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

“Zul Rafique & Partners is an undoubtedly top-notch banking firm,” says a competitor. The firm advised special purpose vehicle Tanjong Capital in the granting of a syndicated term loan facility to the client for financing the privatisation of Tanjong. This transaction completed in August 2010 and valued at RM5 billion (US$1.7 billion). A peer says: “The firm engages in the full spectrum of work, and we see it across the table all the time. I have only the best things to say about these professionals.” Clients appreciate the firm for its professionalism, with one saying: “The lawyers at the firm possess vast experience and ability in their respective legal competencies.”

Zul Rafique & Partners retains its position in the rankings this year, with one client saying: “Its lawyers have strong legal competencies as well as business and technical knowledge.” Partner Jerry Ong is singled out by clients as a “veritable source of legal knowledge”. The firm advised Astro Holdings in the privatisation of Astro All Asia Networks, which was one of the largest such exercises last year. The deal was completed in July 2010 and valued at RM8.5 billion (US$2.85 billion). A client recommends the firm for its attentiveness: “We prefer this firm because we can get more direct access to its partners, who also tend to be more responsive than those at other firms in the country.”

“The lawyers in the property practice group at Zul Rafique & Partners have strong legal competency as well as business and technical knowledge,” says one client. The firm boasts a historic excellence in the financial and corporate side of practice, which augments its construction and real estate-rekated work. A notable transaction in the last year was the firm’s representation of Ireka Land, which is a subsidiary of Ireka Corporation, in the disposal and leaseback of an office tower and a mall in 1 Mont’ Kiara. This transaction was valued at RM333 million (US$111 million) and completed in December 2010. Partner Tang Ai Leen was involved in this matter, and is recommended by clients for being a “seasoned real estate professional”.

“The dispute resolution practice at Zul Rafique & Partners is a definite fixture in the top tier,” says a competitor. The firm can call upon talented senior practitioners such as partner Cecil Abraham, who is acclaimed by peers and clients as a “calming authority in his realm of dispute resolution”. A notable case for the firm was its representation of His Royal Highness Tengku Mahkota Tengku Muhammad Faris Petra in suits filed on various matters regarding the conduct of the then Regent of Kelantan. The team advises high profile clients such as Central Bank of Malaysia, Maxis and Eon Capital on a regular basis.

“Zul Rafique & Partners has the technical knowledge required. That’s why we instruct the firm,” says a client. The practice advised Telekom Malaysia in work relating to high speed broadband services, and issues surrounding its maintenance and operation manual. Partner Au Wei Lien led on this transaction, which concluded in December 2010 and was the first agreement implemented by the client relating to high speed broadband services. The firm also advised Telekom Malaysia on continuing legal and regulatory issues regarding networks and access agreements.

“Zul Rafique & Partners has a great labour and employment practice,” says one peer. The firm retains its position in the highest echelons of the rankings amid support from peers and clients for its expertise in this area of practice. One competitor notes: “Coupled with its strong litigation arm, the firm is undoubtedly in among the top firms in this category.” Partner P Jayasingam is a “great practitioner and technically sound”, adds a client. Talented individuals such as Nantha Balan and Wong Keat Ching complete a “superb team” that is adored by clients.