Press Release | Spencer West appoints ex-Clyde & Co Senior Partner to develop APAC offering

Michael Parker to Spearhead Growth Across APAC; Increase Focus on UK Lawyers with Connections to the Region

LONDON, 25 MARCH 2021 – International law firm Spencer West has appointed former Clyde & Co senior partner, Michael Parker, to lead its growth strategy and recruitment drive across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Spencer West envisages opening numerous offices and hiring high calibre lawyers across Asia and Oceania, as well as positioning the firm as a natural home for UK based lawyers with strong connections to the region, and those returning to the UK from the region. Overall, the strategy will expand on its full-service international capabilities on behalf of clients all over the world.

As well as serving as Senior Partner, Parker sat on the global management board of Clyde & Co, and subsequently was appointed its Managing Director of the APAC region, based in Hong Kong and Singapore. As such, Parker brings a wealth of experience to Spencer West and is uniquely qualified to spearhead the three prongs of its strategy: developing the firm’s on-the-ground presence across APAC; putting it on the map as a favoured UK law firm for dual qualified lawyers returning to the UK from the region; and attracting lawyers with APAC region-focused practices operated from the UK.

“As we continue our expansion internationally, APAC is an important focus for the firm. Like our recent office opening in Brussels, our growth across the APAC region is driven by our strong desire to meet the needs of our international clients,” said Simeon Spencer, senior partner and co-founder of Spencer West. “Strength across key regions and markets is central to our overall strategy. Michael is highly experienced, liked and respected across the UK and APAC legal sectors. His deep understanding of the regulatory frameworks and regional challenges will be invaluable in helping us to develop a market-leading and dynamic presence.”

Spencer West’s model – “work collaboratively, work anywhere” – has allowed the firm to quickly pursue international expansion to meet emerging client needs. The firm also recently opened a Brussels office to expand its post-Brexit offering to clients, as well as a Bermuda office to enhance its private client and wealth planning offerings to similarly growing client needs in the region.

Spencer West will initially focus its APAC services in corporate and commercial, including mergers and acquisitions, finance, and commercial disputes.

Michael Parker said: “This is an extremely exciting moment for me and for Spencer West, and with my background it feels like the perfect fit. Many of our clients and lawyers are already deeply connected to the APAC region, and the demand from clients for our services is increasing. Delivering an on the ground presence across a whole range of key jurisdictions is a natural step for Spencer West. With numerous international locations already in the pipeline, my focus will be on putting together a team of lawyers across the UK and APAC that will complement the existing capability and will service our international commercial and private wealth client base. Our model scales like no other in the market, driven by partner-led practices acting as trusted advisors to commercial clients.”

About Spencer West

Spencer West is a leading full service international law firm advising businesses and individuals across the UK and globally. Headquartered in the City of London, the firm is built on strong collaborative values. The firm’s experienced lawyers are recognised experts in their fields from leading City, national and international law firms, and senior in-house positions. Working in a modern and dynamic way with autonomy over where, when, and how they work, Spencer West lawyers view issues from the client’s perspective to deliver results. With an extensive and growing network, the firm’s international presence and global outlook mean that it is uniquely placed to advise on the entire spectrum of corporate, commercial, and private wealth matters across multiple jurisdictions. For more, visit: www.spencer-west.com.

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PRESS RELEASE CONTACTS

Jeff Segvich
MD Communications
On Behalf of Spencer West LLP
Jeff.segvich@mdcomms.co.uk