Bolstered by the Rajah & Tann Asia network, R&T Sok & Heng has in-depth knowledge and experience in Cambodian law and practice. Founded in 2010 and based in Phnom Penh, the firm is best known for its involvement in complex cross-border transactions, as well as deep expertise in banking and finance, and corporate and M&A. R&T Sok & Heng has been at the cutting edge of Asian law and has worked on many high-profile cases in the region over the years, retaining and servicing an impressive list of clientele. Its ability to leverage both its domestic expertise and expansive regional network make the firm a strong player in the Cambodian legal market. Chhay Heng and Sophonnora Tiv are key contacts.
Work highlights
Acted for RHB Bank, Singapore branch, and RHB Bank (Cambodia) in the first Singapore-Cambodia cross-border financing involving granting facilities to a Singapore entity and its Cambodian subsidiary in relation to the financing of the development and operation of a five-star luxury hotel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Advised SBI Holdings on its strategic investment of a 30% equity interest in Ly Hour Insurance, one of Cambodia’s leading general insurance companies.
Key clients
Advanced Bank of Asia
Andersen in Cambodia is a leading law firm in Cambodia with particular expertise in energy and infrastructure, real estate and tax. The firm’s strengths lie in representing clients in cross-border transactions, particularly in the financing, corporate and project development areas. Mariza Ung is a key partner in the law firm.
Work highlights
Advised CGIF on a successful corporate bond issuance on the Cambodian stock exchange.
Advised ADB on a 2GW solar and battery storage power programme, the first battery energy storage project in the country.
Key clients
Ministry of Economy and Finance of Cambodia, The Blue Circle
ATHIPA Law Firm is an independent and full-service law firm registered with the Cambodian Bar Association. Founded by partners having strong experience working in leading law firms in Cambodia, France, Thailand and Korea, they have strong relationships with government agencies, business leaders, and regional and international law firms. The firm’s professionals are frequently retained to negotiate complex transactions, to advise on policies and strategies, and to represent clients in high-profile proceedings. Charles Amar and Samnang Lim are key partners in the law firm.
Client feedback
"They are very professional, proactive and always come with solutions." – Construction
"They are very thoughtful and professional towards the task assigned. They always find the strategic solution and recommendations." – Corporate and M&A
"They give us good advice. They review and draft agreements for us very fast, never late due dates." – Dispute resolution
Charles Amar
“Charles demonstrates outstanding professionalism and dedication to my case. I felt very supported and confident thanks to his clear communication and expertise.”
“He is reactive and helpful.”
“Charles is very available, attentive, and provides good advice. He prioritises the client's best interests and offers tailored solutions.”
Samnang Lim
“Samnang is responsive, knowledgeable, and communicates clearly. He provides practical legal advice and handles matters efficiently, demonstrating a strong understanding of local legal procedures.”
“He gives us a lot of good legal advice and answers our questions very fast.”
“Samnang has a good service mind."
Work highlights
Advised Khou Tower, a Cambodian real-estate developer, on the draughting and negotiation of the hotel agreements entered into with Marriott Group for the management and operation of a five-star hotel to be developed in the heart of Phnom Penh and under the brand Marriott.
Advised LBL International, a major construction company, in relation to the construction works of the new international airport passenger terminal to be developed in Phnom Penh.
Key clients
HP Towers, TP Moral Group
Bun & Associates is one of the pre-eminent domestic law firms and is recognised for its multidisciplinary practice. As the largest full-service law firm in Cambodia, Bun & Associates is highly capable of handling time-sensitive and complex cases. The firm is best known for its cross-sector related activities. Key contacts include Youdy Bun, Sokanha Sin and Borapyn Py.
Client feedback
"They provide quite good information logically matching to the local compliance process." – Labour and employment
Work highlights
Advised Swire on partially divesting its shares in Cambodia Beverage Company, the sole authorised Coca-Cola bottler in Cambodia, to ThaiNamthip.
Advised CIMB Bank on outsourcing loan documentation in connection with 159 financing transactions. This covers both onshore and offshore financing.
Key clients
Belmond, Sunfuture (Cambodia) International School
With the opening of its Phnom Penh office dating back to 1995, DFDL is one of the oldest foreign legal and tax advisory firms in Cambodia. It provides a full range of legal, tax and advisory services to local and foreign investors operating in Cambodia. The firm is active in banking and finance, capital markets, and corporate and M&A work, and it continues to have a strong presence in the Cambodian market. Key contacts include Guillaume Massin, Seka Hep, Clint O’Connell and Chris Robinson.
Client feedback
"Intimate knowledge of the regulatory environment as it relates to crafting an application for the best possible outcome." – Banking and finance
"They provide practical advice." – Real estate
"They have provided inputs on the proposed Cambodia E-commerce Trustmark Scheme in collaboration with international consultants, and they have likewise provided support in relation to the corresponding validation workshop." – Technology and telecommunications
Samnangvathana Sor
"Seeking clarity, and ensuring the client has clarity, and then following through on deliverables."
Nearirath Sreng
"Nearirath Sreng was very responsive to our needs in relation to the policy report involving the proposed Cambodia E-commerce Trustmark Scheme and the validation workshop. She mobilised her team to help us come together and fill in the gaps."
Paul Volodarsky
"He manages the team well and has practical and timely advice."
Work highlights
Advised the Royal Group in relation to the investment of approximately $1.34 billion on LNG terminal and gas power projects, including the construction of an LNG jetty, LNG storage, and an LNG regasification station.
Acted as local counsel for International Finance Corporation, Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden, Advans S.A. Sicar, La Fayette Participations, and Botta in one of the largest transactions ever concluded in Cambodia – Taiwan’s Bank Sinopac Company’s acquisition of Amret MFI, one of the leading microfinance institutions in Cambodia.
Key clients
Asian Development Bank, First Euro Investments, Go24
Sithisak Law Office is a full-service general practice law firm with expertise in a broad range of legal and tax matters, both contentious and non-contentious. The law firm’s specialised practice areas include corporate law, labour and employment, insurance, tax, and intellectual property. Noeum Sokvichhai is the key partner in the law firm.
Work highlights
Advised ACLEDA Bank, a leading commercial bank in Cambodia, on conducting comprehensive legal due diligence and issuing a report for the proposed first-ever subordinated bond issuance in Cambodia.
Advised the issuer on their corporate restructuring and licensing application for the issuer's proposed initial public offering in Cambodia.
Sok Siphana & Associates is a household name in Cambodia’s legal market. The firm holds offices in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and is a member of ZICO Law, a network of leading local law firms across all Asean countries. Matthew Rendall, Mealy Khieu and Daron Wong are key figures.
Work highlights
Advised a major international hospitality group on acquiring the assets associated with the operation of the renowned international brand, Pizza Hut, to allow for expansion of the franchised brand in Cambodia.
Advised the client on reviewing the legal feasibility of establishing the country’s first logistics complex/hub – under the PPP model – to accommodate trains, buses and trucks.
The Phnom Penh office of regional firm Tilleke & Gibbins has a particularly strong reputation in the corporate and intellectual property spaces. The firm is widely recognised and trusted by a diverse range of local and multinational companies to advise on all aspects of market entry and operations in frontier and emerging jurisdictions. Under the leadership of Jay Cohen, the Tilleke & Gibbins team focuses especially on commercial transactions, labour and employment, and key regulatory matters for highly regulated industries such as banking and finance, and energy. Partner and director Cohen is the main contact.
Work highlights
Advised a major technology company on the legality of an employee stock purchase plan in Cambodia, mass layoffs post-acquisition, and data privacy issues regarding the acquired company, as well as conducting legal due diligence for its acquisition of a local delivery company.
Advised Oji Holdings Corporation, a major Japanese multinational in the paper and packaging industry, on competition law matters related to its acquisition of Walki Group.
Key clients
Baramey Production
