In the second half of 2021, at least 20 new partner appointments in Asia went to lawyers who were counsel or associates at their previous firms, while a significant percentage of partner promotions within global firms went to lawyers based in Singapore and Hong Kong—signs that the war for talent that began in the U.S. is also being felt across Asia.

Ashurst, DLA Piper, Weil Gotshal & Manges, King & Spalding, Linklaters, Herbert Smith Freehills, Latham & Watkins, Bird & Bird, Pinsent Masons, Allen & Overy have all in recent months added new Asia partners who have left counsel and associate positions at their former firms.