IFLR 1000 (2019)
The newly ranked lawyers will be marked with asterisk.
R&T Sok & Heng Law Office
Financial and Corporate – Tier 1
Project development – Tier 2
Leading Lawyers:
Chhay Heng (Highly Regarded) - Banking, Energy and infrastructure, M&A, Project finance
Sok Khavan (Highly Regarded) - Banking, Energy and infrastructure, M&A, Project finance
Sophonnora Tiv (Notable Practitioner) - Banking, M&A
R&T Sok & Heng is a member of the Rajah & Tann Asia network, which gives them access to a large client base. It is most notable for its financial and corporate practices.
The firm advised Birmingham International Holdings in the issuance of shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. It also assisted in the refinancing of a loan for Donaco International. Additionally, it also provides legal advice for financial institutions such as Kasikornbank Public Company and Advance Bank of Asia.
Key clients include Donaco International, Crystal International, and Kasikornbank.
Client feedback
"Overall, I have been very happy. Clearly, they are trying to build a solid book of clients. Strengths - good response time; good staffing (use partners for more sensitive/complex issues; associates for less intensive work); good availability; good understanding of client needs." - Project development
"Very attentive, listen to clients, straight to the point with solutions needed, flexible, quick reply to meeting arrangements as well as legal advice required. Good location."- M&A
Heng Chhay
"Experienced, and his legal knowledge widely covers the industrial knowledge that is required in Cambodia."
Muyleng Lim
"Helped us with setting up the company. Very competent, detail-oriented and also made the process very easy on us."
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners
Banking – Tier 1
Capital markets – Tier 1
Project development – Tier 3
Mergers and acquisitions – Tier 1
Project finance – Tier 2
Restructuring and insolvency – Tier 3
Leading lawyers:
Bono Daru Adji (Highly regarded) - Banking, Capital markets, Energy and infrastructure, M&A
Fikri Assegaf (Market leader) - Banking, Capital markets, Energy and infrastructure, M&A, Project finance
Ibrahim Sjarief Assegaf (Highly regarded) - Banking, M&A
Kanya Satwika (Highly regarded) - Islamic finance, Project development, Project finance
Tunngol Utomo (Notable practitioner) - Banking, Capital markets, M&A, Project finance
Yanu Wiriasmoko (Rising Star) - Banking, Restructuring and insolvency
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners is a leading firm in Indonesia which works on many cross-border deals spanning multiple jurisdictions. The firm is most notable for its banking, M&A, and capital markets practices.
The firm specialises in energy and infrastructure sector work. It recently worked on a few deals to secure the necessary financing for Indonesia Infrastructure Finance, a company which operates to promote public and private infrastructure projects in the country. In addition to this, the firm has been active on a few innovative deals such as the first sustainable bond issuance in Indonesia. The firm also represented the Republic of Indonesia in the country’s first green sukuk issuance.
Key clients include Asian Development Bank, Indonesia Infrastructure Finance, Republic of Indonesia, Citigroup, and Star Energy.
Client feedback
"Familiar with local laws and provide legal advice quickly." – Banking and finance
"They have a high-quality capital markets practice. They deliver definitive advice in a considered and timely manner. They're a pleasure to work with, and they would be my first call in Indonesia." – Capital markets
Mohammad Renaldi Zulkarnain
"He always gives considerate and reliable advice in a timely manner."
Indy Mizani Mahendra Djalal
"Responds quickly."
Rajah & Tann (Laos) Co., Ltd
Project development (Formerly known as Energy and infrastructure) – Tier 3
Rajah & Tann has well-established finance and corporate practices in Laos and has experience in M&A, project financing and regulatory compliance.
During the research period, the firm has been active in the energy and power sectors and advised high profile clients such as The Export-Import Bank of China on a loan to the Government of Laos.
In M&A the firm advised Comba Telecom in the acquisition of Enterprise of Telecommunications Laos.
Key clients include Thai Samsung Electronics, Mitsubishi Materials and The Export-Import Bank of China.
Christopher & Lee Ong
Banking and finance – Tier 3
Capital markets – Tier 3
Power (previously energy) – Tier 1
Infrastructure – Tier 1
Mergers and acquisitions – Tier 3
Oil and Gas – Tier 1
Leading Lawyers:
Christopher Lee (Market leader) - Banking, Energy and infrastructure, M&A, Project finance
Chor Jack (Rising star) - Banking
Eileen Yeoh (Highly regarded) - Project development
Lee Hock Chye (Notable practitioner) - Banking, Real estate acquisitions
Shemane Chan (Highly regarded) - Energy and Infrastructure, Project development
A part of the Rajah & Tann Asia network, Christopher & Lee Ong has a diversified practice but is best known for its focus on project development, especially in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
The M&A team has been busy during the research period and has worked on deals in sectors including real estate, technology and consumer goods. A highlight deal saw the firm acting for Top Glove Corporation in the acquisition of Aspion. Another interesting work example saw the firm act for Valeo in the acquisition of the entire and issued paid-up share capital of Precico Electronics.
In the project space, the firm advised Tadau Energy on the entire transaction, up to the financial close, of the development of a photovoltaic power plant in East Malaysia. Additionally, the firm advised Coca Cola Bottlers on a lease agreement for solar photovoltaic equipment and the designing and construction of a special purpose warehouse.
A staffing change saw the departure of banking and finance partner Jenny Hong.
Key clients include Coca Cola Bottlers, Ireka Corporation, Top Glove Corporation, Scatec Solar, and Tadau Energy.
Client feedback
"Experienced, knowledgeable. Attentive and quick to address client's needs. Able to provide workable solutions and legal advice promptly." - Project development
"The lawyers are professional, trustworthy and knowledgeable. Execute the work on time and efficiently." - Project development
"We work with Jack Chor, who has always gone out of his way to provide us with the most timely and cost-effective advice. Jack goes that extra step for his clients, whether its basic corporate work or dealing with regulators on a complicated transaction." - Project development, Restructuring and insolvency
Jack Chor
"Experience, knowledgeable, attentive and quick to address the client's needs. Able to provide workable solutions and legal advice promptly. Professional, approachable and friendly."
Eileen Yeoh
"She's knowledgeable and smart and always protecting our interests as the clients. She delivers the work efficiently and meets our expectation."
Rajah & Tann Myanmar Company Limited
Financial and corporate – Tier 2
Project development – Tier 3
Leading Lawyer:
Chester Toh (Highly regarded) - Banking
Rajah & Tann is active in both project development and financial and corporate work. Most of the deals the firm advises for are cross-border.
The firm is specialised in Myanmar regulations and has advised for companies such as Forever Group on entering the Myanmar market. An interesting deal the firm advised for involved a local firm, Dagon International, buying out the investments of a foreign firm, Marubeni Corporation. The firm has also engaged in several development deals such as the development of low-income housing and infrastructure projects with the Yangon Regional Government and Yangon Metropolitan Development Co.
Key clients include Dagon International, Yangon Regional Government, and Yangon Metropolitan Development Co.
Client feedback
"R&T operates best for us in terms of timing, cost and advice." - Investment funds, Banking and finance
"Very responsive. Quick turnaround of documents. Give sound advice and recommendations based on their past experience with various issues. Good balance between legal and commercial considerations." - Project development, M&A
Chester Toh
"Good availability and turnaround time."
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law)
Banking and finance – Other notable
Project development – Tier 2
M&A – Tier 3
Leading Lawyer:
Jaime Renato Gatmaytan (Highly regarded) - Project finance and M&A
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP
Banking and finance – Tier 1
Capital markets – Tier 2
Project development – Tier 2
M&A – Tier 2
Restructuring and insolvency – Tier 1
Leading Lawyers:
Angela Lim (Highly regarded) - Banking, Energy and infrastructure, Project finance
Chia Kim Huat (Highly regarded) - Capital Markets
Chua Beng Chye (Rising star) - Restructuring and insolvency
Danny Lim (Notable practitioner) - Capital markets : Equity, M&A
Danny Ong (Highly regarded) - Restructuring and insolvency
Evelyn Wee (Highly regarded) - Capital markets and M&A
Ho Mei Shi* (Rising star) - Banking and finance
Hoon Chi Tern* (Rising star) - Capital markets, M&A
Howard Cheam* (Notable Practitioner) - Capital markets : Debt, Capital markets : Equity, M&A
Lawrence Tan (Notable practitioner) - M&A
Lee Eng Beng, SC (Highly regarded) - Restructuring and insolvency
Lim Wee Hann (Highly regarded) - M&A
Mark Cheng (Rising star) - Restructuring and insolvency
Ng Kim Beng (Highly regarded) - Project development
Ng Sey Ming (Highly regarded) - Banking, Capital markets:Debt
Patrick Ang (Market leader) - Restructuring and insolvency
Regina Liew* (Highly regarded) - Banking and finance
Sandy Foo (Highly regarded) - Banking, Energy and infrastructure, M&A, Project development, Project finance
Sim Chee Siong (Highly regarded) - Project development
Sim Kwan Kiat (Highly regarded) - Restructuring and insolvency
Soh Lip San (Highly regarded) - Project development
Tan Chuan Thye, SC (Highly regarded) - Restructuring and insolvency
Tan Mui Hui* (Notable Practitioner) - Capital markets : Debt, Capital markets : Equity, M&A
Rajah & Tann is best known for its restructuring and insolvency practice as well as its strong regional network.
The firm’s banking and finance team most notably worked on real estate and property finance recently.
In the capital markets the firm advised Sea, one of Singapore’s leading start-ups, on its IPO and listing on the NYSE.
In the M&A space, a deal highlight saw the team act for GIC on the acquisition of Global Logistics Property (GLP).
The scope of the firm’s regional strength is apparent in its multiple cross-border project development deals, namely in Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand. The firm is involved in the One Bangkok commercial property development advising One Bangkok Holdings.
The firm’s restructuring and insolvency team is one of the largest in the region. The team was involved in a high-profile deal advising the judicial managers of Swiber Holdings and Swiber Offshore Construction. Another key deal saw the firm acting for major banks like DBS, UOB, and HSBC on the restructuring of the Ezra Group.
Key clients include DBS Bank, OCBC Bank, CIMB Bank, PT Bumi Resources, Credit Suisse, and Neste Singapore.
Client feedback
"Rajah & Tann's joint English and Singapore law capability has been extremely efficient and helpful. We greatly appreciate the quick response and savvy commercial minds of the banking and regulatory partners." – Banking and finance
"The partners who dealt with us are hands on, and supervise their associates. Their strong Asia network is also very useful." - M&A
"Extensive industry sector knowledge. Deep legal expertise. Strong reputation." – Restructuring and insolvency
Lee Eng Beng
"Deep technical expertise and a strong reputation."
Nicholas How
"His extremely commercial advice helps us navigate newer and less certain structures. Having had cross-continental and jurisdictional outlook allows him to give reliable and balanced analyses."
Angela Lim
"Speed, responsiveness and clarity of advice. Definitely understands/caters for clients' needs on a technical/commercial basis."
Cheng Yoke Ping
"Has extensive cross-border experience and excellent country knowledge for Indonesia; has also dealt with Vietnam transactions."
R&T Asia (Thailand) Limited
Banking and finance - Other notable
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers
Banking and finance – Tier 3
Project development – Tier 3
Mergers and acquisitions – Tier 3
Leading Lawyers:
Brian Ng (Highly regarded) - Banking, M&A
Huy Quang Chau (Highly regarded) - Energy and infrastructure: Disputes
Vu Thi Que (Highly regarded) - Energy and infrastructure, Project development, M&A
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers has experience in banking and finance, M&A and project development.
Real estate and technology have been primary areas of focus during the research period.
Notable work includes advising Sumitomo Forestry on its investment in An Cuong Woodworking; assisting Naked Group in forming a joint venture with Gaw Capital; and acting for NIBE Industrier in its acquisition of BriskHeat Corporation.
The firm strengthened itself with the hire of Chi Anh Tran from Baker & McKenzie as a partner.
The firm has attracted a significant number of clients from Japan such as TYO, Toshiba, Itochu, Sumitomo Forestry, Sumitomo Chemical and Marubeni. Other notable clients include Mapletree, Keppel Land, Country Garden, China Fortune Land Development and the Chiap Hua Group.