With a rich history spanning more than a century, Shook Lin & Bok commands a strong position across the fields of banking and finance, competition, dispute resolution, intellectual property and employment law. The firm is well regarded for its expertise in delivering strategic guidance to clients operating within the financial services, technology and telecommunications sectors. Among its many distinguished practitioners are prominent partners such as Jalalullail Othman, a leading counsel for financial institutions on banking and financial services matters, Sin Min Yoong, an experienced litigator specialising in dispute resolution, and Michael Soo, a noted figure in intellectual property.
Client feedback
“Competent and hardworking.” – Banking and finance
Ko Luen Lam
“Ko Luen demonstrates excellent team leadership and management, supported by a very capable, responsive, friendly and competent legal team. He is a sterling counsel with smart strategies, expertise and profound knowledge of the disputes he has handled for our company. It has been my pleasure and privilege to work with such a highly competent lawyer who also possesses very pleasant and friendly attributes.”
“He is very knowledgeable, highly competent and professional. He provides good advice, strategies and is highly responsive, friendly and pleasant to work with.”
Hooi Huang Ng
“Fast, reliable and competent.”
Work highlights
Representing Sims Capital in an action for the expungement of its registered mark, which was instituted by Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy (Group) Company. This case is perhaps the first case which has involved a determination of well-known mark provisions under the Trademarks Act 2019. This case is significant as it is perhaps the first case that involved a determination of well-known mark provisions under the TMA 2019. An appeal against the decision of the High Court is currently pending before the Court of Appeal. A decision by the Court of Appeal would probably become a landmark decision and be the first decision on the new issues raised.
Representing Public Bank in an action for the expungement of its registered mark, which was instituted by TransferWise. This case is significant as it is among the first cases for partial expungement of a registered trademark under the Trademarks Act 2019, and involves the variation of the specification of services, a remedy that is not expressly provided for in the TMA 2019.
Key clients
HB Asam Jawa Enterprise, Mewah Dairies, Sika
Work highlights
Acting for the plaintiff, OCBC Bank (Malaysia), in a suit against 37 defendants for fraud, conspiracy, negligence and breach of fiduciary and contractual duties. The outcome of this case will affect the banking industries, particularly loan transactions with properties or assets charged as securities.
Representing AMMB Holdings and AmBank Islamic Bank in defending a suit filed by Muhammad Najib bin Abdul Razak, seeking damages for emotional distress, loss of reputation and severe embarrassment as a result of being subjected to criminal proceedings in respect of acts done when he was the prime minister, minister of finance and adviser emeritus to SRC International. This is the first time an appellate court in Malaysia has considered whether a civil suit ought to be struck out for being an attempt to undermine the findings of a criminal court.
Key clients
CIMB Islamic Bank, Malayan Banking, RJ Technologies Singapore
Work highlights
Advised a Malaysian financial institution on its RM 66 million ($14 million) financing. The money is to part finance the capital expenditure in respect of the installation cost of solar photovoltaic systems at the premises of several prominent corporations. The firm’s main challenge was to negotiate with the largest electricity utility in Malaysia on the assignment of the relevant contracts as security in favour of the client.
