Year in Review 2022

Largest Southeast Asia Legal Network

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No.1

Most Awarded Legal Network in SE Asia

Chambers Asia Pacific 2023

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Lee Eng Beng, SC

Chair, Rajah & Tann Asia

2022 has been a poignant year.  As travel and safe distancing restrictions were relaxed, we rediscovered and enjoyed the stronger and more meaningful and personal connections created by in-person interactions and events.  We were also able to rekindle many relationships with colleagues and friends, as well as clients and business partners, across the Rajah & Tann Asia network.  It was a perfect time to celebrate a few momentous milestones, and build up momentum for more exciting years ahead as we hopefully put the pandemic behind us.

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What’s New for Our Clients

Sustainability Matters

ALB ESG & Sustainability Award

Firms worldwide are all aboard the pledge to care for the Earth. Our network has likewise invested increasing efforts in hopes to attain our social goals. We are happy to share that these endeavours were recognised at the 18th Asian Legal Business SE Asia Law Awards this year, where Rajah & Tann Singapore clinched the inaugural ESG and Sustainability Law Firm of the Year award. This is an affirmation and encouragement for all of us to continue, in ways big or small, to become socially responsible citizens of the planet.

Pledging support for the “Low Formaldehyde Commitment Statement”

Rajah & Tann Singapore has pledged our support for the “Low Formaldehyde Commitment Statement” launched by the Alliance for Action on Sustainable Spaces (AfA).

The AfA seeks to bring together stakeholders across different sectors to create and enhance sustainable spaces, and also aims to help solution providers and adopters seize opportunities in the green economy.

Rajah & Tann aspires to be a responsible legal service provider and we have committed ourselves to a sustainability vision of integrating climate positive best practices into our decision-making and business activities.

Signatory to UN Global Compact

In November 2022, Rajah & Tann Singapore joined the United Nations Global Compact to align our strategies and operations with ten universal principles related to human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, and take actions that advance societal goals and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals that seeks to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.

ESG Thought Leadership

Guide_RenewableEnergy_Book

Guide on Sustainable Financing in Southeast Asia

In this Guide, we provide an overview of the renewable energy landscape in the region and certain salient legal and regulatory issues affecting the development and deployment of renewable energy in Southeast Asia.

Review of Sustainability Reporting Requirements Under the Main Market and ACE Market Listing Requirements

On 23 March 2022, Bursa Malaysia issued a Consultation Paper containing seven main proposals on sustainability reporting, seeking the views of the public on the proposed amendments to the Main Market Listing Requirements and the ACE Market Listing Requirements. The proposals in summary are set out in our Sustainability Update.

LWL_Tatler

How ESG Regulations Can Empower Businesses in Asia

In an opinion piece published by Tatler Asia Group, read about how ESG regulations can help Asian companies rebuild in a post-pandemic world.

How the law fraternity can play a part in promoting sustainable development to protect our environment

In an interview with The Peak Singapore, Lee Weilin, Head of the Sustainability practice at Rajah & Tann Singapore, shares how the law fraternity can play a part in promoting sustainable development to protect our environment.

ESG Deals

First of its kind commercial-scale hydrogen value chain to supply hydrogen, contributing towards Singapore’s climate action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy consumption efficiency in line with the Paris Agreement

Rajah & Tann Singapore is appointed by the Mitsubishi Group to advise their implementation of a commercial-scale hydrogen value chain to supply hydrogen to Singapore to be used mainly by local generation companies for power generation.

Launch of highly innovative digital agriculture and sustainability initiatives across Southeast Asia by Bayer

Rajah & Tann Singapore is advising Bayer in the project and on the local regulatory requirements relating to its digital agriculture initiatives as well as the commercial aspects of its collaborations with its drone technology partners. The envisaged initiatives include the supply of smart drones which have advanced data collection about the environment. 

One of the largest rooftop solar installations by any Singapore-listed REIT

Rajah & Tann Singapore led a team advising AIMS APAC REIT Management Limited in its partnership with SP Group to install 5.2 hectares of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across 6 properties. This solar PV system project is set to be one of the largest rooftop solar installations by any Singapore-listed real estate investment trust. The project will help reduce more than 5,900 tonnes of carbon emissions a year, steering us towards a cleaner future.

First sustainability-linked asset-backed securities in Singapore

Rajah & Tann Singapore advised Lion City Rentals and M&T Investments in the establishment of a S$500 million secured medium term note programme and issuance of a S$109 million 2.85% Class A1 sustainability-linked notes due 2026 and a S$36 million 3.65% Class A2A sustainability-linked notes due 2026 (the “Notes”). This is the first auto asset-backed securitisation in Singapore and the Notes are the first sustainability-linked asset-backed securities in Singapore.

S$1.1 billion sale of stake of the largest distributed solar player Sunseap Group to world’s leading renewable energy company, EDPR

Rajah & Tann Singapore acted for Sunseap Group Pte. Ltd. in the S$1.1 billion sale of a 91% stake by certain shareholders including Thai energy firm Banpu Public Company Limited and Singapore’s Temasek Holdings Limited, to world’s leading renewable energy company, EDPR.

S$633.8 million term and revolving facilities structured as a green loan

Rajah & Tann Singapore acted for a joint venture between OUE Commercial REIT and a special purpose vehicle managed by Allianz Real Estate Asia Pacific, in relation to term and revolving facilities in an aggregate amount of S$633.8 million for the purpose of financing the acquisition of OUE Bayfront. The facilities were structured as a green loan if certain conditions in the facility agreement in relation to OUE Bayfront were met.

Establishment of debt financing platform for sustainable infrastructure projects led by HSBC Singapore's joint venture with Temasek Holdings

Rajah & Tann Singapore is acting for HSBC Singapore in relation to its proposed US$150 million joint venture with Temasek Holdings, in a partnership to establish a debt financing platform dedicated to sustainable infrastructure projects with an initial focus on Southeast Asia. 

Development of Climate Impact X, a carbon exchange and marketplace

Rajah & Tann Singapore is acting for Singapore Exchange Limited in its joint venture with DBS Bank Ltd, Standard Chartered PLC and Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited, to develop Climate Impact X which is envisioned to be a carbon exchange and marketplace to provide organisations with high-quality carbon credits to address hard-to-abate emissions.

S$666.1 million acquisition of Eco Management Korea Holdings Co

Rajah & Tann Singapore is advising Keppel Infrastructure Trust (KIT) as Singapore counsel in its joint venture with Keppel Infrastructure Holdings Pte Ltd  and Keppel Asia Infrastructure Fund LP for the S$666.1 million acquisition of Eco Management Korea Holdings Co. Eco Management Korea Holdings is a leading integrated waste management services player in South Korea and operates six waste-to-energy plants and five sludge drying facilities located across South Korea.

“The team at Rajah & Tann is top-notch. I can always rely on them to be fully up-to-date with the law and trends. Service levels are above expectations.”

Chambers Asia Pacific (2023)

Our Regional Deals

High Profile
Dispute Matters
Expertise in Projects &
Regulatory Work

Celebrating Milestones

Rajah & Tann Singapore Celebrates 45 Years

The story of Rajah & Tann started almost half a century ago, from a humble two-man partnership fighting for the underdogs to the generations of leaders who have transformed the firm into a regional network today.

We are delighted to share our story that recounts our founders’ tenacity and devotion to true justice as they held fast to the principle of excellence with heart in the way they practised law and cared for others.

Rajah & Tann Book Launch Event

On 5 May 2002, a celebratory dinner was graced by former Managing Partners VK Rajah and Justice Steven Chong, former Deputy Managing Partner Justice Quentin Loh, Managing Partner Patrick Ang, Chairperson of Rajah & Tann Foundation Rebecca Chew Deputy Managing Partners Ng Kim Beng and Kelvin Poon, and son of co-founder Tann Wee Tiong, Benjamin Tann.

Reaching this milestone was no easy feat and only made possible by our people and clients who believe in our relentless quest for justice and respect the values we stay true to. Our sincere thanks to all of you as we continue to build the awe-inspiring story of Rajah & Tann.

Rajah & Tann Singapore Book Launch

Rajah & Tann Singapore is also pleased to launch Duty of Care+, a commemorative book detailing the firm’s founding and transformation from a two-man partnership to Southeast Asia’s legal powerhouse.


With 101 in-person interviews conducted over the last 2 years, the 260-page book shares the inspiring narrative of how the firm survived the vicissitudes of time and charted a unique path to regional leadership, while holding fast to the principle of excellence with heart.


Read the e-copy of Duty of Care+ here

C&G Law Celebrates 15th Anniversary

History, Milestones and the Future

Ben Dominic R. Yap
Managing Partner, C&G Law

WHAT DOES THIS MILESTONE MEAN TO C&G LAW?

Our anniversary is truly a momentous occasion for all of us at C&G, especially the founding partners, as this isn’t just any other anniversary. We are celebrating no less than 15 years of existence as a firm and we feel extremely blessed for our growth and reputation built over the years, which serve as excellent foundations for our continuing growth moving forward.  I view each year of our existence as a step forward towards our goal at the outset of becoming a lasting legal institution in the country known for its excellence and integrity.

VALUABLE LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE LAST 15 YEARS?

The practice of law, especially in the right way, is not easy; neither is the plotting of our trajectory and aspirations amidst major internal and external changes. Both require the continuous affirmation of our aspirations, work ethics and values. It is thus of utmost importance for us as a firm, to look for, cultivate and inspire individuals who share these aspirations, work ethics and values. This will be key to continuing our growth and evolution, and to reaching our ultimate goal of becoming a legal institution in the country known for its excellence and integrity.

MOST MEMORABLE ACCOMPLISMENTS SINCE 2007?

There have been quite a number over the last 15 years, but the ones I remember most are those pertaining to our people, growth and evolution. I especially remember our first associate hire – Jun Santamaria, back in 2008, who became our first partner outside of the 6 founding partners and now heads our Labor and Immigration practice.

I also recall admitting our first home-grown partner or a partner who rose through the ranks from being a first year associate. That was Jess Lopez, who joined us fresh out of law school in 2009.

And then there was the first time we hit 20 lawyers in 2012, and 40 lawyers in 2018; and of course, when we joined the RTA network in 2017.

I look back at these milestones with quiet satisfaction and as inspirations for our future as a firm, as they show that we are capable of growth and evolution and affirm that we are on the right track to achieving our goal of becoming a lasting legal institution in the country.

CURRENT PROJECTS THAT C&G LAW IS WORKING ON?

We have just launched our Intellectual Property practice this year – an exciting development for us as we have not given much attention to this major practice area till now. This is a logical next step for our firm and will perfectly complement our robust Corporate and Commercial, Disputes, Labour and Employment and Tax practices. Though this will require significant time and resources, we are hopeful that these investments will pay off in the next 2 years.

We are also looking to celebrate all the milestones and blessings we have enjoyed over the last 15 years of course.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR C&G LAW?

C&G will continue striving towards our goal of becoming a lasting legal institution in the country known for its excellence and integrity. Though we are close, there is still much to be done and we are committed to dedicating the time and effort necessary to achieve this. We also aspire to become a bigger and more significant player in the RTA network. With the synergy amongst all lawyers and staff present and future, and the support from our regional colleagues, we are confident of reaching these goals in the near future.

Diversity & Inclusion

We celebrate the unique perspectives and limitless potentials of our diverse team and it remains our privilege to nurture and spotlight the advancement of women in the legal profession.

Expert Guides – Women in Business Law 2022

Eleven female Partners from Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand have been recognised in Legal Media Group's Women in Business Law Guide 2022 Banking & Finance - Fiona Sequerah (Malaysia), Angela Lim (Singapore) Competition & Antitrust – Kala Anandarajah(Singapore), Tanya Tang(Singapore) Corporate Governance – Kala Anandarajah(Singapore) Corporate/M&A - Yon See Ting (Malaysia), Norma Margarita B. Patacsil (Philippines) , Sandy Foo (Singapore) Financial Services Regulatory – Regina Liew (Singapore) Insurance & Reinsurance – Elaine Tay (Singapore), Wang Ying Shuang (Singapore) Trade – Melisa Uremovic (Thailand) Restructuring & Insolvency - Raelene Pereira (Singapore)

IFLR1000 Women Leaders 2022

Partners Angela Lim, Sandy Foo, and Shemane Chan from Rajah & Tann Singapore, as well as Kanya Satwika from Assegaf Hamzah & Partners have been named as IFLR1000 Women Leaders for 2022. The fifth edition of IFLR1000 Women Leaders features an exclusive group of prominent female lawyers with outstanding transactional reputations for consistently leading complex, novel or innovative deals. Lawyers may also hold high status within their market for their leadership abilities.

International Employment Lawyer’s Women Leaders

We are pleased to share that partner Kala Anandarajah has been recognised in International Employment Lawyer’s Women Leaders thought-leadership survey. As a long-standing practitioner of employment law, Kala shares her insights on discrimination and harassment issues arising in local workplaces and her take on how the laws could better address such matters. As one of the 2 Singaporean lawyers recognised in the survey, Kala is amongst the collection of 50 leading female law firm partners practising labour and employment law from 20 countries across the globe discussing key developments, challenges, and innovations within trending areas of practice. Read Kala’s article here: https://www.internationalemploymentlawyer.com/surveys/women-leaders/kala-anandarajah

Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific’s Top 100 Women in Litigation 2022

Our sincere congratulations to Partner Kee Lay Lian on being recognised in Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific’s Top 100 Women in Litigation 2022! Lay Lian stands as one of the most distinguished women in the world of litigation, with over three decades of experience in commercial litigation where she regularly acts in contentious probate, trusts and succession disputes. The Benchmark Asia-Pacific’s Top 100 Women in Litigation research involves investigations into practitioners’ professional activities, client feedback surveys and one-on-one interviews to discover leading female litigators who hail from widely different practice areas but share the distinction of being top players in their fields.

Council for Board Diversity Singapore’s Inspiring Women Leaders Series

Featured as part of Council for Board Diversity Singapore’s Inspiring Women Leaders Series, Sandy Foo (Head of M&A at Rajah & Tann Singapore) shares her experience growing into a top M&A lawyer by staying the course, and how she pushed through challenging moments in her career (the secret: a deep sense of duty and responsibility, and relishing the thrill of difficult deals). A “cool head and a warm heart” and believing that “the grass is not greener somewhere else – it is greenest where you water it” characterise her leadership and mentoring creed. “Collaborative and constructive” describes her dealmaking style. Those interviewed about Sandy for the feature share that “she has a razor-sharp mind and is quick to grasp the commercial terms and repercussions at every twist and turn”; and “she has endeared herself to her clients for her reliability, responsiveness and ability to understand complex situations and provide practical and commercial solutions. I strongly believe that … you would find it a joy working with her, as I did over the last few years.” Click here to read the full interview: https://www.councilforboarddiversity.sg/inspiring-women-leaders-sandy-foo/

“They strike a good balance between robust and aggressive approaches. They have good professional courage, they’re not risk-takers but have strong courage in the sense of what can and can’t be done.”

Chambers Asia Pacific (2023)

Network of Winning Firms

Awards & Accolades

We pride our growth and success on the support we receive from our clients as we continue to innovate and drive service excellence across the network.

Top 25 Most Innovative Law Firms in Asia Pacific

Financial Times’ list of most innovative law firms in Asia Pacific 2022

Rajah & Tann is pleased to be among the top Southeast Asian law firms and the second highest ranked Asian firm at the Financial Times Innovative Lawyers Awards Asia Pacific 2022.

Moving up 10 spots from last year, the firm is now ranked as the 11th most innovative law firm on the prestigious list. This also marks the ninth consecutive year of being recognised in this category since the inaugural report in 2014.

Partner Kala Anandarajah, BBM was also featured amongst top 10 individuals who have looked beyond their specialisms and took ideas across different disciplines to manage clients’ increasingly fast-changing challenges.

Managing Partner Patrick Ang said “Innovation is part of our DNA and will continue to play a crucial role in our long-term growth strategy.”

The FT Innovative Lawyers Asia Pacific is an annual ranking, report and awards scheme for lawyers based in the region by Financial Times and its research partner RSG - Resource Systems Group, Inc.. The awards celebrate legal innovation and showcase how lawyers, law firms and in-house legal teams are adapting to the increasing importance of sustainability, the unpredictability caused by Covid-19 and the accelerating digital transformation of businesses.

Most Innovative National Law Firm of the Year - Indonesia

IFLR Asia-Pacific Awards 2022

Assegaf Hamzah & Partners has won the title of Indonesia Firm of the Year in the IFLR Asia-Pacific Awards for two consecutive years! Our senior associate in Banking, Projects & Finance, Harun Wailan Ngantung has also been awarded with the Rising Star award.   The IFLR Asia-Pacific Awards highlight the most innovative cross-border transactions over the previous calendar year. This year, we have been recognised for our breadth and variety of work, as well as our ability to overcome new and complex obstacles in challenging legal environments.

This was indicated by our presence across the following Deal of the Year nominations on this year’s shortlist: - Equity Deal of the Year: Bukalapak’s IPO - High Yield Deal of the Year: Japfa Comfeed Sustainability-Linked Bonds - Project Finance Deal of the Year: Cirata Solar Power Project.

A warm congratulations to Harun and our team, for their hard work and unwavering commitment.

“Indonesia Firm of the Year” and “Singapore Firm of the Year”

asialaw Awards 2022

Rajah & Tann Singapore has won Singapore Firm of the Year for the third consecutive year while our Indonesia office Assegaf Hamzah & Partners has clinched Indonesia Firm of the Year for the fourth year running as well as one Impact Deal and Case award for their work on Indonesian e-commerce start-up Bukalapak’s IPO at the asialaw Awards 2023 that recognises leading law firms in the region.

It was the biggest IPO on the Indonesia Stock Exchange and the first time a homegrown start-up unicorn was listed.

The other Impact Deal and Case awards were for R&T’s work acting for Cuscaden Peak in its acquisition of Singapore Press Holdings, marking the first takeover for an SGX-ST listed company by way of competing schemes of arrangement; and our role in advising Hin Leong Trading and its judicial managers following the company’s collapse in 2020, which was one of the world’s largest involving an oil trader.

Rajah & Tann wins 5 top Benchmark Litigation awards including Singapore Firm of the Year, Asia-Pacific Insolvency Firm of the Year

Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific Awards 2022

For the third consecutive year, Rajah & Tann Singapore and Assegaf Hamzah & Partners (AHP) have been named Firm of The Year for Singapore and Indonesia respectively at the Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific Awards 2022. R&T Asia (Thailand) Limited also performed notably, as Second Runner Up for Thailand Firm of the Year.
 
Singapore also won Insolvency Firm of the Year, 3 Impact Case awards, and was the Runner Up for Commercial and Transactions Firm of the Year, and Labour and Employment Firm of the Year, while AHP bagged 2 Impact Case awards. Yogi Sudrajat, Head of Real Estate at AHP, landed the Runner Up spot for Indonesia Lawyer of the Year.
 
Congratulations to our winners!
 
The annual awards analyses the most complex and innovative cases with the aim of celebrating and recognising excellence in litigation and disputes practices across the region.

Rajah & Tann voted Singapore’s overall top firm in The Straits Times “Singapore’s Best Law Firms 2023” survey for second year running

The Straits Times – Singapore Best Law Firms 2023

Rajah & Tann Singapore reaped the rewards of their hard work with yet another round of exceptional performance in The Straits Times’ “Singapore’s Best Law Firms 2023” survey. The firm was named in the top line-ups in 17 categories and placed top in eight of them.

Emerging ahead of the crowd, Rajah & Tann Singapore was voted the overall top Singapore firm for:

  • Arbitration, Mediation & Dispute Resolution
  • Banking & Finance Law
  • Company & Commercial Law
  • Insolvency & Restructuring Law
  • Manpower & Employment Law
  • Maritime & Shipping Law
  • Mergers & Acquisitions Law
  • Technology, Media, Telecommunication (TMT) Law

The firm was also awarded top ratings for their first-class expertise across various fields, including:

  • Charities, Not-for-Profit Associations & Pro Bono
  • Conveyancing Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Family Law
  • Inheritance & Succession, Private Wealth Management Law
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Investment Funds Law
  • Negligence (Professional/Accidents/Personal Injuries) Law
  • Real Estate (Commercial Property, Construction, Funds) Law

The annual survey is based on recommendations made by lawyers, in-house lawyers and clients. International market researcher Statista partnered The Straits Times in compiling the results.

Patrick Ang, Managing Partner of Rajah & Tann Singapore, said: “We are very pleased and deeply honoured to receive recognition from clients and fellow lawyers. This is consistent with our efforts to meet and exceed ever-evolving needs and standards. Topping the charts in eight categories has displayed depth in our practices while earning a spot in all 17 local categories of the survey acknowledges our bench strength. We thank all our clients for their trust and support.”

Band 1 in Chambers Asia Pacific

Chambers Asia Pacific 2023

Rajah & Tann Asia has dominated the Southeast Asia ranking tables in the latest Chambers Asia-Pacific 2023 publication by Chambers and Partners with multiple practices achieving new Band 1 rankings. Growing from strength to strength, a record number of 119 lawyers have been recognised as leading practitioners and a total of 68 departments have been ranked. With accolades reflected across 11 locations, RTA has once again amassed the greatest number of rankings for an Asian legal network.

Displaying stellar improvement, R&T Singapore has elevated its rankings for Banking & Finance, Construction and Real Estate to Band 1 while its Tax practice has advanced to Band 2. We have now over 95% of our Singapore rankings in Bands 1 and 2. An impressive total of 61 lawyers have been ranked in the publication with 9 lawyers advancing into the next Band.

Assegaf Hamzah & Partners has held on to its Bands 1 and 2 rankings in almost all practice areas in Indonesia and made its debut into the Islamic Finance table for the Asia-Pacific Region. The firm also has three newly ranked lawyers bringing the total number of lawyers ranked in Indonesia to 21.

Christopher & Lee Ong, a member firm of Rajah & Tann Asia, our Malaysia member firm has displayed an impressive improvement with Banking & Finance, Competition/Antitrust and Intellectual Property and six lawyers advancing into the next Band. The firm is now also recognised as a leading firm for Dispute Resolution.

Rajah & Tann Myanmar has held on to its Band 1 ranking for General Business Law for a third consecutive year.

In the Philippines, Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) advanced its M&A: Real Estate practice to Band 1 while maintaining a solid performance across the board in the other categories. The firm also has a newly ranked lawyer in the field of Projects, Infrastructure & Energy.

Congratulations to RTA (Thailand) as well for being newly ranked for its impressive work in M&A. The firm also has two Thai lawyers with improved rankings.

Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers has maintained its firm rankings across all categories in Vietnam and two lawyers from R&T Sok & Heng Law Office in Cambodia have moved up the ranking table for General Business Law.

Clients have commended Rajah & Tann for being “well-equipped and experienced” and provides “innovative solutions” by a team that is “always on hand to hear our constraints and provide valuable advice".

We thank our clients for their valued support!

Top Tier in The Asia Pacific Legal 500

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2022

Congratulations to the nine offices of Rajah & Tann Asia (RTA) and 280 of its lawyers who have been recognised in the 2022 edition of the Asia Pacific Legal 500. Close to 90% of RTA's ranked practices have been recognised in Tiers 1 & 2.

Click here for the full rankings: https://www.rajahtannasia.com/accolades/2022-accolades/the-legal-500-asia-pacific

Top Tier in IFLR1000

IFLR1000 2022

We are delighted to announce that offices of Rajah & Tann Asia continue to maintain a strong performance in the latest edition of IFLR1000 in the areas of Banking and Finance; Capital Markets (debt and equity); Financial and Corporate; Investment Funds; Mergers and Acquisitions; Project Development (energy and infrastructure); Project Finance; as well as Restructuring and Insolvency.

Ranked in 39 practice areas, their recent launch of lawyer ratings also saw 53 RTA lawyers being recognised across Southeast Asia.

Congratulations to all our RTA offices and lawyers on their outstanding performance and achievements!

We would also like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt appreciation to our clients and friends for their continued trust and support.

Outstanding in asialaw Profiles 2023

asialaw Profiles 2023

Rajah & Tann Asia continues to be top ranked in Southeast Asia in asialaw Leading Lawyers 2023.
 
This year we saw a further improvement in our rankings with 5 categories advancing to the next tier. We also congratulate 8 newly recognised lawyers from our regional network, bringing a total of ranked leading lawyers to 66.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to our clients and friends for their continued support.
 
Congratulations to all our regional offices and lawyers who have been ranked!
 
Click here to view the full rankings: https://lnkd.in/geuMVvb8

Top Tier - Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific

Benchmark Litigation Asia Pacific 2022

Rajah & Tann Asia continues to be highly ranked in the 2022 Benchmark Litigation Asia Pacific Rankings. The outstanding results demonstrate the dominance and strength of our regional network and our commitment to service excellence.
 
Lauded by clients to have “a strong market reputation for work on cross-border transactions”, our lawyers are commended for their “responsive, efficiency, and ability to provide concise and practical advice and innovative solutions to problems”. 
 
We would like to express our warmest thanks to our clients for their continued trust and support.
 
The annual Benchmark Litigation rankings guide provides current and relevant insights into the region’s top litigators and dispute resolution firms.
 
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners (Indonesia)

  • Commercial and Transactions – Tier 1
  • Insolvency – Tier 1
  • Intellectual Property – Other Notable Firms
  • Labor and Employment – Tier 1
  • Leading Lawyers:
    • Ahmad Maulana, Future Star (Commercial and transactions, Labor and employment)
    • Asep Ridwan, Litigation Star (Commercial and transactions)
    • Chandra Hamzah, Litigation Star (Commercial and transactions)
    • Eri Hertiawan, Litigation Star (Commercial and transactions)
    • Yogi Marsono, Future Star (Commercial and transactions)

Christopher & Lee Ong (Malaysia)

  • Commercial & Transactions - Tier 3
  • Competition/Antitrust - Recommended
  • Construction - Tier 3
  • Intellectual Property - Tier 2
  • Labor and Employment - Tier 3
  • Shipping - Highly Recommended
  • Leading Lawyers:
    • John Mathew, Litigation Star (Commercial and transactions)
    • Sri Sarguna Raj, Litigation Star (Intellectual property)

Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) (Philippines)

  • Commercial & Transactions - Tier 2
  • Government and Regulatory - Other Notable Firms
  • International Arbitration - Recommended
  • Labor and Employment - Tier 2
  • Tax - Other Notable Firms
  • Leading Lawyers:
    • Anthony Mark Gutierrez, Litigation Star (Commercial and transactions, Tax)
    • Ben Dominic Yap, Litigation Star (Commercial and transactions, International arbitration)

Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP (Singapore)

  • Commercial & Transactions - Tier 1
  • Construction - Tier 2
  • Family & Matrimonial - Tier 3
  • Insolvency - Tier 1
  • Intellectual Property - Tier 2
  • International Arbitration (Domestic) - Tier 1
  • Labor and Employment - Tier 1
  • Private Client - Highly Recommended
  • Shipping - Tier 1
  • White Collar Crime - Highly Recommended
  • Leading Lawyers:
    • Adrian Wong, Litigation Star (International arbitration, Commercial and transactions)
    • Andre Yeap, Litigation Star (International arbitration, Commercial and transactions)
    • Chua Beng Chye, Litigation Star (Insolvency)
    • Danny Ong, Litigation Star (Commercial and transactions, Insolvency)
    • Francis Xavier, Litigation Star (International arbitration, Commercial and transactions)
    • Hamidul Haq, Litigation Star (White collar crime)
    • Jonathan Yuen, Litigation Star (Labor and employment)
    • Kee Lay Lian, Litigation Star (Private client, Family and matrimonial)
    • Kendall Tan, Litigation Star (Shipping)
    • Lau Kok Keng, Litigation Star (Intellectual property)
    • Lee Eng Beng, Litigation Star (Commercial and transactions, Insolvency)
    • Leong Kah Wah, Litigation Star (Shipping)
    • Murali Pillai, Litigation Star (Labor and employment)
    • Patrick Ang, Litigation Star (Commercial and transactions, Insolvency)
    • Sheila Ng, Future Star (Insolvency)
    • Sim Kwan Kiat, Litigation Star (Insolvency)
    • Soh Lip San, Litigation Star (Construction, Dispute resolution)
    • Tan Chuan Thye, Litigation Star (International arbitration, Commercial and transactions)
      Thong Chee Kun, Litigation Star (White collar crime)
    • Toh Kian Sing, Litigation Star (Shipping)
    • Vikna Rajah, Litigation Star (Private client)
    • Winston Kwek, Litigation Star (Shipping)

R&T Asia (Thailand) Limited

  • Commercial & Transactions - Tier 3
  • Labor and employment - Tier 2
  • Trade and customs - Tier 2
  • Leading Lawyers:
    • Krida Phoonwathu, Litigation Star (Commercial and transactions)
    • Surasak Vajasit, Litigation Star (Commercial and transactions)

Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers (Vietnam)

  • Commercial & Transactions - Tier 2
  • Energy and construction - Tier 1
  • Intellectual Property - Tier 2
  • International Arbitration - Recommended
  • Labor and employment - Recommended
  • Leading Lawyer:
    • Chau Huy Quang, Litigation Star (Commercial and transactions,Construction)
    • Logan Leung, Litigation Star (International arbitration)
    • Vu An Khoa Quach, Future Star (Commercial and transactions)

Rajah & Tann Singapore named SE Asia Law Firm of the Year for the third time, clinches ESG and Sustainability Law Firm of the Year and Woman Lawyer of the Year awards

Asian Legal Business SE Asia Law Awards 2022

Rajah & Tann Asia bagged a total of 5 awards and celebrated its accomplishments in the region at the 18th Asian Legal Business SE Asia Law Awards!  

Rajah & Tann Singapore is delighted to have clinched the coveted SE Asia Law Firm of the Year award for the third time and to have received the inaugural ESG and Sustainability Law Firm of the Year award.

Rebecca Chew Ming Hsien, Co-Head of the China-Related Investment Dispute Resolution practice, Head of the Medical Law practice, and Chairperson of our philanthropic arm, R&T Foundation, was named Woman Lawyer of the Year (Law Firm).   

Our Indonesia office, Assegaf Hamzah & Partners, also won two Deal of the Year (Premium) awards – one for Indonesia’s triple tranche sukuk offering, and the other for the merger between the multi-service platform Gojek and e-commerce company Tokopedia.  

Eng Beng Lee SC, RTA’s Chairperson, said: “We are thrilled to receive these awards, as they are a testament to the quality, professionalism and commitment of our teams across all the RTA network firms.”

“Rajah & Tann Asia constantly strives to be the premier legal service provider of choice in Southeast Asia and provide seamless access to the best legal advice and representation in our markets.”

View our full rankings here: https://lnkd.in/di6Mihcg  

“Malaysia Deal Firm of the Year”, “Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law Firm of the Year”, as well as “Energy and Resources Firm of the Year”

Asian Legal Business Malaysia Law Awards 2022

Christopher & Lee Ong has been named “Malaysia Deal Firm of the Year”, “Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law Firm of the Year”, as well as “Energy and Resources Firm of the Year”, at the recent Asian Legal Business Malaysia Law Awards 2022.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our clients for their continued support and trust. We will continue to strive to push the boundaries of excellence in our services.

Assegaf Hamzah & Partners bags 10 awards at ALB Indonesia Law Awards

Asian Legal Business Indonesia Law Awards 2022

At the Asian Legal Business Indonesia Law Awards 2022, out of the 31 categories that AHP were nominated for, the firm brought home 10 awards for the following categories:

  • Antitrust and Competition Law Firm of the Year
  • Litigation Law Firm of the Year
  • Maritime Law Firm of the Year
  • Medical and Healthcare Law Firm of the Year
  • Projects, Energy and Infrastructure Law Firm of the Year
  • Restructuring and Insolvency Law Firm of the Year
  • Debt Market Deal of the Year (Premium): Republic of Indonesia's Largest Ever Green Sukuk Tranche
  • Equity Market Deal of the Year: BRI Rights Issue
  • Project Finance Deal of the Year: Project Landmark 2
  • IPO Deal of the Year: Bukalapak’s IPO

The ALB Indonesia Law Awards recognises the outstanding work of private practitioners and in-house teams in Indonesia and around the region.

We are grateful for the nominations, and hope that we can continue to give our clients the best service.

Lastly, our gratitude goes out to our clients, who have always put their trust on us. We wouldn’t have been able to grow this far without your support.

"Energy and Resources Firm of the Year"


ALB Philippine Law Awards 2022

 Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) has been named "Energy and Resources Firm of the Year" at the Asian Legal Business ALB Philippine Law Awards 2022. The firm also won M&A Deal of the Year for its work in Ayala Land’s 5-way merger, an extremely rare and unusual merger involving two publicly listed companies, which brought its market capitalisation to over PHP420 billion.

"Singapore Firm of the Year"

Rajah & Tann Singapore is delighted to be crowned Singapore Firm of the Year at the annual Who's Who Legal awards ceremony held in London. This award is presented to leading firms in in more than 75 countries and jurisdictions who have performed exceptionally well in their research.

Receiving this award serves as a recognition for our outstanding performance, and we thank our clients for their continued support!

Click here to view the full list of awards: https://lnkd.in/eTcZfSK3

Global Restructuring Review (GRR) 30

Rajah & Tann Retains Position as the Best Asian Law Firm for Global Restructuring & Insolvency

Rajah & Tann has once again emerged as the top Asian firm for cross-border restructuring and insolvency work according to the 2022 edition of the widely followed Global Restructuring Review’s 30 ("GRR 30").

Ranked 15 among the world’s best firms in this field, this is the 5th consecutive time the firm has been featured in the GRR’s prestigious top 30 list of standout firms. The firm has also retained its position as the top Asian firm to be recognised among the world’s best 30 law firms working on restructuring and insolvency matters.

GRR highlighted that “Rajah & Tann has never not got in the GRR 30 since we started… in 2018.”

Patrick Ang, Managing Partner of Rajah & Tann Singapore, shared: “We are deeply honoured to retain our position as the top Asian law firm for cross-border restructuring and insolvency matters. The team has been involved in nearly all the major insolvencies and restructurings with a connection to Singapore and we continue to be very active in the region. This recognition is a testament of our dedication to excellence, and we are grateful to our clients for their continued trust and support.”

GRR is a leading UK-based information service website providing cross-border restructuring and insolvency news and research. The GRR 30 table is a ranking of the standout firms selected based on several objective criteria including the size of its restructuring and insolvency team, number of countries served, hours billed, types of clients, the value and volume of cases worked on, and the level of complexity and innovation that was required in individual cases.

Global Competition Review (GCR) 100

Member firms of Rajah & Tann Asia continue to be highly ranked by Global Competition Review (GCR) 100 in its 2023 edition, displaying its strength as a legal powerhouse in competition & antitrust work.

Maintaining its reputation as the largest competition team in Indonesia, Assegaf Hamzah & Partners has been named as an “Elite” firm for the tenth year. With a dedicated team of ten lawyers in the practice, Rajah & Tann Singapore has also been listed in the “Elite” category for the eighth year. This year, our Malaysia office Christopher & Lee Ong advanced to the next tier as a “Highly Recommended” firm, showing an impressive improvement since its recognition in 2020.

Kala Anandarajah, Head of the Competition & Antitrust and Trade Practice at Rajah & Tann Singapore, said: “Being recognised among the world’s top 100 competition practices by GCR 100 for several of our offices is testament to the quality of people and the dedication they put into work. They enable. The Team thrives on working in partnership with clients and referring law firms to obtain the best
solutions. We get you and get you what you want. We are here. Always. Ready.”

The GCR 100 is a comprehensive listing of the world’s top competition practices, providing a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the law firms and economic consultancies doing the most important antitrust work around the world.

Global Arbitration Review (GAR) 100

Since 2008, Rajah & Tann Asia has been consistently ranked in the GAR 100 rankings by the Global Arbitration Review (GAR). The GAR 100 is an annual survey of the leading international arbitration practices around the world.

Global Investigations Review (GIR) 100

For seven years running, Rajah & Tann has been recognised among the top 100 firms from around the world to handle sophisticated cross-border government-led and internal investigations by the Global Investigations Review (GIR).

The GIR 100 is an annual guide to the world’s leading practices.

Global Investigations Review (GIR) 100

Rajah & Tann has been recognised among the top 100 data law firms in the world. The GDR 100 is the only global ranking that captures the capabilities, track record and market reputation of the leading firms in the field. 

Chambers High Net Worth Guide

Rajah & Tann Singapore is pleased to share our Private Client practice’s outstanding performance in the Chambers and Partners High Net Worth 2022 Guide.
 
The team has been ranked Band 1 under the Family Offices & Funds Structuring category, and Band 2 under the Private Wealth Law category.
 
Partner Vikna Rajah also continues to be recognised as a Band 1 lawyer in the Private Wealth Law field where he is commended for being “very good at his work”, “always accommodating” and “very proactive in dealing with clients”.
 
The Chambers High Net Worth rankings identify leading professional advisors to the Private Wealth market in Singapore.

Chambers FinTech Guide

Rajah & Tann continues to be highly ranked in the Chambers and Partners FinTech Guide for FinTech Legal in Singapore.

ALB M&A Rankings 2022

Rajah & Tann Asia is pleased to share that our offices have been featured once again in all Southeast Asian jurisdictions ranked in the ALB M&A Rankings 2022 report by Asian Legal Business.

This recognition is testament to our offices’ comprehensive expertise in all aspects of this area. Congratulations to our regional M&A teams on your outstanding performance and recognition!

We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to our clients and peers for their unwavering support, which has enabled us to maintain our reputation as Asia’s leading firms for M&A.

ALB’s research draws information from firm submissions, Thomson Reuters M&A data, interviews, editorial resources and market suggestions to identify and rank the top firms for M&A work in Asia.

Asia IP Rankings 2022

Rajah & Tann Asia is pleased to share that our offices have secured top-tier rankings in the 2022 edition of Asia IP Rankings by Asian Legal Business, with all 6 ranked firms recognised in Tiers 1 and 2.

The offices’ outstanding performance attests to their comprehensive mastery of the practice. Even in times of pandemic, our lawyers remain at the forefront of safeguarding innovations through their agility and digital readiness.

The ALB Asia IP Rankings put forward top IP practices across the region by drawing on information from firm submissions, interviews, editorial resources, and market suggestions to identify and rank leading firms in Asia.

View the full ranking and report here: https://lnkd.in/dA8PCP9v

MIP: IP Stars 2022

Rajah & Tann Asia is pleased to announce that our Singapore and Malaysia member firms have been ranked in the Patent Contentious category of IP STARS 2022, published by Managing IP, a leading specialist rankings publications for the IP profession.

Rajah & Tann Singapore is also ranked for:
- Copyright & related rights (2021)
- IP transactions (2021)
- Trade mark contentious (2022)
- Trade mark prosecution (2022)

Christopher & Lee Ong is also ranked for:
- Copyright & related rights (2021)
- Trade mark contentious (2022)

Regional & Specialist Law Firm for India-related work

Indian Business Law Journal 2022

Rajah & Tann is once again featured as a Regional & Specialist Law Firm for India-related work in 2022 by India Business Law Journal.

Insurance & Reinsurance Law Firm of the Year (Singapore)

Christopher & Lee Ong is delighted to have been named “Malaysia Law Firm of the Year” at the recent Asia Business Law Journal Malaysia Law Awards 2022. Along with being named Law Firm of the Year, Christopher & Lee Ong is also named Best Overall Law Firm in Malaysia and further recognised as winners across 12 other practice area categories.

The Asia Business Law Journal Malaysia Law Firm Awards celebrates outstanding performances of leading law firms in Malaysia. The full list of winners can be found here: https://lnkd.in/etVQYSw6

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our clients for their continued support and trust. We will continue to strive for excellence in our services to our valued clients

Best Lawyers in Singapore 2023 Edition

Our warmest congratulations to Arnold Tan, Sim Kwan Kiat and Regina Liew for being recognised as “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers. This esteemed recognition is awarded annually to a single lawyer per practice area in each region, who has received the highest overall peer review feedback.
 
Additionally, 68 of our lawyers have also been recognised in the publication.
 
The Best Lawyers in Singapore 2023 edition acknowledges the professional excellence of 585 lawyers across 48 practice areas. These awards and recognitions are based purely on the feedback from fellow top lawyers in the same practice area and geographic region.

World Trademark Review (WTR1000)

Christopher & Lee Ong and Rajah & Tann Singapore have been recognised in the World Trademark Review (WTR1000) 2022.

Employer of Choice

ALB Employer of Choice 2022

Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers has once again been named the “Employer of Choice” by Asian Legal Business. The survey collated responses on a variety of issues ranging from career prospects within the firm to mentorship opportunities and work-life balance, and this award recognises Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers as one of the best law firms to work for in Vietnam.

Our Articles & Publications

Training & Upskilling

We strongly believe in investing in the professional development of our legal and business professionals.

With reference to a holistic Learning & Development (L&D) framework, our dedicated L&D arm – the Rajah & Tann Asia (RTA) Academy has rolled out a considerable number of initiatives for our regional legal community in 2022.

  • 78 legal & technical knowledge sharing sessions with a total virtual attendance of nearly 1,700
  • 75 non-legal skills & competencies trainings with a total virtual attendance of nearly 850

RTA Academy conducted its first in-person event since 2019. Themed `Igniting Future Forward Lawyers’, the Regional Summit saw almost 100 lawyers from across our RTA offices come together for the super-charged, fun-filled event.

Beyond these virtual and in-person events, our legal and business professionals have access to a curated library of learning modules available in RTA Academy’s online platforms.

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Hours of Training
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Internal Training Sessions

Our Regional Events

While social distancing kept us physically apart, our teams from across our regional offices connected virtually with the industry and with each other in meaningful discussions.

Omnibus Law: Impact on Foreign Businesses and Investors

Omnibus Law: Impact on Foreign Businesses and Investors

Construction Disputes in a Disruptive Pandemic

Construction Disputes in a Disruptive Pandemic

Beyond Pandemic & Politics: Behold Southeast Asia and the World

Beyond Pandemic & Politics: Behold Southeast Asia and the World

Regional Competition Law Update

Regional Competition Law Update

New Partners 2022/23

It is our pleasure to announce our new partners, whose distinguished leadership abilities and dedication to excellence will fuel our future growth and continued success as a network.
2022 has been a poignant year. As travel and safe distancing restrictions were relaxed, we rediscovered and enjoyed the stronger and more meaningful and personal connections created by in-person interactions and events. We were also able to rekindle many relationships with colleagues and friends, as well as clients and business partners, across the Rajah & Tann Asia network. It was a perfect time to celebrate a few momentous milestones, and build up momentum for more exciting years ahead as we hopefully put the pandemic behind us.

Rajah & Tann Asia turned 8 in 2022, but some of its constituent firms have a longer history. We offer our warmest congratulations to C&G Law on the firm’s 15th anniversary last year. Our much-valued member firm in the Philippines can look back with great pride at many years of growth and success both in its own right and as part of the Rajah & Tann Asia network. Also in 2022, Rajah & Tann Singapore celebrated its 45th anniversary with a big party, attended by our former leaders, and our many valued clients, friends and colleagues. This was accompanied by the much-anticipated launch of the book entitled “Duty of Care+” which details in words and pictures the firm’s founding and transformation over the years.

2022 was also a year of living and breathing technology. The pandemic escalated our adoption of software and technological tools to a pace we had only dared to dream about. It also amplified the scale and intensity with which the data and digital economy is throwing up novel issues for our clients as it takes root across all major sectors. We accelerated the building up of our capabilities and expertise in advising and navigating with our clients on these emerging and uncharted challenges. We are especially proud of Rajah & Tann Cybersecurity’s development a 24/7 data breach standby incident response service which ensures companies are compliant with the new Cyber Incident Response Guide and offers immediate assistance to organisations facing cyber incidents. Rajah & Tann Cybersecurity also became a Licensed Penetration Testing Service Provider in Singapore in 2022.


Another area of focus continued to be the ESG revolution, as our efforts in the past few years started bearing fruit. Rajah & Tann Singapore was honoured to clinch the inaugural ESG and Sustainability Law Firm of the Year award at the 18th Asian Legal Business SE Asia Law Awards 2022. At the same time, Rajah & Tann Asia upped its game in various sectors, such as the launch of the Intellectual Property Practice in R&T Asia (Thailand) under the leadership of Nuttaphol Arammuang, and the issue of an advisory by the Private Client Practice on Swiss law to broaden its cross-border competencies and assist in matters in Europe, with the guidance of Foreign Counsel Alexandra Geiger Steiner.


I thank all for your contributions in 2022. Here’s to a vibrant 2023 of seizing fresh opportunities and conquering new ground.

Lee Eng Beng, SC

Chair, Rajah & Tann Asia