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

Abrahams Davidson & Co is well respected for its Islamic banking practice. One client says: “I found it to be very professional and understanding of Islamic transactions. The firm understood what it was doing and it helps to have someone who understands ... [more]

Abrahams Davidson & Co is well respected for its Islamic banking practice. One client says: “I found it to be very professional and understanding of Islamic transactions. The firm understood what it was doing and it helps to have someone who understands particular areas of your business.” The firm brought in Nor Suhaila Abdul Latif from Malaysian law firm Skrine in October 2010. Latif adds experience in Islamic banking, but also possesses equal exposure in the general corporate and commercial areas of practice as well.

In an example of a cross border transaction involving the government, the firm advised SBI Holdings of Japan and the Ministry of Finance of Brunei in establishing the first Islamic compliant private equity fund. This matter was led by leading partner Bernard Tan and was completed in August 2010.

One peer in the market notes the firm has “a sizeable amount of banking work”. Clients agree, with one saying: “It is one of the leading firms in Brunei. It possesses a strong reputation as a banking law firm and, after working with it, we have good knowledge of the firm’s work ethic and dedication.”

Leading partner Bernard Tan enjoys an excellent reputation among peers and clients alike.

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CCW Partnership is known for its litigation prowess, and complements this with strong financial and corporate capabilities. “CCW Partnership definitely belongs in the top tier,” says one peer.Clients are also keen, with one praising partner Andrew Ong: ... [more]

CCW Partnership is known for its litigation prowess, and complements this with strong financial and corporate capabilities. “CCW Partnership definitely belongs in the top tier,” says one peer.

Clients are also keen, with one praising partner Andrew Ong: “I believe he is a lawyer with good personality and experience. Above all he observes good professional ethics.”

Some noteworthy transactions over the past year for the firm include advising: a US-based multinational bank on a sale of securities in Brunei; a Singaporean bank in a matter regarding credit facilities granted to a Brunei multinational company; and, a local statutory body in a consultancy agreement for an airport project.

The firm provides legal advice to a range of international clients, such as Standard Chartered Bank and IBM Malaysia, as well as to domestic interests, such as one of the largest vehicle distributors in Brunei, North Borneo Trading (NBT), and one of the leading banks in the country, Baiduri Bank Group.

CCW’s international capabilities are recommended by one corporate client: “It is one of the top legal firms in the country. The lawyers there have good references and great testimonials.”

Among the firm’s star performers are partners Andrew Ong and Dunstan Sim.

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Dr Colin Ong Legal Services has a leading reputation in the country for dispute resolution, coupled with a drive for success in the corporate practice space. Managing partner Colin Ong is praised by peers: “He is a fine lawyer and is well known in the ... [more]

Dr Colin Ong Legal Services has a leading reputation in the country for dispute resolution, coupled with a drive for success in the corporate practice space. Managing partner Colin Ong is praised by peers: “He is a fine lawyer and is well known in the international legal market.”

Some notable matters over the last include the firm advising Berjaya Corporation of Malaysia on regulatory issues and a share offering of a specific fund. The firm also counselled Keppel Land of Singapore on its acquisition of a local company for the development of the downstream industry in Brunei.

One banking client recommends Ong: “We require lawyers who are not only skilled at banking and financial matters but are also responsive and have an effective way of presenting careful analysis to our banking problems. Dr Colin Ong is the only lawyer in Brunei who possesses all of these abilities.”

The firm has extensive experience in the oil and gas sector, specifically from working with state national oil and gas company Brunei Petroleum. One client says: “Dr Ong’s unsurpassed legal and technical knowledge of the oil and gas industry and construction industry makes the firm the choice for any bank to turn to in putting together large transactional matters.”

Figurehead Dr Colin Ong is highly regarded.

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“Ahmad Isa & Partners is a great firm that is looking to break into the top tier,” says one competitor. Partner Aisha Alkaff is recognised by peers for experience in Islamic finance, and her areas of expertise also reach areas such as conveyancing and ... [more]

“Ahmad Isa & Partners is a great firm that is looking to break into the top tier,” says one competitor. Partner Aisha Alkaff is recognised by peers for experience in Islamic finance, and her areas of expertise also reach areas such as conveyancing and IP. The firm is highly regarded in the country as a flexible firm, with a strong presence in the banking area. Another rival lawyer comments: “I’d say that partner Ahmad Isa is a standout in the financial sector. I’d even place the firm among the top if not at the top of banking firms in the country.” Ahmad Isa & Partners works closely with government entities such as the Ministry of Finance and BIBD.

Partner Aisha Alkaff was frequently cited as a lawyer of substance.

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K Lim & Co is recommended by clients and peers for a quality service while retaining a personal and friendly touch. Partner Kelvin Lim led the team in advising the incorporation of a joint venture company between Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) and ... [more]

K Lim & Co is recommended by clients and peers for a quality service while retaining a personal and friendly touch. Partner Kelvin Lim led the team in advising the incorporation of a joint venture company between Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) and Turkish corporate entity the Ulker Group. Lim also provided counsel to the Ministry of Finance in Brunei on the incorporation of the Centre for Islamic Banking & Finance, which was created as a training centre for Islamic bankers in the country.

Partner Kelvin Lim can be seen across many of the country’s transactional matters.

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“Pengiran Izad & Lee is top-notch and should be considered top tier,” says one competitor. Partners Ronnie Lee and Izad Bahrin are widely recommended by peers and clients for their expertise. The firm is known for attracting international clients, and ... [more]

“Pengiran Izad & Lee is top-notch and should be considered top tier,” says one competitor. Partners Ronnie Lee and Izad Bahrin are widely recommended by peers and clients for their expertise. The firm is known for attracting international clients, and has been acknowledged by the market for its experience with Islamic finance. Notable clients include global entities such as Shell, and financial institutions such as Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) and HSBC.

Partners Ronnie Lee and Izad Bahrin are the envy of other firms.

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“YC Lee & Lee is a very capable firm. Partner YC Lee himself is very professional and well known in his field,” says a client. Housing a highly acclaimed litigation practice to enhance its transactional work, the firm’s capability across these two divisions ... [more]

“YC Lee & Lee is a very capable firm. Partner YC Lee himself is very professional and well known in his field,” says a client. Housing a highly acclaimed litigation practice to enhance its transactional work, the firm’s capability across these two divisions has been a boon for its foreign clients in particular. YC Lee & Lee provides services for esteemed clients such as financial institutions HSBC, Malayan Banking, Standard Chartered Bank and Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei.

Name partner Yew Choh Lee comes highly recommended.

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