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

“Julius & Creasy is undoubtedly the best in the market, and always has been,” says a partner at a rival firm. Although some market observers note that the firm’s senior partners are getting older, competitors confirm that the firm has strength in depth. “Having worked with these supposedly less experienced partners,” says one, “I’ve found them to be very able and hardworking; they’re definitely cut from the same cloth as the seniors.” A prominent transaction for the firm was its work on a bond offering by the government of Sri Lanka, where it acted for lead managers HSBC, JP Morgan Securities and Royal Bank of Scotland. The deal completed in October 2010 and was valued at US$500 million.

“Julius & Creasy is a top tier firm from top to bottom,” says a competitor. The firm remains in the highest echelons of the corporate rankings, with one client saying: “In our experience, the firm’s accessibility, responsiveness and clarity have been impeccable.” A notable transaction for the firm last year was its representation of Cargills (Ceylon) and subsidiary Millers Brewery in its acquisition of McCallum Brewing, McCallum Breweries (Ceylon) and The Three Coins Company. This matter saw the client acquiring a 5% market share in the domestic beer industry, and could have a monumental impact on the industry. “The firm provides a quality service and gets the results we want,” adds another client.

Julius & Creasy is a traditional heavyweight in the legal industry, and claims a top tier ranking. A competitor says: “There’s no getting around the firm. It’s at the top of the industry and has been for many years.” Julius & Creasy also retains a top class dispute resolution practice, with one client noting: “It’s a very well established firm with international capabilities. The market’s best I would say.” A highlight for the firm is its continued work for Deutsche Bank regarding Ceylon Petroleum Corporation’s default on payments and the submitted arbitration action to the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). Key partner R Senathi Rajah was part of the team on this transaction, which was valued at US$60.4 million.

Julius & Creasy is historically a powerful player in the legal industry in Sri Lanka, and its prowess in IP matters is “top class”, says a peer. The firm retains its position in the rankings this year, with one client commenting: “The lawyers provide top quality advice, as expected from a firm of this calibre.” A highlight matter in the last year was the firm’s representation of Unilever on an infringement case regarding the client’s Lipton Yellow Label Tea. Partners J M Swaminathan and Anomi Wanigasekera headed up this matter, which closed in November 2010 with the infringing parties discontinuing production of the infringing goods. Other notable clients of the firm include Mars and International Cricket Council.