Asialaw Profiles
The Guide to the legal markets of the Asia-Pacific

Skrine is a preferred choice of counsel for international clients with particular influence in the banking industry. Peers and clients comment that the firm is “formidable, and tough to beat”. It provides advice to clients such as ING Insurance and American International Assurance and is regularly involved in financing work in the property, and oil and gas sectors as well as on corporate transactions. A client recommends the firm for its accessibility: “We prefer working with the lawyers there as we get responses in the space of hours. They are truly available 24/7 and return calls the moment they are able to.”

Skrine combines its renowned litigation ability with an excellent corporate practice. A firm client says: “Skrine houses some of the most professional lawyers available. If there is any delay, it is usually more our fault than theirs. It is very responsive.” A notable transaction this year was its representation of AIA in the setting up of joint venture company AIA AFG Takaful with Alliance Bank Malaysia. The deal was completed in early 2011. Partner Janet Looi is highly recommended by clients, with one saying: “She is very quick to respond. With quality practitioners such as her, the added value of working with the firm far exceeds the legal costs.”

“Skrine is a large firm. It has the resources, whether it’s a corporate affair or litigation, to handle everything that is thrown at it,” says one satisfied client. The firm retains its top tier rankings this year amid a shower of praise from peers and clients, with a rival noting: “The firm’s dispute resolution practice offers a cutting edge to its construction and real estate work, especially in arbitration matters.” Partner Vinayak Pradhan is singled out by peers and clients for praise. A notable case for the firm over the past year was its representation of Bank Islam in a case involving Islamic finance structures and property sales. Another well regarded member of the team is partner Ivan Loo, who is known as an “effective professional” in the market.

“Skrine has a formidable dispute resolution department,” says one peer. “The practice is a juggernaut in this field.” The firm has consolidated its position among the preeminent firms in the dispute resolution rankings. Clients appreciate its progressive approach and value. “With this firm, the value of the advice provided far exceeds the legal costs,” says one. “The service provided is incomparable.” A highlight for the team this year was advising Genting Malaysia in litigation issues arising from its proposed acquisition of casino businesses in the UK from Genting Singapore. Partner Leong Wai Hong led on this matter. A client recommends the firm for its reach: “The firm has size and expertise, and there are few other options for clients like us who need a whole sweep of expertise.”

The IP practice at Skrine is “basically a national institution”, says a peer. Clients are equally impressed , with one noting: “It’s a top tier outfit in the country, especially in its IP litigation work.” Partner Khoo Guan Huat is the key driver behind the success of this department. “The team has great knowledge in IP law, but one must single out Khoo for especial praise,” says a client. “He’s a very well respected lawyer.” The firm represented Fifa in the issuing of cease and desist letters to infringers involved in ambush marketing at the last Fifa World Cup.

Skrine retains its position at the top of the rankings this year amid continued support from clients and peers alike. One competitor says: “The firm has a focused and dedicated team of practitioners experienced and well versed in IT, telecoms and media work. I wouldn’t see it anywhere else but in the top tier.” The firm’s highly acclaimed IP practice supports its top class capabilities in IT, telecoms and media work. The team advises high profile clients such as the Genting group, and international law firms such as Morrison & Foerster, on domestic law matters. Partner Charmayne Ong is recommended by clients, with one noting: “She is very professional and always gives sound commercial advice.”

“Skrine’s ability to deliver under great pressure and in top matters is priceless,” says a client. The firm maintains a top tier ranking in this area, which is supoorted by its dispute resolution practice. “The firm is there to stay,” says one peer. A high profile matter in the last year was the firm’s representation of GE Engine Services in a dispute surrounding the competence of Malaysia Airlines System Employees’ Union Peninsular Malaysia in representing GE employees. This matter was successfully argued before the High Court, with the decision going in favour of the client. Partner Selvamalar Alagaratnam worked on this transaction, which completed in April 2011. Alagaratnam is recommended by clients as a “thorough legal professional who sees the job through”.