Christopher & Lee Ong

Christopher & Lee Ong is well-known for its profound understanding and experience of the legal, technical and commercial intricacies involved in construction in Malaysia. “Christopher Lee is the main construction lawyer in the country,” says a rival partner. Lee advised Janakuasa and Janakuasa Vietnam on a $2.1 billion project to construct a coal-fired power plant. He was also involved in the RM9 billion extension of a light rail transit system.

“Christopher & Lee Ong is a strong rising star firm,” notes one rival partner. The firm advises international private equity clients. Yau Yee Ming advised Aseana Properties on its disposal of a stake in ASPL M3B for $105 million. Yau also advised Heinemann Asia Pacific on its €52.2 million acquisition of DFZ Capital.

Christopher & Lee Ong is widely recognised for its expertise in the energy and natural resources sector. Christopher Lee receives praise and clients for his knowledge of power project and project finance work. Shemane Chan is part of the projects and energy practice, with a focus on hydroelectricity and solar power projects. Lee and Eileen Yeoh represented Kualiti Alam in a turnkey transaction, worth RM94 million, to develop a waste-to-energy plant.

Christopher & Lee Ong merged with two other fims, Haryati Deepak and Kandiah & Sri, to expand its capabilities in ITM in November 2015. The firm regularly advises state governments and multinational corporations on ITM issues and is involved in many leading IT and telecommunications projects. Yau Yee Ming advised a fibre-optic network company on foreign ownership restrictions in telecommunications licensing in Malaysia.

The comprehensive and excellent projects and infrastructure work of Christopher & Lee Ong makes it a recognised leader in this area among clients and peers. “If I only pick one outstanding, Chris Lee is the top project lawyer. If he is not there, the list is not right,” says one competitor. Christopher Lee is advising Janakuasa and Janakuasa Vietnam on the development of a $2.1 billion coal-fired power plant project on a BOT [build-operate-transfer] basis.

Christopher & Lee Ong is known for its wide range of shipping work. Ong Chee Kwan advises domestic shipping and logistic companies, and multinational energy companies on contract agreements and arbitration.