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

“FJ&G de Saram has been responsive to our requests whatever the time of day,” praises one client. “The firm is excellent on the accessibility front.” The firm brings over a century of legal experience to the table, and also possesses the deepest bench ... [more]

“FJ&G de Saram has been responsive to our requests whatever the time of day,” praises one client. “The firm is excellent on the accessibility front.” The firm brings over a century of legal experience to the table, and also possesses the deepest bench of legal professionals in the country. Key deals include advising Citibank on matters regarding a public interest application made by an activist alleging that the fundamental rights of the citizenry were violated by illegal hedging contracts between five commercial banks and the state-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation. This matter was led by partner Avindra Rodrigo. “The lawyers at the firm are good, but not cheap,” says another client. “We are happy with the fees nonetheless as for services rendered the firm is more than value for money.”

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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 ... [more]

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.

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DL&F de Saram has decades of legal experience and is a “worthy and excellent” firm, say peers. Partner Suren de Silva is praised by clients: “He’s great value for the advice provided.” The firm advises local engineering and construction entities Maga ... [more]

DL&F de Saram has decades of legal experience and is a “worthy and excellent” firm, say peers. Partner Suren de Silva is praised by clients: “He’s great value for the advice provided.” The firm advises local engineering and construction entities Maga Engineering and NEM Construction as well as the Trelleborg Group on arbitration, litigation and other dispute resolution matters. It maintains superlative relations with foreign firms, such as its work for clients of UK firm Holman Fenwick & Willan in an enforcement of an arbitral award. One peer says: “The firm’s a worthy opponent in the domestic market, and we honestly like working with the lawyers as they are all quite professional.”

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“Through its array of legal counsel at its disposal, Murugesu & Neelakandan ensures accessibility to us at all times. Its well organised office processes allow for speedy responses to any legal issues we have to be resolved,” says a client. The firm ... [more]

“Through its array of legal counsel at its disposal, Murugesu & Neelakandan ensures accessibility to us at all times. Its well organised office processes allow for speedy responses to any legal issues we have to be resolved,” says a client. The firm remains secure in the rankings this year, with one peer noting: “It has been part of the legal landscape for decades and has amassed impressive clients and expertise.” The firm represented Philippine client Phil East Asia Construction in obtaining an arbitral award against a prominent hotel business and commenced award enforcement proceedings in the High Court. One client says: “I can’t think of a situation where the lawyers would be troubled. They are very good.”

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Although better known for its banking and finance expertise, Nithya Partners is an elite firm across many areas in Sri Lanka, with a peer noting: “Its litigation practice is quite good and the lawyers are very well known for disputes work.” Partner Chanaka ... [more]

Although better known for its banking and finance expertise, Nithya Partners is an elite firm across many areas in Sri Lanka, with a peer noting: “Its litigation practice is quite good and the lawyers are very well known for disputes work.” Partner Chanaka de Silva heads the practice, with one client saying: “He’s good at what he does and very reliable.” The team advised Litro Gas Lanka, formerly known as Shell Gas Lanka, in an arbitration action where it requested an order of specific performance with the Consumer Affairs Authority. The arbitration was withdrawn in 2011 with the government’s purchase of the client from Shell, but it marked the first time an arbitration action was taken against the Consumer Affairs Authority. The transaction was valued at LKR1.7 billion (US$15.4 million).

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“Sudath Perera Associates is known for its disputes work,” says one rival partner. “Perera himself is a known quantity in the litigation field.” The firm has a steady flow of work, with another peer noting: “It has an impressive volume of work.” The ... [more]

“Sudath Perera Associates is known for its disputes work,” says one rival partner. “Perera himself is a known quantity in the litigation field.” The firm has a steady flow of work, with another peer noting: “It has an impressive volume of work.” The firm’s dispute resolution team advises clients such as Fonterra Brands, Standard Chartered Bank and HSBC. Cases typically include tax and customs disputes, money recovery and debt recovery matters. The firm employs 11 partners in its structure, with a dedicated money recovery litigation department that provides “end to end dispute resolution needs”, say clients.

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