Cross-border work fuels legal hiring in Singapore

Dispute resolution and M&As are key areas of demand.

Cross-border work and overseas deals are lifting hiring in Singapore’s legal sector, with demand expected to stay strong through 2026 as transactions grow more complex, rules differ across markets, and clients look for lawyers who can handle multi-country work.

Top-tier law firms said the ability to handle cross-border matters has become a key factor in hiring.

“Clients increasingly look for lawyers who can navigate matters spanning multiple jurisdictions and sector-specific regulations,” Koay Saw Lean, director of human resource at Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP, told Singapore Business Review.

“As a result, we attract candidates who are keen to hone their experience in cross-border work and who display strong client engagement skills,” she added.

Geographic flexibility and practical international exposure are shaping recruitment, she said. The firm supports this by offering overseas work opportunities, training programmes, and a postgraduate scholarship to help lawyers build specialist skills.

Hiring momentum is reflected in recent data. Employment in Singapore’s legal sector rose 19% year on year in February 2025, Foundit Insights Tracker said, citing stronger demand tied to regulatory change, corporate expansion, and higher compliance needs.

Dispute resolution and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) remain key areas of demand, whilst newer fields such as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework, fintech, digital assets, infrastructure, and energy projects are taking on a larger role.

Rajah & Tann, ranked second by headcount in Singapore Business Review’s survey, has expanded its dispute resolution, aviation, and banking and finance teams.

Kelvin Tan, director and co-head of employment at Drew & Napier LLC, said hiring has picked up across financial regulatory work, M&A, tax, private client advisory, and disputes.

“Disputes continue to be in perennial growth mode,” he said, adding that overseas work, digital assets, infrastructure, and fund-related activity are also driving recruitment.

Drew & Napier, ranked third, has focused on structured onboarding, mentorship, and training to support long-term careers.

Despite global economic and political uncertainty, Singapore remains attractive to regional and international clients, Tan said, particularly those seeking to consolidate operations, pursue acquisitions, or resolve complex disputes.

WongPartnership LLP, ranked fourth, said rising demand for cross-border legal services has made regional growth a priority.

WongPartnership Managing Partner Sean Yu Chou said competition for talent remains intense as lawyers place greater weight on career development and work-life balance.

The firm has invested in training and retention programmes and increased its focus on energy, ESG, and private credit work.

Kelvin Poa, appointed country managing principal at Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow LLC, effective 1 January, described Singapore as a hub for legal work across Asia. The firm, which ranked seventh, plans to continue targeted hiring through 2026.

At the same time, law firms are stepping up the use of digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve efficiency.

Rajah & Tann has expanded AI training for its lawyers, whilst WongPartnership and Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow have rolled out tech for legal research and drafting.

Drew & Napier has also adopted digital tools to support lawyers and clients, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a key legal centre in the region.