Simmons & Simmons Boosts Asia IP with Key Hire
International law firm Simmons & Simmons has strengthened its intellectual property offering in Asia with the hire of leading trade mark lawyer Patsy Lau in Hong Kong, who joins as a partner in the firm’s Dispute Resolution practice, effective from 8 April 2026. Bringing over twenty […]
Engineering Judicial Independence in Kazakhstan
Across many jurisdictions, judicial reform is often viewed through a constitutional or political lens. New laws are adopted, institutional mandates are revised, and declarations of independence are proclaimed. However, without a well-designed personnel policy, even the most carefully constructed legal framework cannot deliver stable, predictable, and […]
FiscalNote Expands U.S. Policy Intelligence in Asia
FiscalNote Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: NOTE), a global leader in AI-driven policy and regulatory intelligence, has announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with D&A Advisory LLC, the Washington, D.C.-based consulting arm of D&A LLC, one of South Korea’s premier law firms. The MOU establishes a foundation for […]
Harvey Expands APAC Footprint with Singapore Office
Singapore expansion strengthens Harvey’s regional footprint as law firms and in-house legal teams across APAC accelerate adoption of AI-driven legal workflows. Legal AI platform Harvey has announced plans to open a new office in Singapore in June, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion across […]
Asia Legal Enforcement and AI Update 2026
1. AI Regulation and Governance The Asia-Pacific region has entered a critical phase of active enforcement and implementation in early 2026, transitioning from years of legislative drafting to real-world compliance obligations. Driven by the rapid rollout of AI frameworks, intensified data privacy enforcement, geopolitical supply-chain pressures, […]
FutureLaw 2026: AI Governance and Legal Innovation
FutureLaw 2026, taking place 14–15 May in Tallinn, Estonia, is one of Europe’s leading legal innovation conferences. The event brings together law firm leaders, legal operations professionals, regulators, technologists and policymakers to examine how artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and evolving regulatory models are reshaping legal services. […]
Tan, Siew & Lee Open Office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tan, Siew & Lee (“TSL Legal”) was delighted to mark the official opening of its new office located at Wisma UOA Damansara II in Damansara Heights. The opening represents an important milestone in the firm’s continued growth since its establishment just over a year ago. The […]
Simmons & Simmons Accelerates Global Partner Expansion
International law firm Simmons & Simmons has announced the lateral hire of ten new partners across seven offices, marking a significant step in the firm’s ongoing international expansion strategy. All ten partners will join the firm in January across London, Paris, Brussels, Luxembourg, Singapore, Dubai, and […]
Three Partners Launch New Law Practice in Singapore
Partners from Mayer Brown PK Wong & Nair Pte. Ltd. — Suresh Nair, Jennifer Chih, and Bryan Tan have announced their decision to leave the firm to establish a new law practice in Singapore. The new firm, Nair, Jen & Tan LLC, will focus on litigation, restructuring and insolvency, corporate […]
UNIDROIT to Establish Liaison Office in Hong Kong
UNIDROIT is pleased to announce that the UNIDROIT General Assembly, at its 85th session, authorised the establishment of an Asia-Pacific Liaison Office in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (HKSAR) in 2026. The new Liaison Office, as UNIDROIT’s first overseas […]
Have Australian Law Firms Given Up on Asia?
Is the King & Wood Mallesons demerger really the end of Australia’s Asia strategy, or the beginning of a smarter one? In this Legal Practice Intelligence article, Richard W Smith LLB (Hons), CF APMP argues the demerger signals strategic maturity, not retreat, as firms refocus on […]
Dentons Enters Exclusive Association with Dacheng
Dentons in Hong Kong has announced that it has entered into a formal and exclusive association with Beijing Dacheng Law Offices LLP (“Dacheng”). Both firms have been working together for more than a decade before registering as association firms with the Law Society of Hong Kong. […]
Eversheds Sutherland Names Alby Yuen Asia Tech Lead
Eversheds Sutherland has appointed partner Albert (Alby) Yuen to lead its Technology, Data, and Cyber offering in Asia – the firm’s latest step in advancing its global growth strategy and underpinning its commitment to investing in exceptional talent across key markets and jurisdictions. Alby was previously […]
APAC Private Credit Surges as Investors Expand Focus
The Asia-Pacific (APAC) private credit market is projected to grow from US$59 billion in 2024 to US$92 billion by 2027, according to a new report from the Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA), via its private credit affiliate, the Alternative Credit Council (ACC), co-authored with Simmons & […]
Junko Suetomi Strengthens Greenberg Traurig Tokyo
Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP is strengthening its services in Asia with the addition of global trade lawyer Junko Suetomi as a shareholder in its Tokyo office. Junko, who previously worked at Baker McKenzie, is a highly regarded, multidisciplinary lawyer who has advised the Japanese […]
AI and Access: Kazakhstan’s Digital Justice Journey
Digital transformation is reshaping how societies deliver public services, and justice is no exception. Across Asia and beyond, courts are adopting technology to enhance proceedings, making them more transparent, efficient, and accessible. Kazakhstan’s experience shows that digitalisation can strengthen, rather than weaken, the human dimension of […]
Mishcon de Reya Expands International Offering in HK
Mishcon de Reya LLP entered the Hong Kong market almost four years ago through an association with Karas So LLP with the intention of becoming certified to practise local law. This association will continue to create opportunities for collaboration and connected growth. The Mishcon de Reya LLP […]
Law Firms Strengthening Client Relationships Briefing
Join us for a 45-minute session to discover how leading law firms are benefiting from RedView CRM, the most complete and connected client relationship platform for legal practices, to empower partners, marketing, and BD teams to drive measurable growth. What You’ll Learn: Event Details: Date: Tuesday, 18 November 2025Time: 10:00 AM […]
Taylor Wessing and H.M. Chan & Co to Separate in HK
Taylor Wessing and H.M. Chan & Co have mutually agreed to separate, with H.M. Chan & Co relaunching as an independent firm in Hong Kong. The two firms will continue to collaborate on client matters and support each other’s future strategies in Asia. The decoupling will […]
Anderson Mori & Tomotsune Opens Malaysia Desk
As ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia is seeing increased activity in investment promotion and policy initiatives, with steady growth in semiconductor and data centre investments. In addition to the capital, Kuala Lumpur, investment promotion is accelerating in Penang, a central semiconductor cluster, and Johor Bahru, where […]
APAC Legal Sector Key Trends and Moves Sep25
The September 2025 issue of Major, Lindsey & Africa‘s Asia Pacific Legal Market Summary highlights several regional hiring trends and partner moves across key jurisdictions. Below are the major takeaways for the Asia-Pacific legal sector. Regional Hiring & Market Trends Hong KongRecruitment is robust across all […]
China’s Arbitration Law Reform | Pinsent Masons Report
Pinsent Masons reports that China’s Arbitration Law is undergoing its most significant reform since its inception. The revised law, which will take effect on 1 March 2026, follows a multi-year consultation process. Rachel Turner, an arbitration expert at Pinsent Masons said, “Broadly adopting the changes from […]
Asia’s Private Capital Landscape: Key Shifts in 2025
Asia’s private capital markets are undergoing significant transformations in 2025, driven by geopolitical dynamics, evolving investor preferences, and challenges to market liquidity. A recent panel discussion hosted by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer in Singapore, featuring industry leaders such as Paul Robine of TR Capital and Ben […]
Cheang and Ariff Joins WongPartnership Group
Singapore law firm WongPartnership LLP announces the addition of Malaysian law firm Cheang & Ariff to WPG, a regional law network. WPG was established by WongPartnership in 2017 and today offers clients legal expertise and tailored solutions across Asia and the Middle East. The growth and success of WPG enhances […]
Thomson Reuters Launches Westlaw Singapore
Thomson Reuters (TSX/Nasdaq: TRI), a global content and technology company, announced the launch of Westlaw Singapore, a comprehensive legal research platform that unites all essential legal sources in a single location. The new and improved platform will provide customers with access to the Singapore Law Reports […]
Harneys Hong Kong Celebrates 20th Anniversary
This year marks a significant milestone for Harneys Hong Kong, as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. The office boasts an esteemed team of experienced offshore lawyers who advise a wide range of clients in Hong Kong and throughout the Asia-Pacific region on the laws of Bermuda, […]
Inaugural Legal Ethics Training in Tashkent
Global law firm White & Case LLP, in collaboration with PILnet and Tashkent State University of Law (TSUL), successfully concluded a four-day legal ethics workshop in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The program brought together more than 40 top law students from five countries in the region for immersive […]
Epiq Unveils Agentic AI Platform as Part of the Epiq Service Cloud
Epiq announced today a first-of-its-kind agentic AI platform for the legal industry combining proprietary Epiq technology, best-in-class third-party technology, and support from Epiq service professionals. In today’s disruptive environment, the legal industry is providing greater value at a pace never seen before. Agentic AI supplies enhanced decision-making […]
Governance at the Edge of Intelligence: AI’s Socio-Legal Reckoning in 2025
“AI will not replace humans — but humans who use AI will replace those who don’t.” This bold prediction from Deloitte’s 2025 AI Outlook captures the seismic shift reshaping our societies. Artificial intelligence (AI) is slowly pervading the way we work, learn, create and govern, whether […]
Dynamic commercial law firm CIE Legal strengthens corporate capabilities, promoting Tiffany Lucas to Partner
Tiffany’s promotion comes as the firm’s corporate team marks a significant period of growth, having advised on more than $400 million worth of transactions across 12 deals in the last 18 months. This promotion not only recognises Tiffany’s exceptional legal expertise but also reflects the firm’s […]
ICC Asia Pacific Conference returns to Hong Kong for landmark 10th edition
The ICC International Court of Arbitration is inviting registrations for the 10th ICC Asia Pacific Conference on International Arbitration: Stars, States & Settlements, taking place in Hong Kong from 25–27 June 2025. Arbitration professionals and business representatives from across the world will come together to explore the latest […]
Kazakhstan’s Push to Embed Human Rights in Legal Education
What does it take to build a generation of citizens who respect human rights? In Kazakhstan, the government believes it starts in the classroom. While debates over civic education, legal literacy, and public trust in state institutions unfold across the globe—from the halls of European parliaments […]
Confidently Navigating Data Compliance Challenges with Fieldfisher’s Comprehensive Data Compliance Manager Solution
European law firm Fieldfisher has launched an expanded suite of data compliance solutions to help organisations confidently manage their data protection and cybersecurity obligations. The Fieldfisher Data Compliance Manager provides a secure and accessible platform, backed by expert legal support, to ensure compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks, including GDPR, UK […]
Smarter Together: How AI Is Transforming Contracts Management for Legal Teams
Legal departments are undergoing a revolution. Long considered among the most traditional parts of a business, they are embracing one of the most disruptive forces in modern enterprise: Artificial Intelligence (AI). Nowhere is this transformation more evident than in contracts management. Where lawyers were once burdened […]
The Missing Link: Why ‘Jeong’ Requires Face-to-Face Time (more than FaceTime)
By Claudia Salomon, President of the International Chamber of Commerce’s (ICC’s) International Court of Arbitration. Since I became President of the ICC International Court of Arbitration three years ago, I have traveled to more than 50 cities in 35 countries, including multiple visits to East Asia, […]
Seeds of Innovation, Shadows of Power: Rethinking Intellectual Property in Bangladesh’s Postcolonial Techno-Future
By Advocate Joydeep Chowdhury Where Patents Muzzle the Plough Innovation in South Asia has emerged not via rapid industrialization but via subtle advancements in technology, chemistry, and cultural knowledge. As Bangladesh traverses the tumultuous waters of techno-capitalism, it remains bound to colonial frameworks of intellectual property […]
Can AI and billable hours coexist forever?
For as long as most lawyers can remember, their work has revolved around the billable hours system. But as AI is increasingly being incorporated into legal workflows, is this model losing its relevance? Billable hours are easy to measure and keep track of, which is a […]
How Listening to Citizens is Shaping Human Rights Reform in Kazakhstan
Artur Lastayev, Commissioner for Human Rights in Kazakhstan In any society, the true test of a human rights system lies not in its declarations, but in how it responds to everyday injustice. While global debates often focus on high-level commitments and international frameworks, real progress is […]
Dispelling common myths about technology in contract management
Technology promises many efficiencies, cost savings and other benefits to the legal industry, but it is often still met with hesitation and uncertainty. When it comes to AI in Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) – managing a company’s exposure in the drafting, negotiating, review and renewal of […]
Presenting the Practice Leaders Business Guide: Your Essential Strategic Compass for Indonesia’s Legal Landscape
In Indonesia’s fast-evolving business landscape, legal professionals need swift and accurate access to critical insights that shape their strategies. The Practice Leaders Business Guide 2025, Volume 1, delivers exactly that—a comprehensive, timely resource offering invaluable perspectives on Indonesia’s legal and business ecosystem, with a particular focus […]
Trends Shaping the Legal Industry in 2025
The legal landscape is constantly evolving, reshaped by technological advances, regulatory developments, and changing professional standards. As we navigate 2025, it’s important to stay aware of the key trends that are shaping the profession and influencing how lawyers work and develop their skills. Let’s take a […]
Navigating the Complexities of Land-Related Legal Issues in the Indian Transmission and Renewable Energy Sectors
India’s renewable energy sector has gained unprecedented impetus, driven by ambitious targets such as achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. In 2024-25, the Ministry of Power has been allocated Rs 20,502 crore, an increase of 16% over the revised estimate for 2023-24. Pioneering […]
ICDR® Launches Malaysia Committee to Enhance International Dispute Resolution Services
Malaysia Committee Launch Further Strengthens the ICDR’s Commitment to Asia
Tranche Investment — Structuring under Indian Exchange Control Regulation
INTRODUCTION The Indian startup ecosystem has grown from strength to strength in the past decade. Foreign investment has been a major catalyst in driving this growth. In 2019-23, Indian startups have raised $100 billion, with 15% of the said investment sourced by domestic investors and the […]
India’s Road to Becoming an Arbitration Hub: A Comparative Analysis with Singapore and London
In the last decade, India’s growth has outpaced several major economies, transforming it into a global economic powerhouse. The country has surpassed the United Kingdom to become the world’s fifth-largest economy and is poised to overtake Japan and Germany to secure the third spot. Additionally, India […]
LawCPD Co-Founder Honoured with Two Prestigious Awards for Leadership in Legal Education and Artificial Intelligence
Australian leader in online legal education, LawCPD, celebrates Co-Founder and Director Sarah Mateljan’s dual award wins, recognising her visionary role in advancing AI-driven learning for lawyers.
CIE Legal strengthens commercial practice with significant senior hires
Growing commercial law firm CIE Legal has bolstered its commercial and technology practice with the hire of a highly regarded commercial partner and special counsel. This month, Jeremy Snow joined the Melbourne-based firm as a partner, with Lisa Splawa-Neyman joining as special counsel. Jeremy and Lisa […]
India’s Legal Technology Revolution: A Transformative Journey
India’s legal technology scene is changing dramatically, bringing about a fundamental change in the way that legal services are thought about, provided, and obtained. Legal startups are becoming important drivers of changing the historically conservative legal industry as companies change and digital use picks up speed. […]
The Need for a Statutory Framework to Hold Parent Companies Accountable in Bangladesh
Introduction A parent company, also known as a holding company, exercises control, power, and interest over a subsidiary company[i]. A company reveal itself to be a parent company only if it holds the controlling power, possesses more than 50% of shares and voting rights, and has […]
Kazakhstan Builds on the Beijing Declaration for Women’s Rights
In 1995, the international community gathered in Beijing to sign a landmark agreement – the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This pivotal document became a global framework for advancing gender equality and securing women’s rights across all sectors of society. Almost three decades later, its […]
Tackling Corporate Fraud in England and India
Corporate fraud has increased globally, especially in recent years due to economic and geopolitical challenges. In the UK, PwC’s Global Economic Crime Survey (2022) revealed that 64% of businesses had experienced fraud or financial crimes in the previous two years, up from 56% in 2020. In […]
NEXLAW.AI and THOMAS PHILIP ADVOCATES & SOLICITORS Pioneering Partnership Launches Malaysia’s First Full-Scale Advanced Legal AI Trial Copilot Expert System
NEXLAW.AI, a trailblazing provider of transformative legal AI technology, and THOMAS PHILIP ADVOCATES & SOLICITORS, a prestigious disputes resolution law firm in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, today announced a groundbreaking partnership to deploy a pioneering trial preparation solution for disputes and litigation. This innovative collaboration leverages cutting-edge […]
Unraveling the Legal Aspect of Digital Constitutionalism and Net Neutrality: A New Perspective on Constitutionalism in the Digital Era with a Focus on Bangladesh
By Sazzad Hossain Sourov and Ashru Rekha Abstract Constitutional approaches to the digital era are a new global phenomenon of Internet governance. Adopting the principles and values of the constitution in the digital realm protects the rights of the consumer by governing the policy maker, algorithmic […]
Interview with Elvira Azimova, Chair of Kazakhstan’s Constitutional Court
Constitution Day on August 30 in Kazakhstan is recognized as a national holiday. Next year will mark the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the current Constitution through a nationwide referendum. Kazakhstan’s Constitution has been amended several times, most recently in June 2022, with the aim […]
Getting the Best Performance From Your Tech
By Russell Hutchins Corporate legal departments and law firms are becoming well-versed in the benefits of investing in technology. Many in the industry know the cost savings and other efficiencies that Gen AI and other advanced technologies bring. For many legal teams, utilizing technology isn’t a […]
Rimon Law adds China focused Securities and Capital markets Attorney to Team
Rimon is pleased to welcome securities and capital markets Counsel, Olivia Y. Wang, to the firm. Olivia has significant experience advising clients on a wide range of corporate and securities matters, including initial public offerings and other registered securities offerings, de-SPACs, private placements, mergers and acquisitions, public company […]
Rimon Announces Opening of Tokyo Office
Rimon is pleased to announce that is has opened an office in Tokyo. The opening of the Tokyo office signifies the firm’s commitment to the Japanese market. Rimon established a Japan regional practice last year, after hiring several top partners with a focus on advising Japanese companies on […]
Cultural Fluency Improves Business Fluidity Rings True in China
“First be friends, then do business” — a Chinese business leader succinctly captures the essence of the Chinese approach to business. In China, friendships are not just social connections, they are built on trust, which forms the bedrock of successful long-term business partnerships. For the rest […]
Minister Edwin Tong SC to deliver opening address at the ICC’s International Court of Arbitration Asia Pacific Conference
A special address by Minister Edwin Tong SC, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, and Second Minister for Law, Singapore, will deliver the opening address at the International Chamber of Commerce’s International Court of Arbitration Asia Pacific Conference on 28 June 2024. This flagship event is the […]
The importance of intangible and Intellectual Property Assets in assessing the true value of an M&A deal
By Rajiv Suri, Senior Associate of the Intellectual Property and Commercial team of Alsuwaidi & Company Intangible and Intellectual Property Assets in Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Intangible assets play an important role when it comes to assessing or ascribing value to a commercial venture in transactions […]
Kazakhstan Passes Law Criminalizing Domestic Violence
By Aigul Kuspan On April 15, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan signed a law on Ensuring Women’s Rights and Children’s Safety, amending penalties for violence against women and children. This is a victory for human dignity in the region and a monumental advance in human rights. Kazakhstan has […]
The Question of ‘Reforming Land Administration’ in Tackling Poverty in Bangladesh
By Safayat Sikder Sakib Introduction In Bangladesh, there is a strong connection between poverty and land, especially in rural regions where a significant number of people do not have access to land. Throughout history, the allocation and administration of land have consistently benefited the affluent, placing […]
Resolving legal disputes in Vietnam’s diverse and dynamic economy. An interview with James Pham
James Pham is an arbitrator with TRACENT and Managing Partner at VSE Lawyers. In this interview with Asia Law Portal, he reflects on his career helping to solve legal disputes in Vietnam’s diverse and dynamic economy. You are an arbitrator with TRACENT and Managing Partner at […]
Four Carey Olsen lawyers star in Asian Legal Business Offshore Client Choice 2024
Carey Olsen Singapore partner Helen Wang and counsel Kate Lan, Rebecca Lee and Amelia Tan have been featured in the Asian Legal Business (ALB) Offshore Client Choice list for 2024. Asian Legal Business (ALB) curates the Offshore Client Choice list by identifying outstanding offshore lawyers who have built exceptional relationships with their clients. […]
Singapore law firm Moriah Law LLC advises ADDX on launch of first-of-its-kind multi-issuer programme for digitised bonds
Moriah Law LLC has advised private market exchange ADDX in establishing a Multi-Issuer Debt Issuance Programme (MIDIP) for companies to issue digitised commercial paper and bonds on ADDX FI, ADDX’s dedicated segment for commercial paper and bonds. The inaugural offering under the MIDIP closed on 2 […]
Leading Hong Kong Law Firm Oldham, Li & Nie Pioneers Elder Law Practice to Serve the Community
Oldham, Li & Nie, a leading independent law firm, is pleased to announce that it will be the first Hong Kong law firm to establish a dedicated Elder Law Practice Group. This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant milestone in the legal landscape of the HKSAR. Through […]
Constitutional Borrowing and Transplants: Analyzing Legal Influences and Adaptations in the Context of Bangladesh
By Sabrin Hoque Background Constitutional borrowing refers to the process by which a country or jurisdiction adopts or incorporates constitutional principles, ideas, or provisions from another legal system. Constitutional borrowing and transplants have been practised throughout history, particularly during periods of constitutional reform or the establishment […]
Sayere Nazabi Sayem reflects on her career as a legal writer in Bangladesh
Dhaka-based Sayere Nazabi Sayem is an Apprentice Lawyer and a recent graduate from the Department of Law, North South University. Her career focus is writing on legal & socially pressing topics – including human and animal rights. In this interview with Asia Law Portal, she explains […]
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 […]