Linklaters has significantly enhanced its projects standing in the past few years, particularly following the relocation of John Maxwell to the Singapore office in 2023, along with the promotion of Mark Veitch to head of the construction group, and the election of project development and finance specialist Xylia Sim to the partnership in 2024. Offshore wind specialist Jia-Fang Lee was also elevated to counsel status in 2025. The Singapore group remains especially active in renewable energy projects, particularly offshore wind, and is also rated for transport infrastructure, waste-to-energy, petrochemicals and gas-fired projects; it remains noted for its presence in large-scale offshore wind projects throughout Asia Pacific, including the Hai Long 2 & 3 offshore wind projects in Taiwan. Active across Southeast Asia and North Asia, the Singapore team frequently works alongside colleagues in other Asia Pacific offices, particularly its formal association with Widyawan & Partners in Jakarta.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team has deep experience in project financing in various sectors across Asia.’
‘John Maxwell and Xylia Sim have excellent transaction management skills and deep knowledge of the markets in the Asia Pacific across numerous sectors.’
‘The team brings a strong background in construction and banked projects, which translates to effective resolutions during contract negotiations.’
‘Mark Veitch is an exceptional individual who fosters an environment where even the most difficult discussions become amicable. His fast-paced way of thinking creates workable solutions for both parties. Jie Yun Phua is also a fantastic associate to have in your contract negotiations. She is a great listener and an even better drafter.’
‘What strikes me is the efficiency/effectiveness of communication. I only need to communicate it once (to one counsel). This in itself has saved me so much time, and offered ultimate peace of mind. And personally, I believe that this is one fundamental quality of a good law firm.'
‘Linklaters are amongst such law firms where the counsels are commercially savvy and willing to/capable of understanding technical scopes (communicated in reasonable layman's terms).'
Key clients
- Asian Development Bank
- BNP Paribas
- Corio Generation
- Export-Import Bank of Korea
- GMR Group
- Gurin Energy
- ING Bank
- International Financial Corporate
- Japan Bank for International Cooperation
- Macquarie Infrastructure
- Medco
- Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
- MUFG
- Mizuho
- Natixis
- Nippon Export and Investment Insurance
- Northland Power
- Ørsted
- Petroleum Authority of Brunei
- PTT GC
Work highlights
Advised Northland Power and Mitsui & Co as joint developers, and the Hai Long project companies, on the construction arrangements for the TWD117bn project financing of the 1,022MW Hai Long offshore wind farm project in Taiwan.
Advised the Asian Development Bank as lender in respect of a loan facility to Ayala Corporation for the establishment of an e-mobility ecosystem in the Philippines.
Advised GMR Holdings on its bid to redevelop, rehabilitate, operate, optimise and maintain the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Philippines.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Xylia Sim
Practice head
John Maxwell
Other key lawyers
Mark Veitch; Xylia Sim; Jia-Fang Lee; Jie Yun Phua