SINGAPORE - International law firm Clifford Chance announced the appointment of three Singapore-based partners to leadership positions.

Mr Kai-Niklas Schneider will assume the role of office managing partner from 1 June following Mr Geraint Hughes' appointment to regional managing partner of Asia Pacific.

He is also head of the firm's funds and investment management group for South East Asia. He joined Clifford Chance in 2005 and rejoined as partner in 2013.

Mr Nish Shetty will take on the position of head of litigation & dispute resolution for Asia Pacific with effect from Aug 1, while Mr Nicholas Wong will serve as co-head of the firm's finance practice for Asia Pacific together with Anthony Wang in Hong Kong starting May 1.

The firm said the appointments reflect its commitment to and investment in Singapore and the Asia Pacific. In the past six years, the local practice has doubled its size, including entering into a successful formal law alliance with local firm Cavenagh Law in 2012.