All posts by Asia Law Portal

A forum for discussion of news, information & opportunity in the Asia-Pacific legal markets.

Patrick Dransfield Joins the Sino International Professional Advisory Council (SIPAC) as Senior Advisor

The Sino International Professional Advisory Council (SIPAC) is pleased to announce that Patrick Dransfield has joined the platform as a non-executive director and senior advisor. Patrick is currently based in Abu Dhabi and continues in his role as Client Relations Director with the Emirati law firm […]

India early stage ecosystem law firm LexStart Partners announces promotions

LexStart Partners, a boutique law firm exclusively focusing on the early-stage ecosystem in India, has unveiled significant promotions for the fiscal year 2024. Smita Reddy, boasting 12 years of experience in general corporate advisory, rises to Partner. Leading the General Corporate Team, Smita advises a diverse […]

How Sohini Shrivastav helps lawyers and law firms adopt and understand AI and legal tech

Sohini Shrivastav is Founder and Director of Lexo Consultancy, based in Mumbai.  In this interview with Asia Law Portal, she explains how she helps lawyers and law firms adopt and understand AI and Legal Tech, how law students can best prepare for a tech-enabled career, and […]

Carey Olsen advises Cuscaden Peak Investments on S$1.7 billion sale of student housing

Carey Olsen has advised Singapore-based real estate investment trust manager Cuscaden Peak Investments (“Cuscaden Peak”) on the S$1.7 billion sale of 8,192 student housing beds across 19 university cities in the UK and Germany to Mapletree Investments (“Mapletree”). The acquisition brings Mapletree’s housing portfolio to 33,000 beds across 47 cities in […]

Simplifi.my revolutionizes property transactions: A game-changer for legal professionals

Data Analytech Sdn Bhd, the pioneering force behind Simplifi.my, continues to revolutionize the property industry with its cutting-edge technology tailored for legal professionals. Since its inception in March 2023, Simplifi.my has emerged as the go-to solution for streamlining property transactions, offering unparalleled efficiency and convenience for […]

Carey Olsen advises Beijing Energy International Holding Co. Ltd on $40 million green bond issuance

Carey Olsen’s corporate team in Hong Kong has advised leading global eco-development solutions provider Beijing Energy International Holding Co. Ltd (“Beijing Energy International”) on the Bermuda law aspects of a $40 million green bond issuance. Read More: Ten Years of Belt and Road – Noteworthy Experience and Legal […]

World-leading climate and nature lawyers join Pollination

One of the world’s leading climate change lawyers, Sarah Barker, will join Investment and Advisory firm Pollination — further extending the company’s status as a global leader in climate and nature. Barker joins from leading commercial law firm MinterEllison, where she has spent more than two […]

7 Common Types of White Collar Offences in Singapore

By Germaine Ignacio Serving as a base for over 1,200 financial institutions, Singapore is a global financial centre and one of the top economic powerhouses in Asia. It’s also one of the safest countries in the world. The city-state is able to maintain a consistently low […]

Carey Olsen partners star in China Business Law Journal’s A-List

Carey Olsen Singapore partners Anthony McKenzie and Helen Wang and Hong Kong partner Michael Padarin have been recognised in China Business Law Journal’s (CBLJ) 2023-24 A-List of elite private practice lawyers in the Chinese market. Anthony is consistently recognised as one of the best private practice lawyers advising on China-related business, with […]

Manupatra CEO Deepak Kapoor on India’s legal tech landscape and his journey in leading the country’s first online legal research platform

Deepak Kapoor is the Founder & CEO of Manupatra, India’s pioneering corporate in legal publishing and the first legaltech company in the country. In this interview with Asia Law Portal, he shares insights on the legal tech landscape and his journey in establishing and leading India’s […]

How FDA Regulations Impact Asia-Pacific Region Companies

by Rick D. Quinn The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of medical products and food consumed by millions of people in the United States. However, its impact extends far beyond American borders, significantly influencing companies […]

Carey Olsen shortlisted for Chambers Asia-Pacific and Greater China Region Awards 2024

Carey Olsen has been named for the first time among the finalists for Offshore Law Firm of the Year at the Chambers Asia-Pacific and Greater China Region Awards 2024. The Awards recognise the pre-eminence of national and international law firms across the Asia-Pacific and Greater China region, […]

Company Formation, Corporate Governance & Licensing in United Arab Emirates: Some FAQs for external investors

by Suneer Kumar, Partner & Head of the Corporate & Commercial practice group and Vida Grace Serrano, Senior Associate of Corporate & Commercial practice group, Alsuwaidi & Company, Advocates & Legal Consultants, UAE Corporate Practice: Q1: What are the key considerations when selecting a business structure for company […]

Lawcadia unveils legal rate card compliance feature to celebrate 8th birthday  

Leading legal operations platform Lawcadia has today unveiled a cutting-edge legal rate card compliance feature, in celebration of its eighth birthday.  The new capability has been developed in response to increased client demand for a granular level of legal billing data and verification of invoice compliance […]

The rising trend of Silver Divorce in Hong Kong

In recent years, Hong Kong has witnessed a significant increase in the phenomenon known as “silver divorce” – dissolution of marriages among older couples. This rising trend reflects the shifting dynamics of marriage, as well as the evolving social, economic, and cultural factors that influence relationships […]

Singapore: The Go-To Destination for resolution of Indonesian disputes

The growing pool of arbitrators, lawyers and other professionals in Singapore well-versed in Indonesian law and business practices also assures Indonesian companies that their disputes will be handled by professionals who can navigate the cultural nuances towards an effective resolution.

Carey Olsen advises Align Partners Capital Management on formation of latest fund 

Carey Olsen Hong Kong has advised on the Cayman Islands legal and regulatory aspects of the formation of Align Partners Korea Fund, Align Partners Korea (Non-US) Feeder Fund and Align Partners Korea (US) Feeder Fund (together, the “Fund”).   The Fund is sub-managed by Seoul-based Align Partners […]

Carey Olsen’s Amelia Tan selected for Singapore Leaders Network fellowship programme

Amelia Tan, counsel in Carey Olsen’s Singapore litigation, insolvency, and restructuring team, has been selected to participate in the inaugural Singapore Leaders Network fellowship programme (SGLN Fellowship). This nine-month long initiative, led by the Singapore government, the Singapore Economic Development Board, and supported by the private sector, is […]

The UAE Insurance Federal Decree No. 48 of November 2023. A Summary of the most significant changes

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) issued a new Federal Insurance Decree No. 48 (‘Decree No. 48 of 2023’) which was published in the UAE Official Gazette (Issue No. 762), the official periodical of laws and decrees issued by the UAE Federal Government,  on October 31, 2023. […]

The Astana International Financial Centre: Pioneering Financial Excellence in Central Asia

Since its inception in 2018, the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) has, according to the Global Financial Centres Index, established itself as the leading international financial centre in the region. Its unique blend of innovation and investor-friendly legal frameworks paves the way for global investors by […]

Insights into legal business development strategies in India. An interview with Pintu Babu

Pintu Babu specializes in Practice Development (Marketing & Analytics) for Nishith Desai Associates based in Mumbai, India. In this interview with Asia Law Portal, Pintu reflects on his career in legal business development and the strategies he helps deploy in this important role in India. Tell […]

Carey Olsen Hong Kong celebrated in The Legal 500 2024 Guide

Lawyers from Carey Olsen Hong Kong have secured high praise in the 2024 edition of The Legal 500 Asia Pacific Guide whilst maintaining their rankings as ‘Leading Individuals‘ for the second year running. Hong Kong managing partner Michael Padarin and partner Jeremy Lightfoot have maintained their place as ‘Leading Individuals’ […]

Oldham, Li & Nie Hires King & Wood Mallesons Counsel as Corporate & Commercial Partner

Oldham, Li & Nie (OLN) further strengthens its Corporate & Commercial practice by hiring a solicitor from King & Wood Mallesons (KWM). Gary Lam has served King & Wood Mallesons for the past 4 years, representing clients across a wide range of industry sectors, including advising […]

Carey Olsen Asia achieves its strongest Chambers rankings to date

Carey Olsen Asia has achieved its strongest rankings to date in the Chambers Asia-Pacific 2024 Guide, with the firm moving up to Band 2 in the Offshore category and a number of partners from across its Hong Kong and Singapore teams achieving new and improved individual […]

Kazakhstan’s Human Rights Aspirations in a Historically Authoritarian Region

by Martin Jones In the historically authoritarian landscape of post-Soviet Central Asia, the recent strides made by Kazakhstan in democratic reforms and human rights are drawing significant attention. This shift prompts an analysis of whether the region, with Kazakhstan as a focal point, is indeed turning […]

HHQ appoints Ong Johnson and Lo Khai Yi to spearhead the launch of its new Technology Group

Halim Hong & Quek (‘HHQ’), the Malaysian law firm member of Andersen Global, has appointed Ong Johnson and Lo Khai Yi as joint heads of its newly launched Technology Group. The group is set up to collaborate closely with clients, aiding them in navigating legal, regulatory, […]

Carey Olsen advises Lightspeed Faction on launch of blockchain venture capital fund

Carey Olsen’s investment funds team in Hong Kong SAR has advised Lightspeed Faction Ventures, LLC (Lightspeed Faction) on the launch of Lightspeed Faction Fund I, LP, a US$285 million closed-ended venture capital fund focused on early-stage blockchain opportunities. The fund is a collaboration between Lightspeed Venture Partners (Lightspeed) […]

United Arab Emirates Legal Update – New Commercial Agency Law

UAE has introduced new Commercial Agency law i.e., Federal Law No. (3) of 2022 for regulating Commercial Agencies. The said law came into effect on June 16, 2023. The law is based on the principle of autonomy/will and the contract is pacta sunt servanda (agreements must […]

Legal Revolution: Lawgic’s Vision of transformative Legal Technology

In this interview with Asia Law Portal, Lawgic Founder Max Ye explains the value proposition of his Singapore-based AI-focused legal technology startup. Tell us more about Lawgic. Lawgic is an AI-powered platform designed to revolutionize the legal profession. Our primary aim is to streamline and simplify […]

Shahwar Nizam on how he helps foreign investors legally navigate the Bangladesh market

Shahwar Nizam is Managing Director of DFDL Bangladesh, where he is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, operations, and development of the firm.  In this interview with Asia Law Portal, he details prime concerns foreign investors should be concerned about when operating or seeking to operate […]

Ipsita Mazumdar reflects on her role as corporate legal counsel in India’s automotive sector

Ipsita Mazumdar Is a Dr. RML National Law University graduate, working with Morris Garages India (MG Motor) as in-house counsel, handling IPR, consumer, general litigation and contractual matters. Previously, she worked with Indian law firms Lall, Lahiri & Salhotra (now Rahul Chaudhry & Partners) and Anand […]

The Legal Landscape of Standing Desks: Balancing Health and Workplace Regulations

In recent years, the popularity of standing desks has soared, with an increasing number of individuals and businesses recognizing the potential health benefits of working while standing. However, as the use of standing desks becomes more common, questions about their legality and compliance with workplace regulations […]

Gunita Pawha on helping S&A Law Offices navigate India’s increasingly competitive legal market

Gunita Pawha is Joint Managing Partner of India’s S&A Law Offices.  In this interview with Asia Law Portal, Pawha outlines the firms’ unique services offer and geographic footprint — and the efforts to innovate its practice amid market challenges including the entry of foreign law firms. […]

Hugill & Ip celebrates five years of excellence

On 10th September 2023, Hugill & Ip proudly celebrated its fifth anniversary. Since its establishment, the boutique law firm has consistently provided exceptional legal services to clients, earning a reputation for excellence and professionalism. Today we discuss the last 5 years with the firm’s Managing Partner, […]

The Legal Landscape of Magic Mushrooms: A Shifting Perspective

The legal status of magic mushrooms, which contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin, has been a topic of debate and evolution over the years. From being widely used in ancient cultures to criminalization during the 20th century, the perception of these fungi is once again undergoing significant […]

Fieldfisher partners with Australian legal tech firm to launch revolutionary data breach manager

European law firm Fieldfisher has joined forces with innovative Australian legal technology company Lawcadia to launch a 24-hour data breach notification assessment platform for all organisations with UK and EU data assets subject to GDPR and UK GDPR. The UK-headquartered firm, which advises clients from its 26 offices in […]

What you need to know when you are Starting a Business in the Philippines

Welcome back to Season 2 of Legally Sis Podcast! Duran & Duran-Schulze Law is thrilled to embark on another exciting journey of insightful discussions and valuable information. In this season, they’re diving deep into the world of business, entrepreneurship, and legal intricacies. Join them as they […]

Balancing Law, Marketing, and Business Development: Embracing the Unconventional with Anam Khan

Anam Khan has a focus on diversified roles in the legal industry which includes both conventional and unconventional career paths — specifically dispute resolution, corporate law, and intrapreneur roles. She consults law firms and legal start-ups on business development and marketing-related roles. In this interview with Asia […]

WEBINAR: Africa’s Uniform OHADA Law: Uniquely Attractive for Foreign Investors – A Discussion

Date & Time: 30 August – 6pm SGT – Register here: https://lnkd.in/eVF973br. Africa’s fastest growing region today comprises a group of French-speaking countries – all members of OHADA, a system of unified business law spanning 17 African States.  OHADA‘s success, unique in depth and reach, underlies the […]

Hanging by a trust

Siti Salwa Mawardee is Head of Group Legal at Yayasan Pembangunan Ekonomi Islam Malaysia (YaPEIM)

Unlocking Your Rights: Navigating the Nevada Lemon Law Like a Pro

When life gives you lemons, the saying goes, you make lemonade. But what if the lemons you’ve been handed aren’t from the fruit aisle but instead from the dealership? A malfunctioning car can sour anyone’s mood, especially if you’ve just driven off the lot with what […]

Cross border corporate M&A and banking & finance practitioner in Vietnam and Malaysia. An interview with Tay Zi Li

Zi Li & Partners is a boutique law firm specialising in corporate, and banking and finance practice with particular expertise in M&A and fund-raising. Each transaction will be led by a partner with actual working experience in executing complex transactions in Malaysia and Vietnam.

Practicing Technology, Media and Telecoms (TMT) Law in Hong Kong.  An interview with Jennifer Wu, Partner, Pinsent Masons

Jennifer Wu is a Hong Kong-based Partner with Pinsent Masons specialized in Technology, Media and Telecoms (TMT) Law. She heads a team on cross border cyber, technology and data related issues, including crypto, software licensing, digital transformation, civil fraud/ asset recovery and data governance/ data protection. She has been commended […]

Thailand’s First Corporate Counsel Association officially launched and admitted as APCCA’s Country Member No.7

The Thai Corporate Counsel Association (THAI-CCA) officially makes its debut as Thailand’s first formal corporate counsel association, serving the third largest legal community in the Asia-Pacific region. The association was launched at the inaugural GC Powerlist Thailand 2023, held in partnership with the Legal 500, on […]

Supachoke Pongdasakorngamjai promoted to partnership at PISUT & PARTNERS, one of Thailand’s youngest lawyers to attain partnership in dispute resolution department

Pisut & Partners, a leading law firm in Thailand, is pleased to announce thepromotion of Supachoke Pongdasakorngamjai to Partner, effective 1 July 2023. At the remarkable ageof 28, Supachoke is considered one of the youngest lawyers in Thailand to achieve partnership,specializing in the firm’s esteemed Dispute […]

World Chambers Congress – platform for SMEs 

The 13th World Chambers Congress takes place in Geneva this week (21-23 June) under the theme of ‘Achieving peace and prosperity through multilateralism in commerce’. Attracting 1,500 participants from over 100 countries, the Congress is the biggest, most diverse economic forum for chamber and business executives […]

Key legal considerations for businesses in Thailand

Pisut Rakwong is the Founder and Managing Partner of Pisut & Partners. With an impressive range of expertise, Pisut’s practice areas include dispute resolution, corporate law, insolvency and restructuring, trade competition, labour and employment matters, insurance, administrative cases, and even white-collar criminal affairs.

Senior Counsel Specialist at S&P Global

Prior to joining S&P Global, Pearl Pang was an active litigation lawyer in her private practice for seven (7) years, focusing on general litigation matters, with particular experiences in medico-legal and general insurance liability matters, as well as asset and debt recovery related matters.

Independent, neutral and robust dispute resolution processes are needed to overcome blocks to cross-border trade, says Secretary General of the ICC International Court of Arbitration (Court)

As the International Chamber of Commerce’s (ICCs) 13th World Chambers Congress (WCC) prepares to kick off on 21 June in Geneva on a theme of ‘multilateralism key to achieving peace and prosperity for all’, Alexander Fessas, Secretary General of the ICC International Court of Arbitration (Court), emphasises the importance of […]

Prominent doctor of law says China has become an “arbitration friendly” jurisdiction for foreign arbitral institutions

In the run-up to the International Court of Arbitration’s 8th ICC Asia Pacific Conference in June,  Dr. Donna Huang, Director of Arbitration and ADR in North Asia, in ICC Dispute Resolution Services has spoken about the recent efforts of the Chinese authorities to welcome, embrace and support foreign arbitral institutions in […]

Walid Arfush on the 2023 Astana International Forum

Walid Arfush is an international media manager who served for over 10 years at Euronews TV channel. He created SN Media which focuses on strategic communications, media relations, crisis communications, intelligence services, and reputation management. This week he will be participating in the Astana International Forum […]

Exploring cutting edge legal issues from Japan to the world. An interview with Yusuke Takamiya

Yusuke TAKAMIYA is Partner at Mori Hamada & Matsumoto, one of the biggest and top-ranked law firms in Japan. Yusuke is currently serving as the International Competition Network’s Non-Governmental Advisor to the Japan Fair Trade Commission (“JFTC”), and the former researcher at the Competition Research Center […]

The THAI Corporate Counsel Association

The THAI-CCA’s official launch is set to debut on 22nd June 2023 at the inaugural GC Powerlist Thailand, organized in collaboration with The Legal 500. This internationally renowned accolade will recognize the importance of the Thai legal market as the third largest legal community in the Asia Pacific region and the nation’s most influential and innovative corporate counsel who drive the legal business forward. 

Atty. Marie Christine Duran-Schulze, JD, MBA, Managing Partner, Duran & Duran-Schulze Law

Atty. Marie Christine Duran-Schulze has been a practicing corporate attorney for over 14 years in the Philippines. Atty. Duran-Schulze holds a master’s degree in business administration from Dela Salle University and a Juris Doctor degree from Far Eastern University. She completed her Bachelor of Science in […]

Interview with Hashim Wafa, Managing Attorney at Wafa and Wafa Law Offices, Cochin, India

Hashim Wafa is a highly experienced business lawyer and IP attorney based in Kochi, India. As the Managing Attorney at Wafa and Wafa, he leads a team of skilled lawyers providing comprehensive legal services. With expertise in global IP advisory, corporate law practice, arbitration, compliance management, […]

Law students from Sri Lanka are making a global mark in Alternate Dispute Resolution

Teams from Sri Lanka are now making a global mark in Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR). Most recently 4 students have been invited to represent their country at the Warsaw Negotiations Rounds (WNR) in Poland. The well-seasoned team is coached by Anuji Kannangara a certified mediator, and led by Shayhum AbooSalih who was […]

The Importance of Practice Management in Law Firms: An Interview with Stella Lau, Practice Manager at MahWengKwai & Associates

Practice managers are not yet commonly deployed in boutique law firms, as many still operate with traditional organizational structures. However, as the legal industry continues to evolve, the role of a practice manager is becoming more recognized and valued.

First South Asian Team to Win at Bucerius Germany

Shayhum Aboosalih and Rishika Pandey made strides at the recently concluded Mediation Competition organised by the Bucerius Law School in Germany. The event was sponsored by Bodenheimer and brought to a finale a year of much developments in the ADR sphere. Alternate Dispute Resolution or ADR […]

Is your next Director of Operations or COO already in your BD department?

An interview with Isaac Uchiyama, EY Law Japan’s Head of Business Development and Operations, on how he seamlessly went from being a BD professional to also overseeing operations. What led you to a career in professional services business development? I was born in Japan but grew […]

What is Lahore International Disputes Weekend (LIDW’23)?

Lahore International Disputes Weekend 2023 (LIDW’23) is a three-day event by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Pakistan Branch. It is was organized in collaboration with MK Consultus LLP, planned to undertake from 19th to 21st May 2023.  The main objective of LIDW’23 is to provide a […]