Category: Asia Legal Market
Relativity Expands APAC Footprint with Singapore Entity
Relativity, a legal data intelligence company, today announced plans to establish a Singapore entity to enable local hiring and strengthen its presence in Asia. The company is targeting a Q4 launch. The news underscores Relativity’s continued investment in strengthening engagement with customers and partners across Asia […]
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 […]
India Expands Trade, Arbitration, and AI Strategy
India is making multiple efforts to improve foreign trade and ease of doing business. The Union Budget provided forward-looking proposals, including measures to attract foreign investment and other business-friendly steps. The journey to spotlight India as an arbitration hub continues with some key recent developments. The […]
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. […]
India’s Legal and Economic Landscape Review
India’s currency became the worst-performing Asian currency. It reached a new low against the US dollar recently, raising concerns about the economic situation, the impact on foreign investment, and rising dependence on imports. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) are withdrawing at record levels, and the effects of […]
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 […]
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 […]
Innovation Fuels Asia’s Patent Outsourcing Rise
In today’s innovation-driven economy, intellectual property (IP) has become more than a legal safeguard; it is a strategic driver of competitiveness. Patents, in particular, are critical across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and green energy. They secure inventions, attract venture capital, enable M&A activity, and support […]
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 […]
Asia – From Back Office to AI PowerhouseÂ
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just an experiment in tech labs; it is transforming industries worldwide, including the legal sector. Across Asia, AI is redefining outsourcing, turning it from a cost-cutting exercise into a driver of innovation, speed, and resilience. Tasks like contract lifecycle management, […]
India Boosts Domestic Demand Amid Steep Tariffs
The high trade tariffs imposed on Indian imports by the United States took centre stage on the economic front. The Government took calculated action to mitigate the negative impact on key industries by intensifying its focus on fostering stronger trade ties with its other partner countries. […]
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 […]
India’s Economic Growth Sees Little Change
The economic growth forecast by leading global institutions shows no significant change from their previous forecasts. Government data shows marked growth in intellectual property filings, and some progress has been made in reviewing data privacy rules. Increasing the threshold of current avenues of foreign investment is […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
How Kazakhstan is Pioneering Human Rights in Central Asia
The preservation and promotion of human rights are fundamental to the development of a just and fair society. Upholding human rights is an essential responsibility that transcends geographical locations and cultural contexts, and it is a duty that every government must embrace. By dismantling discriminatory practices and providing equal opportunities, […]
30 people to watch in the business of law in Asia in 2024
In the last year Asia Law Portal has had the opportunity to highlight the work of lawyers and legal innovators in the Asia-Pacific region. These professionals have provided insight into their often-complex legal specialisms or capabilities in advising lawyers on legal innovation best practices in both […]
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 […]
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 […]
A Legal Perspective on Kazakhstan’s Transformation: Analysing President Tokayev’s Proposed Reforms
The recent state-of-the-nation address by Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, titled “Economic Course of a Just Kazakhstan,” presents a comprehensive road map for Kazakhstan’s political, economic, and social development. From a legal perspective, the reforms and initiatives proposed by the President not only signify a positive transformation […]
Addressing Cultural Nuances in Legal Translation: A Key Aspect for International Law Firms
In today’s globalized world, the practice of law extends far beyond national boundaries. International law firms play a crucial role in assisting clients with cross-border legal matters, whether it’s international business transactions, arbitration proceedings, or multinational regulatory compliance. One of the most underestimated yet vital aspects […]
Kazakhstan’s Transformation Through Political Reforms and Constitutional Amendments
Over the last few years, Kazakhstan has undergone significant political changes under the leadership of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. He has initiated a series of progressive reforms designed to strengthen state institutions and empower citizens’ rights. On August 30, Kazakhstan is celebrating Constitution Day, which takes […]
India’s Economic Growth Shows Signs of Slowing
The economic growth forecasts for India are showing reduced rates indicating reduction in the growth for the current financial year. A number of factors are contributing to this reduction though India remains one of the fastest growing economies among comparable countries. A new industrial policy is […]
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.
Why Law Firms In Asia Should Be Using Google AI: Bard
In the realm of digital search, Google is the undisputed champion. However, the advent of increasingly sophisticated AI technologies is revolutionizing our perceptions of search and AI functionality. The newest contender in the AI dialogue landscape is Google’s innovative contribution: Google Bard. This introduction begs the […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.
55 legal tech companies in Asia to follow in 2023
The growth of Asia-Pacific region legal technology innovation will continue apace in 2023. Now more legal tech companies coming into being, and maturing. And indeed taking on leadership roles in the transformation of the legal services sector. Â Below is a list of 55 legal tech companies […]
Alliott Global Alliance ranked as Band 1 Law Firm Network by Chambers Guide
Alliott Global Alliance (‘AGA’) is happy to announce it has ranked in the highest band (Band 1) of Law Firm Networks in Chambers and Partners’ ranking of Global Market Leaders for 2023. AGA has 210 member firms in 94 countries of which 84 are law firms. […]
India Ends 2022 On Growth Prospects
As 2022 came to a close, there were new fears of Covid 19 causing disruptions in view of the sudden surge in certain countries. And the Government sent out advisories and actions. The year-end economic growth forecasts by global financial institutions improve compared to previous estimates. […]
30 people to watch in the business of law in Asia in 2023
The Asia-Pacific legal markets in 2022 have seen growth in the number of legal startup founders and legal technology entrepreneurs disrupting the region’s legal services sector. This year’s edition of 30 people to watch in the business of law in Asia. Therefore, primarily reflects the accelerating […]
India: Economic Improvements in Sight
There have been some improvements India’s economic activities and the Government is making efforts to complete free trade agreements with some of the significant trading partners. The inflows from foreign portfolio investors have increased and currently highest in the last 20 months. There was a setback […]
The Legal Iconoclasts EXPO #1: Two Virtual Events – Two Different Time Zones
Winning Work and Not Leaving Value on the Table
An Introduction to Rainmaking and Pricing for Value
Reed Smith launches Global Environmental Sustainability Plan 2024
Plan includes industry-first sustainability billable-hours policy
SeedLegals hits £1bn in startup funding
LegalTech platform SeedLegals has reached a significant funding milestone, announcing it has closed over £1bn (1.25bn USD) in investments for its portfolio of startup customers. Read More: 30 women legal innovators in Asia to follow in 2022 Some of the most exciting disruptors including Qured, Oddbox […]
Data-driven legaltech platform SeedLegals expands into Asia-Pacific to strengthen the flourishing startup ecosystem
Leading UK legaltech platform SeedLegals, today announced the launch of its platform and service in Asia-Pacific. SeedLegals brings their automated legal solutions to Singapore and Hong Kong-based startups and small businesses, enabling them to raise investment, provide ESOP share options to their team and grow their […]
Singapore announces sanctions against Russia
Singapore unveiled its sanctions against Russia on 5 March 2022. These focus on the control of exports of military and technological goods to Russia and financial measures against Russian banks, entities and activities. Authors: Hagen Rooke Leigh T. Hansson Calvin Chan Alexander Brandt Catriona Casha Michael J. Lowell Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian […]
How Oon and Bazul grew to become one of Singapore’s largest law firms. An interview with Founding Partner Bazul Ashhab
Oon & Bazul has grown to become the largest conflict-free firm in Singapore. The firm is a large leading commercial practice and their lawyers are known for their ability to deliver high quality work as well as their commitment to helping clients achieve success. Given their […]
Remembering Christopher Hunter BA, 1964– 2021 Â
Christopher Hunter, publisher, journalist, scholar of Chinese, father of Jessica and son of Gillian and Frederic, passed away at home in Berkhamsted, England on Sunday, 21 November, 2021. Chris, who lived in Hong Kong from 1987 to 2016, had been suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for […]
Making digital transformation accessible for the legal industry. An interview with Evan Wong, CEO, Checkbox
Checkbox is an Australia-based no code platform making digital transformation accessible for the legal industry. In this interview with Asia Law Portal, CEO Evan Wong explains the inspiration for the founding of Checkbox, the importance of automation for legal services, and how Checkbox is helping legal […]
30 People to Watch in the Business of Law in Asia in 2022
The 2022 installment of 30 People to Watch in the Business of Law in Asia is the 8th consecutive annual annual list in the series. 2022 will see more legal innovators from throughout the region gain more attention from alternative sources of legal information including legal […]
Law firm profitability improved by good inter-generational communication
Law firms can increase profitability by improving inter-generational communication. Thriving in a Multi-Generational Law Firm: How to Increase Communication and Collaboration Among Lawyers by legal industry consultants Pamela DeNeuve and John Grimley – outlines how inter-generational communication challenges are placing law firm profitability at risk – […]
Legal technology company Lawcadia and legal operations consultancy LEx360 partner to reduce waste, risk, complexity, and uncertainty for corporate counsel
The modern legal department remains a function plagued by inefficient, manual and complex processes, further compounded by relentless demands, heightened regulatory compliance requirements and the pressure to ‘do more with less’. Whilst there is an appetite for change, General Counsels are unsure of where to start […]
Lawcadia announces new solutions for law firms to digitally transform client relationships and service delivery
Innovative legal technology company, Lawcadia, has released a new offering for law firms to help them attract new clients, win more work, and improve efficiencies. Read More: Does the Meng Wanzhou case involve an abuse of process? With corporate and Government clients facing downward budget pressures […]
Interpretation of Fiscal Statutes
Legal experts drafted Acts and Rules and it is expected from lawmakers that the words and language used in statutes have a little room for interpretation or construction. But the case of fiscal laws has been different. It is quite often that we find courts and […]