Allen & Gledhill Centenary

Any ANNIVERSARY, not least a centenary, is a cause for reflection and, all things being well, an opportunity for celebration

This book, which marks the hundredth anniversary of the founding of Allen & Gledhill, is intended to be both these things. It is also conceived as a tribute to the many men and women - former partners, members of staff and clients - who have contributed to the success story told in these pages.

Set against the backdrop of Singapore's own historical progress over the past one hundred years, Centenary records the life and times of Rowland Allen and John Joseph Gledhill, the firm's founding partners, and those that came after them. It examines the background to the firm's development from a practice of a handful of partners during the colonial era and the early years of independence, to the mega-practice of today with an all-round capability in every area of the law.

Historical factors are identified, and key figures introduced, by way of explaining the pre-eminence of the firm, particularly in the last decade and a half, which has seen Allen & Gledhill become the largest legal practice in Singapore, with over 200 lawyers, as well as a major player in the region.

And then there are the stories colourful personalities, amusing anecdotes, firsthand recollections - which put a human face to the firm's history: Centenary is more than just the history of a law firm, it is a slice of Singapore's past.