In a widely reported turn of events, after almost seven years in the Phuket market, the well known Phuket law firm with a focus on property, Tilleke & Gibbins Phuket (T&G), closed down its Phuket office on 29 February 2012. Upon notice and with the consent of the T&G Phuket clients, Duensing Kippen took over professional responsibility for virtually all of T&G Phuket’s client matters and files. DUENSING KIPPEN also took over what was T&G’s Phuket Plaza Del Mar front office, near the entrance to Laguna, for purposes of meeting with clients. John R. Howard, former Joint-Venture Partner and Managing Director of T&G’s Phuket operations, has joined Duensing Kippen in an “Of Counsel” capacity. Said John, “I concluded these arrangements to ‘fill the void’ for the clients left by T&G’s cessation of operations in Phuket. The decision to approach Duensing Kippen involved considerations of integrity for T&G’s Phuket clients and their work. We will be handling almost all T&G Phuket files moving forward, and in a way that will provide a seamless transition and equivalent top-tier professional services. Going forward, I wanted enhanced ‘horse power’ for the continuation of this practice, and Duensing Kippen has a stable of top-notch experienced lawyers, with a particular focus on property, corporate, and tax. Olaf Duensing has eleven years experience in Thailand, nine of which have been in Phuket. Jerrold Kippen has ten years of experience in Thailand including six in Samui and two in Phuket.”