRS, which has been on an expansionary spree in the region in recent years. Last year, the firm bolstered its Singapore office, which was established in 2023, with the hires of disputes partner Peter Brabant and a four-strong tax team led by ex-Butler Snow lawyers Kurt Rademacher and Ivan Lu. 

Concurrently, the Hong Kong office saw the addition of family law partner Vanessa Duff, dispute partner Stephen Chan, and corporate partner Shirley Fu, who brought with her a team of four lawyers following the closure of her firm SF Lawyers, KPMG’s law firm in Hong Kong. 

Tun brings over 14 years of expertise in M&A and corporate transactions across the UK, Europe, and Asia-Pacific regions. He advises clients on investments, mergers, acquisitions, disposals, and joint ventures in both developed and emerging markets, and specialises in sectors like real estate, energy and natural resources, and financial services.

Tun joined the pre-merger Berwin Leighton Paisner in 2015 and became a partner at BCLP in 2023. Prior to that, he held associate roles at Baker McKenzie and Herbert Smith Freehills. Tun currently serves as a director of the Myanmar Private Equity & Venture Capital Association and has advised on drafting the Myanmar Companies Law 2017.

“Tun's appointment underlines our commitment to, and growth ambitions for, the Singapore office and the wider Asia Pacific region. He will play an important part in capitalising on the opportunities in M&A and corporate work as we continue to expand our global footprint,” said Simon Green, partner and head of Asia at CRS, in a statement.

Added David Collins, partner responsible for CRS' Business Advisory & Transaction Services Division: “Following the recent recruitment of Shirley Fu and her corporate and commercial team in Hong Kong, we have been looking to build out our corporate M&A offering in Singapore. So we are delighted that someone with Tun's experience and strong market reputation has agreed to join us, and look forward to collaborating with him across our international offices to add value to our clients.”

With Tun's addition, CRS now has seven partners in Singapore.