Malaysia

Tay & Partners is a full-service commercial law firm with offices in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. The firm is particularly known for its competition strength and is active in both contentious and advisory matters. The firm also boasts expertise in the aviation and real estate sectors. Nicole Leong and Weng Yew Wong are key partners. Managing partner Beng Chai Tay retired on 30 June 2021.

Client feedback

“They are very responsive, knowledgeable and their fees are mostly reasonable.” – Intellectual property

Highly regarded firm Zaid Ibrahim & Co (a member of ZICO Law) has a sound reputation in the market, particularly for financing, capital markets and corporate work. The firm also provides strong expertise on energy and infrastructure projects, including road, rail and airport developments as well as petrochemical plants and local and offshore renewable energy projects. Lilian Liew, Gilbert Gan, Kee Hooi Wong, Amin Abdul Majid and Boo Seng Ong are key figures for banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A, energy, infrastructure, and IP, respectively.

Client feedback

“Partners are experienced, hands on and accessible and give attention to their clients.” – Capital markets

“Practical, responsive, flexible and prompt.” – Construction

“Good response time, sound legal knowledge, meticulousness and willingness to go the extra mile without asking.” – Intellectual property

Tat King Loo

“Very helpful in dealing our issues. Strong technical knowledge.”

Lillian Liew

“Responsive, knowledgeable, available, and friendly. She is a problem-solver.”

“Top of field service/advice from partner Lilian Liew.”

Caera Lee

“She is knowledgeable in her field, thorough and provides practical solutions. Added plus is that she is also very pleasant to work with.”

Linda Wang

“Sound legal knowledge. You can be assured that she has considered all aspects of the problem before offering a solution.”

Lillian Liew and Sook Kwan Chin

“Experienced on the subject matter, advisory and client management.”

Comprising over 100 lawyers, Albar & Partners primarily focuses on banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A. It is known for its breadth of experience in banking and finance transactions, including corporate and syndicated lending, Islamic finance and sukuk issuances, asset finance and project finance. The firm represents both local and international financial institutions including investment banks, commercial banks, insurance companies, as well as borrowers across various industry sectors. In addition, the firm is also active in M&A, IPOs, joint ventures, private equity and regulatory matters. Swee Loong Chung and Lily Chea Li Tan are key partners at the firm.

Client feedback

“Very insightful and sound feedback and fast delivery.” – Banking and finance

Swee Loong Chung

“Highly experienced and knowledgeable.”

HL Lee & Co focuses on corporate and M&A with a wide range of industry sector expertise including consumer goods and services, manufacturing, real estate, plantation, education and insurance. King Koe Ng and Lay San Ng are key contacts.

Since its inception in 1976, Kadir Andri & Partners has etched itself a formidable niche in the Malaysian legal landscape with its concentration in banking and financial services, energy and infrastructure sectors, while specialising in banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A. Kong Yam Tan and Julian Hashim are key contacts.

Work highlights

Acted as counsel for Federal Land Development Authority on all Malaysian legal and regulatory matters relating to the financing and security arrangement for acquisition of the remaining ordinary shares in the target company.

Acted as legal counsel for Malayan Banking as lender in connection with a term loan facility granted to Kwantas Corporation, for the purpose of financing its privatisation.

Key clients

CIMB Bank

A staple of the Malaysia market, legal powerhouse Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill elicits prestige owing to its rich history and earns plaudits based on its novel solutions; the firm’s bench is stocked top-to-bottom with talent ranging from senior statesmen to up-and-comers, all of whom elicit praise from peers and clients. The firm has distinguished practices in banking and finance, construction, dispute resolution, employment and tax. It counts many international corporations among its clients and offers in-depth expertise across various sectors including real estate and technology.

Client feedback

“Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill (LHAG) provides professional services, immediate responses and always meets clients’ needs.” – Construction

“My comments below are generally based on my dealing with Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill for one adjudication and expected arbitration for a huge construction project in Malaysia. LHAG’s positive attributes and what makes the firm excellent are its strengths and key capabilities as follows: It has good lawyers specialised in various fields such as specialists in adjudication including under the Malaysian Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act, in arbitration for construction contracts etc; it is a sizeable company and is able to take on big jobs; they are very knowledgeable and able to think out of the box in providing sound strategies and advice; and they are client-oriented or customer-focussed and negotiable.” – Construction

“Client-focus is excellent; they take timelines very seriously and are never tardy; advice is always strategic and well-thought through; they go the extra mile for the client.” – Construction

“They are very knowledgeable and provide better advisory in terms of strategy. Their advisory is very informative and relatable to the current era.” – Dispute resolution

“Effective delivery of services, prompt update and high-quality legal services.” – Dispute resolution

“Cooperative and provide lots of resources and information on dispute resolution.” – Dispute resolution

“Extensive knowledge and experience in Malaysia contract law; excellent understanding of client needs and interest; attention to details in contract drafting; good explanations in layman terms on contractual matters; proactive in assisting client to expedite the contract execution process; quick turnaround with queries and draft amendment.” – Real estate

Mun Yew Chan

“He is very responsive when we seek advice on the issues. His knowledge is undeniable. When he addressed advice, the advice given addressed the issues that we raised with him.”

“Knowledgeable and easy to reach. He has given lots of advice on dispute resolution and strategies on managing the matter.”

“Knowledgeable and responsive to enquiry.”

Shariffullah Majeed

“Advises clearly on guidelines for any industrial relation cases.”

Darshendev Singh

“Darshendev Singh's positive attributes and what makes him exceptional, stand out and different from competitors are his qualities, as below: He is very knowledgeable in his fields; he is very detailed or meticulous in covering all issues of contention/all angles/all arguments; he always endeavours his best for the clients; he is able to think out of the box in forming strategies and giving his professional opinion.”

Zhen Ning Soh

“Very attentive and has in-depth knowledge in relevant jurisdictions. Professional services provided and always meets expectation of clients.”

Steven Tee

“Client management skills are excellent. He has deep knowledge of the subject matter he handles. Strong but diplomatic negotiation skills. He is solution-driven and can adjust strategies and drafting according to fluid circumstances.”

“Good communication skills; quick turnaround and accessible; strong knowledge of Malaysia contract and industrial laws.”

Wai Chin (Crystal) Wong

“She is such a nice person and such a great lawyer. My judgement is based on the cooperation with her for nearly two years. She helps our company a lot with her legal professionalism.”

Naqiz & Partners is adept in handling acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures, project finance, private banking and syndicated facilities. The firm services clients from a range of sectors including energy, real estate and technology and telecommunications. Key individuals include Shamshul Iskandar Zulkifli for corporate commercial work and Brian Lew for technology.

Client feedback

“Responsive, fast and approachable.” – Intellectual property

“Accessible and fair price.” – Intellectual property

“What stands out the most about Naqiz & Partners team is their evident and vast knowledge and experience in the matters. The team is able to deliver the output exceeding our expectations within the stipulated timeframe, amongst others, providing constructive solutions and alternatives as opposed to not just agreeing on the client’s ideas and needs. The team members also showed passion and dedication throughout the entire projects. The team is very accessible, diligent and dependable in meeting clients’ needs and requirements. Looking forward to working together again in the future.” – Regulatory

Khai Yi Lo

“Responsive and provide cost effective solutions.”

“Accessible, smart.”

“Evident and vast knowledge and experience; passionate; accessible”

Raja Darryl & Loh is frequently sought out by technology start-ups and other established companies for its extensive expertise in financial technology and digital banking. It is also experienced in various transactions including aviation finance, M&A, joint ventures and equity capital markets. With its robust disputes practice, the firm is active in various contentious matters, including antitrust, construction, employment and tax cases. Phye Keat Chew, Choon Hon Leng, Raja Eileen Soraya, Ravindra Kumar Rengasamy, Vijey Mohana Krishnan and Tong Lai Ling are recommended for competition, construction, dispute resolution, employment, tax and technology, respectively.

Client feedback

“Solution-oriented, industry knowledge, analysis of grey areas.” – Banking and finance

“They were able to provide well rounded advice aside from the documentation as well.” – Banking and finance

“Optimistic and professional in handling issues and people.” – Construction

“Raja Darryl & Loh (RDL) drafted thoroughly on terms of the contracts and in such a way protecting our rights and interest and raised considerations which had not been foreseen by us.” – Corporate and M&A

“Very professional.” – Dispute resolution

“Experienced firm to give advice on competition law issues, tactical to deal with shareholders, provide good, practical and sound advice.” – Insurance

“Prompt response and sound advice.” – Intellectual property

“Experience and able to provide a wide range of advice.” – Intellectual property

“Prompt response and attention to detail.” – Labour and employment

“I find them to be extremely knowledgeable as well as always responsive to our requirements. They are able to quickly grasp the requirements and provide their viewpoints with supporting legal basis.” – Labour and employment

“Expert in the area of medicolegal and confident when it comes to handling the regulatory affairs.” – Regulatory

Phye Kiat Chew

“Experienced, responsive and provide sound advice.”

Mei Mei Chong

“Problem solver with industry knowledge and firm grasp of law and regulations required for this.”

“Her ability to understand our requirements comprehensively enabled us to complete our product development in a timely manner.”

“She has provided legal opinions and good guidelines on legal issues for laymen.”

Hon Leng Choon

“Professional with excellent communication skills.”

“Deep knowledge of the TMT industry coupled with years of litigation experience particularly in giving insight to strategising and ultimately problem solving.”

Himin Ng

“She is always actively engaging in her works and follows up closely with the client proactively. Deadlines of filing and submission of documents are always adhered to.”

Yvonne Ong

“Prompt response and sound advice.”

“Very commercially minded and good innovative solutions.”

Raja Eileen Soraya

“She is very humble despite being very knowledgeable. Listens well and provides constructive feedback and solutions.”

Chu Wei Tai

“Professional, pleasant, competent and responsive.”

Li Vyen Tham

“Sharp and accommodating. Willing to explore solution with business and spend time understanding operation.”

“Li Vyen is very client centric and always makes herself available at short notice. If she is caught up with another engagement, she manages our expectation and will have another support assigned with her working in the background. She is also creative and always provides a balanced perspective.”

“She is able to position and structure our interests based on feedback provided.”

William Wong

“William Wong is sharp, approachable and provides sound advice even before the client asks for it. Meetings won't run overtime and objectives are always achieved. His time management is impeccable, in a sense that we always know we are a priority despite him having other files at hand.”

Vijey Mohana Krishnan and William Wong

“They are experts in tax matters and often provide sound commercial and tactical advice in maneuvering the case, foreseeing and preparing for the next 10 steps ahead in all possible avenues.”

Shearn Delamore & Co is respected for its strength in advising clients from the financial services, energy, real estate and technology sectors. The firm comprises of renowned practice groups with exceptional capabilities across a whole range of practice areas including banking, corporate and M&A, construction, employment, intellectual property, competition and tax. Key individuals include Anand Raj for competition and tax, Grace Yeoh for corporate and M&A, Rabindra Nathan for dispute resolution, Karen Abraham for IP, Sivabalah Nadarajah for employment and Ka Im Goh for tax.

Client feedback

“Competence as well as the breadth and depth of ability in the firm. The lawyers that we deal with are good at keeping us briefed/updated and responsive.” – Competition/antitrust

“Ability to identify crucial issues and providing workable solutions to address such issues to the mutual benefit of both parties leading to the successful completion of the acquisition.” – Corporate and M&A

“Experienced senior partners. Thorough and very detailed. Sound and sensible legal advice after digesting the documents and exhibits presented as evidence. Very few errors in the production documents with well written arguments in the contents.” – Dispute resolution

“Quick response and accurate in advice.” – Dispute resolution

“Delivers consistently good service, which brings depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic, and overall, just great to work with.” – Dispute resolution

“They provide efficient, cost-effective business advice. They are prompt, provide clear and concise legal counsel.  And their rates are extremely reasonable.” – Intellectual property

“Clear legal thinking; good teamwork; proactive; and client friendly.” – Intellectual property

“Shearn Delamore is able to provide a professional legal service.” – Intellectual property

“Accessibility, prompt response and professional advice.” – Intellectual property

“They gave practical advice and sought to think outside of the box.” – Intellectual property

“Respond very quickly to inquiries, advice, review of drafts, clear and easy to understand opinions, provides honest advice on repercussions/weakness and clear strategic advice also. Lawyers are friendly easy to discuss matters and value company's views and opinions also. Accepts all cases regardless of the rank of claimant and a senior lawyer provides the advice, does not delegate to a junior lawyer to do so.” – Labour and employment

“Shearn Delamore & Co provides pragmatic solutions to complex legal issues. Especially on employment matters.” – Labour and employment

“Always on top of the matter and able to provide solutions.” – Restructuring and insolvency

“Clear, concise and practical advice, responsive and attentive to needs.” – Tax

“Commercially sensitive solutions and good turnaround time. Good connectivity with other law firms in the region. competitive pricing and quality legal opinion.” – Technology and telecommunications

Karen Abraham

“Karen Abraham is a trail blazer. Vast knowledge, practical and great social skills!”

“Karen is an excellent TM and IP attorney. She is extremely knowledgeable in Malaysian IP law. She is an acknowledged dean of the Malaysian IP Bar. A terrific attorney....”

“Karen is able to provide good insights on enforcement work.”

“She managed the matter well and I felt she was ‘on top of things’. Energetic.”

Rodney Gomez

“Delivers consistently good service, with depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic and overall, just great to work with. Often goes above and beyond the call of duty.”

Datin Jeyanthini

“Patient and a good listener.”

Jimmy Liew

“Attentive, very experienced and has deep knowledge of the law.”

TC (Raymond) Low

“Very experienced, very sound legal knowledge, always quick to revert with advice or comments, always available and very approachable. Pleasant and emphatic.”

Jyeshta Mahendran

“She is accessible, extremely prompt in her responses, professional and very knowledgeable.”

Ned Segaram

“He is proactive and has good knowledge of the facts.”

Indran Shanmuganathan

“Superb advocational skills.”

N Sivabalah

“He explains the position of the law and weighs in the pros and cons before giving his advice on any issues.”

Nicholas Tan

“Quick turnaround time and ability to analyse the issues and providing workable solutions.”

Yoong San (Janet) Toh

“Professional and delivers rapid responses.”

“Experienced IP lawyer with strong commercial acumen.”

Irene Yong

“Clear, concise and practical advice. Responsive and attentive to needs.”

With over 100 years of history, Shook Lin & Bok has a strong presence in the areas of banking and finance, competition, dispute resolution, intellectual property and labour and employment. The firm is valued for its expertise in providing guidance to clients across the financial services and technology and telecommunications sectors. Among many notable practitioners, key partners include Jalalullail Othman for banking and finance, Sin Min Yoong for disputes and Michael Soo for intellectual property. Syed Adam Alhabshi, specialised in banking and finance, joined the firm as partner in April 2022.

Client feedback

“Shook Lin & Bok has professional lawyers who are able to give sound legal advice to the bank in a timely and professional way to assist the bank in defending all legal suits effectively.” – Banking and finance

“Administrative support, a team of paraprofessional or legal assistants who work collaboratively with partners.” – Dispute resolution

“Very thorough in their research and able to give practical solutions.” – Dispute resolution

“Able to provide practical advice and solutions.” – Restructuring and insolvency

Kok Keong Chan

“Knowledgeable, professional and helpful.”

Tien Fen (Victoria) Loi

“Able to set good strategies, very detailed in her research and provide good advice and practical solutions.”

Hooi Huang Ng

“Staying passionate and knowledgeable, act fast and creatively.”

“Hooi Huang is smart but very approachable. Always willing to go extra miles during her course of the matter.”

With long-standing practices and an established reputation in the market, Skrine maintains a robust track record across most practice areas and sectors. The firm’s client base includes state-owned enterprises and major companies from the TMT, financial services, energy, infrastructure and real estate industries. The firm is particularly savvy and active in handling cross-border transactions and disputes across the region. Ivan Loo, Janet Lai Heng Looi, Guan Huat Khoo, Charmayne Poh Yin Ong and Selvamalar Alagaratnam are recommended for construction, corporate and M&A, disputes, intellectual property and technology, and employment law, respectively. Dispute partner Leong Wai Hong departed to the bench as judicial commissioners of the High Court of Malaysia in January 2022.

Client feedback

“Impressed with the depth of knowledge and how the matter was handled.” – Aviation

“Dedicated, responsible and efficient.” – Banking and finance

“Experienced and skilled.” – Banking and finance

“Professional, knowledgeable, efficient, and high quality of work.” – Banking and finance

“Fast and efficient. Provide valuable legal advice.” – Banking and finance

“Good team leaders. Able to provide quick answers and communicate it well to our team.” – Competition/antitrust

“They provided us with thorough advice on the subject matter.” – Corporate and M&A

“They are usually a one-stop centre in terms of any other areas that we may have issues that needs legal advice on. More importantly, they provide very prompt and solid legal advice which is extremely important to us.” – Dispute resolution

“Skrine is an excellent law firm with very good and experienced lawyers. They were very prompt in their responses and proactive in handling the entire matter. The team was knowledgeable and experienced.” – Dispute resolution

“They have demonstrated the expected highest level of expertise, proficiency, skills including availability and ability to meet extremely tight deadlines.” – Dispute resolution

“Skrine consistently structure their advice in a comprehensive and clear manner.” – Intellectual property

“They are very responsive, and very clear communicators. Competent in all ways.” – Intellectual property

“Skrine has exhibited deep transaction experience, mastery of the Malaysian market and high levels of professionalism during the course of the deal. They were also responsive and on the ball, often identifying potential pitfalls pre-emptively. We also benefitted from their familiarity with the local regulatory environment which allowed us to arrive at a structure which closed the gap and enabled the deal to close.” – Private equity

“Out of the box thinking, doesn't follow the herd.” – Regulatory

Kumar Mahadev Ashok

“Very sharp, highly intuitive, responsible and perhaps one of the most important things to say about him is that he is reachable even when he is away on his holidays, should there be an urgent need to consult him. We are most grateful for that.”

Claudia Cheah

“Professional, knowledgeable and efficient.”

Ariel Paul Francine

“She provided thorough advice on the subject matter.”

Sheba Gumis

“Sheba was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and a joy to work with.”

Hafidah Hashim

“Experienced and skilled.”

Guan Huat Khoo

“Attentive, calm, and responsive.”

Ai Hsien Lee

“Ai Hsien is dedicated, responsible and concise in her advice.”

Peh Fern Loo

“Loo is very knowledgeable and experienced and knows her stuff. Loo was very prompt in replying to emails and handled the legal matter very well.”

“She was very professional, prompt and extremely fast on the uptake in terms of the question and scope that we were consulting Skrine on.”

Poh Yin (Charmayne) Ong

“Excellent case management and delivery.”

“She is very responsive, and also has broad knowledge of many legal areas. She has a deep team of specialists and can quickly get the right lawyer you need on a case.”

Aufa Binti Radzi

“Radzi has strong ability to examine thoroughly complex issues and find a solution in a timely, efficient manner. She uses clear, logical steps to understand an issue from all angles before advice. She is also detail-oriented and therefore is capable to foresee areas of difficulties or challenges and address them proactively. Radzi never confuses observations with inferences, and she always separates facts and conjectures. Her advice is always based on clear understanding about the facts. Her advice is generally based on reliable legal doctrine, in-depth knowledge of legal cases and sound understanding of the banking industry legal and regulatory environment. Also, she has the ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively.”

Vijay Raj

“Attentive, efficient, knowledgeable and professional.”

Karen Tan

“Easily accessible.”

Shi Wen Tan

“Able to provide quick solutions and clear information on the topic. Can foresee potential risk management which she was able to assist us in things we would not know about. Her training sessions with our staff were long however it was not very dry allowing our staff to absorb the information during this training sessions.”

“Thinks out of the box and is very knowledgeable about the sector.”

Highly regarded firm Zaid Ibrahim & Co (a member of ZICO Law) has a sound reputation in the market, particularly for financing, capital markets and corporate work. The firm also provides strong expertise on energy and infrastructure projects, including road, rail and airport developments as well as petrochemical plants and local and offshore renewable energy projects. Lilian Liew, Gilbert Gan, Kee Hooi Wong, Amin Abdul Majid and Boo Seng Ong are key figures for banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A, energy, infrastructure, and IP, respectively.

Client feedback

“Partners are experienced, hands on and accessible and give attention to their clients.” – Capital markets

“Practical, responsive, flexible and prompt.” – Construction

“Good response time, sound legal knowledge, meticulousness and willingness to go the extra mile without asking.” – Intellectual property

Tat King Loo

“Very helpful in dealing our issues. Strong technical knowledge.”

Lillian Liew

“Responsive, knowledgeable, available, and friendly. She is a problem-solver.”

“Top of field service/advice from partner Lilian Liew.”

Caera Lee

“She is knowledgeable in her field, thorough and provides practical solutions. Added plus is that she is also very pleasant to work with.”

Linda Wang

“Sound legal knowledge. You can be assured that she has considered all aspects of the problem before offering a solution.”

Lillian Liew and Sook Kwan Chin

“Experienced on the subject matter, advisory and client management.”

Founded in 1970 by Zain Azahari Zainal Abidin, full-service firm Zain & Co is actively involved in many transactions and projects in the country. It has a diverse corporate and banking and finance practice, assisting clients on a range of M&A, private equity and financing mandates. The firm is also well versed in the energy, infrastructure and real estate sectors. Salwah Abdul Shukor is a key corporate partner at the firm. Since 2018, the firm is a member of Dentons and has access to its support network across 170 locations in over 70 countries.

Client feedback

“Zain & Co is reactive, flexible, and efficient which makes it the perfect firm for international clients.” – Banking and finance

“The senior partner and team are always reachable, the advice given is clear and easily understood. It can be seen that the firm really cares about protecting its client's interests.” – Construction

“They were astute, highly strategic and very approachable.” – Dispute resolution

“Zain & Co provides comprehensive legal advice. They are extremely prompt and provide practical legal advice. They take the time to understand the client's business model and practical concerns and needs before giving the legal advice. They are subject matter experts and have always been our go-to legal advisor in the country. Very reasonable and competitive legal fees.” – Labour and employment

“Good knowledge in PE/VC related laws.” – Private equity

Sharmini Durai

“She provides very practical legal advice and is extremely responsive. She has strong knowledge of the law, industry and the client's business.”

Sze Ngiam (Pauline) Poi

“Responsive, knowledgeable and speedy.”

Vatsala Ratnasabapathy

“Very fluent in the field of law, able to strategise and advise in the best interest of the client.”

“Vatsala Ratnasabapathy is one astute strategist with strong ability to bridge the technical/commercial elements and the legal aspects behind every issue in achieving the best possible outcomes. She would actively engage with our relevant business units and each issue would be presented in a big picture with myriad of options and the expected (legal and commercial) consequences of each, which then helped to facilitate our decision-making process. The experience she has and the way she managed our issues exuded confidence that we were in good hands, and in most (if not all) instances, resulted in favourable outcomes to us. She made sure that every other aspect of the dispute is well taken care of -from being responsive and attentive to queries and providing regular and timely updates that helped us to apprise our management and obtain relevant decisions expeditiously. Without hesitation, she is perhaps the best construction and dispute resolution lawyer in town that provides the combination of excellent legal solutions as well as great customer experience.”

“Vatsala Ratnasabapathy quickly understood the complex issues at hand and provided exemplary advice in the various disputes. She has a deep wealth of knowledge and an ability to resolve urgent matters effectively. Her ability to see many steps ahead was incredibly impressive, problems that would have otherwise arisen were nipped straightaway in the bud. In summary, I found her to be indisputably the best litigation lawyer in Malaysia.”

“Senior counsel Vatsala Ratnasabapathy's positive attributes are that she was extremely quick to grasp complex concepts that arose and was able to give the best possible advice in the various disputes. Her knowledge base is vast, which resulted in a quick and efficient resolution of urgent matters. She is able to pre-empt problems by seeing the various potential outcomes and taking action before any problems actually arose. She is the best litigation lawyer I have had the good fortune to deal with.”

“She is hardworking and an experienced lawyer. She articulates the legal position and facts well in the submission with her experiences and knowledge on the subject matter.”

Anita Sockalingam

“Anita Sockalingam is a very competent and reactive professional. She was always responsive and available. She took the time to explain the specificities of Malaysian law. She goes the extra mile for her clients, and this had a positive impact on the outcome of our case.”

Since its establishment in 1975, Adnan Sundra & Low has maintained a solid reputation in the areas of banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A. The firm is a popular choice of counsel for banks and financial institutions to handle financial and corporate structures, securitisations and regulatory capital instruments. It has a large market share of the debt capital markets deals in Malaysia. Key individuals include Deepak Sadasivan and Adrian Chee for banking and finance and capital markets, Edward Foo Yuen Ng for capital markets, and Adrian Chair and Chin Chin Wong for corporate and M&A.

Comprising over 100 lawyers, Albar & Partners primarily focuses on banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A. It is known for its breadth of experience in banking and finance transactions, including corporate and syndicated lending, Islamic finance and sukuk issuances, asset finance and project finance. The firm represents both local and international financial institutions including investment banks, commercial banks, insurance companies, as well as borrowers across various industry sectors. In addition, the firm is also active in M&A, IPOs, joint ventures, private equity and regulatory matters. Swee Loong Chung and Lily Chea Li Tan are key partners at the firm.

Client feedback

“Very insightful and sound feedback and fast delivery.” – Banking and finance

Swee Loong Chung

“Highly experienced and knowledgeable.”

In June 2018, Chooi & Company and Cheang & Ariff merged to form a firm well recognised and lauded for its wide-ranging offering including corporate, finance, dispute resolution and IP practices. Its expertise in cross-border disputes attracts a variety of work from state-owned enterprises and multinationals. The firm is particularly active in serving clients in the consumer goods and services sector including food and beverage, fashion brands and electronics. Key partners include Ming Li Tan for capital markets and corporate and M&A, Christopher Leong for dispute resolution and Joo Seong (Cindy) Goh for IP.

Client feedback

“Good opinions and arguments for litigation cases.” – Dispute resolution

“Very responsive and provides prompt updates, strong commercial understanding, consistently provide high quality service.” – Dispute resolution

“The firm understands the nature of the client's business and is able to provide solutions that enable the business. Their speed and accuracy in rendering legal advice is one of their strongest attributes.” – Dispute resolution

“Highly skilled with invaluable in-depth knowledge of IP litigation laws and practice. Provides excellent, sound and honest advice, which is what a client needs to hear.” – Intellectual property

“The firm scores high in terms of responsiveness as well as strategising the matter at hand, to the best of our interest as its client.” – Intellectual property

“Meticulous and thorough in preparation for cases.” – Real estate

“Understanding the client's needs and thinking out of the box for solutions. They have a wide depth of knowledge.” – Real estate

Pei Ying (Janet) Chai

“When Janet handles our matters, we know that the outcome would be a positive outcome. Advice is rendered quickly, always available to answer the client's queries and always meets the deadlines.”

Andrew Fernandez

“Thorough and meticulous.”

Brian Foong

“Good and experienced litigation lawyer. Good in court procedures and advocacy in court.”

Joo Seong (Cindy) Goh

“Very responsive and accommodating. Strong business acumen and provides business-oriented solutions. Good communication skills and is always able to understand our needs. Firm grasp of the law.”

“Very professional. Leading lawyer in this field.”

“Highly skilled with invaluable in-depth knowledge of IP litigation laws and practice. Provides excellent, sound and honest advice - what a client needs to hear.”

“Cindy is very personable and is dedicated to ensuring that she allocates time to engage in a discussion on legal issues/concerns that you may have, and this has always been done with a sense of urgency, a virtue which we appreciate very much.”

Since its inception in 1976, Kadir Andri & Partners has etched itself a formidable niche in the Malaysian legal landscape with its concentration in banking and financial services, energy and infrastructure sectors, while specialising in banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A. Kong Yam Tan and Julian Hashim are key contacts.

Work highlights

Acted as local counsel for Petronas Capital and Petroliam Nasional on its issuance and update of the Multi-currency Global Medium Term Note Programme through the accession of a company incorporated in Canada as the issuer.

Acted for the joint coordinators and underwriters on Farm Fresh’s IPO on the main market of Bursa Malaysia Securities. This is Malaysia’s largest initial public offering since June 2021.

A staple of the Malaysia market, legal powerhouse Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill elicits prestige owing to its rich history and earns plaudits based on its novel solutions; the firm’s bench is stocked top-to-bottom with talent ranging from senior statesmen to up-and-comers, all of whom elicit praise from peers and clients. The firm has distinguished practices in banking and finance, construction, dispute resolution, employment and tax. It counts many international corporations among its clients and offers in-depth expertise across various sectors including real estate and technology.

Client feedback

“Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill (LHAG) provides professional services, immediate responses and always meets clients’ needs.” – Construction

“My comments below are generally based on my dealing with Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill for one adjudication and expected arbitration for a huge construction project in Malaysia. LHAG’s positive attributes and what makes the firm excellent are its strengths and key capabilities as follows: It has good lawyers specialised in various fields such as specialists in adjudication including under the Malaysian Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act, in arbitration for construction contracts etc; it is a sizeable company and is able to take on big jobs; they are very knowledgeable and able to think out of the box in providing sound strategies and advice; and they are client-oriented or customer-focussed and negotiable.” – Construction

“Client-focus is excellent; they take timelines very seriously and are never tardy; advice is always strategic and well-thought through; they go the extra mile for the client.” – Construction

“They are very knowledgeable and provide better advisory in terms of strategy. Their advisory is very informative and relatable to the current era.” – Dispute resolution

“Effective delivery of services, prompt update and high-quality legal services.” – Dispute resolution

“Cooperative and provide lots of resources and information on dispute resolution.” – Dispute resolution

“Extensive knowledge and experience in Malaysia contract law; excellent understanding of client needs and interest; attention to details in contract drafting; good explanations in layman terms on contractual matters; proactive in assisting client to expedite the contract execution process; quick turnaround with queries and draft amendment.” – Real estate

Mun Yew Chan

“He is very responsive when we seek advice on the issues. His knowledge is undeniable. When he addressed advice, the advice given addressed the issues that we raised with him.”

“Knowledgeable and easy to reach. He has given lots of advice on dispute resolution and strategies on managing the matter.”

“Knowledgeable and responsive to enquiry.”

Shariffullah Majeed

“Advises clearly on guidelines for any industrial relation cases.”

Darshendev Singh

“Darshendev Singh's positive attributes and what makes him exceptional, stand out and different from competitors are his qualities, as below: He is very knowledgeable in his fields; he is very detailed or meticulous in covering all issues of contention/all angles/all arguments; he always endeavours his best for the clients; he is able to think out of the box in forming strategies and giving his professional opinion.”

Zhen Ning Soh

“Very attentive and has in-depth knowledge in relevant jurisdictions. Professional services provided and always meets expectation of clients.”

Steven Tee

“Client management skills are excellent. He has deep knowledge of the subject matter he handles. Strong but diplomatic negotiation skills. He is solution-driven and can adjust strategies and drafting according to fluid circumstances.”

“Good communication skills; quick turnaround and accessible; strong knowledge of Malaysia contract and industrial laws.”

Wai Chin (Crystal) Wong

“She is such a nice person and such a great lawyer. My judgement is based on the cooperation with her for nearly two years. She helps our company a lot with her legal professionalism.”

Mah-Kamariyah & Philip Koh has provided legal representation and services to a wide range of corporate and individual clients since 1975. Its areas of expertise include capital markets and corporate and M&A. Philip Koh and Adrian Koh are key partners at the firm.

Client feedback

“The firm is knowledgeable and possesses the right balance of client centricity and regulatory framework. Provides solution-based advice to the table.” – Corporate and M&A

“Quick and commercial minded with a lot of patience on small complications. Also, they are able to carry through the work in spite of the total of six months of movement control order imposed by the Government of Malaysia due to Covid-19 pandemic.” – Corporate and M&A

Yeow York (Adrian) Koh

“Adrian is the ‘go to’ person of the firm for corporate and M&A. Highly knowledgeable and experienced.”

“Very responsive, solution driven and not obsessed with increasing fees. Good at handling difficult people.”

Jia Hui Yip

“Very commercial and responsive. Great value for money.”

Work highlights

Advised Pappajack on its IPO on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia, making it the first pawnshop operator to be listed on Bursa Malaysia.

Key clients

AirAsia Group, Grand Hoover, Yinson Holdings

Wei Chien & Partners has extensive experience in both debt and equity capital markets transactions. During the research period, the firm was actively involved in various fund, asset management and general capital markets advisory work. Wei Chien Lim, Ooi Syn Chieh and Mae Khee Chong are key figures.

Client feedback

“Wei Chien & Partners has been vital in providing sound advice on structures with regards to our asset management business. Always able to meet tight timelines with minimal to no errors margin.” – Investment funds

“Quick response times, able to revert on turnaround time with regards to the scope of work required to be done, overall impressive standards of service given to us.” – Real estate

“Prompt action and spot-on advice.” – Regulatory

Wei Chien Lim

“Able to relate to the business well and respect timelines. Easy to work with.”

Jeannie Goon

“Very responsive and quick with the turnaround of work. Always very communicative of the timelines that she is able to commit to. Even though when she is in meetings and unable to attend immediately, she still keeps the client informed of her availability.”

“Attentive, responsive and easily reachable.”

Established in 2002, Wong Beh & Toh is particularly known for equity capital markets transactions. It is active in IPOs and transfer listings. Besides, the firm also advises clients on general corporate and M&A matters including inbound and outbound investments. Wong Tat Chung, Patricia Toh and Cynthia Toh are key partners.

Client feedback

“Experienced with sound knowledge.” – Corporate and M&A

Cynthia Toh

“She comes across as competent and also friendly. Matter of fact and gets the message to the client.”

Highly regarded firm Zaid Ibrahim & Co (a member of ZICO Law) has a sound reputation in the market, particularly for financing, capital markets and corporate work. The firm also provides strong expertise on energy and infrastructure projects, including road, rail and airport developments as well as petrochemical plants and local and offshore renewable energy projects. Lilian Liew, Gilbert Gan, Kee Hooi Wong, Amin Abdul Majid and Boo Seng Ong are key figures for banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A, energy, infrastructure, and IP, respectively.

Client feedback

“Partners are experienced, hands on and accessible and give attention to their clients.” – Capital markets

“Practical, responsive, flexible and prompt.” – Construction

“Good response time, sound legal knowledge, meticulousness and willingness to go the extra mile without asking.” – Intellectual property

Tat King Loo

“Very helpful in dealing our issues. Strong technical knowledge.”

Lillian Liew

“Responsive, knowledgeable, available, and friendly. She is a problem-solver.”

“Top of field service/advice from partner Lilian Liew.”

Caera Lee

“She is knowledgeable in her field, thorough and provides practical solutions. Added plus is that she is also very pleasant to work with.”

Linda Wang

“Sound legal knowledge. You can be assured that she has considered all aspects of the problem before offering a solution.”

Lillian Liew and Sook Kwan Chin

“Experienced on the subject matter, advisory and client management.”

Zul Rafique & Partners maintains a sweet spot in the market for its banking and finance, capital markets, construction and employment expertise. It has a standout banking practice, highly respected for its handling of complex debt restructuring, asset-backed securities, Islamic and project finance. The firm is also skilled in debt capital markets work, particularly with sukuks. Mei Mei Loh and Jayasingam Poopalasingam are key partners for banking and finance and labour and employment respectively. Partner Ai Leen Tang departed to Wong & Partners in December 2020.

Client feedback

“They complete the transaction efficiently and effectively. Always deliver high quality standard work and are very professional. Deliver responses swiftly and within expectations.” – Capital markets

“We are very pleased with their performance.” – Construction

“Good advice and strategy.” – Dispute resolution

“Very professional with impressive analytical skill, resources to research, flexibility. They are also approachable.” – Labour and employment

“Very quick response with detailed advice.” – Labour and employment

Kwan Hoe Chan

“Good quality of deliverables and professionalism.”

Shu Shuen (Susan) Tan

“Concise and positive.”

Keat Ching Wong

“Knowledgeable, fast thinking, and thorough.”

Thavaselvi Pararajasingam

“Very knowledgeable in industrial relations matters, prompt response and very professional.”

Thavaselvi Pararajasingam and P Jayasingam

“Knowledgeable, experienced, detailed and professional.”

Raja Darryl & Loh is frequently sought out by technology start-ups and other established companies for its extensive expertise in financial technology and digital banking. It is also experienced in various transactions including aviation finance, M&A, joint ventures and equity capital markets. With its robust disputes practice, the firm is active in various contentious matters, including antitrust, construction, employment and tax cases. Phye Keat Chew, Choon Hon Leng, Raja Eileen Soraya, Ravindra Kumar Rengasamy, Vijey Mohana Krishnan and Tong Lai Ling are recommended for competition, construction, dispute resolution, employment, tax and technology, respectively.

Client feedback

“Solution-oriented, industry knowledge, analysis of grey areas.” – Banking and finance

“They were able to provide well rounded advice aside from the documentation as well.” – Banking and finance

“Optimistic and professional in handling issues and people.” – Construction

“Raja Darryl & Loh (RDL) drafted thoroughly on terms of the contracts and in such a way protecting our rights and interest and raised considerations which had not been foreseen by us.” – Corporate and M&A

“Very professional.” – Dispute resolution

“Experienced firm to give advice on competition law issues, tactical to deal with shareholders, provide good, practical and sound advice.” – Insurance

“Prompt response and sound advice.” – Intellectual property

“Experience and able to provide a wide range of advice.” – Intellectual property

“Prompt response and attention to detail.” – Labour and employment

“I find them to be extremely knowledgeable as well as always responsive to our requirements. They are able to quickly grasp the requirements and provide their viewpoints with supporting legal basis.” – Labour and employment

“Expert in the area of medicolegal and confident when it comes to handling the regulatory affairs.” – Regulatory

Phye Kiat Chew

“Experienced, responsive and provide sound advice.”

Mei Mei Chong

“Problem solver with industry knowledge and firm grasp of law and regulations required for this.”

“Her ability to understand our requirements comprehensively enabled us to complete our product development in a timely manner.”

“She has provided legal opinions and good guidelines on legal issues for laymen.”

Hon Leng Choon

“Professional with excellent communication skills.”

“Deep knowledge of the TMT industry coupled with years of litigation experience particularly in giving insight to strategising and ultimately problem solving.”

Himin Ng

“She is always actively engaging in her works and follows up closely with the client proactively. Deadlines of filing and submission of documents are always adhered to.”

Yvonne Ong

“Prompt response and sound advice.”

“Very commercially minded and good innovative solutions.”

Raja Eileen Soraya

“She is very humble despite being very knowledgeable. Listens well and provides constructive feedback and solutions.”

Chu Wei Tai

“Professional, pleasant, competent and responsive.”

Li Vyen Tham

“Sharp and accommodating. Willing to explore solution with business and spend time understanding operation.”

“Li Vyen is very client centric and always makes herself available at short notice. If she is caught up with another engagement, she manages our expectation and will have another support assigned with her working in the background. She is also creative and always provides a balanced perspective.”

“She is able to position and structure our interests based on feedback provided.”

William Wong

“William Wong is sharp, approachable and provides sound advice even before the client asks for it. Meetings won't run overtime and objectives are always achieved. His time management is impeccable, in a sense that we always know we are a priority despite him having other files at hand.”

Vijey Mohana Krishnan and William Wong

“They are experts in tax matters and often provide sound commercial and tactical advice in maneuvering the case, foreseeing and preparing for the next 10 steps ahead in all possible avenues.”

Shearn Delamore & Co is respected for its strength in advising clients from the financial services, energy, real estate and technology sectors. The firm comprises of renowned practice groups with exceptional capabilities across a whole range of practice areas including banking, corporate and M&A, construction, employment, intellectual property, competition and tax. Key individuals include Anand Raj for competition and tax, Grace Yeoh for corporate and M&A, Rabindra Nathan for dispute resolution, Karen Abraham for IP, Sivabalah Nadarajah for employment and Ka Im Goh for tax.

Client feedback

“Competence as well as the breadth and depth of ability in the firm. The lawyers that we deal with are good at keeping us briefed/updated and responsive.” – Competition/antitrust

“Ability to identify crucial issues and providing workable solutions to address such issues to the mutual benefit of both parties leading to the successful completion of the acquisition.” – Corporate and M&A

“Experienced senior partners. Thorough and very detailed. Sound and sensible legal advice after digesting the documents and exhibits presented as evidence. Very few errors in the production documents with well written arguments in the contents.” – Dispute resolution

“Quick response and accurate in advice.” – Dispute resolution

“Delivers consistently good service, which brings depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic, and overall, just great to work with.” – Dispute resolution

“They provide efficient, cost-effective business advice. They are prompt, provide clear and concise legal counsel.  And their rates are extremely reasonable.” – Intellectual property

“Clear legal thinking; good teamwork; proactive; and client friendly.” – Intellectual property

“Shearn Delamore is able to provide a professional legal service.” – Intellectual property

“Accessibility, prompt response and professional advice.” – Intellectual property

“They gave practical advice and sought to think outside of the box.” – Intellectual property

“Respond very quickly to inquiries, advice, review of drafts, clear and easy to understand opinions, provides honest advice on repercussions/weakness and clear strategic advice also. Lawyers are friendly easy to discuss matters and value company's views and opinions also. Accepts all cases regardless of the rank of claimant and a senior lawyer provides the advice, does not delegate to a junior lawyer to do so.” – Labour and employment

“Shearn Delamore & Co provides pragmatic solutions to complex legal issues. Especially on employment matters.” – Labour and employment

“Always on top of the matter and able to provide solutions.” – Restructuring and insolvency

“Clear, concise and practical advice, responsive and attentive to needs.” – Tax

“Commercially sensitive solutions and good turnaround time. Good connectivity with other law firms in the region. competitive pricing and quality legal opinion.” – Technology and telecommunications

Karen Abraham

“Karen Abraham is a trail blazer. Vast knowledge, practical and great social skills!”

“Karen is an excellent TM and IP attorney. She is extremely knowledgeable in Malaysian IP law. She is an acknowledged dean of the Malaysian IP Bar. A terrific attorney....”

“Karen is able to provide good insights on enforcement work.”

“She managed the matter well and I felt she was ‘on top of things’. Energetic.”

Rodney Gomez

“Delivers consistently good service, with depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic and overall, just great to work with. Often goes above and beyond the call of duty.”

Datin Jeyanthini

“Patient and a good listener.”

Jimmy Liew

“Attentive, very experienced and has deep knowledge of the law.”

TC (Raymond) Low

“Very experienced, very sound legal knowledge, always quick to revert with advice or comments, always available and very approachable. Pleasant and emphatic.”

Jyeshta Mahendran

“She is accessible, extremely prompt in her responses, professional and very knowledgeable.”

Ned Segaram

“He is proactive and has good knowledge of the facts.”

Indran Shanmuganathan

“Superb advocational skills.”

N Sivabalah

“He explains the position of the law and weighs in the pros and cons before giving his advice on any issues.”

Nicholas Tan

“Quick turnaround time and ability to analyse the issues and providing workable solutions.”

Yoong San (Janet) Toh

“Professional and delivers rapid responses.”

“Experienced IP lawyer with strong commercial acumen.”

Irene Yong

“Clear, concise and practical advice. Responsive and attentive to needs.”

With over 100 years of history, Shook Lin & Bok has a strong presence in the areas of banking and finance, competition, dispute resolution, intellectual property and labour and employment. The firm is valued for its expertise in providing guidance to clients across the financial services and technology and telecommunications sectors. Among many notable practitioners, key partners include Jalalullail Othman for banking and finance, Sin Min Yoong for disputes and Michael Soo for intellectual property. Syed Adam Alhabshi, specialised in banking and finance, joined the firm as partner in April 2022.

Client feedback

“Shook Lin & Bok has professional lawyers who are able to give sound legal advice to the bank in a timely and professional way to assist the bank in defending all legal suits effectively.” – Banking and finance

“Administrative support, a team of paraprofessional or legal assistants who work collaboratively with partners.” – Dispute resolution

“Very thorough in their research and able to give practical solutions.” – Dispute resolution

“Able to provide practical advice and solutions.” – Restructuring and insolvency

Kok Keong Chan

“Knowledgeable, professional and helpful.”

Tien Fen (Victoria) Loi

“Able to set good strategies, very detailed in her research and provide good advice and practical solutions.”

Hooi Huang Ng

“Staying passionate and knowledgeable, act fast and creatively.”

“Hooi Huang is smart but very approachable. Always willing to go extra miles during her course of the matter.”

With long-standing practices and an established reputation in the market, Skrine maintains a robust track record across most practice areas and sectors. The firm’s client base includes state-owned enterprises and major companies from the TMT, financial services, energy, infrastructure and real estate industries. The firm is particularly savvy and active in handling cross-border transactions and disputes across the region. Ivan Loo, Janet Lai Heng Looi, Guan Huat Khoo, Charmayne Poh Yin Ong and Selvamalar Alagaratnam are recommended for construction, corporate and M&A, disputes, intellectual property and technology, and employment law, respectively. Dispute partner Leong Wai Hong departed to the bench as judicial commissioners of the High Court of Malaysia in January 2022.

Client feedback

“Impressed with the depth of knowledge and how the matter was handled.” – Aviation

“Dedicated, responsible and efficient.” – Banking and finance

“Experienced and skilled.” – Banking and finance

“Professional, knowledgeable, efficient, and high quality of work.” – Banking and finance

“Fast and efficient. Provide valuable legal advice.” – Banking and finance

“Good team leaders. Able to provide quick answers and communicate it well to our team.” – Competition/antitrust

“They provided us with thorough advice on the subject matter.” – Corporate and M&A

“They are usually a one-stop centre in terms of any other areas that we may have issues that needs legal advice on. More importantly, they provide very prompt and solid legal advice which is extremely important to us.” – Dispute resolution

“Skrine is an excellent law firm with very good and experienced lawyers. They were very prompt in their responses and proactive in handling the entire matter. The team was knowledgeable and experienced.” – Dispute resolution

“They have demonstrated the expected highest level of expertise, proficiency, skills including availability and ability to meet extremely tight deadlines.” – Dispute resolution

“Skrine consistently structure their advice in a comprehensive and clear manner.” – Intellectual property

“They are very responsive, and very clear communicators. Competent in all ways.” – Intellectual property

“Skrine has exhibited deep transaction experience, mastery of the Malaysian market and high levels of professionalism during the course of the deal. They were also responsive and on the ball, often identifying potential pitfalls pre-emptively. We also benefitted from their familiarity with the local regulatory environment which allowed us to arrive at a structure which closed the gap and enabled the deal to close.” – Private equity

“Out of the box thinking, doesn't follow the herd.” – Regulatory

Kumar Mahadev Ashok

“Very sharp, highly intuitive, responsible and perhaps one of the most important things to say about him is that he is reachable even when he is away on his holidays, should there be an urgent need to consult him. We are most grateful for that.”

Claudia Cheah

“Professional, knowledgeable and efficient.”

Ariel Paul Francine

“She provided thorough advice on the subject matter.”

Sheba Gumis

“Sheba was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and a joy to work with.”

Hafidah Hashim

“Experienced and skilled.”

Guan Huat Khoo

“Attentive, calm, and responsive.”

Ai Hsien Lee

“Ai Hsien is dedicated, responsible and concise in her advice.”

Peh Fern Loo

“Loo is very knowledgeable and experienced and knows her stuff. Loo was very prompt in replying to emails and handled the legal matter very well.”

“She was very professional, prompt and extremely fast on the uptake in terms of the question and scope that we were consulting Skrine on.”

Poh Yin (Charmayne) Ong

“Excellent case management and delivery.”

“She is very responsive, and also has broad knowledge of many legal areas. She has a deep team of specialists and can quickly get the right lawyer you need on a case.”

Aufa Binti Radzi

“Radzi has strong ability to examine thoroughly complex issues and find a solution in a timely, efficient manner. She uses clear, logical steps to understand an issue from all angles before advice. She is also detail-oriented and therefore is capable to foresee areas of difficulties or challenges and address them proactively. Radzi never confuses observations with inferences, and she always separates facts and conjectures. Her advice is always based on clear understanding about the facts. Her advice is generally based on reliable legal doctrine, in-depth knowledge of legal cases and sound understanding of the banking industry legal and regulatory environment. Also, she has the ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively.”

Vijay Raj

“Attentive, efficient, knowledgeable and professional.”

Karen Tan

“Easily accessible.”

Shi Wen Tan

“Able to provide quick solutions and clear information on the topic. Can foresee potential risk management which she was able to assist us in things we would not know about. Her training sessions with our staff were long however it was not very dry allowing our staff to absorb the information during this training sessions.”

“Thinks out of the box and is very knowledgeable about the sector.”

Dispute resolution specialist firm Gan Partnership is a new entrant to the asialaw ranking tables. Apart from general disputes, the firm also has substantial strength in construction, IP, and in labour and employment. Key figures include Khong Aik Gan for commercial disputes and Joon Liang Foo for construction.

Client feedback

“Proactive, quick response. Partner is knowledgeable. Associate is efficient and decisive in handling.” – Construction

“Very focused, closely communicated and effectively obtained information, facts and evidence from me. Clear direction and I am well informed! Well prepared in court and deliver precisely!” – Dispute resolution

“Responsive, very reasonably priced, approachable with excellent results.” – Intellectual property

“Team player; fast with responses; efficient and understands our global business.” – Intellectual property

“Clear and effective legal advice. Timely and responsive to all inquiries. Helpful in explaining Malaysian employment and labour laws.” – Labour and employment

Khong Aik Gan

“Khong Aik is a very knowledgeable lawyer who provides clear and effective legal advice on all matters presented. He is a trusted advisor of our company and knows our business.”

Khong Aik Gan and Mei Yee Kang

“Very focused and attentive; clear direction and well informed; vast knowledge and experience! Effectively understands the problem.”

Zhi Jian Lim

“Thinks on his feet with good problem-solving skills.”

Min Lee Tan

“Knowledgeable, proactive, and customer focused.”

Bahari Yeow

“The go-to lawyer in Malaysia for IP work.”

Work highlights

Represented Masenang, the main contractor of a project, in a complex million-dollar construction disputes involved jurisdictional disputes between courts in East and West Malaysia over a Kuala Lumpur-seated arbitration.

Represented Tuck Sin Engineering & Construction in a series of disputes against KL Eco City arising from a bridge collapse in Malaysia.

Harold & Lam Partnership enjoys a sterling reputation for its construction group as part of its wider dispute resolution offering. Partner Wai Loon Lam is universally acknowledged as a leading figure in the construction adjudication circuit. He has been involved as counsel in numerous reported construction decisions and has been asked as amicus curiae where novel questions of construction law are involved. The main partners helming the disputes practice are Wai Loon Lam, Serene Hiew, Harold Tan and Rohan Jeyabalah.

Client feedback

“Personal attention of partners. Available on short notice.” – Construction

“Good team of qualified lawyers with active engagement by the partners.” – Dispute resolution

Lynn Foo

“In depth analysis on the clauses. Brief risk and interest of client in an articulate manner.”

Wai Loon Lam

“Honest advice; friendly demeanour; excellent presentation skills.”

Harold Lam

“Very knowledgeable, always accessible and innovative.”

Work highlights

Representing Econpile in resisting a Fortuna Injunction application filed by ASM Development in relation to a statutory demand premised on an adjudication decision which was subsequently enforced by the High Court.

Key clients

Ahmad Zaki, BCEG International (Malaysia), Sinbery Corporation

Raja Darryl & Loh is frequently sought out by technology start-ups and other established companies for its extensive expertise in financial technology and digital banking. It is also experienced in various transactions including aviation finance, M&A, joint ventures and equity capital markets. With its robust disputes practice, the firm is active in various contentious matters, including antitrust, construction, employment and tax cases. Phye Keat Chew, Choon Hon Leng, Raja Eileen Soraya, Ravindra Kumar Rengasamy, Vijey Mohana Krishnan and Tong Lai Ling are recommended for competition, construction, dispute resolution, employment, tax and technology, respectively.

Client feedback

“Solution-oriented, industry knowledge, analysis of grey areas.” – Banking and finance

“They were able to provide well rounded advice aside from the documentation as well.” – Banking and finance

“Optimistic and professional in handling issues and people.” – Construction

“Raja Darryl & Loh (RDL) drafted thoroughly on terms of the contracts and in such a way protecting our rights and interest and raised considerations which had not been foreseen by us.” – Corporate and M&A

“Very professional.” – Dispute resolution

“Experienced firm to give advice on competition law issues, tactical to deal with shareholders, provide good, practical and sound advice.” – Insurance

“Prompt response and sound advice.” – Intellectual property

“Experience and able to provide a wide range of advice.” – Intellectual property

“Prompt response and attention to detail.” – Labour and employment

“I find them to be extremely knowledgeable as well as always responsive to our requirements. They are able to quickly grasp the requirements and provide their viewpoints with supporting legal basis.” – Labour and employment

“Expert in the area of medicolegal and confident when it comes to handling the regulatory affairs.” – Regulatory

Phye Kiat Chew

“Experienced, responsive and provide sound advice.”

Mei Mei Chong

“Problem solver with industry knowledge and firm grasp of law and regulations required for this.”

“Her ability to understand our requirements comprehensively enabled us to complete our product development in a timely manner.”

“She has provided legal opinions and good guidelines on legal issues for laymen.”

Hon Leng Choon

“Professional with excellent communication skills.”

“Deep knowledge of the TMT industry coupled with years of litigation experience particularly in giving insight to strategising and ultimately problem solving.”

Himin Ng

“She is always actively engaging in her works and follows up closely with the client proactively. Deadlines of filing and submission of documents are always adhered to.”

Yvonne Ong

“Prompt response and sound advice.”

“Very commercially minded and good innovative solutions.”

Raja Eileen Soraya

“She is very humble despite being very knowledgeable. Listens well and provides constructive feedback and solutions.”

Chu Wei Tai

“Professional, pleasant, competent and responsive.”

Li Vyen Tham

“Sharp and accommodating. Willing to explore solution with business and spend time understanding operation.”

“Li Vyen is very client centric and always makes herself available at short notice. If she is caught up with another engagement, she manages our expectation and will have another support assigned with her working in the background. She is also creative and always provides a balanced perspective.”

“She is able to position and structure our interests based on feedback provided.”

William Wong

“William Wong is sharp, approachable and provides sound advice even before the client asks for it. Meetings won't run overtime and objectives are always achieved. His time management is impeccable, in a sense that we always know we are a priority despite him having other files at hand.”

Vijey Mohana Krishnan and William Wong

“They are experts in tax matters and often provide sound commercial and tactical advice in maneuvering the case, foreseeing and preparing for the next 10 steps ahead in all possible avenues.”

With long-standing practices and an established reputation in the market, Skrine maintains a robust track record across most practice areas and sectors. The firm’s client base includes state-owned enterprises and major companies from the TMT, financial services, energy, infrastructure and real estate industries. The firm is particularly savvy and active in handling cross-border transactions and disputes across the region. Ivan Loo, Janet Lai Heng Looi, Guan Huat Khoo, Charmayne Poh Yin Ong and Selvamalar Alagaratnam are recommended for construction, corporate and M&A, disputes, intellectual property and technology, and employment law, respectively. Dispute partner Leong Wai Hong departed to the bench as judicial commissioners of the High Court of Malaysia in January 2022.

Client feedback

“Impressed with the depth of knowledge and how the matter was handled.” – Aviation

“Dedicated, responsible and efficient.” – Banking and finance

“Experienced and skilled.” – Banking and finance

“Professional, knowledgeable, efficient, and high quality of work.” – Banking and finance

“Fast and efficient. Provide valuable legal advice.” – Banking and finance

“Good team leaders. Able to provide quick answers and communicate it well to our team.” – Competition/antitrust

“They provided us with thorough advice on the subject matter.” – Corporate and M&A

“They are usually a one-stop centre in terms of any other areas that we may have issues that needs legal advice on. More importantly, they provide very prompt and solid legal advice which is extremely important to us.” – Dispute resolution

“Skrine is an excellent law firm with very good and experienced lawyers. They were very prompt in their responses and proactive in handling the entire matter. The team was knowledgeable and experienced.” – Dispute resolution

“They have demonstrated the expected highest level of expertise, proficiency, skills including availability and ability to meet extremely tight deadlines.” – Dispute resolution

“Skrine consistently structure their advice in a comprehensive and clear manner.” – Intellectual property

“They are very responsive, and very clear communicators. Competent in all ways.” – Intellectual property

“Skrine has exhibited deep transaction experience, mastery of the Malaysian market and high levels of professionalism during the course of the deal. They were also responsive and on the ball, often identifying potential pitfalls pre-emptively. We also benefitted from their familiarity with the local regulatory environment which allowed us to arrive at a structure which closed the gap and enabled the deal to close.” – Private equity

“Out of the box thinking, doesn't follow the herd.” – Regulatory

Kumar Mahadev Ashok

“Very sharp, highly intuitive, responsible and perhaps one of the most important things to say about him is that he is reachable even when he is away on his holidays, should there be an urgent need to consult him. We are most grateful for that.”

Claudia Cheah

“Professional, knowledgeable and efficient.”

Ariel Paul Francine

“She provided thorough advice on the subject matter.”

Sheba Gumis

“Sheba was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and a joy to work with.”

Hafidah Hashim

“Experienced and skilled.”

Guan Huat Khoo

“Attentive, calm, and responsive.”

Ai Hsien Lee

“Ai Hsien is dedicated, responsible and concise in her advice.”

Peh Fern Loo

“Loo is very knowledgeable and experienced and knows her stuff. Loo was very prompt in replying to emails and handled the legal matter very well.”

“She was very professional, prompt and extremely fast on the uptake in terms of the question and scope that we were consulting Skrine on.”

Poh Yin (Charmayne) Ong

“Excellent case management and delivery.”

“She is very responsive, and also has broad knowledge of many legal areas. She has a deep team of specialists and can quickly get the right lawyer you need on a case.”

Aufa Binti Radzi

“Radzi has strong ability to examine thoroughly complex issues and find a solution in a timely, efficient manner. She uses clear, logical steps to understand an issue from all angles before advice. She is also detail-oriented and therefore is capable to foresee areas of difficulties or challenges and address them proactively. Radzi never confuses observations with inferences, and she always separates facts and conjectures. Her advice is always based on clear understanding about the facts. Her advice is generally based on reliable legal doctrine, in-depth knowledge of legal cases and sound understanding of the banking industry legal and regulatory environment. Also, she has the ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively.”

Vijay Raj

“Attentive, efficient, knowledgeable and professional.”

Karen Tan

“Easily accessible.”

Shi Wen Tan

“Able to provide quick solutions and clear information on the topic. Can foresee potential risk management which she was able to assist us in things we would not know about. Her training sessions with our staff were long however it was not very dry allowing our staff to absorb the information during this training sessions.”

“Thinks out of the box and is very knowledgeable about the sector.”

Newly established firm Vin Carmen Cheng provides a comprehensive and diverse array of legal services that ranges from construction, dispute resolution, corporate, intellectual property, real estate to family and probate. Partner Chun Yee (Kelvin) Ng, former co-founder of Vin & Isaac Lee, heads the firm’s construction team. Another partner to note is Sze Ying Lee, who coheads the construction team along with three other lawyers.

Client feedback

“Knowledgeable and thoughtful.” – Construction

Work highlights

Acting for RZH Setia Jaya, a main contractor, in a RM5 million dispute against their subcontractor involving the beautification and rehabilitation of the Malacca River project.

Acting for a specialist design and build contractor against the main contractor in a RM37 million dispute involving the design and construction of the automated storage and retrieval system for the Ministry of Defence, Malaysia.

Acting for the subcontractor in a dispute against the main contractor involving a mixed development project with a claim sum in excess of RM6 million.

Abdullah Chan & Co is noted for its ability to handle financing work for major banks and financial institutions, including regular mandates in project finance. The firm is also experienced in the aviation sector, advising on aviation-related financing and acquisitions. Vincent Chan and Gopal Sundaram are key names in the team.

Comprising over 100 lawyers, Albar & Partners primarily focuses on banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A. It is known for its breadth of experience in banking and finance transactions, including corporate and syndicated lending, Islamic finance and sukuk issuances, asset finance and project finance. The firm represents both local and international financial institutions including investment banks, commercial banks, insurance companies, as well as borrowers across various industry sectors. In addition, the firm is also active in M&A, IPOs, joint ventures, private equity and regulatory matters. Swee Loong Chung and Lily Chea Li Tan are key partners at the firm.

Client feedback

“Very insightful and sound feedback and fast delivery.” – Banking and finance

Swee Loong Chung

“Highly experienced and knowledgeable.”

Corporate law firm Azmi & Associates is active in sizeable domestic mergers and investments, representing both private companies and state-owned enterprises (SOEs). It is also able to advise on joint ventures, capital raisings, delistings and setting up new business operations. Azmi Mohd Ali is a key contact. In late 2021, Sheh Ting Lim and Wan Nor Nadia Ramli joined the firm as partners. The firm lost partner Farizal Farhan to Rosli Dahlan Saravana Partnership.

Client feedback

“The firm under-promises and over-delivers. They have a very experienced shipping lawyer (Philip Teoh) and a team more than able to accommodate short turnarounds. All in all, the shipping team is dependable and capable of achieving the right outcome to protect my entity's interest and providing sound advice.” – Shipping

Philip Teoh

“Very experienced and qualified. He has published numerous textbooks on shipping and maritime law and is considered a 'guru' in the industry; insightful and solution driven; professional.”

Work highlights

Advised Stellantis on its acquisition of a minority interest in Naza Automotive Manufacturing.

In June 2018, Chooi & Company and Cheang & Ariff merged to form a firm well recognised and lauded for its wide-ranging offering including corporate, finance, dispute resolution and IP practices. Its expertise in cross-border disputes attracts a variety of work from state-owned enterprises and multinationals. The firm is particularly active in serving clients in the consumer goods and services sector including food and beverage, fashion brands and electronics. Key partners include Ming Li Tan for capital markets and corporate and M&A, Christopher Leong for dispute resolution and Joo Seong (Cindy) Goh for IP.

Client feedback

“Good opinions and arguments for litigation cases.” – Dispute resolution

“Very responsive and provides prompt updates, strong commercial understanding, consistently provide high quality service.” – Dispute resolution

“The firm understands the nature of the client's business and is able to provide solutions that enable the business. Their speed and accuracy in rendering legal advice is one of their strongest attributes.” – Dispute resolution

“Highly skilled with invaluable in-depth knowledge of IP litigation laws and practice. Provides excellent, sound and honest advice, which is what a client needs to hear.” – Intellectual property

“The firm scores high in terms of responsiveness as well as strategising the matter at hand, to the best of our interest as its client.” – Intellectual property

“Meticulous and thorough in preparation for cases.” – Real estate

“Understanding the client's needs and thinking out of the box for solutions. They have a wide depth of knowledge.” – Real estate

Pei Ying (Janet) Chai

“When Janet handles our matters, we know that the outcome would be a positive outcome. Advice is rendered quickly, always available to answer the client's queries and always meets the deadlines.”

Andrew Fernandez

“Thorough and meticulous.”

Brian Foong

“Good and experienced litigation lawyer. Good in court procedures and advocacy in court.”

Joo Seong (Cindy) Goh

“Very responsive and accommodating. Strong business acumen and provides business-oriented solutions. Good communication skills and is always able to understand our needs. Firm grasp of the law.”

“Very professional. Leading lawyer in this field.”

“Highly skilled with invaluable in-depth knowledge of IP litigation laws and practice. Provides excellent, sound and honest advice - what a client needs to hear.”

“Cindy is very personable and is dedicated to ensuring that she allocates time to engage in a discussion on legal issues/concerns that you may have, and this has always been done with a sense of urgency, a virtue which we appreciate very much.”

HL Lee & Co focuses on corporate and M&A with a wide range of industry sector expertise including consumer goods and services, manufacturing, real estate, plantation, education and insurance. King Koe Ng and Lay San Ng are key contacts.

Established in 2013 by founding partner Ronald HL Tan, HL Tan Lim & Partners is particularly active in capital markets and corporate and M&A.

Work highlights

Advised a Malaysian-based global mobile and digital gaming company on its 100% divestment to an Australian Stock Exchange-listed media and digital entertainment giant.

Founded by Hsian Siong Yong in April 2021, Hsian & Co focuses on work in the corporate and M&A and real estate space. Hsian’s clients range from multinationals, funds, property owners and developers, hotels and asset users.

Since its inception in 1976, Kadir Andri & Partners has etched itself a formidable niche in the Malaysian legal landscape with its concentration in banking and financial services, energy and infrastructure sectors, while specialising in banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A. Kong Yam Tan and Julian Hashim are key contacts.

Lee & Poh Partnership has four specialisations including corporate and M&A, commercial advisory, cybersecurity and technology as well as corporate compliance and governance. The firm has been founded by two partners Yong Cieh Lee and Zuan Yin Poh.

A staple of the Malaysia market, legal powerhouse Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill elicits prestige owing to its rich history and earns plaudits based on its novel solutions; the firm’s bench is stocked top-to-bottom with talent ranging from senior statesmen to up-and-comers, all of whom elicit praise from peers and clients. The firm has distinguished practices in banking and finance, construction, dispute resolution, employment and tax. It counts many international corporations among its clients and offers in-depth expertise across various sectors including real estate and technology.

Client feedback

“Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill (LHAG) provides professional services, immediate responses and always meets clients’ needs.” – Construction

“My comments below are generally based on my dealing with Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill for one adjudication and expected arbitration for a huge construction project in Malaysia. LHAG’s positive attributes and what makes the firm excellent are its strengths and key capabilities as follows: It has good lawyers specialised in various fields such as specialists in adjudication including under the Malaysian Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act, in arbitration for construction contracts etc; it is a sizeable company and is able to take on big jobs; they are very knowledgeable and able to think out of the box in providing sound strategies and advice; and they are client-oriented or customer-focussed and negotiable.” – Construction

“Client-focus is excellent; they take timelines very seriously and are never tardy; advice is always strategic and well-thought through; they go the extra mile for the client.” – Construction

“They are very knowledgeable and provide better advisory in terms of strategy. Their advisory is very informative and relatable to the current era.” – Dispute resolution

“Effective delivery of services, prompt update and high-quality legal services.” – Dispute resolution

“Cooperative and provide lots of resources and information on dispute resolution.” – Dispute resolution

“Extensive knowledge and experience in Malaysia contract law; excellent understanding of client needs and interest; attention to details in contract drafting; good explanations in layman terms on contractual matters; proactive in assisting client to expedite the contract execution process; quick turnaround with queries and draft amendment.” – Real estate

Mun Yew Chan

“He is very responsive when we seek advice on the issues. His knowledge is undeniable. When he addressed advice, the advice given addressed the issues that we raised with him.”

“Knowledgeable and easy to reach. He has given lots of advice on dispute resolution and strategies on managing the matter.”

“Knowledgeable and responsive to enquiry.”

Shariffullah Majeed

“Advises clearly on guidelines for any industrial relation cases.”

Darshendev Singh

“Darshendev Singh's positive attributes and what makes him exceptional, stand out and different from competitors are his qualities, as below: He is very knowledgeable in his fields; he is very detailed or meticulous in covering all issues of contention/all angles/all arguments; he always endeavours his best for the clients; he is able to think out of the box in forming strategies and giving his professional opinion.”

Zhen Ning Soh

“Very attentive and has in-depth knowledge in relevant jurisdictions. Professional services provided and always meets expectation of clients.”

Steven Tee

“Client management skills are excellent. He has deep knowledge of the subject matter he handles. Strong but diplomatic negotiation skills. He is solution-driven and can adjust strategies and drafting according to fluid circumstances.”

“Good communication skills; quick turnaround and accessible; strong knowledge of Malaysia contract and industrial laws.”

Wai Chin (Crystal) Wong

“She is such a nice person and such a great lawyer. My judgement is based on the cooperation with her for nearly two years. She helps our company a lot with her legal professionalism.”

Mah-Kamariyah & Philip Koh has provided legal representation and services to a wide range of corporate and individual clients since 1975. Its areas of expertise include capital markets and corporate and M&A. Philip Koh and Adrian Koh are key partners at the firm.

Client feedback

“The firm is knowledgeable and possesses the right balance of client centricity and regulatory framework. Provides solution-based advice to the table.” – Corporate and M&A

“Quick and commercial minded with a lot of patience on small complications. Also, they are able to carry through the work in spite of the total of six months of movement control order imposed by the Government of Malaysia due to Covid-19 pandemic.” – Corporate and M&A

Yeow York (Adrian) Koh

“Adrian is the ‘go to’ person of the firm for corporate and M&A. Highly knowledgeable and experienced.”

“Very responsive, solution driven and not obsessed with increasing fees. Good at handling difficult people.”

Jia Hui Yip

“Very commercial and responsive. Great value for money.”

Work highlights

Advised Teng Yew Huat and Timbang Perkasa on the disposal of Jaya Grocer Holdings to a subsidiary company of Grab Holdings. This is one of the largest M&A deals in Malaysia thus far in 2022.

Key clients

Amazing Parade, Eller Axis, Sunway Holdings

Murad Yee Partnership’s core focus areas include banking and finance, corporate and M&A and private equity. It regularly assists government-linked corporations, foreign entities and subsidiaries of multinational companies. With its associate firm, Murad & Foo based in Pulau Pinang, the firm’s combined professional strength totals 20 fee earners. Fook Weng Yee and Ken Nie Kuay are key contacts.

Client feedback

“Good business advice and tightness plus meticulous legal binding.” – Corporate and M&A

“They are solution oriented, responsive and quick.” – Corporate and M&A

“Experienced lawyers who are able to provide holistic legal advice with quick turnaround time.” – Dispute resolution

Fook Weng Yee

“Best corporate and business-centric lawyers that I have come across.”

“He is very solution focused, and practical. Very easy to work with.”

Joanne Loke

“Diligent, quick turnaround time, personal attention, intelligent.”

Naqiz & Partners is adept in handling acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures, project finance, private banking and syndicated facilities. The firm services clients from a range of sectors including energy, real estate and technology and telecommunications. Key individuals include Shamshul Iskandar Zulkifli for corporate commercial work and Brian Lew for technology.

Client feedback

“Responsive, fast and approachable.” – Intellectual property

“Accessible and fair price.” – Intellectual property

“What stands out the most about Naqiz & Partners team is their evident and vast knowledge and experience in the matters. The team is able to deliver the output exceeding our expectations within the stipulated timeframe, amongst others, providing constructive solutions and alternatives as opposed to not just agreeing on the client’s ideas and needs. The team members also showed passion and dedication throughout the entire projects. The team is very accessible, diligent and dependable in meeting clients’ needs and requirements. Looking forward to working together again in the future.” – Regulatory

Khai Yi Lo

“Responsive and provide cost effective solutions.”

“Accessible, smart.”

“Evident and vast knowledge and experience; passionate; accessible”

Raja Darryl & Loh is frequently sought out by technology start-ups and other established companies for its extensive expertise in financial technology and digital banking. It is also experienced in various transactions including aviation finance, M&A, joint ventures and equity capital markets. With its robust disputes practice, the firm is active in various contentious matters, including antitrust, construction, employment and tax cases. Phye Keat Chew, Choon Hon Leng, Raja Eileen Soraya, Ravindra Kumar Rengasamy, Vijey Mohana Krishnan and Tong Lai Ling are recommended for competition, construction, dispute resolution, employment, tax and technology, respectively.

Client feedback

“Solution-oriented, industry knowledge, analysis of grey areas.” – Banking and finance

“They were able to provide well rounded advice aside from the documentation as well.” – Banking and finance

“Optimistic and professional in handling issues and people.” – Construction

“Raja Darryl & Loh (RDL) drafted thoroughly on terms of the contracts and in such a way protecting our rights and interest and raised considerations which had not been foreseen by us.” – Corporate and M&A

“Very professional.” – Dispute resolution

“Experienced firm to give advice on competition law issues, tactical to deal with shareholders, provide good, practical and sound advice.” – Insurance

“Prompt response and sound advice.” – Intellectual property

“Experience and able to provide a wide range of advice.” – Intellectual property

“Prompt response and attention to detail.” – Labour and employment

“I find them to be extremely knowledgeable as well as always responsive to our requirements. They are able to quickly grasp the requirements and provide their viewpoints with supporting legal basis.” – Labour and employment

“Expert in the area of medicolegal and confident when it comes to handling the regulatory affairs.” – Regulatory

Phye Kiat Chew

“Experienced, responsive and provide sound advice.”

Mei Mei Chong

“Problem solver with industry knowledge and firm grasp of law and regulations required for this.”

“Her ability to understand our requirements comprehensively enabled us to complete our product development in a timely manner.”

“She has provided legal opinions and good guidelines on legal issues for laymen.”

Hon Leng Choon

“Professional with excellent communication skills.”

“Deep knowledge of the TMT industry coupled with years of litigation experience particularly in giving insight to strategising and ultimately problem solving.”

Himin Ng

“She is always actively engaging in her works and follows up closely with the client proactively. Deadlines of filing and submission of documents are always adhered to.”

Yvonne Ong

“Prompt response and sound advice.”

“Very commercially minded and good innovative solutions.”

Raja Eileen Soraya

“She is very humble despite being very knowledgeable. Listens well and provides constructive feedback and solutions.”

Chu Wei Tai

“Professional, pleasant, competent and responsive.”

Li Vyen Tham

“Sharp and accommodating. Willing to explore solution with business and spend time understanding operation.”

“Li Vyen is very client centric and always makes herself available at short notice. If she is caught up with another engagement, she manages our expectation and will have another support assigned with her working in the background. She is also creative and always provides a balanced perspective.”

“She is able to position and structure our interests based on feedback provided.”

William Wong

“William Wong is sharp, approachable and provides sound advice even before the client asks for it. Meetings won't run overtime and objectives are always achieved. His time management is impeccable, in a sense that we always know we are a priority despite him having other files at hand.”

Vijey Mohana Krishnan and William Wong

“They are experts in tax matters and often provide sound commercial and tactical advice in maneuvering the case, foreseeing and preparing for the next 10 steps ahead in all possible avenues.”

Shearn Delamore & Co is respected for its strength in advising clients from the financial services, energy, real estate and technology sectors. The firm comprises of renowned practice groups with exceptional capabilities across a whole range of practice areas including banking, corporate and M&A, construction, employment, intellectual property, competition and tax. Key individuals include Anand Raj for competition and tax, Grace Yeoh for corporate and M&A, Rabindra Nathan for dispute resolution, Karen Abraham for IP, Sivabalah Nadarajah for employment and Ka Im Goh for tax.

Client feedback

“Competence as well as the breadth and depth of ability in the firm. The lawyers that we deal with are good at keeping us briefed/updated and responsive.” – Competition/antitrust

“Ability to identify crucial issues and providing workable solutions to address such issues to the mutual benefit of both parties leading to the successful completion of the acquisition.” – Corporate and M&A

“Experienced senior partners. Thorough and very detailed. Sound and sensible legal advice after digesting the documents and exhibits presented as evidence. Very few errors in the production documents with well written arguments in the contents.” – Dispute resolution

“Quick response and accurate in advice.” – Dispute resolution

“Delivers consistently good service, which brings depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic, and overall, just great to work with.” – Dispute resolution

“They provide efficient, cost-effective business advice. They are prompt, provide clear and concise legal counsel.  And their rates are extremely reasonable.” – Intellectual property

“Clear legal thinking; good teamwork; proactive; and client friendly.” – Intellectual property

“Shearn Delamore is able to provide a professional legal service.” – Intellectual property

“Accessibility, prompt response and professional advice.” – Intellectual property

“They gave practical advice and sought to think outside of the box.” – Intellectual property

“Respond very quickly to inquiries, advice, review of drafts, clear and easy to understand opinions, provides honest advice on repercussions/weakness and clear strategic advice also. Lawyers are friendly easy to discuss matters and value company's views and opinions also. Accepts all cases regardless of the rank of claimant and a senior lawyer provides the advice, does not delegate to a junior lawyer to do so.” – Labour and employment

“Shearn Delamore & Co provides pragmatic solutions to complex legal issues. Especially on employment matters.” – Labour and employment

“Always on top of the matter and able to provide solutions.” – Restructuring and insolvency

“Clear, concise and practical advice, responsive and attentive to needs.” – Tax

“Commercially sensitive solutions and good turnaround time. Good connectivity with other law firms in the region. competitive pricing and quality legal opinion.” – Technology and telecommunications

Karen Abraham

“Karen Abraham is a trail blazer. Vast knowledge, practical and great social skills!”

“Karen is an excellent TM and IP attorney. She is extremely knowledgeable in Malaysian IP law. She is an acknowledged dean of the Malaysian IP Bar. A terrific attorney....”

“Karen is able to provide good insights on enforcement work.”

“She managed the matter well and I felt she was ‘on top of things’. Energetic.”

Rodney Gomez

“Delivers consistently good service, with depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic and overall, just great to work with. Often goes above and beyond the call of duty.”

Datin Jeyanthini

“Patient and a good listener.”

Jimmy Liew

“Attentive, very experienced and has deep knowledge of the law.”

TC (Raymond) Low

“Very experienced, very sound legal knowledge, always quick to revert with advice or comments, always available and very approachable. Pleasant and emphatic.”

Jyeshta Mahendran

“She is accessible, extremely prompt in her responses, professional and very knowledgeable.”

Ned Segaram

“He is proactive and has good knowledge of the facts.”

Indran Shanmuganathan

“Superb advocational skills.”

N Sivabalah

“He explains the position of the law and weighs in the pros and cons before giving his advice on any issues.”

Nicholas Tan

“Quick turnaround time and ability to analyse the issues and providing workable solutions.”

Yoong San (Janet) Toh

“Professional and delivers rapid responses.”

“Experienced IP lawyer with strong commercial acumen.”

Irene Yong

“Clear, concise and practical advice. Responsive and attentive to needs.”

With long-standing practices and an established reputation in the market, Skrine maintains a robust track record across most practice areas and sectors. The firm’s client base includes state-owned enterprises and major companies from the TMT, financial services, energy, infrastructure and real estate industries. The firm is particularly savvy and active in handling cross-border transactions and disputes across the region. Ivan Loo, Janet Lai Heng Looi, Guan Huat Khoo, Charmayne Poh Yin Ong and Selvamalar Alagaratnam are recommended for construction, corporate and M&A, disputes, intellectual property and technology, and employment law, respectively. Dispute partner Leong Wai Hong departed to the bench as judicial commissioners of the High Court of Malaysia in January 2022.

Client feedback

“Impressed with the depth of knowledge and how the matter was handled.” – Aviation

“Dedicated, responsible and efficient.” – Banking and finance

“Experienced and skilled.” – Banking and finance

“Professional, knowledgeable, efficient, and high quality of work.” – Banking and finance

“Fast and efficient. Provide valuable legal advice.” – Banking and finance

“Good team leaders. Able to provide quick answers and communicate it well to our team.” – Competition/antitrust

“They provided us with thorough advice on the subject matter.” – Corporate and M&A

“They are usually a one-stop centre in terms of any other areas that we may have issues that needs legal advice on. More importantly, they provide very prompt and solid legal advice which is extremely important to us.” – Dispute resolution

“Skrine is an excellent law firm with very good and experienced lawyers. They were very prompt in their responses and proactive in handling the entire matter. The team was knowledgeable and experienced.” – Dispute resolution

“They have demonstrated the expected highest level of expertise, proficiency, skills including availability and ability to meet extremely tight deadlines.” – Dispute resolution

“Skrine consistently structure their advice in a comprehensive and clear manner.” – Intellectual property

“They are very responsive, and very clear communicators. Competent in all ways.” – Intellectual property

“Skrine has exhibited deep transaction experience, mastery of the Malaysian market and high levels of professionalism during the course of the deal. They were also responsive and on the ball, often identifying potential pitfalls pre-emptively. We also benefitted from their familiarity with the local regulatory environment which allowed us to arrive at a structure which closed the gap and enabled the deal to close.” – Private equity

“Out of the box thinking, doesn't follow the herd.” – Regulatory

Kumar Mahadev Ashok

“Very sharp, highly intuitive, responsible and perhaps one of the most important things to say about him is that he is reachable even when he is away on his holidays, should there be an urgent need to consult him. We are most grateful for that.”

Claudia Cheah

“Professional, knowledgeable and efficient.”

Ariel Paul Francine

“She provided thorough advice on the subject matter.”

Sheba Gumis

“Sheba was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and a joy to work with.”

Hafidah Hashim

“Experienced and skilled.”

Guan Huat Khoo

“Attentive, calm, and responsive.”

Ai Hsien Lee

“Ai Hsien is dedicated, responsible and concise in her advice.”

Peh Fern Loo

“Loo is very knowledgeable and experienced and knows her stuff. Loo was very prompt in replying to emails and handled the legal matter very well.”

“She was very professional, prompt and extremely fast on the uptake in terms of the question and scope that we were consulting Skrine on.”

Poh Yin (Charmayne) Ong

“Excellent case management and delivery.”

“She is very responsive, and also has broad knowledge of many legal areas. She has a deep team of specialists and can quickly get the right lawyer you need on a case.”

Aufa Binti Radzi

“Radzi has strong ability to examine thoroughly complex issues and find a solution in a timely, efficient manner. She uses clear, logical steps to understand an issue from all angles before advice. She is also detail-oriented and therefore is capable to foresee areas of difficulties or challenges and address them proactively. Radzi never confuses observations with inferences, and she always separates facts and conjectures. Her advice is always based on clear understanding about the facts. Her advice is generally based on reliable legal doctrine, in-depth knowledge of legal cases and sound understanding of the banking industry legal and regulatory environment. Also, she has the ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively.”

Vijay Raj

“Attentive, efficient, knowledgeable and professional.”

Karen Tan

“Easily accessible.”

Shi Wen Tan

“Able to provide quick solutions and clear information on the topic. Can foresee potential risk management which she was able to assist us in things we would not know about. Her training sessions with our staff were long however it was not very dry allowing our staff to absorb the information during this training sessions.”

“Thinks out of the box and is very knowledgeable about the sector.”

Tay & Partners is a full-service commercial law firm with offices in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. The firm is particularly known for its competition strength and is active in both contentious and advisory matters. The firm also boasts expertise in the aviation and real estate sectors. Nicole Leong and Weng Yew Wong are key partners. Managing partner Beng Chai Tay retired on 30 June 2021.

Client feedback

“They are very responsive, knowledgeable and their fees are mostly reasonable.” – Intellectual property

Highly regarded firm Zaid Ibrahim & Co (a member of ZICO Law) has a sound reputation in the market, particularly for financing, capital markets and corporate work. The firm also provides strong expertise on energy and infrastructure projects, including road, rail and airport developments as well as petrochemical plants and local and offshore renewable energy projects. Lilian Liew, Gilbert Gan, Kee Hooi Wong, Amin Abdul Majid and Boo Seng Ong are key figures for banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A, energy, infrastructure, and IP, respectively.

Client feedback

“Partners are experienced, hands on and accessible and give attention to their clients.” – Capital markets

“Practical, responsive, flexible and prompt.” – Construction

“Good response time, sound legal knowledge, meticulousness and willingness to go the extra mile without asking.” – Intellectual property

Tat King Loo

“Very helpful in dealing our issues. Strong technical knowledge.”

Lillian Liew

“Responsive, knowledgeable, available, and friendly. She is a problem-solver.”

“Top of field service/advice from partner Lilian Liew.”

Caera Lee

“She is knowledgeable in her field, thorough and provides practical solutions. Added plus is that she is also very pleasant to work with.”

Linda Wang

“Sound legal knowledge. You can be assured that she has considered all aspects of the problem before offering a solution.”

Lillian Liew and Sook Kwan Chin

“Experienced on the subject matter, advisory and client management.”

Founded in 2015, Ariff Rozhan & Co specialises in general commercial litigation and arbitration. The firm acts for large banks, power providers, and Malaysian conglomerates in the energy, gaming, logistics, automotive and infrastructure sectors. Managing partner Ariff Rozhan and founding partner William Lim are lawyers of note.

Client feedback

“The firm is small and niche, but the quality of the work outmatches the big firms. The advice is well thought through, practical and commercial. The team is commanding, authoritative and have the complete trust of their clients.” – Dispute resolution

“Excellent and hardworking senior partner who takes a hands-on approach and is experienced.” – Dispute resolution

William Lim

“Attentive to the case and knowledgeable of the law and procedures.”

Ariff Rozhan

“Displays impressive professionalism.”

“He is a fantastic advocate. Ariff is very calm, measured, approachable and responsive. He is an excellent lawyer who gains the trust of his clients.”

Work highlights

Representing Dar Al-Handasah Consultants, a member of the Dar Group of Companies, together with its subsidiaries, in a dispute relating to the design and construction of the Butterworth Outer Ring Road connected to the second Penang Bridge, Malaysia, before the High Court in Kuala Lumpur.

Key clients

Asia Insurance Company, Malayan Banking, JCT

Work highlights

Acting for Malaysian Resources Corporation in respect of four separate arbitrations relating to the Desaru Coast development.

Acting as counsel for Shopee Mobile Malaysia in defending copyright infringement claims instituted by two film production companies.

Acted for a gold-mining company known as Raub Australian Gold Mining in a defamation suit against one of the online-blogs in Malaysia known as Malaysiakini which is owned by MKini Dotcom, as well as against three of its journalists.

Key clients

Catajaya, Kining Exeton, Lynas Corporation, NRY Architects

In June 2018, Chooi & Company and Cheang & Ariff merged to form a firm well recognised and lauded for its wide-ranging offering including corporate, finance, dispute resolution and IP practices. Its expertise in cross-border disputes attracts a variety of work from state-owned enterprises and multinationals. The firm is particularly active in serving clients in the consumer goods and services sector including food and beverage, fashion brands and electronics. Key partners include Ming Li Tan for capital markets and corporate and M&A, Christopher Leong for dispute resolution and Joo Seong (Cindy) Goh for IP.

Client feedback

“Good opinions and arguments for litigation cases.” – Dispute resolution

“Very responsive and provides prompt updates, strong commercial understanding, consistently provide high quality service.” – Dispute resolution

“The firm understands the nature of the client's business and is able to provide solutions that enable the business. Their speed and accuracy in rendering legal advice is one of their strongest attributes.” – Dispute resolution

“Highly skilled with invaluable in-depth knowledge of IP litigation laws and practice. Provides excellent, sound and honest advice, which is what a client needs to hear.” – Intellectual property

“The firm scores high in terms of responsiveness as well as strategising the matter at hand, to the best of our interest as its client.” – Intellectual property

“Meticulous and thorough in preparation for cases.” – Real estate

“Understanding the client's needs and thinking out of the box for solutions. They have a wide depth of knowledge.” – Real estate

Pei Ying (Janet) Chai

“When Janet handles our matters, we know that the outcome would be a positive outcome. Advice is rendered quickly, always available to answer the client's queries and always meets the deadlines.”

Andrew Fernandez

“Thorough and meticulous.”

Brian Foong

“Good and experienced litigation lawyer. Good in court procedures and advocacy in court.”

Joo Seong (Cindy) Goh

“Very responsive and accommodating. Strong business acumen and provides business-oriented solutions. Good communication skills and is always able to understand our needs. Firm grasp of the law.”

“Very professional. Leading lawyer in this field.”

“Highly skilled with invaluable in-depth knowledge of IP litigation laws and practice. Provides excellent, sound and honest advice - what a client needs to hear.”

“Cindy is very personable and is dedicated to ensuring that she allocates time to engage in a discussion on legal issues/concerns that you may have, and this has always been done with a sense of urgency, a virtue which we appreciate very much.”

Since its founding in 2021, litigation boutique Daniel & Wong has developed a reputation for taking on complex civil, corporate and commercial work with a particular emphasis on fraud and liquidations. Partner Daniel Albert helms the firm’s dispute resolution practice.

Client feedback

“Daniel & Wong’s team are very experienced and knowledgeable. They will advise the clients the strength and weakness of the cases they have undertaken. They also ensure they take the opinion of the clients.” – Dispute resolution

“Pragmatic and commercially savvy.” – Dispute resolution

“Great team, incredibly bright, highly resourceful. A pleasure to work with.” – Dispute resolution

Daniel Albert

“He is very attentive, knowledgeable and cooperative. He ensures that he and his team manage the expectation of the clients and will personally attend all matters.”

“Highly intelligent, extremely tenacious and always very well prepared.”

Work highlights

Acted for international clients in litigation concerning a complex cross-jurisdictional claim for the recovery of approximately $76 million premised on fraud, breach of trust and breach of fiduciary duties.

Dispute resolution specialist firm Gan Partnership is a new entrant to the asialaw ranking tables. Apart from general disputes, the firm also has substantial strength in construction, IP, and in labour and employment. Key figures include Khong Aik Gan for commercial disputes and Joon Liang Foo for construction.

Client feedback

“Proactive, quick response. Partner is knowledgeable. Associate is efficient and decisive in handling.” – Construction

“Very focused, closely communicated and effectively obtained information, facts and evidence from me. Clear direction and I am well informed! Well prepared in court and deliver precisely!” – Dispute resolution

“Responsive, very reasonably priced, approachable with excellent results.” – Intellectual property

“Team player; fast with responses; efficient and understands our global business.” – Intellectual property

“Clear and effective legal advice. Timely and responsive to all inquiries. Helpful in explaining Malaysian employment and labour laws.” – Labour and employment

Khong Aik Gan

“Khong Aik is a very knowledgeable lawyer who provides clear and effective legal advice on all matters presented. He is a trusted advisor of our company and knows our business.”

Khong Aik Gan and Mei Yee Kang

“Very focused and attentive; clear direction and well informed; vast knowledge and experience! Effectively understands the problem.”

Zhi Jian Lim

“Thinks on his feet with good problem-solving skills.”

Min Lee Tan

“Knowledgeable, proactive, and customer focused.”

Bahari Yeow

“The go-to lawyer in Malaysia for IP work.”

Established in 2016, Joel & Co is a young, dynamic full-service firm that focuses primarily on corporate and commercial disputes. Its founding partner, Joel Kon, is experienced with contentious intellectual property matters as well. Clients range from multinational companies to local SMEs. Kon and partner Heng Yee Tan are the main contacts at the firm.

Lee & Koh is best known for its capability in dispute resolution. The firm focuses on construction and infrastructure disputes, corporate banking litigation, insolvency and family and probate matters. Managing partner Koh Yew Chong is a key contact. Justin Leong and Irwan Ismail are other lawyers to note.

Lim Chee Wee Partnership generated immediate buzz upon its formation two years ago, and not without justification. The litigation boutique was founded by star litigators from Skrine. The well-versed team handles disputes across the full spectrum of commercial law, in addition to strong practices in insolvency, regulatory, and fraud and anti-corruption. Senior partner Lim Chee Wee, managing partner Lee Shih and partner Kwan Will Sen are key figures.

Client feedback

“User friendly; accurate and timely advice; personal touch.” – Dispute resolution

“Sound advice and strong research.” – Dispute resolution

“Lim Chee Wee Partnership provides practical legal advice. They are very attentive to its clients and reachable. Works well under pressure. Charges reasonably.” – Dispute resolution

“Highly responsive, commercial and reliable pair of hands in Malaysia.” – Restructuring and insolvency

“The firm has strong partner involvement in files and are very innovative in terms of approach. Furthermore, the partners are easily contactable and accessible if required for urgent advice.” – Restructuring and insolvency

“Good knowledge of law; great strategy and approach to tackle the legal issues; and deliverable.” – Restructuring and insolvency

Geraldine Goon

“Contactable where advise is required on an urgent basis.”

Nathalie Ker

“Receptive to feedback; attentive to client; easy to work with.”

Lee Shih

“Experts on Malaysian law; highly responsive; and familiar with the local market.”

“Very innovative and unafraid of trying new approaches. Strong legal knowledge as well.”

“Lee Shih is an up-and-coming restructuring name in Malaysia having worked on substantial deals and making new laws along the way.”

Will Sen Kwan and Chee Wee (Kelvin) Lim

“Direct and positive decision and approach. Research on similar cases and apply on in.”

Work highlights

Acting for Gumusut-Kakap Semi-Floating Production System Labuan, a wholly owned SPV of MISC in more than RM2 billion claim arbitration, adjudication proceedings and court litigation against Sabah Shell Petroleum Company. This is the largest ever arbitral claim in Malaysia.

Acting for AwanBiru Technology and its subsidiary Prestariang SKIN on a more than RM730 million claim against the government of Malaysia.

Acting for Toyota Tsusho (Malaysia), a subsidiary of a Japanese public company listed on both the Tokyo and Nagoya Stock Exchanges, in a cross-border RM179 million fraud claim.

Key clients

CTOS Insights, Top Glove

MahWengKwai & Associates represents a variety of corporations and individuals in its areas of expertise, which includes corporate and M&A and dispute resolution. Moreover, the firm is also active in advising on banking and finance, construction and employment matters. Raymond Mah and Christine Toh are key contacts. The firm promoted John Chan to partner in February 2022.

Client feedback

“Very thorough in their approach. They asked lots of questions to ensure they understood our request, provided a thorough and complete response, and provided additional information that was very useful to our project.” – Corporate and M&A

“They are generally strong in Human Resource advisory.” – Dispute resolution

“Very Efficient, knowledgeable, very understanding when dealing with new clients.” – Labour and employment

John Chan

“Very responsive and tries his best to give you the most appropriate solution.”

Chong Chieh Gan

“Very responsive, knowledgeable and organised.”

Tommy Wong

“Communicative.”

Navaratnam Chambers handles a variety of disputes including contractual, shareholders’ disputes, administrative and tax-related disputes. The firm is active in the energy and insurance sectors.

Client feedback

“Navaratnam Chambers is very efficient, highly adaptable and dynamic.” – Dispute resolution

Nahendran Navaratnam

“Highly knowledgeable and possesses the ability to advise parties on any areas of legal dispute, demonstrating impeccable legal knowledge and strategic thinking in formulating and framing claims. The firm is always willing to assist other legal counsel when dealing with complex legal issues.”

“He is extremely intelligent, incisive and committed to any brief he undertakes.”

Entering asialaw rankings for the first time this edition, Puchong-based firm Ng Zainurul Seke & Khoo is active in matters related to family law, employment, construction, corporate litigation, IP and recovery. Managing partner Ng Kee Way was with Zain Ibrahim & Co prior to setting up the firm.

Client feedback

“They are professional and really know what they are doing. Managed to help me win my case eventually.” – Dispute resolution

Ai Theng Khoo

“She is a really professional and smart lawyer who is really famous in the litigation field, especially in Klang Valley.”

Work highlights

Acting for the plaintiff suing a listed company for defamation.

Ooi & Ooi is a dispute resolution boutique handling a variety of matters, including contractual, banking and shareholder disputes alongside construction, infrastructure and real estate matters. It represents domestic clients as well as regional entities. The firm is led by partners Nicholas Ooi and Natalie Ooi.

Owee & Co is a specialist dispute resolution firm, focused on high-value, complex corporate and commercial disputes, civil and commercial fraud, and professional negligence. Its clients span multinationals and listed companies to high-net-worth individuals. Partner Owee Chia Ming helms the firm’s disputes group.

Client feedback

“Guides the client well with comprehensive advice including communication with policy holders.” – Insurance

Owee Chia Ming

“Provides comprehensive advice on legal matters. Communicates effectively with all relevant parties, including insurer, policyholder and adjuster.”

Work highlights

Acting for several substantial contributories of a wound-up public company in the real estate development sector in destitution, costs and remuneration disputes. This is one of the longest corporate dispute matters in Malaysia.

Acted for a public listed company in the real estate development sector and several of its directors in a claim brought by the company’s shareholder which seeks to nullify the company’s latest proposed fund-raising exercise.

Raja Darryl & Loh is frequently sought out by technology start-ups and other established companies for its extensive expertise in financial technology and digital banking. It is also experienced in various transactions including aviation finance, M&A, joint ventures and equity capital markets. With its robust disputes practice, the firm is active in various contentious matters, including antitrust, construction, employment and tax cases. Phye Keat Chew, Choon Hon Leng, Raja Eileen Soraya, Ravindra Kumar Rengasamy, Vijey Mohana Krishnan and Tong Lai Ling are recommended for competition, construction, dispute resolution, employment, tax and technology, respectively.

Client feedback

“Solution-oriented, industry knowledge, analysis of grey areas.” – Banking and finance

“They were able to provide well rounded advice aside from the documentation as well.” – Banking and finance

“Optimistic and professional in handling issues and people.” – Construction

“Raja Darryl & Loh (RDL) drafted thoroughly on terms of the contracts and in such a way protecting our rights and interest and raised considerations which had not been foreseen by us.” – Corporate and M&A

“Very professional.” – Dispute resolution

“Experienced firm to give advice on competition law issues, tactical to deal with shareholders, provide good, practical and sound advice.” – Insurance

“Prompt response and sound advice.” – Intellectual property

“Experience and able to provide a wide range of advice.” – Intellectual property

“Prompt response and attention to detail.” – Labour and employment

“I find them to be extremely knowledgeable as well as always responsive to our requirements. They are able to quickly grasp the requirements and provide their viewpoints with supporting legal basis.” – Labour and employment

“Expert in the area of medicolegal and confident when it comes to handling the regulatory affairs.” – Regulatory

Phye Kiat Chew

“Experienced, responsive and provide sound advice.”

Mei Mei Chong

“Problem solver with industry knowledge and firm grasp of law and regulations required for this.”

“Her ability to understand our requirements comprehensively enabled us to complete our product development in a timely manner.”

“She has provided legal opinions and good guidelines on legal issues for laymen.”

Hon Leng Choon

“Professional with excellent communication skills.”

“Deep knowledge of the TMT industry coupled with years of litigation experience particularly in giving insight to strategising and ultimately problem solving.”

Himin Ng

“She is always actively engaging in her works and follows up closely with the client proactively. Deadlines of filing and submission of documents are always adhered to.”

Yvonne Ong

“Prompt response and sound advice.”

“Very commercially minded and good innovative solutions.”

Raja Eileen Soraya

“She is very humble despite being very knowledgeable. Listens well and provides constructive feedback and solutions.”

Chu Wei Tai

“Professional, pleasant, competent and responsive.”

Li Vyen Tham

“Sharp and accommodating. Willing to explore solution with business and spend time understanding operation.”

“Li Vyen is very client centric and always makes herself available at short notice. If she is caught up with another engagement, she manages our expectation and will have another support assigned with her working in the background. She is also creative and always provides a balanced perspective.”

“She is able to position and structure our interests based on feedback provided.”

William Wong

“William Wong is sharp, approachable and provides sound advice even before the client asks for it. Meetings won't run overtime and objectives are always achieved. His time management is impeccable, in a sense that we always know we are a priority despite him having other files at hand.”

Vijey Mohana Krishnan and William Wong

“They are experts in tax matters and often provide sound commercial and tactical advice in maneuvering the case, foreseeing and preparing for the next 10 steps ahead in all possible avenues.”

Full-service law firm Rosli Dahlan Saravana Partnership was established two years ago by five founders, whom of which are all former Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill partners. The firm is consistently referenced among market peers in the capacity of tax and commercial disputes. Peers unanimously acknowledge the tax litigation offering as first rate and one of the two new heavy-hitting players in the disputes space. Many of the firm’s submitted cases were high-profile and widely reported in the media. Dispute resolution head Rosli Dahlan helms the team that includes tax and litigation heavyweights DP Naban and Saravana Kumar.

Client feedback

“Very easy to deal with even from other side of the world. Clear explanation of local law to non-lawyers.” – Dispute resolution

“Very well organised and are honest with clients.” – Dispute resolution

“Advisory which led to successful litigation of the matter.” – Regulatory

Rishikessingam Rajakulasingam

“Easy to deal with, positive suggestions and outlook.”

“Straightforward, knowledgeable, helpful, care for clients.”

“Approachable, fast in responding and knowledgeable.”

“He is a genuine and trustworthy person. A man full of ethics and knowledge. He listens and studies the cases with 110% attention and his passion towards his cases are just remarkable.”

R Rishi

“He handled the case very well where the lawyer in charge Rishi advised us on all legal attributes and the case went on to a settlement as proposed by the opposite lawyers because Rosli Dahlan Saravana Partnership had gathered all the facts perfectly.”

Work highlights

Advising and commencing four civil suits on behalf of 1Malaysia Development and its subsidiaries against former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Najib Razak, fiduciaries as well as related local and international banks to recover misappropriated monies. This suit is often referred as the 1MDB scandal, where Malaysians losing billions of Ringgits to a government sovereign wealth fund used as a vehicle for corrupt gratification by certain government officials, private individuals and associated companies.

Key clients

Perikatan Nasional, Sapura Offshore, Sime Darby Plantation, SRC International

Established three years ago, Sanjay Mohan Advocates & Solicitors specialises in commercial and construction litigation and arbitration. Apart from appearing regularly in the Malaysian Courts, the firm also has a very active arbitration and adjudication practice. Partners Sanjay Mohanasundaram and Saheran Suhendran are key figures.

Client feedback

Sanjay Mohanasundaram

“Sanjay as the senior partner on the file was extremely hands-on and familiar with key details. He was client friendly, while remaining objective and firm throughout.”

“Accessible and always looking for good solutions.”

Work highlights

Representing Bludream City Development in a judicial review with regards to extension of time granted by the Minister of Housing and Local Government to complete the project.

Representing Sunway Construction in defending a suit for alleged trespass and nuisance in excess of RM650 million.

Representing Malaysia Building Society in defending a suit in excess of RM500 million in relation to issues of fraud and conspiracy.

Key clients

CRCC Malaysia

Shearn Delamore & Co is respected for its strength in advising clients from the financial services, energy, real estate and technology sectors. The firm comprises of renowned practice groups with exceptional capabilities across a whole range of practice areas including banking, corporate and M&A, construction, employment, intellectual property, competition and tax. Key individuals include Anand Raj for competition and tax, Grace Yeoh for corporate and M&A, Rabindra Nathan for dispute resolution, Karen Abraham for IP, Sivabalah Nadarajah for employment and Ka Im Goh for tax.

Client feedback

“Competence as well as the breadth and depth of ability in the firm. The lawyers that we deal with are good at keeping us briefed/updated and responsive.” – Competition/antitrust

“Ability to identify crucial issues and providing workable solutions to address such issues to the mutual benefit of both parties leading to the successful completion of the acquisition.” – Corporate and M&A

“Experienced senior partners. Thorough and very detailed. Sound and sensible legal advice after digesting the documents and exhibits presented as evidence. Very few errors in the production documents with well written arguments in the contents.” – Dispute resolution

“Quick response and accurate in advice.” – Dispute resolution

“Delivers consistently good service, which brings depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic, and overall, just great to work with.” – Dispute resolution

“They provide efficient, cost-effective business advice. They are prompt, provide clear and concise legal counsel.  And their rates are extremely reasonable.” – Intellectual property

“Clear legal thinking; good teamwork; proactive; and client friendly.” – Intellectual property

“Shearn Delamore is able to provide a professional legal service.” – Intellectual property

“Accessibility, prompt response and professional advice.” – Intellectual property

“They gave practical advice and sought to think outside of the box.” – Intellectual property

“Respond very quickly to inquiries, advice, review of drafts, clear and easy to understand opinions, provides honest advice on repercussions/weakness and clear strategic advice also. Lawyers are friendly easy to discuss matters and value company's views and opinions also. Accepts all cases regardless of the rank of claimant and a senior lawyer provides the advice, does not delegate to a junior lawyer to do so.” – Labour and employment

“Shearn Delamore & Co provides pragmatic solutions to complex legal issues. Especially on employment matters.” – Labour and employment

“Always on top of the matter and able to provide solutions.” – Restructuring and insolvency

“Clear, concise and practical advice, responsive and attentive to needs.” – Tax

“Commercially sensitive solutions and good turnaround time. Good connectivity with other law firms in the region. competitive pricing and quality legal opinion.” – Technology and telecommunications

Karen Abraham

“Karen Abraham is a trail blazer. Vast knowledge, practical and great social skills!”

“Karen is an excellent TM and IP attorney. She is extremely knowledgeable in Malaysian IP law. She is an acknowledged dean of the Malaysian IP Bar. A terrific attorney....”

“Karen is able to provide good insights on enforcement work.”

“She managed the matter well and I felt she was ‘on top of things’. Energetic.”

Rodney Gomez

“Delivers consistently good service, with depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic and overall, just great to work with. Often goes above and beyond the call of duty.”

Datin Jeyanthini

“Patient and a good listener.”

Jimmy Liew

“Attentive, very experienced and has deep knowledge of the law.”

TC (Raymond) Low

“Very experienced, very sound legal knowledge, always quick to revert with advice or comments, always available and very approachable. Pleasant and emphatic.”

Jyeshta Mahendran

“She is accessible, extremely prompt in her responses, professional and very knowledgeable.”

Ned Segaram

“He is proactive and has good knowledge of the facts.”

Indran Shanmuganathan

“Superb advocational skills.”

N Sivabalah

“He explains the position of the law and weighs in the pros and cons before giving his advice on any issues.”

Nicholas Tan

“Quick turnaround time and ability to analyse the issues and providing workable solutions.”

Yoong San (Janet) Toh

“Professional and delivers rapid responses.”

“Experienced IP lawyer with strong commercial acumen.”

Irene Yong

“Clear, concise and practical advice. Responsive and attentive to needs.”

With over 100 years of history, Shook Lin & Bok has a strong presence in the areas of banking and finance, competition, dispute resolution, intellectual property and labour and employment. The firm is valued for its expertise in providing guidance to clients across the financial services and technology and telecommunications sectors. Among many notable practitioners, key partners include Jalalullail Othman for banking and finance, Sin Min Yoong for disputes and Michael Soo for intellectual property. Syed Adam Alhabshi, specialised in banking and finance, joined the firm as partner in April 2022.

Client feedback

“Shook Lin & Bok has professional lawyers who are able to give sound legal advice to the bank in a timely and professional way to assist the bank in defending all legal suits effectively.” – Banking and finance

“Administrative support, a team of paraprofessional or legal assistants who work collaboratively with partners.” – Dispute resolution

“Very thorough in their research and able to give practical solutions.” – Dispute resolution

“Able to provide practical advice and solutions.” – Restructuring and insolvency

Kok Keong Chan

“Knowledgeable, professional and helpful.”

Tien Fen (Victoria) Loi

“Able to set good strategies, very detailed in her research and provide good advice and practical solutions.”

Hooi Huang Ng

“Staying passionate and knowledgeable, act fast and creatively.”

“Hooi Huang is smart but very approachable. Always willing to go extra miles during her course of the matter.”

With long-standing practices and an established reputation in the market, Skrine maintains a robust track record across most practice areas and sectors. The firm’s client base includes state-owned enterprises and major companies from the TMT, financial services, energy, infrastructure and real estate industries. The firm is particularly savvy and active in handling cross-border transactions and disputes across the region. Ivan Loo, Janet Lai Heng Looi, Guan Huat Khoo, Charmayne Poh Yin Ong and Selvamalar Alagaratnam are recommended for construction, corporate and M&A, disputes, intellectual property and technology, and employment law, respectively. Dispute partner Leong Wai Hong departed to the bench as judicial commissioners of the High Court of Malaysia in January 2022.

Client feedback

“Impressed with the depth of knowledge and how the matter was handled.” – Aviation

“Dedicated, responsible and efficient.” – Banking and finance

“Experienced and skilled.” – Banking and finance

“Professional, knowledgeable, efficient, and high quality of work.” – Banking and finance

“Fast and efficient. Provide valuable legal advice.” – Banking and finance

“Good team leaders. Able to provide quick answers and communicate it well to our team.” – Competition/antitrust

“They provided us with thorough advice on the subject matter.” – Corporate and M&A

“They are usually a one-stop centre in terms of any other areas that we may have issues that needs legal advice on. More importantly, they provide very prompt and solid legal advice which is extremely important to us.” – Dispute resolution

“Skrine is an excellent law firm with very good and experienced lawyers. They were very prompt in their responses and proactive in handling the entire matter. The team was knowledgeable and experienced.” – Dispute resolution

“They have demonstrated the expected highest level of expertise, proficiency, skills including availability and ability to meet extremely tight deadlines.” – Dispute resolution

“Skrine consistently structure their advice in a comprehensive and clear manner.” – Intellectual property

“They are very responsive, and very clear communicators. Competent in all ways.” – Intellectual property

“Skrine has exhibited deep transaction experience, mastery of the Malaysian market and high levels of professionalism during the course of the deal. They were also responsive and on the ball, often identifying potential pitfalls pre-emptively. We also benefitted from their familiarity with the local regulatory environment which allowed us to arrive at a structure which closed the gap and enabled the deal to close.” – Private equity

“Out of the box thinking, doesn't follow the herd.” – Regulatory

Kumar Mahadev Ashok

“Very sharp, highly intuitive, responsible and perhaps one of the most important things to say about him is that he is reachable even when he is away on his holidays, should there be an urgent need to consult him. We are most grateful for that.”

Claudia Cheah

“Professional, knowledgeable and efficient.”

Ariel Paul Francine

“She provided thorough advice on the subject matter.”

Sheba Gumis

“Sheba was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and a joy to work with.”

Hafidah Hashim

“Experienced and skilled.”

Guan Huat Khoo

“Attentive, calm, and responsive.”

Ai Hsien Lee

“Ai Hsien is dedicated, responsible and concise in her advice.”

Peh Fern Loo

“Loo is very knowledgeable and experienced and knows her stuff. Loo was very prompt in replying to emails and handled the legal matter very well.”

“She was very professional, prompt and extremely fast on the uptake in terms of the question and scope that we were consulting Skrine on.”

Poh Yin (Charmayne) Ong

“Excellent case management and delivery.”

“She is very responsive, and also has broad knowledge of many legal areas. She has a deep team of specialists and can quickly get the right lawyer you need on a case.”

Aufa Binti Radzi

“Radzi has strong ability to examine thoroughly complex issues and find a solution in a timely, efficient manner. She uses clear, logical steps to understand an issue from all angles before advice. She is also detail-oriented and therefore is capable to foresee areas of difficulties or challenges and address them proactively. Radzi never confuses observations with inferences, and she always separates facts and conjectures. Her advice is always based on clear understanding about the facts. Her advice is generally based on reliable legal doctrine, in-depth knowledge of legal cases and sound understanding of the banking industry legal and regulatory environment. Also, she has the ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively.”

Vijay Raj

“Attentive, efficient, knowledgeable and professional.”

Karen Tan

“Easily accessible.”

Shi Wen Tan

“Able to provide quick solutions and clear information on the topic. Can foresee potential risk management which she was able to assist us in things we would not know about. Her training sessions with our staff were long however it was not very dry allowing our staff to absorb the information during this training sessions.”

“Thinks out of the box and is very knowledgeable about the sector.”

Tay & Partners is a full-service commercial law firm with offices in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. The firm is particularly known for its competition strength and is active in both contentious and advisory matters. The firm also boasts expertise in the aviation and real estate sectors. Nicole Leong and Weng Yew Wong are key partners. Managing partner Beng Chai Tay retired on 30 June 2021.

Client feedback

“They are very responsive, knowledgeable and their fees are mostly reasonable.” – Intellectual property

Tuang Chu & Co iis consistently referenced by market peers for its construction and dispute resolution work, areas where the firm has held a particular niche. The firm’s dispute resolution department has extensive experience in litigation, domestic and international arbitration, adjudication and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Its clientele range from preeminent local companies to foreign corporations, encapsulating a full spectrum of corporate and commercial matters. Its dispute resolution team is led by partner Ryan Soon Wei Chu. Litigators Zhong Yan Lau and Chee Weng Leong are also key figures to note. The firm has been on a noticeable growth kick in its headcount of late with notable hires include Ken Ming (Dominic) Ng from Albar & Partners, Muhammad Anas Bin Md Abdul Rashid from Cy Wong Ng & Partners, Chee Weng Leong from Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill, and Zhong Yan Lau from Chooi & Company + Cheang & Ariff.

Client feedback

“Concise advice with artful strategies and very reachable.” – Dispute resolution

“Highly responsive, very reachable and they offer tailored legal advice.” – Dispute resolution

Chee Weng Leong

“Amazing work. Very prompt, proactive and comprehensive.”

Ken Ming (Dominic) Ng

“Ken Ming (Dominic) Ng offers a lot of strategies in approaching a dispute and explains the reasons behind the tactical approaches and is very well-versed about the law.”

“Dominic sets out and eases our understanding of the legal solutions proposed. He offers excellent perspectives, especially in evaluating the facts and applying the law.”

“Dominic is representing our company in a complex fraud and misrepresentation dispute concerning several parties. He is very detailed in his advice and has set out every possible course of action and the consequential outcome for us to consider. He is also very reachable and responds very quickly to our queries.”

Victor Tuang

“Takes the initiative and provides a lot of helpful information.”

Work highlights

Advised a wholly owned subsidiary and the main contractor arm of Mahsing Group, Enrich Property Development, in the construction contract administration of all sub-contractors. The letter of award and conditions of sub-contract is the first of its kind, representing a distinct departure from all existing standard forms of contract in respect of construction contract administration of sub-contractors.

Representing Basco in a RM37.4 million court case against Amanahraya Development.

Representing Pathfinder in court proceedings against Dunham Bush Sales and Services and Dunham Bush Holding with a total dispute sum of RM15.5 million.

Key clients

Moonwork, Sandar Development, UEE Power

Founded in 1970 by Zain Azahari Zainal Abidin, full-service firm Zain & Co is actively involved in many transactions and projects in the country. It has a diverse corporate and banking and finance practice, assisting clients on a range of M&A, private equity and financing mandates. The firm is also well versed in the energy, infrastructure and real estate sectors. Salwah Abdul Shukor is a key corporate partner at the firm. Since 2018, the firm is a member of Dentons and has access to its support network across 170 locations in over 70 countries.

Client feedback

“Zain & Co is reactive, flexible, and efficient which makes it the perfect firm for international clients.” – Banking and finance

“The senior partner and team are always reachable, the advice given is clear and easily understood. It can be seen that the firm really cares about protecting its client's interests.” – Construction

“They were astute, highly strategic and very approachable.” – Dispute resolution

“Zain & Co provides comprehensive legal advice. They are extremely prompt and provide practical legal advice. They take the time to understand the client's business model and practical concerns and needs before giving the legal advice. They are subject matter experts and have always been our go-to legal advisor in the country. Very reasonable and competitive legal fees.” – Labour and employment

“Good knowledge in PE/VC related laws.” – Private equity

Sharmini Durai

“She provides very practical legal advice and is extremely responsive. She has strong knowledge of the law, industry and the client's business.”

Sze Ngiam (Pauline) Poi

“Responsive, knowledgeable and speedy.”

Vatsala Ratnasabapathy

“Very fluent in the field of law, able to strategise and advise in the best interest of the client.”

“Vatsala Ratnasabapathy is one astute strategist with strong ability to bridge the technical/commercial elements and the legal aspects behind every issue in achieving the best possible outcomes. She would actively engage with our relevant business units and each issue would be presented in a big picture with myriad of options and the expected (legal and commercial) consequences of each, which then helped to facilitate our decision-making process. The experience she has and the way she managed our issues exuded confidence that we were in good hands, and in most (if not all) instances, resulted in favourable outcomes to us. She made sure that every other aspect of the dispute is well taken care of -from being responsive and attentive to queries and providing regular and timely updates that helped us to apprise our management and obtain relevant decisions expeditiously. Without hesitation, she is perhaps the best construction and dispute resolution lawyer in town that provides the combination of excellent legal solutions as well as great customer experience.”

“Vatsala Ratnasabapathy quickly understood the complex issues at hand and provided exemplary advice in the various disputes. She has a deep wealth of knowledge and an ability to resolve urgent matters effectively. Her ability to see many steps ahead was incredibly impressive, problems that would have otherwise arisen were nipped straightaway in the bud. In summary, I found her to be indisputably the best litigation lawyer in Malaysia.”

“Senior counsel Vatsala Ratnasabapathy's positive attributes are that she was extremely quick to grasp complex concepts that arose and was able to give the best possible advice in the various disputes. Her knowledge base is vast, which resulted in a quick and efficient resolution of urgent matters. She is able to pre-empt problems by seeing the various potential outcomes and taking action before any problems actually arose. She is the best litigation lawyer I have had the good fortune to deal with.”

“She is hardworking and an experienced lawyer. She articulates the legal position and facts well in the submission with her experiences and knowledge on the subject matter.”

Anita Sockalingam

“Anita Sockalingam is a very competent and reactive professional. She was always responsive and available. She took the time to explain the specificities of Malaysian law. She goes the extra mile for her clients, and this had a positive impact on the outcome of our case.”

Highly regarded firm Zaid Ibrahim & Co (a member of ZICO Law) has a sound reputation in the market, particularly for financing, capital markets and corporate work. The firm also provides strong expertise on energy and infrastructure projects, including road, rail and airport developments as well as petrochemical plants and local and offshore renewable energy projects. Lilian Liew, Gilbert Gan, Kee Hooi Wong, Amin Abdul Majid and Boo Seng Ong are key figures for banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A, energy, infrastructure, and IP, respectively.

Client feedback

“Partners are experienced, hands on and accessible and give attention to their clients.” – Capital markets

“Practical, responsive, flexible and prompt.” – Construction

“Good response time, sound legal knowledge, meticulousness and willingness to go the extra mile without asking.” – Intellectual property

Tat King Loo

“Very helpful in dealing our issues. Strong technical knowledge.”

Lillian Liew

“Responsive, knowledgeable, available, and friendly. She is a problem-solver.”

“Top of field service/advice from partner Lilian Liew.”

Caera Lee

“She is knowledgeable in her field, thorough and provides practical solutions. Added plus is that she is also very pleasant to work with.”

Linda Wang

“Sound legal knowledge. You can be assured that she has considered all aspects of the problem before offering a solution.”

Lillian Liew and Sook Kwan Chin

“Experienced on the subject matter, advisory and client management.”

A staple of the Malaysia market, legal powerhouse Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill elicits prestige owing to its rich history and earns plaudits based on its novel solutions; the firm’s bench is stocked top-to-bottom with talent ranging from senior statesmen to up-and-comers, all of whom elicit praise from peers and clients. The firm has distinguished practices in banking and finance, construction, dispute resolution, employment and tax. It counts many international corporations among its clients and offers in-depth expertise across various sectors including real estate and technology.

Client feedback

“Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill (LHAG) provides professional services, immediate responses and always meets clients’ needs.” – Construction

“My comments below are generally based on my dealing with Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill for one adjudication and expected arbitration for a huge construction project in Malaysia. LHAG’s positive attributes and what makes the firm excellent are its strengths and key capabilities as follows: It has good lawyers specialised in various fields such as specialists in adjudication including under the Malaysian Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act, in arbitration for construction contracts etc; it is a sizeable company and is able to take on big jobs; they are very knowledgeable and able to think out of the box in providing sound strategies and advice; and they are client-oriented or customer-focussed and negotiable.” – Construction

“Client-focus is excellent; they take timelines very seriously and are never tardy; advice is always strategic and well-thought through; they go the extra mile for the client.” – Construction

“They are very knowledgeable and provide better advisory in terms of strategy. Their advisory is very informative and relatable to the current era.” – Dispute resolution

“Effective delivery of services, prompt update and high-quality legal services.” – Dispute resolution

“Cooperative and provide lots of resources and information on dispute resolution.” – Dispute resolution

“Extensive knowledge and experience in Malaysia contract law; excellent understanding of client needs and interest; attention to details in contract drafting; good explanations in layman terms on contractual matters; proactive in assisting client to expedite the contract execution process; quick turnaround with queries and draft amendment.” – Real estate

Mun Yew Chan

“He is very responsive when we seek advice on the issues. His knowledge is undeniable. When he addressed advice, the advice given addressed the issues that we raised with him.”

“Knowledgeable and easy to reach. He has given lots of advice on dispute resolution and strategies on managing the matter.”

“Knowledgeable and responsive to enquiry.”

Shariffullah Majeed

“Advises clearly on guidelines for any industrial relation cases.”

Darshendev Singh

“Darshendev Singh's positive attributes and what makes him exceptional, stand out and different from competitors are his qualities, as below: He is very knowledgeable in his fields; he is very detailed or meticulous in covering all issues of contention/all angles/all arguments; he always endeavours his best for the clients; he is able to think out of the box in forming strategies and giving his professional opinion.”

Zhen Ning Soh

“Very attentive and has in-depth knowledge in relevant jurisdictions. Professional services provided and always meets expectation of clients.”

Steven Tee

“Client management skills are excellent. He has deep knowledge of the subject matter he handles. Strong but diplomatic negotiation skills. He is solution-driven and can adjust strategies and drafting according to fluid circumstances.”

“Good communication skills; quick turnaround and accessible; strong knowledge of Malaysia contract and industrial laws.”

Wai Chin (Crystal) Wong

“She is such a nice person and such a great lawyer. My judgement is based on the cooperation with her for nearly two years. She helps our company a lot with her legal professionalism.”

Name partner Tunku Farik Ismail is key to the firm Azim Tunku Farik & Wong which occupies a unique niche exclusively dedicated to insurance. The firm has a particular specialty in general and commercial insurance and reinsurance advisory and disputes. Edmund Liew is another name to note.

Client feedback

“Strong affinity with industry developments given their vast experience and expertise in the insurance and reinsurance sphere. The lawyers are able to present very compelling arguments and clients stand effectively for suited purpose.” – Insurance

Tunku Farik Ismail

“Ability to understand complex issues and vast experience in insurance and reinsurance matters.”

Work highlights

Representing a general insurer in a large commercial fire insurance dispute involving allegation of arson committed by or in connivance of the insured.

In June 2018, Chooi & Company and Cheang & Ariff merged to form a firm well recognised and lauded for its wide-ranging offering including corporate, finance, dispute resolution and IP practices. Its expertise in cross-border disputes attracts a variety of work from state-owned enterprises and multinationals. The firm is particularly active in serving clients in the consumer goods and services sector including food and beverage, fashion brands and electronics. Key partners include Ming Li Tan for capital markets and corporate and M&A, Christopher Leong for dispute resolution and Joo Seong (Cindy) Goh for IP.

Client feedback

“Good opinions and arguments for litigation cases.” – Dispute resolution

“Very responsive and provides prompt updates, strong commercial understanding, consistently provide high quality service.” – Dispute resolution

“The firm understands the nature of the client's business and is able to provide solutions that enable the business. Their speed and accuracy in rendering legal advice is one of their strongest attributes.” – Dispute resolution

“Highly skilled with invaluable in-depth knowledge of IP litigation laws and practice. Provides excellent, sound and honest advice, which is what a client needs to hear.” – Intellectual property

“The firm scores high in terms of responsiveness as well as strategising the matter at hand, to the best of our interest as its client.” – Intellectual property

“Meticulous and thorough in preparation for cases.” – Real estate

“Understanding the client's needs and thinking out of the box for solutions. They have a wide depth of knowledge.” – Real estate

Pei Ying (Janet) Chai

“When Janet handles our matters, we know that the outcome would be a positive outcome. Advice is rendered quickly, always available to answer the client's queries and always meets the deadlines.”

Andrew Fernandez

“Thorough and meticulous.”

Brian Foong

“Good and experienced litigation lawyer. Good in court procedures and advocacy in court.”

Joo Seong (Cindy) Goh

“Very responsive and accommodating. Strong business acumen and provides business-oriented solutions. Good communication skills and is always able to understand our needs. Firm grasp of the law.”

“Very professional. Leading lawyer in this field.”

“Highly skilled with invaluable in-depth knowledge of IP litigation laws and practice. Provides excellent, sound and honest advice - what a client needs to hear.”

“Cindy is very personable and is dedicated to ensuring that she allocates time to engage in a discussion on legal issues/concerns that you may have, and this has always been done with a sense of urgency, a virtue which we appreciate very much.”

Best known for its competition and shipping expertise, Christopher & Lee Ong also delivers a consistent and respected dispute resolution offering across all major corporate and commercial practice areas and industries. The sizable team composed of 13 partners are well versed in banking litigation, corporate commercial disputes, construction disputes and adjudication, employment conflicts, shipping disputes and contentious insolvency matters. The firm enjoys strong relationships with the country’s regulators and is part of the Rajah & Tann network. Key contacts for disputes related work are commercial litigation partner John Mathew and intellectual property specialist Sri Sarguna Raj.

Work highlights

Successfully represented Jyothy Laboratories at the High Court for breach of contract and copyright infringement.

Represented China Vanke and Malola Garden City in a domain name dispute in relation to the registration of a domain name.

Represented the biggest budget airline in the world, Air Asia Group and its subsidiaries, in trademark audit clearance searches, filing strategies, and prosecution of trademark applications.

Key clients

Aberdeen Drilling School & Aberdeen Drilling International (Malaysia), Telekom Malaysia, Tenaga Nasional

Law Partnership provides a range of contentious and advisory IP services with a particular sector focus on technology and telecommunications. Besides IP, the firm is also building its expertise in the areas of labour and employment and commercial litigation. Key partners include Suaran Sidhu and Brian Law.

Client feedback

“Law Partnership is able to provide insight and perspective to the legal issues at hand with clarity and viable commercial solutions which are essential for corporations to move forward from any disputes.” – Intellectual property

Brian Law

“Brian is very good in client management and providing commercially viable solutions to any disputes. He is also able to provide insight into the matter that assists with any internal consideration.”

Suaran Singh

“Excellent problem-solving skills with commercial sense and strong understanding of client’s culture and business objectives. Strong litigation experience is a plus in deriving at advice and creative solutions and drafting agreements.”

Raphael Tay

“The corporate business in Law Partnership is led by Raphael Tay, a very experienced lawyer that my group of companies have been using since 1997. Raphael's strong legal knowledge plus business acumen has helped our business make the right decisions.”

“Raphael is very knowledgeable in the field of corporate, mergers and acquisitions. He has good business acumen which is very helpful in advising our businesses. He is also a good teacher and trains very good lawyers with him.”

A staple of the Malaysia market, legal powerhouse Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill elicits prestige owing to its rich history and earns plaudits based on its novel solutions; the firm’s bench is stocked top-to-bottom with talent ranging from senior statesmen to up-and-comers, all of whom elicit praise from peers and clients. The firm has distinguished practices in banking and finance, construction, dispute resolution, employment and tax. It counts many international corporations among its clients and offers in-depth expertise across various sectors including real estate and technology.

Client feedback

“Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill (LHAG) provides professional services, immediate responses and always meets clients’ needs.” – Construction

“My comments below are generally based on my dealing with Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill for one adjudication and expected arbitration for a huge construction project in Malaysia. LHAG’s positive attributes and what makes the firm excellent are its strengths and key capabilities as follows: It has good lawyers specialised in various fields such as specialists in adjudication including under the Malaysian Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act, in arbitration for construction contracts etc; it is a sizeable company and is able to take on big jobs; they are very knowledgeable and able to think out of the box in providing sound strategies and advice; and they are client-oriented or customer-focussed and negotiable.” – Construction

“Client-focus is excellent; they take timelines very seriously and are never tardy; advice is always strategic and well-thought through; they go the extra mile for the client.” – Construction

“They are very knowledgeable and provide better advisory in terms of strategy. Their advisory is very informative and relatable to the current era.” – Dispute resolution

“Effective delivery of services, prompt update and high-quality legal services.” – Dispute resolution

“Cooperative and provide lots of resources and information on dispute resolution.” – Dispute resolution

“Extensive knowledge and experience in Malaysia contract law; excellent understanding of client needs and interest; attention to details in contract drafting; good explanations in layman terms on contractual matters; proactive in assisting client to expedite the contract execution process; quick turnaround with queries and draft amendment.” – Real estate

Mun Yew Chan

“He is very responsive when we seek advice on the issues. His knowledge is undeniable. When he addressed advice, the advice given addressed the issues that we raised with him.”

“Knowledgeable and easy to reach. He has given lots of advice on dispute resolution and strategies on managing the matter.”

“Knowledgeable and responsive to enquiry.”

Shariffullah Majeed

“Advises clearly on guidelines for any industrial relation cases.”

Darshendev Singh

“Darshendev Singh's positive attributes and what makes him exceptional, stand out and different from competitors are his qualities, as below: He is very knowledgeable in his fields; he is very detailed or meticulous in covering all issues of contention/all angles/all arguments; he always endeavours his best for the clients; he is able to think out of the box in forming strategies and giving his professional opinion.”

Zhen Ning Soh

“Very attentive and has in-depth knowledge in relevant jurisdictions. Professional services provided and always meets expectation of clients.”

Steven Tee

“Client management skills are excellent. He has deep knowledge of the subject matter he handles. Strong but diplomatic negotiation skills. He is solution-driven and can adjust strategies and drafting according to fluid circumstances.”

“Good communication skills; quick turnaround and accessible; strong knowledge of Malaysia contract and industrial laws.”

Wai Chin (Crystal) Wong

“She is such a nice person and such a great lawyer. My judgement is based on the cooperation with her for nearly two years. She helps our company a lot with her legal professionalism.”

Another debut entry into this edition of asialaw, boutique IP firm Mirandah Asia, led by name partner Patrick Mirandah, specialises in the full spectrum of IP. The firm handles patent prosecution matters for major multinational clients at the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia. On the contentious side, it works closely with Miranda & Samuel for contentious matters and has been involved in numerous proceedings involving both patent revocations and IP infringement actions at the Malaysian Court.

Work highlights

Acted for a framework specialist and manufacturer in patent prosecution, including drafting patent specification and filing in Malaysia.

Raja Darryl & Loh is frequently sought out by technology start-ups and other established companies for its extensive expertise in financial technology and digital banking. It is also experienced in various transactions including aviation finance, M&A, joint ventures and equity capital markets. With its robust disputes practice, the firm is active in various contentious matters, including antitrust, construction, employment and tax cases. Phye Keat Chew, Choon Hon Leng, Raja Eileen Soraya, Ravindra Kumar Rengasamy, Vijey Mohana Krishnan and Tong Lai Ling are recommended for competition, construction, dispute resolution, employment, tax and technology, respectively.

Client feedback

“Solution-oriented, industry knowledge, analysis of grey areas.” – Banking and finance

“They were able to provide well rounded advice aside from the documentation as well.” – Banking and finance

“Optimistic and professional in handling issues and people.” – Construction

“Raja Darryl & Loh (RDL) drafted thoroughly on terms of the contracts and in such a way protecting our rights and interest and raised considerations which had not been foreseen by us.” – Corporate and M&A

“Very professional.” – Dispute resolution

“Experienced firm to give advice on competition law issues, tactical to deal with shareholders, provide good, practical and sound advice.” – Insurance

“Prompt response and sound advice.” – Intellectual property

“Experience and able to provide a wide range of advice.” – Intellectual property

“Prompt response and attention to detail.” – Labour and employment

“I find them to be extremely knowledgeable as well as always responsive to our requirements. They are able to quickly grasp the requirements and provide their viewpoints with supporting legal basis.” – Labour and employment

“Expert in the area of medicolegal and confident when it comes to handling the regulatory affairs.” – Regulatory

Phye Kiat Chew

“Experienced, responsive and provide sound advice.”

Mei Mei Chong

“Problem solver with industry knowledge and firm grasp of law and regulations required for this.”

“Her ability to understand our requirements comprehensively enabled us to complete our product development in a timely manner.”

“She has provided legal opinions and good guidelines on legal issues for laymen.”

Hon Leng Choon

“Professional with excellent communication skills.”

“Deep knowledge of the TMT industry coupled with years of litigation experience particularly in giving insight to strategising and ultimately problem solving.”

Himin Ng

“She is always actively engaging in her works and follows up closely with the client proactively. Deadlines of filing and submission of documents are always adhered to.”

Yvonne Ong

“Prompt response and sound advice.”

“Very commercially minded and good innovative solutions.”

Raja Eileen Soraya

“She is very humble despite being very knowledgeable. Listens well and provides constructive feedback and solutions.”

Chu Wei Tai

“Professional, pleasant, competent and responsive.”

Li Vyen Tham

“Sharp and accommodating. Willing to explore solution with business and spend time understanding operation.”

“Li Vyen is very client centric and always makes herself available at short notice. If she is caught up with another engagement, she manages our expectation and will have another support assigned with her working in the background. She is also creative and always provides a balanced perspective.”

“She is able to position and structure our interests based on feedback provided.”

William Wong

“William Wong is sharp, approachable and provides sound advice even before the client asks for it. Meetings won't run overtime and objectives are always achieved. His time management is impeccable, in a sense that we always know we are a priority despite him having other files at hand.”

Vijey Mohana Krishnan and William Wong

“They are experts in tax matters and often provide sound commercial and tactical advice in maneuvering the case, foreseeing and preparing for the next 10 steps ahead in all possible avenues.”

Shearn Delamore & Co is respected for its strength in advising clients from the financial services, energy, real estate and technology sectors. The firm comprises of renowned practice groups with exceptional capabilities across a whole range of practice areas including banking, corporate and M&A, construction, employment, intellectual property, competition and tax. Key individuals include Anand Raj for competition and tax, Grace Yeoh for corporate and M&A, Rabindra Nathan for dispute resolution, Karen Abraham for IP, Sivabalah Nadarajah for employment and Ka Im Goh for tax.

Client feedback

“Competence as well as the breadth and depth of ability in the firm. The lawyers that we deal with are good at keeping us briefed/updated and responsive.” – Competition/antitrust

“Ability to identify crucial issues and providing workable solutions to address such issues to the mutual benefit of both parties leading to the successful completion of the acquisition.” – Corporate and M&A

“Experienced senior partners. Thorough and very detailed. Sound and sensible legal advice after digesting the documents and exhibits presented as evidence. Very few errors in the production documents with well written arguments in the contents.” – Dispute resolution

“Quick response and accurate in advice.” – Dispute resolution

“Delivers consistently good service, which brings depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic, and overall, just great to work with.” – Dispute resolution

“They provide efficient, cost-effective business advice. They are prompt, provide clear and concise legal counsel.  And their rates are extremely reasonable.” – Intellectual property

“Clear legal thinking; good teamwork; proactive; and client friendly.” – Intellectual property

“Shearn Delamore is able to provide a professional legal service.” – Intellectual property

“Accessibility, prompt response and professional advice.” – Intellectual property

“They gave practical advice and sought to think outside of the box.” – Intellectual property

“Respond very quickly to inquiries, advice, review of drafts, clear and easy to understand opinions, provides honest advice on repercussions/weakness and clear strategic advice also. Lawyers are friendly easy to discuss matters and value company's views and opinions also. Accepts all cases regardless of the rank of claimant and a senior lawyer provides the advice, does not delegate to a junior lawyer to do so.” – Labour and employment

“Shearn Delamore & Co provides pragmatic solutions to complex legal issues. Especially on employment matters.” – Labour and employment

“Always on top of the matter and able to provide solutions.” – Restructuring and insolvency

“Clear, concise and practical advice, responsive and attentive to needs.” – Tax

“Commercially sensitive solutions and good turnaround time. Good connectivity with other law firms in the region. competitive pricing and quality legal opinion.” – Technology and telecommunications

Karen Abraham

“Karen Abraham is a trail blazer. Vast knowledge, practical and great social skills!”

“Karen is an excellent TM and IP attorney. She is extremely knowledgeable in Malaysian IP law. She is an acknowledged dean of the Malaysian IP Bar. A terrific attorney....”

“Karen is able to provide good insights on enforcement work.”

“She managed the matter well and I felt she was ‘on top of things’. Energetic.”

Rodney Gomez

“Delivers consistently good service, with depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic and overall, just great to work with. Often goes above and beyond the call of duty.”

Datin Jeyanthini

“Patient and a good listener.”

Jimmy Liew

“Attentive, very experienced and has deep knowledge of the law.”

TC (Raymond) Low

“Very experienced, very sound legal knowledge, always quick to revert with advice or comments, always available and very approachable. Pleasant and emphatic.”

Jyeshta Mahendran

“She is accessible, extremely prompt in her responses, professional and very knowledgeable.”

Ned Segaram

“He is proactive and has good knowledge of the facts.”

Indran Shanmuganathan

“Superb advocational skills.”

N Sivabalah

“He explains the position of the law and weighs in the pros and cons before giving his advice on any issues.”

Nicholas Tan

“Quick turnaround time and ability to analyse the issues and providing workable solutions.”

Yoong San (Janet) Toh

“Professional and delivers rapid responses.”

“Experienced IP lawyer with strong commercial acumen.”

Irene Yong

“Clear, concise and practical advice. Responsive and attentive to needs.”

With over 100 years of history, Shook Lin & Bok has a strong presence in the areas of banking and finance, competition, dispute resolution, intellectual property and labour and employment. The firm is valued for its expertise in providing guidance to clients across the financial services and technology and telecommunications sectors. Among many notable practitioners, key partners include Jalalullail Othman for banking and finance, Sin Min Yoong for disputes and Michael Soo for intellectual property. Syed Adam Alhabshi, specialised in banking and finance, joined the firm as partner in April 2022.

Client feedback

“Shook Lin & Bok has professional lawyers who are able to give sound legal advice to the bank in a timely and professional way to assist the bank in defending all legal suits effectively.” – Banking and finance

“Administrative support, a team of paraprofessional or legal assistants who work collaboratively with partners.” – Dispute resolution

“Very thorough in their research and able to give practical solutions.” – Dispute resolution

“Able to provide practical advice and solutions.” – Restructuring and insolvency

Kok Keong Chan

“Knowledgeable, professional and helpful.”

Tien Fen (Victoria) Loi

“Able to set good strategies, very detailed in her research and provide good advice and practical solutions.”

Hooi Huang Ng

“Staying passionate and knowledgeable, act fast and creatively.”

“Hooi Huang is smart but very approachable. Always willing to go extra miles during her course of the matter.”

With long-standing practices and an established reputation in the market, Skrine maintains a robust track record across most practice areas and sectors. The firm’s client base includes state-owned enterprises and major companies from the TMT, financial services, energy, infrastructure and real estate industries. The firm is particularly savvy and active in handling cross-border transactions and disputes across the region. Ivan Loo, Janet Lai Heng Looi, Guan Huat Khoo, Charmayne Poh Yin Ong and Selvamalar Alagaratnam are recommended for construction, corporate and M&A, disputes, intellectual property and technology, and employment law, respectively. Dispute partner Leong Wai Hong departed to the bench as judicial commissioners of the High Court of Malaysia in January 2022.

Client feedback

“Impressed with the depth of knowledge and how the matter was handled.” – Aviation

“Dedicated, responsible and efficient.” – Banking and finance

“Experienced and skilled.” – Banking and finance

“Professional, knowledgeable, efficient, and high quality of work.” – Banking and finance

“Fast and efficient. Provide valuable legal advice.” – Banking and finance

“Good team leaders. Able to provide quick answers and communicate it well to our team.” – Competition/antitrust

“They provided us with thorough advice on the subject matter.” – Corporate and M&A

“They are usually a one-stop centre in terms of any other areas that we may have issues that needs legal advice on. More importantly, they provide very prompt and solid legal advice which is extremely important to us.” – Dispute resolution

“Skrine is an excellent law firm with very good and experienced lawyers. They were very prompt in their responses and proactive in handling the entire matter. The team was knowledgeable and experienced.” – Dispute resolution

“They have demonstrated the expected highest level of expertise, proficiency, skills including availability and ability to meet extremely tight deadlines.” – Dispute resolution

“Skrine consistently structure their advice in a comprehensive and clear manner.” – Intellectual property

“They are very responsive, and very clear communicators. Competent in all ways.” – Intellectual property

“Skrine has exhibited deep transaction experience, mastery of the Malaysian market and high levels of professionalism during the course of the deal. They were also responsive and on the ball, often identifying potential pitfalls pre-emptively. We also benefitted from their familiarity with the local regulatory environment which allowed us to arrive at a structure which closed the gap and enabled the deal to close.” – Private equity

“Out of the box thinking, doesn't follow the herd.” – Regulatory

Kumar Mahadev Ashok

“Very sharp, highly intuitive, responsible and perhaps one of the most important things to say about him is that he is reachable even when he is away on his holidays, should there be an urgent need to consult him. We are most grateful for that.”

Claudia Cheah

“Professional, knowledgeable and efficient.”

Ariel Paul Francine

“She provided thorough advice on the subject matter.”

Sheba Gumis

“Sheba was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and a joy to work with.”

Hafidah Hashim

“Experienced and skilled.”

Guan Huat Khoo

“Attentive, calm, and responsive.”

Ai Hsien Lee

“Ai Hsien is dedicated, responsible and concise in her advice.”

Peh Fern Loo

“Loo is very knowledgeable and experienced and knows her stuff. Loo was very prompt in replying to emails and handled the legal matter very well.”

“She was very professional, prompt and extremely fast on the uptake in terms of the question and scope that we were consulting Skrine on.”

Poh Yin (Charmayne) Ong

“Excellent case management and delivery.”

“She is very responsive, and also has broad knowledge of many legal areas. She has a deep team of specialists and can quickly get the right lawyer you need on a case.”

Aufa Binti Radzi

“Radzi has strong ability to examine thoroughly complex issues and find a solution in a timely, efficient manner. She uses clear, logical steps to understand an issue from all angles before advice. She is also detail-oriented and therefore is capable to foresee areas of difficulties or challenges and address them proactively. Radzi never confuses observations with inferences, and she always separates facts and conjectures. Her advice is always based on clear understanding about the facts. Her advice is generally based on reliable legal doctrine, in-depth knowledge of legal cases and sound understanding of the banking industry legal and regulatory environment. Also, she has the ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively.”

Vijay Raj

“Attentive, efficient, knowledgeable and professional.”

Karen Tan

“Easily accessible.”

Shi Wen Tan

“Able to provide quick solutions and clear information on the topic. Can foresee potential risk management which she was able to assist us in things we would not know about. Her training sessions with our staff were long however it was not very dry allowing our staff to absorb the information during this training sessions.”

“Thinks out of the box and is very knowledgeable about the sector.”

Tay & Partners is a full-service commercial law firm with offices in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. The firm is particularly known for its competition strength and is active in both contentious and advisory matters. The firm also boasts expertise in the aviation and real estate sectors. Nicole Leong and Weng Yew Wong are key partners. Managing partner Beng Chai Tay retired on 30 June 2021.

Client feedback

“They are very responsive, knowledgeable and their fees are mostly reasonable.” – Intellectual property

Intellectual property boutique Wong Jin Nee & Teo provides the full spectrum of services to clients in the creation, protection, portfolio management, enforcement and exploitation of IP and technology. The firm represents many multinational companies in various litigations involving trademark, copyright, designs, patent, confidential information and trade secrets. It also regularly provides compliance advice for clients in the electronics, financial services and consumer goods sectors. Wong Jin Nee, Teo Bong Kwang and Lim Yean Yean are key figures.

Client feedback

“Experienced, knowledgeable, and professional. Also efficient, reliable and expeditious.” – Intellectual property

“They work speedy, and its advice is very helpful.” – Intellectual property

“Wong Jin Nee & Teo is professional, proactive, and highly experienced with IP enforcement solutions throughout Malaysia.” – Intellectual property

Bong Kwang Teo

“Humble, gentle, and decisive.”

Jin Nee Wong

“Experienced, professional, reliable and responsive.”

“Jin Nee is a pro. She is passionate about her work and always delivers. She is the benchmark IP professional.”

Work highlights

Representing Nippon Paint (Malaysia) in defending an alleged claim of trademark and copyright infringement, passing off and unlawful interference with trade.

Advising on the franchise and area development agreements of Loob Holding.

Key clients

Luxottica Group, Shell International and Castrol, Virbac

Highly regarded firm Zaid Ibrahim & Co (a member of ZICO Law) has a sound reputation in the market, particularly for financing, capital markets and corporate work. The firm also provides strong expertise on energy and infrastructure projects, including road, rail and airport developments as well as petrochemical plants and local and offshore renewable energy projects. Lilian Liew, Gilbert Gan, Kee Hooi Wong, Amin Abdul Majid and Boo Seng Ong are key figures for banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A, energy, infrastructure, and IP, respectively.

Client feedback

“Partners are experienced, hands on and accessible and give attention to their clients.” – Capital markets

“Practical, responsive, flexible and prompt.” – Construction

“Good response time, sound legal knowledge, meticulousness and willingness to go the extra mile without asking.” – Intellectual property

Tat King Loo

“Very helpful in dealing our issues. Strong technical knowledge.”

Lillian Liew

“Responsive, knowledgeable, available, and friendly. She is a problem-solver.”

“Top of field service/advice from partner Lilian Liew.”

Caera Lee

“She is knowledgeable in her field, thorough and provides practical solutions. Added plus is that she is also very pleasant to work with.”

Linda Wang

“Sound legal knowledge. You can be assured that she has considered all aspects of the problem before offering a solution.”

Lillian Liew and Sook Kwan Chin

“Experienced on the subject matter, advisory and client management.”

Founded in 1970 by Zain Azahari Zainal Abidin, full-service firm Zain & Co is actively involved in many transactions and projects in the country. It has a diverse corporate and banking and finance practice, assisting clients on a range of M&A, private equity and financing mandates. The firm is also well versed in the energy, infrastructure and real estate sectors. Salwah Abdul Shukor is a key corporate partner at the firm. Since 2018, the firm is a member of Dentons and has access to its support network across 170 locations in over 70 countries.

Client feedback

“Zain & Co is reactive, flexible, and efficient which makes it the perfect firm for international clients.” – Banking and finance

“The senior partner and team are always reachable, the advice given is clear and easily understood. It can be seen that the firm really cares about protecting its client's interests.” – Construction

“They were astute, highly strategic and very approachable.” – Dispute resolution

“Zain & Co provides comprehensive legal advice. They are extremely prompt and provide practical legal advice. They take the time to understand the client's business model and practical concerns and needs before giving the legal advice. They are subject matter experts and have always been our go-to legal advisor in the country. Very reasonable and competitive legal fees.” – Labour and employment

“Good knowledge in PE/VC related laws.” – Private equity

Sharmini Durai

“She provides very practical legal advice and is extremely responsive. She has strong knowledge of the law, industry and the client's business.”

Sze Ngiam (Pauline) Poi

“Responsive, knowledgeable and speedy.”

Vatsala Ratnasabapathy

“Very fluent in the field of law, able to strategise and advise in the best interest of the client.”

“Vatsala Ratnasabapathy is one astute strategist with strong ability to bridge the technical/commercial elements and the legal aspects behind every issue in achieving the best possible outcomes. She would actively engage with our relevant business units and each issue would be presented in a big picture with myriad of options and the expected (legal and commercial) consequences of each, which then helped to facilitate our decision-making process. The experience she has and the way she managed our issues exuded confidence that we were in good hands, and in most (if not all) instances, resulted in favourable outcomes to us. She made sure that every other aspect of the dispute is well taken care of -from being responsive and attentive to queries and providing regular and timely updates that helped us to apprise our management and obtain relevant decisions expeditiously. Without hesitation, she is perhaps the best construction and dispute resolution lawyer in town that provides the combination of excellent legal solutions as well as great customer experience.”

“Vatsala Ratnasabapathy quickly understood the complex issues at hand and provided exemplary advice in the various disputes. She has a deep wealth of knowledge and an ability to resolve urgent matters effectively. Her ability to see many steps ahead was incredibly impressive, problems that would have otherwise arisen were nipped straightaway in the bud. In summary, I found her to be indisputably the best litigation lawyer in Malaysia.”

“Senior counsel Vatsala Ratnasabapathy's positive attributes are that she was extremely quick to grasp complex concepts that arose and was able to give the best possible advice in the various disputes. Her knowledge base is vast, which resulted in a quick and efficient resolution of urgent matters. She is able to pre-empt problems by seeing the various potential outcomes and taking action before any problems actually arose. She is the best litigation lawyer I have had the good fortune to deal with.”

“She is hardworking and an experienced lawyer. She articulates the legal position and facts well in the submission with her experiences and knowledge on the subject matter.”

Anita Sockalingam

“Anita Sockalingam is a very competent and reactive professional. She was always responsive and available. She took the time to explain the specificities of Malaysian law. She goes the extra mile for her clients, and this had a positive impact on the outcome of our case.”

In June 2018, Chooi & Company and Cheang & Ariff merged to form a firm well recognised and lauded for its wide-ranging offering including corporate, finance, dispute resolution and IP practices. Its expertise in cross-border disputes attracts a variety of work from state-owned enterprises and multinationals. The firm is particularly active in serving clients in the consumer goods and services sector including food and beverage, fashion brands and electronics. Key partners include Ming Li Tan for capital markets and corporate and M&A, Christopher Leong for dispute resolution and Joo Seong (Cindy) Goh for IP.

Client feedback

“Good opinions and arguments for litigation cases.” – Dispute resolution

“Very responsive and provides prompt updates, strong commercial understanding, consistently provide high quality service.” – Dispute resolution

“The firm understands the nature of the client's business and is able to provide solutions that enable the business. Their speed and accuracy in rendering legal advice is one of their strongest attributes.” – Dispute resolution

“Highly skilled with invaluable in-depth knowledge of IP litigation laws and practice. Provides excellent, sound and honest advice, which is what a client needs to hear.” – Intellectual property

“The firm scores high in terms of responsiveness as well as strategising the matter at hand, to the best of our interest as its client.” – Intellectual property

“Meticulous and thorough in preparation for cases.” – Real estate

“Understanding the client's needs and thinking out of the box for solutions. They have a wide depth of knowledge.” – Real estate

Pei Ying (Janet) Chai

“When Janet handles our matters, we know that the outcome would be a positive outcome. Advice is rendered quickly, always available to answer the client's queries and always meets the deadlines.”

Andrew Fernandez

“Thorough and meticulous.”

Brian Foong

“Good and experienced litigation lawyer. Good in court procedures and advocacy in court.”

Joo Seong (Cindy) Goh

“Very responsive and accommodating. Strong business acumen and provides business-oriented solutions. Good communication skills and is always able to understand our needs. Firm grasp of the law.”

“Very professional. Leading lawyer in this field.”

“Highly skilled with invaluable in-depth knowledge of IP litigation laws and practice. Provides excellent, sound and honest advice - what a client needs to hear.”

“Cindy is very personable and is dedicated to ensuring that she allocates time to engage in a discussion on legal issues/concerns that you may have, and this has always been done with a sense of urgency, a virtue which we appreciate very much.”

Donovan Cheah and Shawn Ho head labour and employment specialist firm Donovan & Ho. It is recognised by the market for its work for both employees and employers on issues relating to employment contracts, compliance, termination, management of employees and unfair dismissal claims. The firm is also noted for its expertise in corporate and M&A.

Client feedback

“They are very grounded and have always managed my expectations well.” – Labour and employment

Dispute resolution specialist firm Gan Partnership is a new entrant to the asialaw ranking tables. Apart from general disputes, the firm also has substantial strength in construction, IP, and in labour and employment. Key figures include Khong Aik Gan for commercial disputes and Joon Liang Foo for construction.

Client feedback

“Proactive, quick response. Partner is knowledgeable. Associate is efficient and decisive in handling.” – Construction

“Very focused, closely communicated and effectively obtained information, facts and evidence from me. Clear direction and I am well informed! Well prepared in court and deliver precisely!” – Dispute resolution

“Responsive, very reasonably priced, approachable with excellent results.” – Intellectual property

“Team player; fast with responses; efficient and understands our global business.” – Intellectual property

“Clear and effective legal advice. Timely and responsive to all inquiries. Helpful in explaining Malaysian employment and labour laws.” – Labour and employment

Khong Aik Gan

“Khong Aik is a very knowledgeable lawyer who provides clear and effective legal advice on all matters presented. He is a trusted advisor of our company and knows our business.”

Khong Aik Gan and Mei Yee Kang

“Very focused and attentive; clear direction and well informed; vast knowledge and experience! Effectively understands the problem.”

Zhi Jian Lim

“Thinks on his feet with good problem-solving skills.”

Min Lee Tan

“Knowledgeable, proactive, and customer focused.”

Bahari Yeow

“The go-to lawyer in Malaysia for IP work.”

A staple of the Malaysia market, legal powerhouse Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill elicits prestige owing to its rich history and earns plaudits based on its novel solutions; the firm’s bench is stocked top-to-bottom with talent ranging from senior statesmen to up-and-comers, all of whom elicit praise from peers and clients. The firm has distinguished practices in banking and finance, construction, dispute resolution, employment and tax. It counts many international corporations among its clients and offers in-depth expertise across various sectors including real estate and technology.

Client feedback

“Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill (LHAG) provides professional services, immediate responses and always meets clients’ needs.” – Construction

“My comments below are generally based on my dealing with Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill for one adjudication and expected arbitration for a huge construction project in Malaysia. LHAG’s positive attributes and what makes the firm excellent are its strengths and key capabilities as follows: It has good lawyers specialised in various fields such as specialists in adjudication including under the Malaysian Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act, in arbitration for construction contracts etc; it is a sizeable company and is able to take on big jobs; they are very knowledgeable and able to think out of the box in providing sound strategies and advice; and they are client-oriented or customer-focussed and negotiable.” – Construction

“Client-focus is excellent; they take timelines very seriously and are never tardy; advice is always strategic and well-thought through; they go the extra mile for the client.” – Construction

“They are very knowledgeable and provide better advisory in terms of strategy. Their advisory is very informative and relatable to the current era.” – Dispute resolution

“Effective delivery of services, prompt update and high-quality legal services.” – Dispute resolution

“Cooperative and provide lots of resources and information on dispute resolution.” – Dispute resolution

“Extensive knowledge and experience in Malaysia contract law; excellent understanding of client needs and interest; attention to details in contract drafting; good explanations in layman terms on contractual matters; proactive in assisting client to expedite the contract execution process; quick turnaround with queries and draft amendment.” – Real estate

Mun Yew Chan

“He is very responsive when we seek advice on the issues. His knowledge is undeniable. When he addressed advice, the advice given addressed the issues that we raised with him.”

“Knowledgeable and easy to reach. He has given lots of advice on dispute resolution and strategies on managing the matter.”

“Knowledgeable and responsive to enquiry.”

Shariffullah Majeed

“Advises clearly on guidelines for any industrial relation cases.”

Darshendev Singh

“Darshendev Singh's positive attributes and what makes him exceptional, stand out and different from competitors are his qualities, as below: He is very knowledgeable in his fields; he is very detailed or meticulous in covering all issues of contention/all angles/all arguments; he always endeavours his best for the clients; he is able to think out of the box in forming strategies and giving his professional opinion.”

Zhen Ning Soh

“Very attentive and has in-depth knowledge in relevant jurisdictions. Professional services provided and always meets expectation of clients.”

Steven Tee

“Client management skills are excellent. He has deep knowledge of the subject matter he handles. Strong but diplomatic negotiation skills. He is solution-driven and can adjust strategies and drafting according to fluid circumstances.”

“Good communication skills; quick turnaround and accessible; strong knowledge of Malaysia contract and industrial laws.”

Wai Chin (Crystal) Wong

“She is such a nice person and such a great lawyer. My judgement is based on the cooperation with her for nearly two years. She helps our company a lot with her legal professionalism.”

Raja Darryl & Loh is frequently sought out by technology start-ups and other established companies for its extensive expertise in financial technology and digital banking. It is also experienced in various transactions including aviation finance, M&A, joint ventures and equity capital markets. With its robust disputes practice, the firm is active in various contentious matters, including antitrust, construction, employment and tax cases. Phye Keat Chew, Choon Hon Leng, Raja Eileen Soraya, Ravindra Kumar Rengasamy, Vijey Mohana Krishnan and Tong Lai Ling are recommended for competition, construction, dispute resolution, employment, tax and technology, respectively.

Client feedback

“Solution-oriented, industry knowledge, analysis of grey areas.” – Banking and finance

“They were able to provide well rounded advice aside from the documentation as well.” – Banking and finance

“Optimistic and professional in handling issues and people.” – Construction

“Raja Darryl & Loh (RDL) drafted thoroughly on terms of the contracts and in such a way protecting our rights and interest and raised considerations which had not been foreseen by us.” – Corporate and M&A

“Very professional.” – Dispute resolution

“Experienced firm to give advice on competition law issues, tactical to deal with shareholders, provide good, practical and sound advice.” – Insurance

“Prompt response and sound advice.” – Intellectual property

“Experience and able to provide a wide range of advice.” – Intellectual property

“Prompt response and attention to detail.” – Labour and employment

“I find them to be extremely knowledgeable as well as always responsive to our requirements. They are able to quickly grasp the requirements and provide their viewpoints with supporting legal basis.” – Labour and employment

“Expert in the area of medicolegal and confident when it comes to handling the regulatory affairs.” – Regulatory

Phye Kiat Chew

“Experienced, responsive and provide sound advice.”

Mei Mei Chong

“Problem solver with industry knowledge and firm grasp of law and regulations required for this.”

“Her ability to understand our requirements comprehensively enabled us to complete our product development in a timely manner.”

“She has provided legal opinions and good guidelines on legal issues for laymen.”

Hon Leng Choon

“Professional with excellent communication skills.”

“Deep knowledge of the TMT industry coupled with years of litigation experience particularly in giving insight to strategising and ultimately problem solving.”

Himin Ng

“She is always actively engaging in her works and follows up closely with the client proactively. Deadlines of filing and submission of documents are always adhered to.”

Yvonne Ong

“Prompt response and sound advice.”

“Very commercially minded and good innovative solutions.”

Raja Eileen Soraya

“She is very humble despite being very knowledgeable. Listens well and provides constructive feedback and solutions.”

Chu Wei Tai

“Professional, pleasant, competent and responsive.”

Li Vyen Tham

“Sharp and accommodating. Willing to explore solution with business and spend time understanding operation.”

“Li Vyen is very client centric and always makes herself available at short notice. If she is caught up with another engagement, she manages our expectation and will have another support assigned with her working in the background. She is also creative and always provides a balanced perspective.”

“She is able to position and structure our interests based on feedback provided.”

William Wong

“William Wong is sharp, approachable and provides sound advice even before the client asks for it. Meetings won't run overtime and objectives are always achieved. His time management is impeccable, in a sense that we always know we are a priority despite him having other files at hand.”

Vijey Mohana Krishnan and William Wong

“They are experts in tax matters and often provide sound commercial and tactical advice in maneuvering the case, foreseeing and preparing for the next 10 steps ahead in all possible avenues.”

With over 100 years of history, Shook Lin & Bok has a strong presence in the areas of banking and finance, competition, dispute resolution, intellectual property and labour and employment. The firm is valued for its expertise in providing guidance to clients across the financial services and technology and telecommunications sectors. Among many notable practitioners, key partners include Jalalullail Othman for banking and finance, Sin Min Yoong for disputes and Michael Soo for intellectual property. Syed Adam Alhabshi, specialised in banking and finance, joined the firm as partner in April 2022.

Client feedback

“Shook Lin & Bok has professional lawyers who are able to give sound legal advice to the bank in a timely and professional way to assist the bank in defending all legal suits effectively.” – Banking and finance

“Administrative support, a team of paraprofessional or legal assistants who work collaboratively with partners.” – Dispute resolution

“Very thorough in their research and able to give practical solutions.” – Dispute resolution

“Able to provide practical advice and solutions.” – Restructuring and insolvency

Kok Keong Chan

“Knowledgeable, professional and helpful.”

Tien Fen (Victoria) Loi

“Able to set good strategies, very detailed in her research and provide good advice and practical solutions.”

Hooi Huang Ng

“Staying passionate and knowledgeable, act fast and creatively.”

“Hooi Huang is smart but very approachable. Always willing to go extra miles during her course of the matter.”

With long-standing practices and an established reputation in the market, Skrine maintains a robust track record across most practice areas and sectors. The firm’s client base includes state-owned enterprises and major companies from the TMT, financial services, energy, infrastructure and real estate industries. The firm is particularly savvy and active in handling cross-border transactions and disputes across the region. Ivan Loo, Janet Lai Heng Looi, Guan Huat Khoo, Charmayne Poh Yin Ong and Selvamalar Alagaratnam are recommended for construction, corporate and M&A, disputes, intellectual property and technology, and employment law, respectively. Dispute partner Leong Wai Hong departed to the bench as judicial commissioners of the High Court of Malaysia in January 2022.

Client feedback

“Impressed with the depth of knowledge and how the matter was handled.” – Aviation

“Dedicated, responsible and efficient.” – Banking and finance

“Experienced and skilled.” – Banking and finance

“Professional, knowledgeable, efficient, and high quality of work.” – Banking and finance

“Fast and efficient. Provide valuable legal advice.” – Banking and finance

“Good team leaders. Able to provide quick answers and communicate it well to our team.” – Competition/antitrust

“They provided us with thorough advice on the subject matter.” – Corporate and M&A

“They are usually a one-stop centre in terms of any other areas that we may have issues that needs legal advice on. More importantly, they provide very prompt and solid legal advice which is extremely important to us.” – Dispute resolution

“Skrine is an excellent law firm with very good and experienced lawyers. They were very prompt in their responses and proactive in handling the entire matter. The team was knowledgeable and experienced.” – Dispute resolution

“They have demonstrated the expected highest level of expertise, proficiency, skills including availability and ability to meet extremely tight deadlines.” – Dispute resolution

“Skrine consistently structure their advice in a comprehensive and clear manner.” – Intellectual property

“They are very responsive, and very clear communicators. Competent in all ways.” – Intellectual property

“Skrine has exhibited deep transaction experience, mastery of the Malaysian market and high levels of professionalism during the course of the deal. They were also responsive and on the ball, often identifying potential pitfalls pre-emptively. We also benefitted from their familiarity with the local regulatory environment which allowed us to arrive at a structure which closed the gap and enabled the deal to close.” – Private equity

“Out of the box thinking, doesn't follow the herd.” – Regulatory

Kumar Mahadev Ashok

“Very sharp, highly intuitive, responsible and perhaps one of the most important things to say about him is that he is reachable even when he is away on his holidays, should there be an urgent need to consult him. We are most grateful for that.”

Claudia Cheah

“Professional, knowledgeable and efficient.”

Ariel Paul Francine

“She provided thorough advice on the subject matter.”

Sheba Gumis

“Sheba was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and a joy to work with.”

Hafidah Hashim

“Experienced and skilled.”

Guan Huat Khoo

“Attentive, calm, and responsive.”

Ai Hsien Lee

“Ai Hsien is dedicated, responsible and concise in her advice.”

Peh Fern Loo

“Loo is very knowledgeable and experienced and knows her stuff. Loo was very prompt in replying to emails and handled the legal matter very well.”

“She was very professional, prompt and extremely fast on the uptake in terms of the question and scope that we were consulting Skrine on.”

Poh Yin (Charmayne) Ong

“Excellent case management and delivery.”

“She is very responsive, and also has broad knowledge of many legal areas. She has a deep team of specialists and can quickly get the right lawyer you need on a case.”

Aufa Binti Radzi

“Radzi has strong ability to examine thoroughly complex issues and find a solution in a timely, efficient manner. She uses clear, logical steps to understand an issue from all angles before advice. She is also detail-oriented and therefore is capable to foresee areas of difficulties or challenges and address them proactively. Radzi never confuses observations with inferences, and she always separates facts and conjectures. Her advice is always based on clear understanding about the facts. Her advice is generally based on reliable legal doctrine, in-depth knowledge of legal cases and sound understanding of the banking industry legal and regulatory environment. Also, she has the ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively.”

Vijay Raj

“Attentive, efficient, knowledgeable and professional.”

Karen Tan

“Easily accessible.”

Shi Wen Tan

“Able to provide quick solutions and clear information on the topic. Can foresee potential risk management which she was able to assist us in things we would not know about. Her training sessions with our staff were long however it was not very dry allowing our staff to absorb the information during this training sessions.”

“Thinks out of the box and is very knowledgeable about the sector.”

Tay & Partners is a full-service commercial law firm with offices in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. The firm is particularly known for its competition strength and is active in both contentious and advisory matters. The firm also boasts expertise in the aviation and real estate sectors. Nicole Leong and Weng Yew Wong are key partners. Managing partner Beng Chai Tay retired on 30 June 2021.

Client feedback

“They are very responsive, knowledgeable and their fees are mostly reasonable.” – Intellectual property

Zul Rafique & Partners maintains a sweet spot in the market for its banking and finance, capital markets, construction and employment expertise. It has a standout banking practice, highly respected for its handling of complex debt restructuring, asset-backed securities, Islamic and project finance. The firm is also skilled in debt capital markets work, particularly with sukuks. Mei Mei Loh and Jayasingam Poopalasingam are key partners for banking and finance and labour and employment respectively. Partner Ai Leen Tang departed to Wong & Partners in December 2020.

Client feedback

“They complete the transaction efficiently and effectively. Always deliver high quality standard work and are very professional. Deliver responses swiftly and within expectations.” – Capital markets

“We are very pleased with their performance.” – Construction

“Good advice and strategy.” – Dispute resolution

“Very professional with impressive analytical skill, resources to research, flexibility. They are also approachable.” – Labour and employment

“Very quick response with detailed advice.” – Labour and employment

Kwan Hoe Chan

“Good quality of deliverables and professionalism.”

Shu Shuen (Susan) Tan

“Concise and positive.”

Keat Ching Wong

“Knowledgeable, fast thinking, and thorough.”

Thavaselvi Pararajasingam

“Very knowledgeable in industrial relations matters, prompt response and very professional.”

Thavaselvi Pararajasingam and P Jayasingam

“Knowledgeable, experienced, detailed and professional.”

A staple of the Malaysia market, legal powerhouse Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill elicits prestige owing to its rich history and earns plaudits based on its novel solutions; the firm’s bench is stocked top-to-bottom with talent ranging from senior statesmen to up-and-comers, all of whom elicit praise from peers and clients. The firm has distinguished practices in banking and finance, construction, dispute resolution, employment and tax. It counts many international corporations among its clients and offers in-depth expertise across various sectors including real estate and technology.

Client feedback

“Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill (LHAG) provides professional services, immediate responses and always meets clients’ needs.” – Construction

“My comments below are generally based on my dealing with Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill for one adjudication and expected arbitration for a huge construction project in Malaysia. LHAG’s positive attributes and what makes the firm excellent are its strengths and key capabilities as follows: It has good lawyers specialised in various fields such as specialists in adjudication including under the Malaysian Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act, in arbitration for construction contracts etc; it is a sizeable company and is able to take on big jobs; they are very knowledgeable and able to think out of the box in providing sound strategies and advice; and they are client-oriented or customer-focussed and negotiable.” – Construction

“Client-focus is excellent; they take timelines very seriously and are never tardy; advice is always strategic and well-thought through; they go the extra mile for the client.” – Construction

“They are very knowledgeable and provide better advisory in terms of strategy. Their advisory is very informative and relatable to the current era.” – Dispute resolution

“Effective delivery of services, prompt update and high-quality legal services.” – Dispute resolution

“Cooperative and provide lots of resources and information on dispute resolution.” – Dispute resolution

“Extensive knowledge and experience in Malaysia contract law; excellent understanding of client needs and interest; attention to details in contract drafting; good explanations in layman terms on contractual matters; proactive in assisting client to expedite the contract execution process; quick turnaround with queries and draft amendment.” – Real estate

Mun Yew Chan

“He is very responsive when we seek advice on the issues. His knowledge is undeniable. When he addressed advice, the advice given addressed the issues that we raised with him.”

“Knowledgeable and easy to reach. He has given lots of advice on dispute resolution and strategies on managing the matter.”

“Knowledgeable and responsive to enquiry.”

Shariffullah Majeed

“Advises clearly on guidelines for any industrial relation cases.”

Darshendev Singh

“Darshendev Singh's positive attributes and what makes him exceptional, stand out and different from competitors are his qualities, as below: He is very knowledgeable in his fields; he is very detailed or meticulous in covering all issues of contention/all angles/all arguments; he always endeavours his best for the clients; he is able to think out of the box in forming strategies and giving his professional opinion.”

Zhen Ning Soh

“Very attentive and has in-depth knowledge in relevant jurisdictions. Professional services provided and always meets expectation of clients.”

Steven Tee

“Client management skills are excellent. He has deep knowledge of the subject matter he handles. Strong but diplomatic negotiation skills. He is solution-driven and can adjust strategies and drafting according to fluid circumstances.”

“Good communication skills; quick turnaround and accessible; strong knowledge of Malaysia contract and industrial laws.”

Wai Chin (Crystal) Wong

“She is such a nice person and such a great lawyer. My judgement is based on the cooperation with her for nearly two years. She helps our company a lot with her legal professionalism.”

Founded in 1970 by Zain Azahari Zainal Abidin, full-service firm Zain & Co is actively involved in many transactions and projects in the country. It has a diverse corporate and banking and finance practice, assisting clients on a range of M&A, private equity and financing mandates. The firm is also well versed in the energy, infrastructure and real estate sectors. Salwah Abdul Shukor is a key corporate partner at the firm. Since 2018, the firm is a member of Dentons and has access to its support network across 170 locations in over 70 countries.

Client feedback

“Zain & Co is reactive, flexible, and efficient which makes it the perfect firm for international clients.” – Banking and finance

“The senior partner and team are always reachable, the advice given is clear and easily understood. It can be seen that the firm really cares about protecting its client's interests.” – Construction

“They were astute, highly strategic and very approachable.” – Dispute resolution

“Zain & Co provides comprehensive legal advice. They are extremely prompt and provide practical legal advice. They take the time to understand the client's business model and practical concerns and needs before giving the legal advice. They are subject matter experts and have always been our go-to legal advisor in the country. Very reasonable and competitive legal fees.” – Labour and employment

“Good knowledge in PE/VC related laws.” – Private equity

Sharmini Durai

“She provides very practical legal advice and is extremely responsive. She has strong knowledge of the law, industry and the client's business.”

Sze Ngiam (Pauline) Poi

“Responsive, knowledgeable and speedy.”

Vatsala Ratnasabapathy

“Very fluent in the field of law, able to strategise and advise in the best interest of the client.”

“Vatsala Ratnasabapathy is one astute strategist with strong ability to bridge the technical/commercial elements and the legal aspects behind every issue in achieving the best possible outcomes. She would actively engage with our relevant business units and each issue would be presented in a big picture with myriad of options and the expected (legal and commercial) consequences of each, which then helped to facilitate our decision-making process. The experience she has and the way she managed our issues exuded confidence that we were in good hands, and in most (if not all) instances, resulted in favourable outcomes to us. She made sure that every other aspect of the dispute is well taken care of -from being responsive and attentive to queries and providing regular and timely updates that helped us to apprise our management and obtain relevant decisions expeditiously. Without hesitation, she is perhaps the best construction and dispute resolution lawyer in town that provides the combination of excellent legal solutions as well as great customer experience.”

“Vatsala Ratnasabapathy quickly understood the complex issues at hand and provided exemplary advice in the various disputes. She has a deep wealth of knowledge and an ability to resolve urgent matters effectively. Her ability to see many steps ahead was incredibly impressive, problems that would have otherwise arisen were nipped straightaway in the bud. In summary, I found her to be indisputably the best litigation lawyer in Malaysia.”

“Senior counsel Vatsala Ratnasabapathy's positive attributes are that she was extremely quick to grasp complex concepts that arose and was able to give the best possible advice in the various disputes. Her knowledge base is vast, which resulted in a quick and efficient resolution of urgent matters. She is able to pre-empt problems by seeing the various potential outcomes and taking action before any problems actually arose. She is the best litigation lawyer I have had the good fortune to deal with.”

“She is hardworking and an experienced lawyer. She articulates the legal position and facts well in the submission with her experiences and knowledge on the subject matter.”

Anita Sockalingam

“Anita Sockalingam is a very competent and reactive professional. She was always responsive and available. She took the time to explain the specificities of Malaysian law. She goes the extra mile for her clients, and this had a positive impact on the outcome of our case.”

Zul Rafique & Partners maintains a sweet spot in the market for its banking and finance, capital markets, construction and employment expertise. It has a standout banking practice, highly respected for its handling of complex debt restructuring, asset-backed securities, Islamic and project finance. The firm is also skilled in debt capital markets work, particularly with sukuks. Mei Mei Loh and Jayasingam Poopalasingam are key partners for banking and finance and labour and employment respectively. Partner Ai Leen Tang departed to Wong & Partners in December 2020.

Client feedback

“They complete the transaction efficiently and effectively. Always deliver high quality standard work and are very professional. Deliver responses swiftly and within expectations.” – Capital markets

“We are very pleased with their performance.” – Construction

“Good advice and strategy.” – Dispute resolution

“Very professional with impressive analytical skill, resources to research, flexibility. They are also approachable.” – Labour and employment

“Very quick response with detailed advice.” – Labour and employment

Kwan Hoe Chan

“Good quality of deliverables and professionalism.”

Shu Shuen (Susan) Tan

“Concise and positive.”

Keat Ching Wong

“Knowledgeable, fast thinking, and thorough.”

Thavaselvi Pararajasingam

“Very knowledgeable in industrial relations matters, prompt response and very professional.”

Thavaselvi Pararajasingam and P Jayasingam

“Knowledgeable, experienced, detailed and professional.”

Lim Chee Wee Partnership generated immediate buzz upon its formation two years ago, and not without justification. The litigation boutique was founded by star litigators from Skrine. The well-versed team handles disputes across the full spectrum of commercial law, in addition to strong practices in insolvency, regulatory, and fraud and anti-corruption. Senior partner Lim Chee Wee, managing partner Lee Shih and partner Kwan Will Sen are key figures.

Client feedback

“User friendly; accurate and timely advice; personal touch.” – Dispute resolution

“Sound advice and strong research.” – Dispute resolution

“Lim Chee Wee Partnership provides practical legal advice. They are very attentive to its clients and reachable. Works well under pressure. Charges reasonably.” – Dispute resolution

“Highly responsive, commercial and reliable pair of hands in Malaysia.” – Restructuring and insolvency

“The firm has strong partner involvement in files and are very innovative in terms of approach. Furthermore, the partners are easily contactable and accessible if required for urgent advice.” – Restructuring and insolvency

“Good knowledge of law; great strategy and approach to tackle the legal issues; and deliverable.” – Restructuring and insolvency

Geraldine Goon

“Contactable where advise is required on an urgent basis.”

Nathalie Ker

“Receptive to feedback; attentive to client; easy to work with.”

Lee Shih

“Experts on Malaysian law; highly responsive; and familiar with the local market.”

“Very innovative and unafraid of trying new approaches. Strong legal knowledge as well.”

“Lee Shih is an up-and-coming restructuring name in Malaysia having worked on substantial deals and making new laws along the way.”

Will Sen Kwan and Chee Wee (Kelvin) Lim

“Direct and positive decision and approach. Research on similar cases and apply on in.”

Work highlights

Acting for Boustead Naval Shipyard and a direct subsidiary of the public listed Boustead Holdings, a diversified Malaysian business conglomerate belonging to the Armed Forces Provident Fund, on the restructuring of its debts by way of a scheme of arrangement. This case concerns the restructuring of debts for the subsidiary of one of the leading government-linked companies in Malaysia, with the majority shareholding being the Armed Forces Provident Fund.

Key clients

Cryptopia, Prestariang SKIN

Raja Darryl & Loh is frequently sought out by technology start-ups and other established companies for its extensive expertise in financial technology and digital banking. It is also experienced in various transactions including aviation finance, M&A, joint ventures and equity capital markets. With its robust disputes practice, the firm is active in various contentious matters, including antitrust, construction, employment and tax cases. Phye Keat Chew, Choon Hon Leng, Raja Eileen Soraya, Ravindra Kumar Rengasamy, Vijey Mohana Krishnan and Tong Lai Ling are recommended for competition, construction, dispute resolution, employment, tax and technology, respectively.

Client feedback

“Solution-oriented, industry knowledge, analysis of grey areas.” – Banking and finance

“They were able to provide well rounded advice aside from the documentation as well.” – Banking and finance

“Optimistic and professional in handling issues and people.” – Construction

“Raja Darryl & Loh (RDL) drafted thoroughly on terms of the contracts and in such a way protecting our rights and interest and raised considerations which had not been foreseen by us.” – Corporate and M&A

“Very professional.” – Dispute resolution

“Experienced firm to give advice on competition law issues, tactical to deal with shareholders, provide good, practical and sound advice.” – Insurance

“Prompt response and sound advice.” – Intellectual property

“Experience and able to provide a wide range of advice.” – Intellectual property

“Prompt response and attention to detail.” – Labour and employment

“I find them to be extremely knowledgeable as well as always responsive to our requirements. They are able to quickly grasp the requirements and provide their viewpoints with supporting legal basis.” – Labour and employment

“Expert in the area of medicolegal and confident when it comes to handling the regulatory affairs.” – Regulatory

Phye Kiat Chew

“Experienced, responsive and provide sound advice.”

Mei Mei Chong

“Problem solver with industry knowledge and firm grasp of law and regulations required for this.”

“Her ability to understand our requirements comprehensively enabled us to complete our product development in a timely manner.”

“She has provided legal opinions and good guidelines on legal issues for laymen.”

Hon Leng Choon

“Professional with excellent communication skills.”

“Deep knowledge of the TMT industry coupled with years of litigation experience particularly in giving insight to strategising and ultimately problem solving.”

Himin Ng

“She is always actively engaging in her works and follows up closely with the client proactively. Deadlines of filing and submission of documents are always adhered to.”

Yvonne Ong

“Prompt response and sound advice.”

“Very commercially minded and good innovative solutions.”

Raja Eileen Soraya

“She is very humble despite being very knowledgeable. Listens well and provides constructive feedback and solutions.”

Chu Wei Tai

“Professional, pleasant, competent and responsive.”

Li Vyen Tham

“Sharp and accommodating. Willing to explore solution with business and spend time understanding operation.”

“Li Vyen is very client centric and always makes herself available at short notice. If she is caught up with another engagement, she manages our expectation and will have another support assigned with her working in the background. She is also creative and always provides a balanced perspective.”

“She is able to position and structure our interests based on feedback provided.”

William Wong

“William Wong is sharp, approachable and provides sound advice even before the client asks for it. Meetings won't run overtime and objectives are always achieved. His time management is impeccable, in a sense that we always know we are a priority despite him having other files at hand.”

Vijey Mohana Krishnan and William Wong

“They are experts in tax matters and often provide sound commercial and tactical advice in maneuvering the case, foreseeing and preparing for the next 10 steps ahead in all possible avenues.”

Shearn Delamore & Co is respected for its strength in advising clients from the financial services, energy, real estate and technology sectors. The firm comprises of renowned practice groups with exceptional capabilities across a whole range of practice areas including banking, corporate and M&A, construction, employment, intellectual property, competition and tax. Key individuals include Anand Raj for competition and tax, Grace Yeoh for corporate and M&A, Rabindra Nathan for dispute resolution, Karen Abraham for IP, Sivabalah Nadarajah for employment and Ka Im Goh for tax.

Client feedback

“Competence as well as the breadth and depth of ability in the firm. The lawyers that we deal with are good at keeping us briefed/updated and responsive.” – Competition/antitrust

“Ability to identify crucial issues and providing workable solutions to address such issues to the mutual benefit of both parties leading to the successful completion of the acquisition.” – Corporate and M&A

“Experienced senior partners. Thorough and very detailed. Sound and sensible legal advice after digesting the documents and exhibits presented as evidence. Very few errors in the production documents with well written arguments in the contents.” – Dispute resolution

“Quick response and accurate in advice.” – Dispute resolution

“Delivers consistently good service, which brings depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic, and overall, just great to work with.” – Dispute resolution

“They provide efficient, cost-effective business advice. They are prompt, provide clear and concise legal counsel.  And their rates are extremely reasonable.” – Intellectual property

“Clear legal thinking; good teamwork; proactive; and client friendly.” – Intellectual property

“Shearn Delamore is able to provide a professional legal service.” – Intellectual property

“Accessibility, prompt response and professional advice.” – Intellectual property

“They gave practical advice and sought to think outside of the box.” – Intellectual property

“Respond very quickly to inquiries, advice, review of drafts, clear and easy to understand opinions, provides honest advice on repercussions/weakness and clear strategic advice also. Lawyers are friendly easy to discuss matters and value company's views and opinions also. Accepts all cases regardless of the rank of claimant and a senior lawyer provides the advice, does not delegate to a junior lawyer to do so.” – Labour and employment

“Shearn Delamore & Co provides pragmatic solutions to complex legal issues. Especially on employment matters.” – Labour and employment

“Always on top of the matter and able to provide solutions.” – Restructuring and insolvency

“Clear, concise and practical advice, responsive and attentive to needs.” – Tax

“Commercially sensitive solutions and good turnaround time. Good connectivity with other law firms in the region. competitive pricing and quality legal opinion.” – Technology and telecommunications

Karen Abraham

“Karen Abraham is a trail blazer. Vast knowledge, practical and great social skills!”

“Karen is an excellent TM and IP attorney. She is extremely knowledgeable in Malaysian IP law. She is an acknowledged dean of the Malaysian IP Bar. A terrific attorney....”

“Karen is able to provide good insights on enforcement work.”

“She managed the matter well and I felt she was ‘on top of things’. Energetic.”

Rodney Gomez

“Delivers consistently good service, with depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic and overall, just great to work with. Often goes above and beyond the call of duty.”

Datin Jeyanthini

“Patient and a good listener.”

Jimmy Liew

“Attentive, very experienced and has deep knowledge of the law.”

TC (Raymond) Low

“Very experienced, very sound legal knowledge, always quick to revert with advice or comments, always available and very approachable. Pleasant and emphatic.”

Jyeshta Mahendran

“She is accessible, extremely prompt in her responses, professional and very knowledgeable.”

Ned Segaram

“He is proactive and has good knowledge of the facts.”

Indran Shanmuganathan

“Superb advocational skills.”

N Sivabalah

“He explains the position of the law and weighs in the pros and cons before giving his advice on any issues.”

Nicholas Tan

“Quick turnaround time and ability to analyse the issues and providing workable solutions.”

Yoong San (Janet) Toh

“Professional and delivers rapid responses.”

“Experienced IP lawyer with strong commercial acumen.”

Irene Yong

“Clear, concise and practical advice. Responsive and attentive to needs.”