TradeWinds
The International Shipping Gazette
Vol 10, No 51, NOK 90
23 December 1999
Page 22
Singapore lawyers try for Piraeus door to world.
Singapore law firm Joseph Tan Jude Benny (JTJB) is opening an office in the Greek shipping capital of Piraeus.
Founding partner Jude Benny says further international expansion will follow, possibly in the Middle East, and that “there are other collaborations in the pipeline”.
JTJB which was established in 1988, underwent aggressive expansion recently, poaching seven lawyers from Singapore firm Khattar Wong & Partners to boost its team to 25. The company then indicated its expansion plans still had some way to go.
JTJB undertook a study of how to take its practice to the international arena and came up with Greece.
Fellow founding partner Joseph Tan said in a statement: “Based on the tonnage of Greek-registered vessels passing through and calling at Singapore, Piraeus was an obvious choice for our first overseas office.”
The partners also say they hope to serve Singaporean businesses, especially the marine ones, who are trying to move into Greece and Europe. In tandem with this, Benny hopes the move to Greece will also help Singapore’s development.
“For Singapore to emerge as a major provider of legal services to the global shipping industry, it requires law firms who make this commitment to gain stature and recognition in key shipping centres,” he said.
By Lucy Hine
from Singapore