Global law firm Ashurst has appointed Clarence Ding as a partner and Asia head of employment, based in Singapore. Clarence’s arrival represents a key milestone in Ashurst’s strategy to strengthen its employment law practice across the region, further bolstering the firm’s presence and expertise in the global employment law market.
Clarence brings over 15 years of experience advising Singaporean and multi-jurisdictional clients in Asia on the full range of employment issues spanning the lifecycle of the employment relationship including employment related litigation involving contentious separations and enforcement of restrictive covenants.
Clarence has developed a particular niche in the field of investigations. He is frequently called upon to manage sensitive whistleblowing complaints; investigate workplace misconduct issues involving harassment, bullying and discrimination; and assist with downstream remediation and workplace awareness training.
Clarence's expertise also extends to white-collar and regulatory issues. He frequently leads internal investigations into allegations of bribery, corruption and fraud across the region, and supports clients with their regulatory and compliance needs, including in respect of data privacy breaches.
Clarence's exceptional work has earned him numerous accolades, including being ranked as a "Next Generation Partner" for Labour and Employment by the Legal 500 Asia Pacific and an "Up and Coming" partner by Chambers and Partners. He was also recognised as one of Singapore's "30 Most Influential Lawyers Under 40" by the Singapore Business Review and was named one of International Employment Lawyer's inaugural "Tomorrow's Leaders".
Stephen Woodbury, global head of the employment group, commented: "Clarence’s appointment reflects our commitment to deepening our expertise and reach across Asia. His proven ability to build and lead a high-performing employment practice, combined with his deep understanding of the regional market and strong client relationships, will be instrumental as we continue to expand our offering to clients in Asia and beyond. Clarence’s track record in driving business growth, particularly through multi-jurisdictional compliance and investigations work, aligns perfectly with our ambition to deliver innovative solutions to our clients. We are confident that Clarence’s leadership and vision will not only enhance our employment practice, but also contribute to the continued growth and success of our firm in the region."
Clarence added: "I am excited to join Ashurst and lead the employment practice in Asia. Ashurst’s strong regional platform and commitment to innovation, particularly in areas such as investigations and technology, are a natural fit for my practice. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues across Asia and globally, and to building on Ashurst’s reputation for excellence by supporting our clients’ evolving needs."
