So far this year, seven law firms have announced new office launches in Singapore, a city-state known for its yearlong tropical humidity, local delicacies and, more recently, successfully capitalizing on the failures of Greater China’s former zero-COVID policies.

Scores of international law firms have poured into the country in the past few years. It’s unnerving for the incumbents, as the new entrants have drained top domestic law firms of their local talent, particularly at the associate level.