Former Speaker of Parliament and lawyer Michael Palmer has left Harry Elias Partnership and will join a boutique law firm on April 16.

The firm, Lawrence Quahe & Woo, has had its application to change its name to Quahe Woo & Palmer approved by the law society.

"Michael will be a significant addition to the firm's capability in serving the regional needs of our clients, in particular Indonesia," said Mr Lawrence Quahe.

Mr Palmer, the former PAP MP for Punggol East and who has been with Harry Elias Partnership for all of his professional career, quit politics in December after revelations of an extra-marital affair with a People's Association staffer.