Allens Arthur Robinson (Allens) has opened an office in Mongolia to broaden its existing Asian network. Located in Ulaanbaatar, the office will support international clients operating in and around the resources industry.

“During the past 12 months, those work levels have intensified significantly,” an Allens spokesperson said. The partnership decision to establish a formal presence in Mongolia is therefore very much client driven. Having had a number of partners and lawyers working on the ground for some time, we've been approached by a range of other international clients, with existing or planned operations in Mongolia, who have asked us to assist them.”

Allens, a member of the Business Council of Mongolia (BCM), has undertaken work in Mongolia for close to a decade, said Allens board member and energy and resources partner Erin Feros. The firm is currently advising a range of international companies in the region, including long-standing client Rio Tinto, which heads operations at the Oyu Tolgoi gold and copper project.

While a primary focus will be energy and resources, Allens will continue to be well-equipped to advise on corporate, capital markets, construction, infrastructure and project finance matters.