Asia Pacific aims to become global legal-tech leader

Asia Pacific aims to become global legal-tech leader

A new initiative aims to drive world-leading innovations in the legal technology sector from its Asia Pacific base.

The Singapore Academy of Law has launched its Future Law Innovation Programme (FLIP) with a launch cocktail party attended by more than 180 people from the legal, technology, government, academic and business communities last week.

FLIP will run for 5 years and will promote the adoption and development of new legal technologies including artificial intelligence.

Among its key aims is to assist law firms to integrate baseline technology into their processes and to help shape the business model for the future law firm.

FLIP has a legal innovation lab in Singapore and will also open its legal tech accelerator programme this April.

Global firms advise on Aussie-first power purchase agreement

Teams from Norton Rose Fulbright and Clifford Chance are among those advising the parties in an Australian first.

Australian-Chinese developer, owner and operator of renewable power generation assets Maoneng Australia (Maoneng) has entered into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and on related agreements with Origin, who is providing firming and other services to UNSW.

Maoneng was advised by Clifford Chance with a team led by head of renewable energy Asia Pacific Philip Sealey.

"UNSW has set the goal to achieve carbon neutrality for energy use by 2020. We are delighted to have supported Maoneng in its collaboration with UNSW and Origin to develop an energy procurement solution to meet the university's needs," said Sealey.

Norton Rose Fulbright advised UNSW with a team led by global head of energy Simon Rose, along with senior consultant Kelly Davies and Jacqueline Fetchet.

“The university sector is a key focus for Norton Rose Fulbright. UNSW has helped develop a model which we believe can be replicated throughout Australia and help universities and other users meet their sustainability goals and achieve a lower all-in power price,” said Currie.

Origin Energy was advised by Hive Legal and Energy Action provided energy market analysis and advice to UNSW.

International firm recognised for caring in Hong Kong

Pinsent Masons has been awarded ‘10 Years Plus Caring Company’ status by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service.

The firm has been recognised for its long-standing support of the community, employees and environment.

"The Caring Company Scheme is in its 16th year in Hong Kong and for Pinsent Masons to be part of this scheme for a decade is a fantastic achievement,” said Vincent Connor, Pinsent Masons' Head of Hong Kong Office. “It is an honour to be recognised, particularly in the year of our 35th anniversary of working in Hong Kong, as a Caring Company by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service . We hope to give back even more to our community in the years to come.”