Duane Morris & Selvam LLP, the joint venture between Duane Morris LLP and Singapore-based Selvam LLC, has entered into an alliance with Sri Lanka-based law firm Gowers International Legal Consultants & Corporate Lawyers. The agreement formalises and strengthens an existing networking relationship between the two law firms and offers clients of both firms expanded geographic reach and practice strength in cross-border matters. It is believed the alliance is the first in Sri Lanka by a US-based firm. Gowers International is a 25-lawyer full-service law firm based in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s largest city and economic capital. 

Fast-growing

In 2013, Sri Lanka’s GDP expanded by 7.3 per cent, making it one of the fastest-growing in the world. Between 2009 and 2013, the country’s GDP per capita grew by 59 percent. It also received more than $1.4 billion in foreign direct investment, with more than one-third flowing from China and Hong Kong. ‘With such impressive growth in Sri Lanka during the past five years, we have felt significant demand for dedicated and experienced counsel in Colombo. In partnering with Gowers International, we are pleased to immediately offer the legal resources to invest and thrive there,’ said Krishna Ramachandra, managing director of Duane Morris & Selvam and a Sri Lankan native who has lived in Singapore since the 1970s. ‘Likewise, our team in Singapore and across Asia is well-situated to advise Sri Lankan businesses in a wide range of complex matters. We look forward to forging a closer relationship.’

Rising star

Commenting, John Soroko, Chairman of Duane Morris said: ‘Gowers International is a rising star in the Sri Lankan legal industry, and we are pleased to work with them in a more formal capacity. With this alliance, our clients now enjoy access to a highly experienced and well-regarded Gowers team on the ground in this promising market.’