21 March 2017
Duane Morris & Selvam LLP has promoted managing director Leon Yee to chairman of the Singapore-based joint venture law firm. At age 41, Yee is to be appointed as chairman for 2017, a role that includes managing the operations of the firm’s Asian offices and the strategic planning for Asian expansion.
Yee has extensive corporate law experience and regularly advises ultra-high-net-worth individuals, private equity funds, investment banks, listed and private companies on banking and finance, venture capital, capital markets, takeovers, cross-border mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructurings, corporate governance and joint ventures. He has also advised banks and project companies in complex financing transactions and has a particular focus on Korea, Indonesia and People’s Republic of China-related deals. Yee read law at Christ’s College, Cambridge University, and is a visiting law professor at Jimei University in China.
“It is a real honor to be charting the future of our firm with this appointment,” said Yee. “With the recent turmoil in some of the markets, we have had very challenging work on behalf of our clients. I am privileged to be part of the team that is focused on helping our clients during these trying times."
John J. Soroko, Chairman & CEO of Duane Morris LLP, the U.S.-based AmLaw 100 firm that is a part of the joint venture, said: “Leon Yee’s appointment as chairman of Duane Morris & Selvam is very well-deserved and I know that he will bring great energy and an excellent sense for business strategy to what has been for us a great run of success in Asia.”
“Duane Morris & Selvam has grown rapidly in Asia over the last six years with Leon at the forefront of building the firm’s sterling reputation,” said Krishna Ramachandra, the outgoing chairman. “He has exceptional commercial acumen and technical abilities and has established an illustrious reputation as a corporate strategist to a number of listed companies and other clients.”
Earlier last month, Yee was also appointed as the independent non-executive chairman of Pacific Star Development, an entity listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) Catalist board that emerged from a reverse takeover. Pacific Star Development is a listed property developer that specializes in high-end luxury mixed used developments.
“It is a great pleasure to hear of Leon’s appointment as the chairman of Duane Morris & Selvam,” said Glen Chan, CEO of Pacific Star Development. “Working alongside Leon, I am confident that Leon has arrived through innate dedication, exceptional foresight, and vast experience. At Pacific, his ability to motivate and guide his peers makes him an invaluable asset to the company. Leon truly deserves this recognition and I extend my heartiest congratulations to him on this great achievement.”
