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

“Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill is an expert firm on labour and employment matters,” says a partner at a rival firm. It remains among the top practices in the country for another year, with partners Lim Heng Seng and Dato’ Thavalingam Thavarajah acclaimed ... [more]

“Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill is an expert firm on labour and employment matters,” says a partner at a rival firm. It remains among the top practices in the country for another year, with partners Lim Heng Seng and Dato’ Thavalingam Thavarajah acclaimed by competitors as “top class practitioners”. One client says of Lim: “He is friendly yet professional. His manner is obliging and he brings great knowledge to the table.” The firm represented CIMB Bank in the high court regarding claims from an ex-employee of unfair dismissal for participating in an unlawful picket. The team, led by Thavarajah, successfully defended the client, with the matter now pending before the Court of Appeal. Other notable clients of the practice include SME Bank and the Sapura group.

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Shearn Delamore & Co possesses one of the largest and “best run” labour and employment practices in the country, say peers and clients. The firm continues its dominance of the market, with one market observer noting: “The depth of the labour and employment ... [more]

Shearn Delamore & Co possesses one of the largest and “best run” labour and employment practices in the country, say peers and clients. The firm continues its dominance of the market, with one market observer noting: “The depth of the labour and employment practice at the firm is hard to beat. With its reputation as a top dispute resolution practice, the lawyers there are well equipped with all the necessary experience to get the best results.” A notable case for the firm was its representation of HSBC in a dispute where a performance review assessment was challenged by the union (Persatuan Pegawai-pegawai HSBC Malaysia Berhad Semenanjung Malaysia) as a trade dispute in the Industrial Court.

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“Shook Lin & Bok is among the best in the country at labour and employment law,” says one competitor. The firm maintains a strong dispute resolution presence in Malaysia, which reinforces the overall quality of its labour and employment practice. One ... [more]

“Shook Lin & Bok is among the best in the country at labour and employment law,” says one competitor. The firm maintains a strong dispute resolution presence in Malaysia, which reinforces the overall quality of its labour and employment practice. One peer says: “With the rich history it has in this area, I wouldn’t expect the firm to be any lower than the top tier.” Partner Steven Thiruneelakandan is highly regarded by both clients and peers, with one peer noting: “He’s a superb professional.”

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“Skrine’s ability to deliver under great pressure and in top matters is priceless,” says a client. The firm maintains a top tier ranking in this area, which is supoorted by its dispute resolution practice. “The firm is there to stay,” says one peer. ... [more]

“Skrine’s ability to deliver under great pressure and in top matters is priceless,” says a client. The firm maintains a top tier ranking in this area, which is supoorted by its dispute resolution practice. “The firm is there to stay,” says one peer. A high profile matter in the last year was the firm’s representation of GE Engine Services in a dispute surrounding the competence of Malaysia Airlines System Employees’ Union Peninsular Malaysia in representing GE employees. This matter was successfully argued before the High Court, with the decision going in favour of the client. Partner Selvamalar Alagaratnam worked on this transaction, which completed in April 2011. Alagaratnam is recommended by clients as a “thorough legal professional who sees the job through”.

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“Zul Rafique & Partners has a great labour and employment practice,” says one peer. The firm retains its position in the highest echelons of the rankings amid support from peers and clients for its expertise in this area of practice. One competitor notes: ... [more]

“Zul Rafique & Partners has a great labour and employment practice,” says one peer. The firm retains its position in the highest echelons of the rankings amid support from peers and clients for its expertise in this area of practice. One competitor notes: “Coupled with its strong litigation arm, the firm is undoubtedly in among the top firms in this category.” Partner P Jayasingam is a “great practitioner and technically sound”, adds a client. Talented individuals such as Nantha Balan and Wong Keat Ching complete a “superb team” that is adored by clients.

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“Raja Darryl & Loh is easily accessible and has a good understanding of our industry,” says a client. Partner Ravindra Kumar is praised by clients, with one saying: “Industrial disputes in the country are often protracted, and it often comes down to ... [more]

“Raja Darryl & Loh is easily accessible and has a good understanding of our industry,” says a client. Partner Ravindra Kumar is praised by clients, with one saying: “Industrial disputes in the country are often protracted, and it often comes down to a commercial decision in the end regardless of who is right or wrong. Kumar has helped us tremendously in this respect.” The firm acts for clients such as MTJ Development, Carrier International, Kelly Services and Roper Industries.

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Zain & Co advised Hai-O Enterprise in claims against the client for unlawful termination of employment based on allegations of unfair labour practice. The team on this matter comprised Collin Sequerah, Kok Su Ann and Lim Ming Wang. Another notable matter ... [more]

Zain & Co advised Hai-O Enterprise in claims against the client for unlawful termination of employment based on allegations of unfair labour practice. The team on this matter comprised Collin Sequerah, Kok Su Ann and Lim Ming Wang. Another notable matter was the firm’s representation of Optimal Chemicals (Malaysia) in employee claims against the client for alleged unlawful deduction of salary.

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The newly rebranded ZICOlaw possesses a formidable labour and employment practice. One client says: “The firm has helped our company greatly in pre-empting the ‘what if’ scenarios and working out best possible solutions to our advantage.” Partner Yong ... [more]

The newly rebranded ZICOlaw possesses a formidable labour and employment practice. One client says: “The firm has helped our company greatly in pre-empting the ‘what if’ scenarios and working out best possible solutions to our advantage.” Partner Yong Hon Cheong is singled out by another client for praise: “He understands our business and will lay out the risks for us. He knows his cases and is extremely responsive.” The firm provides advice to clients such as CIMB Group, RHB Bank, Chartis Malaysia Insurance and British American Tobacco.

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