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

“Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill is fully deserving of a top tier position,” admits one rival partner. The firm maintains a “top of the class” dispute resolution practice, with a client saying: “The lawyers there provide creative solutions to meet our toughest problems and demands.” Partner Rosli Dahlan is singled out for praise by another client: “He provided excellent service and had superb turnaround time. His approach was very innovative and aggressive at the same time.” Dahlan led a firm team in the representation of Malaysian Airline System in its dispute with the Government of the Republic of Maldives and Air Maldives in a Malaysian suit for RM124 million (US$41.5 million) and a Singapore arbitration or RM315 million. These matters were both withdrawn and concluded in May 2010.

“There is no faulting Shearn Delamore & Co. The firm is the standard that everyone else aspires to in this country,” says a peer. The dispute resolution practice is well positioned in the top tier for another year, as clients and peers unite to recommend the firm. One client says: “With the firm on board, a client has the assurance that it is receiving the best advice that money can buy.” The firm acted for Bechtel and BE & K International before the High Court regarding extended consultancy services from the clients. This case dealt with issues around whether an arbitration clause can be extended or incorporated by reference.

“Historically, Shook Lin & Bok is among the best firms in the country for dispute resolution,” says a partner at a rival firm. It remains in the top tier of the rankings this year, with its continued emphasis on and excellence in this area of practice. One client says: “The firm is an exquisite combination of technically superb lawyers with keen commercial minds. It’s our preferred firm in the country.” Partner Cyrus Das is recognised by the legal market as one of the top legal minds in Malaysia, with a competitor recommending him for his “peerless ability in the courtroom”.

“Skrine has a formidable dispute resolution department,” says one peer. “The practice is a juggernaut in this field.” The firm has consolidated its position among the preeminent firms in the dispute resolution rankings. Clients appreciate its progressive approach and value. “With this firm, the value of the advice provided far exceeds the legal costs,” says one. “The service provided is incomparable.” A highlight for the team this year was advising Genting Malaysia in litigation issues arising from its proposed acquisition of casino businesses in the UK from Genting Singapore. Partner Leong Wai Hong led on this matter. A client recommends the firm for its reach: “The firm has size and expertise, and there are few other options for clients like us who need a whole sweep of expertise.”

“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.

“Cheang & Ariff is a highly acclaimed part of the legal landscape,” says one peer. The dispute resolution practice at the firm is particularly strong, with another competitor saying: “The firm is probably best known for its litigation and disputes work as this is where it established its name.” Name partner Low Siew Cheang is regarded as a “prominent and iconic lawyer” by the market. The firm sits on many domestic banks panels, with a considerable presence in banking litigation. Its range of work includes disputes regarding company law and securities law.

“Chooi & Co is known for its disputes work,” says a competitor. The firm combines this excellent dispute resolution acumen with strength in its corporate practice, and it has shot up the rankings this year. Partner Ira Biswas is a well respected name in the industry, with one peer saying: “He’s an accomplished legal professional and highly regarded.” The firm acted for Sumitomo in proceedings brought forth by Jimah Power Generation against 20 parties, including the firm’s client, regarding proprietary rights over a coal-fired power plant project. The proceedings were struck out in the High Court, and the appeal was withdrawn in August 2010.

“Kadir Andri & Partners is able to think outside the box and be commercially minded,” says a client. The firm is well established as an elite financial and corporate firm, and its dispute resolution practice is also highly regarded by peers and clients. One competitor says: “The work it does is remarkable.” A high profile matter last year was defending client Measat Broadcast Network Systems in alleged breaches of confidence in a tender bidding process. This case was valued at RM1.3 billion (US$435 million).

“Raja Darryl & Loh fulfilled our guidelines and met our expectations with ease,” says one satisfied client. The firm is renowned in the country for its dispute resolution expertise, with another client noting: “The partner we worked with is not just another high street lawyer. The firm is very responsive.” A notable transaction in the last year involved the firm advising a distressed debt investment specialist in its Malaysian venture to finance lawsuits, debt claims and arbitration cases regarding an insolvent domestic company.

ZICOlaw’s dispute resolution expertise lies in the corporate and financial sectors. The practice is led by partner Ariff Rozhan, who is recommended by peers as a “top litigation expert”. A firm team, led by Rozhan, advised Maybank IB in its defence from three investors who alleged misrepresentation and negligence regarding reports prepared and statements made on the likely performance of shares in 2004. The value of this case was RM8 million (US$2.68 million) plus damages.