The new association with DNFP comes into effect from today (1 June), less than a year after Hogan Lovells ended its three-year partnership with fellow Jakarta-based firm Hermawan Juniarto. Through its partnership with DNFP the transatlantic firm will once again have a presence in Indonesia, where local law prohibits international law firms from having formal branches in the country, advising on local law or sharing profits with their local associations.

Indonesia allure

With strong population growth and a burgeoning economy, Indonesia is a key piece of the South East Asian jigsaw which, though surrounded by regulatory obstacles, has been attracting growing attention from international players in law and business over the last few years. ‘Clients considered Indonesia to be something that was important for them, and they were coming to us and saying what do you have?’ explained Hogan Lovells chief executive Steve Immelt to Legal Business. ‘When you are asked that question enough you realise you need to come up with an answer.’ Norton Rose Fulbright announced its own Indonesian alliance with local player TNB & Partners in January this year, while fellow multinational White & Case entered into an exclusive relationship with Jakarta-based Witara Cakra Advocates in 2013.  

Sources: Legal Business; Legal Week