Singapore firms are losing out to their Australian competitors in securing major project work in the region, unable to compete on fees or experience.

Three Australian law firms with offices in Singapore – Freehills, Allens Arthur Robinson and Deacons – have beat local firms to advise on projects in South Korea, Indonesia and Singapore.

The corporate head of one Singapore firm says two key factors give Australian firms the edge.

“They have lots of experience in infrastructure because of the sheer size of their country. That is to be reckoned with,” she says.

Their fees are also “far more competitive than the US and UK firms”.

Freehills has been appointed lead legal adviser to the Korean government and its state-controlled electricity utility, KEPCO, on the country’s electricity industry reform program. It is also acting for US utility developer, InterGen, in relation to the development, construction and financing of Singapore’s independent, foreign-owned 800MW power station.

Allens is advising the Indonesian government on electricity market reform and has also been appointed to advise the Philippines government in this area. It is also negotiating to advise on a major project in Singapore.

Deacons recently represented a Singapore GLC in an arbitration with a Korean company governed by Vietnamese law, and a Malaysian multinational in relation to a US$200m (S$354mn) financing.

Philip Crowley, head of Deacons’ Singapore office, says: “This year has been busier than expected and our plan is on track.” Deacons and its Singapore affiliate, Kelvin Chia Partnership, are in the process of expanding, “to take advantage of our combined strengths in Singapore and the region”.

Steve Clifford, Allens’ outgoing managing partner, says the firm has made a significant investment in Singapore with a view to long-term gains.