UK law firm Withers has broadened its ASEAN offering after entering into a formal association with Indonesian boutique Karna Partnership.
The two firms will “work closely to expand the range of cross-border advice available to their respective clients by sharing knowledge and expertise, collaborating on marketing efforts, making mutual referrals, and developing joint training programmes,” Withers said in a statement.
Founded in 2020, Karna Partnership now has 17 lawyers, including five partners. The corporate boutique’s clients include public companies, state-owned companies, family businesses, entrepreneurs and investment funds. Notable among them are Indika Energy, Dayamitra Telekomunikasi, and Menthobi Karyatama Raya.
"We are excited to become a part of the Withersworldwide network, as it provides a platform for our clients to access experienced lawyers globally who will support their legal needs and international ambitions,” said Rizki Dwianda, founder and managing partner of Karna, in a statement. “We offer local value to global clients and aim to complement Withers' international expertise, by leveraging our deep understanding of local markets and practice.”
Headquartered in London, Withers specialises in tax, private client work, and estate planning. Prior to the association, Withers was servicing its Indonesian clients out of its Singapore office. They range from high-net-worth individuals and their businesses to digital services companies such as Grab, Tokopedia, Tokocrypto, and Hijra (previously known as Alami).
The firm also advises energy, resources, and infrastructure companies such as Atlas Resources, PLTG Celukan Bawang, Consolidated Equatorial Energy, and FKS Group.
Apart from Singapore, Withers also Asia-Pacific offices in Hong Kong and Tokyo.
Indonesia is both Southeast Asia’s most populous country and its largest economy, making up more than a third of the region’s GDP. In recent times, it has attracted an increasing number of foreign law firms to set up associations within the country, as by law these firms cannot operate there independently. In this year alone, Japanese law firm TMI Associates entered into a association with Frans & Setiawan, while Singapore’s Allen & Gledhill established a new association firm called AGI Legal.
