Q&A: Charting a New Course

by Sarah Wong |

After spending 15 years or more at Singapore’s domestic legal giant Rajah & Tann, disputes specialists Danny Ong (L) and Wern-Jhien Yam decided to break away to blaze their own trail. The duo founded Setia Law, which prides itself as innovative and solutions-driven while boasting expertise in crypto disputes and restructuring. ALB finds…

ALB Asia IP Rankings 2023

As the Asian region reopens after three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of intellectual property remains more important than ever. This is reflected in the approaches of the best law firms for IP work, which have gone above and beyond when it comes to servicing their clients in these times of transition. 

EXPLAINER: Will fines and an added compliance burden colour South Korea green?

by Sarah Wong |

South Korea has emerged as a regional pioneer in regulating corporate greenwashing as it becomes the first country in Asia to mull monetary punishment for deceptive environmental claims in advertising.

FORUM: Open House

by Sarah Wong |

Big tech companies are famously fond of open-plan offices believed to show flattening hierarchy and workplace camaraderie. In recent years, law firms have also been increasingly embracing this trend to promote a more inclusive culture and enhance collaboration. Leaders of those firms share with ALB what inspires their decision to go open and what difference it makes for talent and clients.

ALB Asia Super 50 TMT Lawyers 2023

In its third annual Asia Super 50 TMT Lawyers list, Asian Legal Business showcases the leading lawyers in the region’s technology, media, and telecommunications practices who have won wide acclaim from clients. The list is in alphabetical order, and certain lawyers have been profiled.

Hong Kong Arbitration: Bouncing Back

​​​​​​​The HKIAC’s arbitration caseload reached its highest level for more than a decade last year, underlining Hong Kong’s continuing international appeal as well as its unique strengths as a seat for China-related. Lawyers say that additional measures like third-party funding and success-based fee arrangements are set to cement the city’s reputation further.

Japan Roundtable: Rising From the East

by Sarah Wong |

A number of major Japanese firms recently announced overseas expansion plans. While some were bolstering their existing presence in the ASEAN region, others were looking further afield - in Europe and the United States, for example – with the aim of becoming global players. ALB speaks to some of the firms about the strategic considerations underpinning their decisions, and their game plans going forward. 

BRIEFS: Foreign Firms Urged To Tread Cautiously as India Liberalises Legal Market

by Sarah Wong |

The Bar Council of India dropped a bombshell in March, announcing that the behemoth Indian legal market is throwing its arms open to foreign law firms and practitioners – albeit with some strings attached.

EXPLAINER: Can China’s new offshore listing rules revive Hong Kong’s IPO scene?

by Sarah Wong |

After a prolonged period of draconian anti-pandemic curbs and regulatory crackdowns whipsawed China’s capital markets, the world’s second-largest economy is pulling out all the stops to calm market jitters and restore investor confidence.

FORUM: Midas Touch

by Sarah Wong |

As companies across Asia navigate global macroeconomic complexities fuelled by high inflation and slowing growth, they are growing more prudent over budgets control while still aiming to hit business goals. As such, corporate legal departments are tasked with maximising value to companies with fewer resources at their disposal. General counsel share with ALB how they harness the power of innovation to achieve this Herculean task.