Hong Kong-based LawTranslate eyes the global legal translation market: A Q&A with Founder and Director Barry Wong
Recently Asia Law Portal had the opportunity to sit down with Barry Wong, Founder and Director of Hong Kong-based LawTranslate (@lawtranslatecom). It was to discuss the company, its core services offer, and plans for the future. LawTranslate focuses on translation services to the legal services sector […]
The Asia-Pacific Legal Markets 2014: Opportunities and Challenges
Last Friday this author made a presentation to the Clyde & Co Asia-Pacific Conference in Hong Kong on the subject: The Asia-Pacific Legal Markets 2014: Opportunities and Challenges. The presentation was based on excerpts from my new book entitled: A Comprehensive Guide to the Asia-Pacific Legal […]
10 law blogs in the Asia-Pacific Region worth following
Last year The Lawyer reported that law firms in Asia have “virtually no appetite” for social media. The Lawyer cited a study by Living Ratings. It studied the social media trends “of 60 firms, both international and local, in three jurisdictions, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore.” […]
Is Australia the world’s most competitive legal market?
“For many, the Australian legal marketplace presents something of a quandary. On the one hand, its close proximity to the fastest growing legal marketplace on Earth – Asia, makes it an extremely attractive jurisdiction to be located in. On the other hand, with a population of […]
NewLaw in Asia: The rise of AdventBalance
As prominent strategists in the legal services sector have outlined, the “NewLaw” business model is in increasing ascendance globally. And it is in use in greater frequency among legal services companies (including — but not limited to — law firms in Asia) seeking to provide lower […]
New Report: “Rapid evolution facing Asia-Pacific’s law firms”
According to a new report authored by Dr George Beaton and Eric Chin of Australia’s Beaton Capital — which appears in the new book: A Comprehensive Guide to the Asia-Pacific Legal Markets — the indigenous law firms in Asia for its regions face a rapidly evolving […]
Will India’s new government liberalize the country’s legal market?
Legal news in Asia and the markets across the Asia-Pacific region have been liberalized in recent years. Liberalization of the Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Korean and Indian legal markets are all at various stages of development. India, arguably, is the least liberal among them. Member […]
Change comes slowly to the South Korean legal market
While a liberalized legal market and emerging technologies are transforming Korea- change is slow for the country’s legal market — according to Ryan Russell – a corporate finance attorney with Kim & Chang in Seoul and noted author of Kimchi Law Blog. Russell outlines his thoughts […]
K&L Gates Asia-Pacific Strategy: A Report
An exclusive report by US-based international law firm K&L Gates on its Asia-Pacific Strategy are among the highlights of a new book by this author, namely “A Comprehensive Guide to the Asia-Pacific Legal Markets“. Integral to the book was the participation of the region’s lawyers in […]
“Dynamic forces” seen changing China’s legal market
“Dynamic forces” changing China’s legal market is one highlight of a new book which provides “A Comprehensive Guide to the Asia-Pacific Legal Markets. “ Integral to the book was the participation of the region’s lawyers and legal services sector professionals. They provide commentary and analysis of […]
Conventus Law forges a new path for lawyers to engage online in the Asia-Pacific Region
The digital economy in the Asia-Pacific market and its intersection with law firms in Asia and legal services in the region are one highlight of a new book by this author which provides “A Comprehensive Guide to the Asia-Pacific Legal Markets“. Integral to the the book […]
How change is transforming Singapore’s legal market
Key changes transforming Singapore’s legal market are one highlight of a new book by this author which provides “A Comprehensive Guide to the Asia-Pacific Legal Markets.” Integral to the book was the participation of the region’s lawyers, legal services sector professionals, and law firm management in […]
New book provides “A Comprehensive Guide to the Asia-Pacific Legal Markets”
A new book entitled A Comprehensive Guide to the Asia-Pacific Legal Markets has just been published. Authored by this writer and published by London-based Ark Group, the book begins with an introduction analyzing whether projections for dramatic growth in the region are realistic. Some of the […]
China’s investment into Los Angeles doubles between 2009-2014
“Investment into Los Angeles County from China has doubled over the past five years” according to two new reports issued by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (@LAEDC], as Kevin Smith (@SGVNBiz) reported in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune yesterday. “’International Trade Outlook for the […]
Distinguishing your law firm among clients in global M&A
In April of 2013, a globally best law firms in Asia, Baker & McKenzie, in association with the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) published a study on current trends in the cross-border M&A market. The results of that study, entitled Opportunities Across High-Growth Markets: Trends in Cross-Border M&A, […]
Mayer Brown launches Asia trade consulting arm in Singapore
International law firm Mayer Brown, one of the world’s 22nd largest law firms in Asia, has launched an Asia trade consulting arm in Singapore, according to a media release issued by the firm last week. Richard Smith (RWS_01), Australian business development professional, also noted the event […]
New research outlines Asia-Pacific regional opportunities for international law firms
Eric Chin (@EricJYChin), Senior Analyst to the professions at Beaton Capital in Melbourne has just published new research about international law firms in the Asia Pacific region. As Chin frames: “The Asian Century is upon us. And from many…accounts, this is also true for professional service law […]
The state of free-trade in Asia-Pacific: An interview with Eric Emerson, Steptoe & Johnson LLP
Free trade in the Asia-Pacific region has received much attention in recent years. Two major proposed trade agreements are currently center-stage in the region, The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and The Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP). “The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a proposed expansion of the […]
Constitutional awareness in Myanmar – Creating capacity to build competencies
It was October 14th, 2013. This was the day of our “Constitutional Awareness Workshop” in Yangon, Myanmar. There is a need for constitutional reform of law firms in Myanmar, and I was there representing LexisNexis in support of this nation’s democratization. Our goal was to get […]
Trademark law takes center stage in Asia
As Paul Kossof, author of Chinese Trademark Law: The New Chinese Trademark Law of 2014 recently outlined in a series of exclusive articles in Asia Law Portal. “On May 1, 2014, China’s new trademark law will come into effect. This law will usher in substantial changes […]
Exploring the Impact of Global LPO on the Business Landscape
The global market of Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) was estimated to be USD 13.2 Bn in 2022. And the expectations are to reach USD 134.7 Bn by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 29.6% from 2023 to 2032, according to a report published by Market.us. Legal firms […]
Asia business opportunities outlined at Los Angeles conference
US business leaders gather this week at the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business for the Asia/Pacific Business Outlook Conference (APBO). The conference, co-presented with the United States Department of Commerce, is aimed at helping US exporters and investors target Asian markets, confirmed legal […]
The Asian Legal Marketplace by 2025
Dear law or pre-law students in Asia, Many of you reading this post decided to become the best lawyers in Asia or enter the legal profession based on only the vaguest notions of what the practice of law is actually like. It is perhaps a notion […]
Asia-Pacific region foreign investment rules relaxed
A liberalization of foreign investment regulation is taking place across the Asia-Pacific region, according to a recent study conducted by international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills. The study, entitled Asia-Pacific M&A Review, “considers performance in 2013 and looks forward to prospects for 2014 across Australia, China, Hong […]
India to lift restrictions on law firm websites
“The Bar Council of India has responded to widespread demands by announcing it is to lift restrictions on law firm websites”, according to a recent report by Melissa Lesh in The Global Legal Post. As Lesh outlined: “The bar is planning to amend the regulation dealing with law […]
Japanese law firms continue Asia expansion drive
Japan’s top law firms are continuing an Asia expansion drive in an effort to assist Japanese companies in their expansion drive in the region – as well as to capture market share from high growth economies in China and the ASEAN region. In January, The Global […]
Five critical strategies for US law firms to succeed in Asia
Professional services providers around the world have much opportunity in the Asia-Pacific region – should they approach the market with 5 critical actions, according to a new report by Eric Chin, Senior Analyst at Beaton Capital in Australia. Chin first outlines 5 key opportunities for professional […]
Report on NewLaw from the ReInvent Law Conference
Two significant and unrelated legal industry events and legal innovation in Asia made news among the 800+ delegates at the ReInvent Law conference in New York on February 7. The collapse on February 5 of Heenan Blaikie, an establishment Canadian BigLaw firm, and the announcement on February 7 […]
Asia-Pacific legal social media pioneers of Conventus Law celebrate 2 years in business
Hong Kong-based digital legal pioneers at Conventus Law marked their second year in business with a celebratory event at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum on January 22, 2014. Conventus law is digital media platform designed to connect the Asia-Pacific legal community with business leaders from around the […]
When Will NewLaw Firms Be Relevant In Asia?
With the NewLaw business model gathering pace in many developed economies it’s time to ask ‘When will NewLaw firms be relevant in Asia? To date the spread of the many types of NewLaw firms has been mainly confined to north America, the UK and Australia. When will […]
US law firms likely to continue to follow clients to Asia
Anthony Lin, writing in The Asian Lawyer last week, outlined the prospects for American law firms in Asia for the foreseeable future. Lin’s predicts that the Asian marketplace will continue to grow, continue to attract US business, and hence continue to attract American law firms that […]
Asia-Pacific M&A activity high, characterized by intra-regional deals
LegalWeek.com reported this week that “Deal flow and value in the Asia Pacific, excluding Japan, last year soared to its highest level since 2001, according to new data from Mergermarket. The region saw 2,577 deal announcements in 2013 compared with 2,297 in 2012, marking a year-on-year […]
US law firms in renewed focus on Asia market
DLA Piper and Duane Morris have in recent months both initiated new drives to capture more work out of the Asia-Pacific region. Last December, DLA Piper announced “the appointment of [a] new three-strong Asia advisory committee…designed to create more synergies between the firm’s US and Asia […]
Ecuador and Latin America offer much to Asia’s investors
Latin America has become the most attractive and lucrative growing market for Asia Foreign investment and business opportunity in the world. It is also the second most important trade partner with China and Asia. However, a $4.8 trillion economy, US $26 Billion in China’s investment projects […]
It’s Time for Large Firms to Look Over the Horizon
A recent London-based publication carried a range of opinions about the shape and destiny of large law firms in 2018. For partners in these firms articles such as these can’t make it comfortable to read. But I think they miss the real point by not looking […]
Singapore poised to become the capital-raising hub for Myanmar companies
Singapore is poised to become a magnet for Myanmar companies seeking growth opportunities as they emerge from isolation and face challenges with their banking and financial systems. Lawyers and financial advisors who work closely with Myanmar firms say about “six to 10 companies are considering a […]
NSW proves to be attractive to overseas investors
The New South Wales Government has been attracting overseas investment under the Significant Investor Visa (SIV). The government of NSW requires visa applicants to invest at least 30% of it in NSW Waratah Bonds. Which they can then use to support key infrastructure projects across the […]
Western China’s Financial Centers: Regulations Affecting Foreign Law Firms and Clients
Western China will experience a substantial influx of foreign investment as manufacturers gradually move inland away from the relatively developed and expensive east coast. Foreign goods and services are soon to follow, as Western China’s financial centres such as Chongqing and Chengdu experience increased demand for […]
61% of the world’s new internet users come from the Asia-Pacific
The Asia-Pacific region is adding the newest internet users in the world — according to a new report just published by Jim Dougherty, social media analyst and commentator at Leaders West. According to the report: “Of the new connections between now and 2017, an estimated 61% will […]
Pointers to change and Opportunities for law firms in Hong Kong
This post is based on recent research that provides pointers to change and opportunities for law firms in Hong Kong. Much is changing in the Hong Kong legal profession. Our research amongst law firms and their clients reveals several insightful trends. This post is the first […]
U.S. Law Firms Facing Competitive Challenges in China
As Yun Kriegler outlined recently in The Lawyer, after spending ten years in Asia, U.S. law firm Vinson & Elkins decided to close its Shanghai office. In July 2013, the Houston-based firm announced that it will shut down its three-partner office to consolidate its China practice […]
How to find clients for your new law practice
If you are just about to start your first law firm/practice, one of the first questions probably is how to approach potential clients and get them on board. The principles laid out below, proven and borrowed from the start-up world, are also applicable if you are […]
The state of private equity in Asia in 2013
According to Julia Leong, Hong Kong’s Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, who spoke at the 12th HKVCA China Private Equity Summit on June 11 of this year: “The private equity industry is now a key player in Asia’s evolving financing landscape.” In her […]
Russian nuclear power investments in Vietnam an opportunity for lawyers
As the Voice of Russia recently reported: “Vietnam’s power industry plans to build 13 nuclear power units with an overall generating capacity of 15 gigawatts by 2030″. And Vietnam.net outlined: “The nuclear power market in Vietnam at present is estimated to be worth about $10 billion and […]
Foreign law firms “flying into” Singapore
Singapore’s central location in the high-growth ASEAN region, it’s status as a safe financial hub and the increasing ease by which foreign firms can access the country, has led to a recent increase in the influx of foreign law firms. Read more: Will Hong Kong’s law firms […]
US law firms set their sights on Asia
Phil Bolton of Global Atlanta reported yesterday that “With its acquisition of a California firm completed and the opening of a new office in Korea, the law firm of McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP will be increasingly committed to international work and focusing even more intently on […]
Will Hong Kong’s law firms adapt to new competition?
LegalWeek.com reported this week that Australia-based fixed-fee law firm AdventBalance “has brought its unconventional business model to Hong Kong with the opening of an office in the city”. The firm “seconds senior lawyers to clients’ offices for specific projects and transactions; agreeing a fixed payable amount for the […]
Myanmar’s first investment bank reflects the region’s opportunity for professional services firms
The opening of the Myanmar economy to international trade and the democratization of the country has been widely reported around the world in recent months. As the New York Times reported: “After years of stagnation, change is coming to Myanmar at a rapid pace. Since taking office […]
Hong Kong legal social media entrepreneurs gaining traction
I met Stephen Lai, Managing Director of Hong Kong-based Conventus Law, in the eclectic Sheung Wan district, blending traditional and modern, located a mile away from Hong Kong’s gleaming office towers. A former Associate Publisher of Euromoney Legal Media Group (titles include IFLR, China Law & Practice, […]
Malaysian legal market opening to foreign firms
As Star Online reported from Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian Parliament — The Dewan Rakyat — passed the Legal Profession (Amendment) Bill of 2012, which will soon allow foreign lawyers to open offices and practice law in Malaysia. What practices will foreign law firms be permitted to establish? Lee […]
Hong Kong, China gateway: An interview with Deacons Executive Partner, Jeremy Lam
Hong Kong is both a gateway into China, but also as a conduit for Chinese outbound foreign investment. As the China Daily reported recently, echoing a sentiment expressed earlier this year by Deacons Executive Partner Jeremy Lam in an interview in BusinessWeek. During the first half of […]
India’s legal industry growing rapidly
India’s legal services industry is growing at a rate of approximately 40% per year, according to a report by Daisy Khanna, of KPO Consultants, a New Delhi-based consulting company which provides business solutions exclusively to the Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) industry. While driven in large part […]
Opportunities for law firms in US-Korea trade
The Inter-Pacific Bar Association Annual Meeting begins tomorrow in Seoul – and this provides a good opportunity to outline what opportunities exist for lawyers in Korea and the US to capitalize upon the growing bilateral trade relationship between the two countries. Some background Just over one […]
Chinese law firm Yingke enters the Israeli legal market
The Lawyer magazine (UK) has reported that Chinese law firm Yingke has entered the newly liberalized Israeli legal market. The Lawyer reported that Yingke “merged with Israeli boutique firm Eyal Khayat Zolty, Neiger & Co, for its first step into the jurisdiction. The local firm has rebranded itself […]
Latin America–Asia trade growth offers law firms new opportunities
The high growth and increasingly mutually engaged economies of Latin America and Asia offer significant new business development opportunities to law firms and other professional services firms – provided they put in place and execute plans to effectively secure new cross-border business. Latin America – Asia […]
Foreign law firms can now access South Korea’s legal market
As a result of two recent landmark free trade agreements between South Korea, the European Union and the United States — the South Korean legal market will now be open for American and European law firms. According to Ranajit Dam’s article in Asian Legal Business, South […]
Impact of Asian legal market liberalization outlined at Seoul conference
A panel discussion at the Inter-Pacific Bar Association Annual Conference in Seoul, Korea last week focused on the impact of legal market liberalization on specific legal jurisdictions in the Asian legal market. Lawyers practicing in India, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Korea made presentations highlighting the […]
Asia Legal Market Projected to Double by 2017
6-7% growth in Asia’s legal services sector over the next 7-8 years is projected to transform the global legal services market‘s composition and structure, presenting a significant opportunity for law firms in Asia. Legal services market management consultant Alan Hodgart recently outlined these statistics at an […]