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

“Azman Davidson & Co is a top class firm in the construction industry,” says a partner at a rival firm. It is a dominant force in the market, with its “dedication to service excellence” a prime reason for its resilience in this area of practice. Senior partner Bill Davidson is a lawyer of “singular character and calibre”, says a market observer. The firm specialises in construction disputes, and its work with clients such as Siemens, Murphy Oil and Alstom has helped it maintain a high profile over the years. A competitor says: “The firm has incredible staying power, and is a tough target to beat in terms of construction work.”

“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.

Shearn Delamore & Co retains its lofty position in the rankings this year, with one client saying: “It has a solid reputation of being one of the leading firms in Malaysia.” The firm’s strength in depth is an oft cited reason for its continued dominance. “The firm is staffed by very smart and technically competent lawyers who specialise in a wide range of fields,” adds another client. The firm acted for SP Setia in its joint venture with Setia Haruman in the acquisition of land for a mixed commercial and residential development in Cyberjaya. The deal was valued at RM420 million (US$141 million), with partner Sar Sau Yee leading the team on this matter.

“Shook Lin & Bok’s legal advice is of a high quality in terms of accuracy, comprehensiveness and relevance,” says a client. The firm’s dispute resolution prowess boosts its capabilities in the areas of construction and real estate. One partner at a rival firm says: “The firm has great exposure in this market.” Senior partner Patricia David Saini and her team are recommended by clients, with one saying: “We find Patricia David and her team to be meticulous. It is comprehensive in covering all legal issues and prompt in its service.” The firm has been involved on several transactions in the past year, one of which involved the purchase of a boutique building within the MSC Malaysia Cybercentre by a client of the firm. This matter was valued at over RM 92 million (US$31 million) and completed in December 2010.

“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 service at Raja Darryl & Loh was up to par and professional,” says one client. Peers recommend the firm’s construction and real estate work, with a competitor saying: “The lawyers there are on the top deals and they have top class clients.” The firm advised Hotel Royal in its acquisition of the four-star Hotel Coronade Kuala Lumpur from Achijaya Properties for RM93 million (US$31 million). The deal completed in September 2010.

Shahrizat Rashid & Lee provides legal advice to a range of domestic clients, with peers recommending the firm for its “specialist services and great technical knowledge”. An example of the firm’s cross border work was its advice to German company Union Investment Real Estate on its acquisition of Capsquare Office Tower 2. Partner Loo May Pearl worked on this RM439 million (US$147 million) deal, which is yet to complete.

Zain & Co houses a “vibrant and reputable” construction and real estate practice, says a peer. The firm advised PNB Merdeka Ventures, which is a subsidiary of Permodalan Nasional, in the development of a 100-storey tower in Kuala Lumpur. This project is valued at RM2.5 billion (US$838 million) and, if it completes, the building will be the tallest in the country and in the Southeast Asia region.

“The advice we received from ZICOlaw provided clear and patient explanations of legal issues. The service was user friendly and practical,” says a client. The construction and real estate practice at the firm is led by partner Karin Lim who is respected by clients for “her clear and concise advice, and her practical and patient manner”. A notable transaction last year was the team’s representation of Global Capital & Development in a commercial development in the Medini Business District. This project was valued at RM688 million (US$231 million).