Global law firm HFW has announced the appointment of Simon Bellas as a senior construction disputes partner in its Singapore office, marking a significant expansion of its international construction practice. Bellas, who previously led Jones Day’s Engineering, Procurement, Infrastructure and Construction practice in Australia, brings nearly 25 years of experience in complex construction and engineering disputes to HFW.
Bellas’s expertise spans offshore construction, oil and gas, renewable energy projects, mining, and transport infrastructure. His return to Singapore is a homecoming of sorts, having previously spent four years in the city-state before relocating to Melbourne in 2021. “I’m excited to be joining HFW and returning to Singapore, where I’ve worked closely with clients for many years,” Bellas said.
This appointment is part of HFW’s broader strategy to bolster its presence in the Asia Pacific region. The firm has added eight construction partners globally since the start of FY24, with recent hires in Perth, Hong Kong, and London. Michael Sergeant, Head of Construction at HFW, noted, “Simon is a standout addition to our expanding practice.”
Adam Richardson, Head of HFW’s Singapore office, emphasised the strategic alignment of Bellas’s expertise with the firm’s client base, particularly in offshore construction disputes. Bellas’s arrival follows the recent recruitment of other senior figures in Singapore, further solidifying HFW’s commitment to growth in the region.
HFW’s Singapore office, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, now boasts nearly 40 lawyers as part of an Asia Pacific team of over 250 lawyers. The firm’s global construction practice includes 18 partners and more than 90 lawyers, advising on high-value developments worldwide.
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