Established in 1994, DFDL provides legal services in M&A, employment, infrastructure and tax matters. The firm has a deep local knowledge and understanding of the legal and tax regulations and policies. The firm’s key contacts include Kristy Newby, Audray Souche, Senesakoune Sihanouvong and Standré Bezuidenhout.
Client feedback
"Very responsive, detailed and experienced." – Labour and employment
"Strong technical knowledge and good insight into government and regulatory requirements." – Real estate
Standré Bezuidenhout
"He is excellent, very responsive, pulls in the colleagues who are experts on the team based on our request."
"Strong technical knowledge and good responsiveness."
Work highlights
Acted as a local counsel for DP World in its acquisition of 100% indirect interest in Savan Logistics Company, the concessionaire and operator of the Savannakhet Dry Port operating within the Savan Seno Special Economic Zone.
Advised Hosia on disposing of its 69% shareholding in Société Hôtelière de Phou Vao to Indochina Luxury Properties as part of a series of disposals by Belmond of certain hospitality operations in southeast Asia.
ILAWASIA is a full-service Thai law firm primarily based in Bangkok, with the firm’s Laos branch being incorporated in 2021. The firm is headed by Somphob Rodboon, an experienced legal expert in business law and litigation. In the past 12 months the firm has focused on IP, advisory and dispute resolution work.
Work highlights
Advised AEON Leasing Service (Lao) on its business model from a legal perspective in Lao PDR, evaluating its compliance with local laws and regulations; also, provided detailed guidance on the necessary licences and permits required to operate such business activity, including the application process, regulatory obligations, and potential legal challenges.
Advised SilviCarbon Agroforestry Sole on an agriculture concession project, ensuring legal compliance and negotiating favourable terms, with significant impact on safeguarding client interests and setting industry standards.
Key clients
DHAS Laos, Discova Laos, Suol Innovations
Tilleke & Gibbins has been based in Laos for over 25 years and continues to provide an extensive range of legal services. The Vientiane office is particularly noted for its work in energy, TMT, intellectual property and regulatory. Key contacts of the firm include Prisna Sungwanna and Niti Muangkote. Dino Santaniello left the firm in May 2024.
Work highlights
Acted as Lao law counsel for various Chinese state-owned banks in the project financing of the infrastructure construction and related facilities for Phase II of the Saysettha Development Zone Project.
Advised a global carbon project developer on the restructuring and incorporation of its entities in Laos.
The Vientiane office of VDB Loi provides a high standard of legal and tax solutions for transactions and investment in Laos. In particular, the firm performs well in energy and infrastructure, banking and finance, and corporate and regulatory. The main contacts are senior partner Edwin Vanderbruggen and partner Daodeuane Duangdara, who leads the firm’s tax team and advises clients in the banking, hydropower and mining sectors.
Work highlights
Advised Amata City Laos, a subsidiary of a leading real-estate developer from Thailand, on reviewing and revising the project-related documents. This was a large project that incorporated innovative design into its development.
Key clients
Xekong 4 Power Company
