New regional MP looks forward

Linklaters’ new regional managing partner, Nathalie Hobbs, says the firm will be looking to its strengths in the region but also reaching out in new ways to expand its presence in Asia.

Hobbs commenced a four-year term as managing partner from 1 June, taking over from Marc Harvey who will work with her to ensure a smooth transition.

She told Asia Business Law Journal Linklaters’ strengths in the region lay in M&A and finance, along with the firm’s disputes and regulatory teams.

“We will be looking to grow the business in a number of sectors, such as energy and infrastructure and TMT, across the region, and looking to participate fully in the global initiatives in relation to funds, crisis management and others,” she said. In terms of the firm’s footprint, Hobbes said her Asia team was “in a good place right now” and she was not anticipating significant changes. “We will continue to focus on our strategy in China, both in terms of enhancing our presence in the country to meet client demands and by strengthening links between our China offices and the rest of the firm to meet the needs of PRC clients looking outwards,” she said.