STORY

MALAYSIA > DISPUTE RESOLUTION TIER 1

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill enjoys a prestigious history in the dispute resolution arena. Regularly engaged by an impressive clientele comprised of multinational companies, major institutions and local banks, the firm covers the full spectrum of disputes including international trade, commercial, contract, and insurance. The practice is co-led by Lambert Rasa-Ratnam, an industry veteran who has demonstrable experience in handling banking and administrative law cases, and Kumar Kanagasingam, who regularly acts in high-value insolvency and fraud matters. Other notable practitioners include SM Shanmugam, who frequently acts as lead counsel in various corporate litigation cases, and Andrew Ean Vooi Chiew, who is recognised for his work in the defamation sphere.

‘The team always tries to understand the clients’ needs and achieve the clients’ goals. There are no barriers in terms of communication.’

‘SM Shanmugam’s knowledge of the law and his experience can only be described as pure savant. His ability to recall cases with dates is something of an awe. He has always brought us favourable results, prompt service, and detailed attention to our cases.’

‘The team has capabilities to assess the suitability for handling their legal matters effectively.’

‘The practice led by SM Shanmugam and his team boasts several unique qualities that set them apart from other firms in the legal industry. One of their key strengths is their exceptional ability to handle complex litigation matters seamlessly.’ 

‘One standout capability of SM Shanmugam is his exceptional intelligence and adaptability in synthesising various branches of law to provide comprehensive and strategic advice.’

‘Good teamwork, easy to reach, strategic thinking, and secures the interest of clients.’

‘Sean Yeow Huang-Meng is an outstanding legal counsel. Highly competent, reliable, and a good strategist. He also exhibits strong business acumen when advising clients. He is friendly and approachable, making it easy to discuss and strategise on matters.’

‘Attentive to the details and always puts clients first. Willing to hear clients out and always able to provide immediate, constructive, and practical solutions.’

MALAYSIA > ISLAMIC FINANCE TIER 1

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s Islamic finance team has a stellar reputation and is led by Tay Weng Hwee, who advises on various legal documentation and issues regarding Islamic banking facilities. Counting major lenders, borrowers, and financial institutions amongst its key roster of clients, the department advises on Shariah-compliant financing, Malaysian and foreign currency-denominated transactions, and has recently extended its expertise to include working on Shariah fintech financing products. Megat Hizaini Hassan’s presence bolsters the strength of the team, thanks to his expertise on Sukuk mandates, Murabahah and Ijarah transactions, and Islamic investment work.

‘Megat Hizaini Hassan is proactive and knowledgeable.’

MALAYSIA > LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT TIER 1

The practice at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill is led by Lim Seng Heng, who is highly regarded for his ‘deep knowledge’ in labour, employment and industrial relations mandates in Malaysia. The team handles a broad range of matters, including advisory issues concerning misconduct alleged by employees, constructive dismissal, poor performance and restructuring exercises, in addition regulatory mandates involving aspects of contract law, from drafting to ensuring compliance. Industrial relations expert Shariffullah Majeed is regularly supported by senior associate Nurul Aisyah Hassan, while Amardeep Singh Toor frequently appears in the Industrial Court to defend employers in unjust dismissal claims. Tan Hooi Ping, who was promoted to partner in January 2023, is another key contact in the group.

‘Shariffullah Majeed gives perspectives from all angles in a timely fashion.’

‘Lim Heng Seng has deep knowledge. Tan Hooi Ping is practical and provides actionable advice. Summer Chong Yue Han is responsive and able to understand the clients’ needs.’

‘Amardeep Singh Toor is very friendly and provides clarification on our doubts whenever we approach him.’

‘The team is highly competent, knowledgeable and friendly too. Their quality of work is exceptional.’

‘What I treasure the most is that they are very helpful and ever-willing to assist you.’

‘Easy to work with and approachable, they think strategically to safeguard the best interests of the client.’

‘Shariffullah Majeed is strategic-thinking, and easy to communicate and work with. Arissa Ahrom is communicative and efficient, as is Nurul Aisyah Hassan.’

‘Tan Hooi Ping and Summer Chong Yue Han are very professional, with a lot of experience. They are always able to put themselves in the shoes of the customer.’

MALAYSIA > PROJECTS AND ENERGY TIER 1

Experienced in advising on the full-cycle of financed projects, Steven SY Tee heads up the projects and energy practice at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill, which is highly regarded for its provision of ‘strategic and specific advice’ in complex matters. Its projects advisory work covers the inception, development and construction of large-scale and high-value projects for clients across various sectors, including construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, and renewables. The team also has experience acting as counsel in project dispute management and the negotiation of settlement agreements therein. The ‘capable, dedicated and reliable’ Crystal Wong Wai Chin is a noteworthy member of the team who is noted as ‘highly skilled in construction disputes and arbitration’. Names to note include Dato’ Nitin Nadkarni, who became a consultant in the team in January 2023, and senior associate Joyce Ong Kar Yee.

MALAYSIA > REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION TIER 1

The robust real estate offering at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill is co-led by Tay Weng Hwee, an expert in advising on property finance and joint ventures, and Nitin Nadkarni, a specialist in the field of multi-jurisdictional construction disputes. Recognised as a ‘strong team with business acumen’, the practice handles the full spectrum of real estate matters across the hospitality, retail, industrial, and housing sectors. Acting for a range of leading Malaysian and international developers, investors, contractors, and financiers, the team’s work includes both transactional and contentious elements. Darshendev Singh is a well-versed construction litigator who is praised for his ‘deep expertise and specialisation’, while Bella Chu Chai Yee advises on all aspects of commercial and residential development, in addition to real estate financing considerations.

MALAYSIA > ANTITRUST AND COMPETITION TIER 2

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s antitrust and competition practice prides itself on offering a full-package service to its clients. Much of the firm’s work consists of conducting due diligence and compliance audits and arranging for mock dawn raid exercises. In particular, the department has strengths in coordinating matters relating to pricing concerns within Malaysia’s complex regulatory regime and advising on the competition elements of M&A transactions. Jack S’ng Hoi leads the practice with a track record in advising on various competition-related disputes. The team frequently offers advice within the telecoms, healthcare, and oil and gas industries in Malaysia.

MALAYSIA > BANKING AND FINANCE TIER 2

The practice at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill includes advising on regulatory work, Islamic finance, the restructuring of debt facilities, and liability management. The firm has impressive relationships with an array of local and international banks, such as AFFIN Islamic Bank Berhad, and delivers advice to Malaysian lending companies regarding Shariah-compliant auto-service financing. Tay Weng Hwee heads the team and is experienced in transactional work, where he recently acted for Sabah Credit Corporation in relation to the proposed variation of negative covenants in its Sukuk Musharakah programme. Megat Hizaini Hassan is heavily involved in the firm’s Murabahah transactions and remains at the forefront of the Islamic finance segment, while Bella Chu Chai Yee continues to advise on real estate, corporate, and financial restructuring deals.

MALAYSIA > CAPITAL MARKETS TIER 2

The capital markets offering at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill is spearheaded by Tay Weng Hwee, who draws strength from his experience in regularly handling cross-border transactions. The firm’s activity covers a wide range of transactional work for both local and international clients, showcasing expertise in equity and debt capital markets, structured finance, and regulatory matters. Megat Hizaini Hassan specialises in Islamic finance and leads much of the department’s Sukuk mandates, while Bella Chu Chai Yee is frequently involved in IPO formations and equity-related deals.

‘The associates and partners of LHAG are exceptionally accommodating, and the projects are timely delivered.’

MALAYSIA > CORPORATE AND M&A TIER 2

Counting multinational corporations, government-linked companies, financial institutions, and private and public-listed companies among its key roster of clients, Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill advises on M&A in Malaysia, share acquisition and disposal transactions and corporate restructurings. Tay Weng Hwee leads the team and ‘is knowledgeable in handling M&A transactions’, as well as joint ventures and capital markets mandates, while Steven SY Tee specialises in joint ventures and shareholders’ agreements. Bella Chu Chai Yee and associate Thivya Manokaran are praised as ‘personable professionals who go above and beyond to ensure that clients obtain the results that they want’, and Teo Wai Sum is another key contact in the group.

‘The team is experienced and knowledgeable in commercial and corporate matters. They are able to step up and deliver everything in a timely manner.’

‘The team address our issues or queries, offer advice and propose very practical solutions to our queries or issues that arise throughout the whole process.’

‘Bella Chu and Thivya Manokaran have both been able to tend to all issues and queries that we posed to them, promptly. They are both personable professionals who go above and beyond to ensure that clients obtain the results that they want.’

”The team are very experienced in M&A transactions at all levels. They are able to provide relevant legal advice to solve the issues encountered, promptly.’

‘The partner in-charge, Tay Weng Hwee, is knowledgeable in handling M&A transactions, and he provided commercially viable legal advice to us.’

MALAYSIA > TAX TIER 2

Recognised for its ‘technical knowledge and expertise’, the tax department at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill is jointly led by expert Nitin Nadkarni and Jason Tan Jia Xin, who is praised for going ‘above and beyond’ on all tax matters. Well-versed in both the contentious and non-contentious aspects of the practice, the team is engaged by notable international clients to advise on high-value tax transactions, unfair trade practices, audits, and transfer pricing cases, in addition to indirect tax disputes. Ivy Yieng Ping Ling is noted for her ‘impressive breadth of tax knowledge’ and frequently appears before the Customs Appeal Tribunal and High Court, while senior associate Chris Toh Pei Roo focuses on direct tax disputes.

‘Nitin Nadkarni was clear in his advice. He is concise and summarises his points in ordinary terms for the layman to understand. Jason Tan Jia Xin was very supportive and kept his clients in the know on what was happening in the courts.’

‘Their technical knowledge and expertise in various legal domains have been invaluable in guiding us through complex legal procedure and ensuring the best position was managed.’

‘Nitin Nadkarni and Ivy Ling Yieng Ping have consistently demonstrated a client-centric approach. The promptness of their responses, clear and concise communication, and willingness to answer our questions have been commendable.’

‘Nitin Nadkarni and Chris Toh Pei Roo showcased their deep understanding on the complexity of our issues and gave remarkable efforts in researching relevant case laws and tailor arguments acceptable to the judge. They also demonstrated a high level of flexibility and competency by advising us tailor strategies to deal with Inland Revenue Board.’

‘Ivy Ling Yieng Ping has an impressive breadth of tax knowledge. She was able to grasp to complex issues and offer practical solutions and advice.’

‘We have been working with Jason Tan Jia Xin and Chris Toh Pei Too for the past few years. They are committed and competitive lawyers.’

‘Very eager to help and flexible with their time.’

‘LHAG’s tax team is highly committed to providing timely legal advice and assistance relevant to their clients’ concerns and matters at hand. A very dynamic and vibrant team of legal professionals always going above and beyond to assist and support their clients.’

MALAYSIA > INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY TIER 3

The IP offering at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill is broad-ranging and includes advising on patents and utility innovations, franchising, licensing, and breach of confidence matters. Acting for both local and international clients, the firm regularly covers technology-related IP disputes, due diligence exercises, and IP asset management, as well as advisory work which involves branding and marketing strategies. Chng Keng Lung, an IP litigation specialist, leads the practice and works on both contentious and non-contentious matters, while associate Teo Kah Min is a key member of the group and is frequently engaged in IP advisory and compliance work.

Accountable, professional, transparent, and clear communicators.’ 

‘Chng Keng Lung is trustworthy, professional, and always there for his clients.’

MALAYSIA > TMT (INCLUDING FINTECH) TIER 3

Telecoms work is at the heart of Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s TMT practice, with the firm handling issues such as compliance with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and the drafting of agreements between telecoms operators and infrastructure providers. The team also frequently assists clients with data protection, IT outsourcing and e-money mandates. Practice head G. Vijay Kumar is equipped to litigate a wide array of technology and telecoms-based disputes spanning network service provision and IT system integration. Personal data protection, including the cross-border transfer of personal data, is a recognised practice strength of Teo Wai Sum. Chan Mun Yew adds to the contentious expertise with disputes concerning the provision of telecommunication and network services a notable strength. Eleena Abd Wahab and Eunice Wei Lynn Chan departed in September 2022 and October 2022, respectively.

‘The Lee Hishamuddin Allen & Gledhill TMT Team, spearheaded by Mr. G. Vijay Kumar, sets itself apart through its profound expertise in the telecommunications sector and agile client service.’

‘G. Vijay Kumar stands out due to his blend of deep sector knowledge, elite legal prowess, and exceptional client communication skills.’

‘Great availability and cooperation.’

‘LHAG has the capability and strategy to overcome issues in relation to fintech and also breaching of data privacy.’

‘G. Vijay Kumar is a very resourceful lawyer with wide knowledge on the TMT.’

MALAYSIA > DISPUTE RESOLUTION TIER 1

The ‘top-notch team’ at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill handles a large volume of complex cases, covering company law, contractual issues and shareholder disputes. On the banking and insolvency front, the practice specialises in liability, liquidation and defending banks in connection with forgery and fraud. Lambert Rasa-Ratnam, who has demonstrable experience in administrative law disputes, jointly leads the practice alongside arbitration expert Nitin Nadkarni and banking specialist Kumar Kanagasingam. Other key members of the group include SM Shanmugam, who is praised as ‘commercially and industrially knowledgeable’, and Darshendev Singh.

The litigation practice is able to draw from their in-depth experience in commercial litigation to support client either in defending or initiating a law suit.’

‘The people and their commitment towards each and every assignment given to them – they have never treated any assignment given to them as small and will handle all matters diligently.’

‘Mr Kumar Kanagasingam is very meticulous, detailed and vastly experienced.’

‘LHAG provides personalised, efficient and effective services tailoring to its client’s practical and commercial needs. Their lawyers have excellent knowledge of the law and good strategic skills. They are always accessible and go the extra mile, a trait that makes them stand out.’

‘They are easy to reach and always available for you.’

‘SM Shanmugam is commercially and industrially knowledgeable.’

‘We view LHAG as one of the established firms in Malaysia with a top-notch team.’

‘Always find ways to resolve clients’ issues.’

MALAYSIA > ISLAMIC FINANCE TIER 1

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill has an outstanding reputation in the Islamic finance sector thanks to the presence of Megat Hizaini Hassan, who advises on a multitude of structures, including Murabahah and Ijarah transactions, and is a leading authority in debt restructurings under Shariah standards. Jointly led by Hassan and Tay Weng Hwee, the team has extensive experience in Malaysian and foreign-denominated Shariah financings. It frequently advises on high-value Sukuk issuances and acts for some of the most active banks in the sector.

MALAYSIA > LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT TIER 1

Praised as an ‘expert in employment matters’, Lim Heng Seng leads the labour and employment offering at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill. A large proportion of its workload is formed of defending clients across a range of industry sectors in such claims as unfair dismissal from employment, which are often multi-party and of high-value. Additionally, it is able to advise on complex issues regarding corporate restructuring, management of foreign workers, as well as counselling on trade unions, trade disputes and collective agreements. Amardeep Singh Toor handles both litigation and advisory matters on all aspects of employment and industrial relations law, often appearing at the Industrial, High and Appeal courts on such cases. Senior associate Tan Hooi Ping  advises on the tax and immigration aspects of employment matters.

‘The team provides support in case management and has good understanding and experience of industry practices.’

‘We engaged with Amardeep Singh Toor and experienced a good partnership and collaboration. They were always available to share resources and advice relevant to the industry practices. They make the best decisions in favour of the company.’

‘Very professional and always mindful of the clients’ needs.’

‘The team as a whole is very professional and prompt in their deliverables. They also understand the client well and provide input not just from the legal aspect but from the commercial perspective as well. Their advice is structured and the manner in which they work is also systematic and organised.’

‘After working with Amardeep, we now know why he is the preferred lawyer in the area of employment and labour. This could partly be attributed to his level of engagement with clients alongside his regular legal updates to clients.’

‘Amardeep Singh has been our go-to employment law counsel. He always makes himself available and is very efficient. His experience and grasp of the law is exceptional and he is very service-orientated.’

‘Lee Hishamuddin Allen & Gledhill’s team has a vast and strong experience of labour and employment issues. Their approach is very pragmatic.’

‘Lim Heng Seng is an expert in employment matters, assisted by Tan Hooi Ping. It has been very rewarding working with them because of their excellent knowledge in the area. Lim Heng Seng is very down-to-earth and one is very much at ease discussing issues with him.’

MALAYSIA > REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION TIER 1

Tay Weng Hwee and Nitin Nadkarni lead the real estate and construction team at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill. Its practice involves working with some of Malaysia’s leading developers, financiers, institutional investors and contractors on the full range of transactions and disputes. The team advises on high-value real estate projects across various sectors, including hospitality, retail and housing, and is noted for its ‘ability to think outside the box on strategy and advice’; it has particular expertise in advising on land acquisitions and amalgamations. On the contentious side, the practice’s caseload includes disposal of parcels of leasehold and freehold land, as well as disputes relating to real estate development projects. Darshendev Singh is noted for his ‘meticulous nature in disputes’.

‘The strengths and key capabilities that make this team unique are its lawyers, who specialise in various fields; its overall size as a company, which allow it to take-on substantial cases; its ability to think outside the box on strategy and advice provision; its customer-focus; and its negotiation skills.’

‘Mr. Darshendev Singh is exceptional and stands out from competitors because of his knowledge in the field, his meticulous nature in disputes and his dedication to do his best for his clients.’

‘The team is truly friendly, professional and easy to work with. They understand the difficulty of real estate transactions in Malaysia with differing laws and standards by state and sometimes by district, and can provide real-time, commercially driven, legally sound advice.’

‘Bella Chu is smart, efficient and sharp, as well as being calm and constantly on-the-ball – an absolute pleasure to work with. You can sleep in peace knowing Bella has her eyes on the matter.’

‘The team is being led by great partners with vast experience in construction dispute resolution. The team is also very meticulous and is more than capable of handling various complicated and high-value matters including disputes of a technical nature.’

‘Darshendev Singh is very solution-orientated and always provides practical solutions to clients. He is also intelligent, aggressive, sharp, meticulous and has great advocacy skills, which are something clients look for in a litigator.’

‘Lim Chee Yong’s experience in arbitration makes him an all-rounder – he can provide practical advice and strategies to navigate complex issues.’

‘Crystal Wong and Teh Wai Fung are intelligent, business-orientated and hardworking. They will be my go-to lawyers for any work in Malaysia.’

MALAYSIA > ANTITRUST AND COMPETITION TIER 2

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s team is headed by Eunice Wei Lynn Chan. A substantial portion of its workload involves advising on matters of alleged breach of the Competition Act 2010, in addition to acting for Singapore and Malaysia-based clients across the healthcare and oil and gas sectors, atop telecoms, wherein the team has a particular expertise. The practice’s workload involves conducting compliance audits, due diligence, mock dawn raid exercises and handling matters relating to pricing within Malaysia’s complex regulatory regime. Jack S’ng Hoi has experience advising major corporates on the competition law aspects of their Malaysian operations.

MALAYSIA > BANKING AND FINANCE TIER 2

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill has a good mix of Islamic and conventional financing work. It has advised on a series of refinancings and restructurings of debt facilities. While the firm has excellent bank relationships, such as with the Bank Pembangunan Malaysia, it is working with a growing number of non-bank institutions in providing mezzanine finance and delivers regulatory advice to an expanding group of digital banks. Megat Hizaini Hassan is a leading authority on Islamic finance and has worked intensively in the debt restructuring field in recent years. Tay Weng Hwee leads the banking and finance team, and is an experienced figure in debt issuances, mezzanine finance and debt restructurings. Bella Chu Chai Yee is also rated for her expertise in debt restructuring and real estate financings.

MALAYSIA > CAPITAL MARKETS TIER 2

Weng Hwee Tay leads the corporate offering at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill. The team’s workload includes a broad range of transactional work across various industry sectors, for both domestic and international clients. A key area of expertise includes advising on financial services and Islamic finance, the latter being Megat Hizaini Hassan’s area of specialty owing to his work on Shariah-compliance. Mandates often involve complex elements such as the issuance of equity, equity-linked instruments, structured products, private debt instruments and asset-backed securities.

MALAYSIA > CORPORATE AND M&A TIER 2

The corporate and M&A team at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill specialises in handling corporate restructurings, reorganisations, share purchases and disposals. The practice is experienced in advising on joint ventures between Malaysian and foreign entities, in addition to foreign direct investment and private equity investment. Tay Weng Hwee leads the team and handles a range of corporate matters including joint ventures, financing and capital markets. Steven Sy Tee is active in private equity transactions and works on cross-border projects, while Teo Wai Sum focuses on corporate and commercial advisory work.

The team consisted of experienced personnel and had the necessary resources to provide continuous advisory services to us.’

‘Cost-effective and quick to respond.’

‘We worked with Teo Wai Sum, who was always responsive, professional, courteous and a pleasure to work with.’

‘The team is very agile and actively supportive. There are times where we need to have a comment from legal advisor right away, and LHAG has been there all the time to support us.’

‘Teo Wai Sum fully understands what a client is looking for, and which area we should pay attention to. We successfully complete our projects with her advice.’

‘The LHAG team has diversity of legal knowledge. The team has strong compassion for the client. Flexible and always willing to listen.’

‘Teo Wai Sum has strong knowledge in M&A. Compassion for client, flexible and always willing to listen.’

MALAYSIA > PROJECTS AND ENERGY TIER 2

The team at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill counts sponsors, lenders, government contractors and other project stakeholders among its key roster of clients, and has demonstrable experience advising on the development and financing of energy, infrastructure and utility projects. The practice’s workload also includes drafting and negotiating financing and security agreements, power purchase agreements, as well as construction contracts. Steven Sy Tee, who ‘stands out for his experience’ in internationally financed, cross-border projects, leads the practice alongside Nitin Nadkarni.

‘Steven and team are very client-focused and provide real solutions. When negotiations hit a snag, it is Steven and team who break the impasse with their innovative thinking. Very practical too.’

‘Steven Tee’s team displayed a good working knowledge of the contract template and work required to be done.’

‘Steven Tee stands out for his experience, and his ability to give commercially sound and practical advice.’

‘They have sound understanding of  the construction industry which enable them to give specific, beneficial advice to client. In particular, the people at LHAG are all passionate, professional, flexible and willing to support clients fully.’

‘Oil and gas is a unique industry and the entire LHAG team has a good understanding of the client’s needs with impressive knowledge of the industry.’

‘Having a legal counsel with technical expertise like Lim Chee Yong has truly set this firm apart from the rest. His ability to decipher technical information and asking complex technical questions, turning it into a clear easily understandable concept is an added value to the firm.’

MALAYSIA > TAX TIER 2

Nitin Nadkarni and ‘solid tax adviser’ Jason Tan Jia Xin co-lead the team at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill, which is noted for its ‘remarkable tax expertise’. The practice advises international clients on major audits and tax transactions, and has demonstrable experience handling tax-related disputes, whilst regularly dealing with appeals and judicial review applications at the High Court. A recent highlight for the team is its successful representation in a landmark case against the Special Commissioners of Income Tax in Malaysia regarding the taxability on gains arising from a joint venture development. Noteworthy promotions in the team include that of Ivy Yieng Ping Ling to partner and of Chris Toh Pei Roo to senior associate.

‘Jason is a solid tax adviser with strong commercial acumen, ready to support us on very short notice.’

‘The team work very well together. They make an effort to understand matters thoroughly from the first meeting.’

‘Jason and his team are very technical and knowledgeable; they are specialists in tax matters.’

‘Jason Tan is able to give quick responses on the latest trade law updates, and give proactive suggestions to find solutions for the issues at hand.’

‘The tax team is very responsive and inspire confidence with their tax expertise. Partners Nitin Nadkarni and Jason Tan are known in the market as effective tax counsels, whilst senior associate Chris Toh is able to provide relevant and solid practical advice with a quick turnaround time.’

‘Nitin Nadkarni, Jason Tan and Chris Toh have shown remarkable tax expertise and effective turnaround with favourable results.’

‘Jason Tan and Chris Toh provide practical and relevant advice. They are able to render their service within tight deadlines.’

‘Jason Tan has been providing a valid and independent legal opinion for us to proceed the legal case and the team are managing our case unselfishly and intelligently; client interest is clearly their main priority.’

MALAYSIA > TMT (INCLUDING FINTECH) TIER 2

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill covers the full range of TMT work, including regulatory compliance and licensing matters, in addition to acquisitions and joint ventures. On the telecoms side, the practice has strong litigation and arbitration expertise, as well as drafting and negotiating access agreements to be entered into between telecoms operators and providers. Practice head G. Vijay Kumar provides ‘excellent strategic advice’ in high-end disputes pertaining to IT agreements, cloud computing and data centre management, while Teo Wai Sum and senior associate Eleena Abd Wahab, who are praised as ‘standout practitioners’, handle personal data protection matters. IP specialist Eunice Chan Wei Lynn is another key contact in the group.

‘Great level of support provided. Practical advice provided on a diverse range of subjects.’

‘Great working knowledge of our business and an appreciation of likely desired commercial outcomes. Extremely approachable and friendly demeanour.’

‘The partners support their associates and are ready to step in for any escalations.’

‘Extremely responsive and collaborative’

‘Every advice given by LHAG is a value for money. It is worth every penny.’

‘G. Vijay Kumar provided excellent  strategic advice when managing our litigation case.’

MALAYSIA > INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY TIER 3

The team at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill has experience across a range of IP protection matters. The practice is well-equipped to advise local, as well as international clients, on such issues as branding, licensing, filing of trademarks, portfolio management and regulatory work. On the contentious side, the team’s caseload includes major trademark infringement cases, at both national and international level. Former team head Eunice Wei Lynn Chan  has left the group to join Aaron Sankar & Co..

‘The team has good technical knowledge on IP matters and is able to advise the client in a proper manner.’

‘CK Lung was very professional and quick to engage with me for new cases.’

‘I found the partners incredibly personable, proactive and dedicated.’

‘CK Lung has been truly amazing and always there to listen and support us, providing incredible communication with complete transparency.’

‘The whole diverse and inclusive team is dedicated with strong technical expertise, timely delivery.’

‘Mr CK Lung is exceptional. He is very detailed and patient in his approach. Moreover, he is easily reachable.’

Dispute Resolution – Tier 1
The market-leading disputes practice at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill has specialist experience in corporate disputes (an area where SM Shanmugam is noted), general commercial litigation, banking and insolvency litigation and construction and real estate disputes. The department has particularly strong experience in acting for government-linked companies, international corporations and energy and utility industry clients. Nitin Nadkarni heads up the firm’s international arbitration practice, and has extensive experience in litigation arising from infrastructure projects across Malaysia, Indonesia and the MENA region. Lambert Rasa-Ratnam jointly leads the wider team with Kumar Kanagasingam. Up-and-coming partner Darshendev Singh focuses on disputes relating to construction, engineering, oil and gas and infrastructure projects.

Islamic Finance -Tier 1
Led by Tay Weng Hwee, Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill fields a strong team of Islamic finance specialists, advising on both MYR and foreign currency-denominated transactions. The practice is highly recommended for high-value Sukuk issuances. Particularly active in assisting banks with debt restructuring issues, Megat Hizaini Hassan advises on Murabahah and Ijarah transactions and assists with regulatory frameworks and Shariah standards for financial and investment transactions.

Labour & Employment – Tier 1
As well as reviewing employment policies, advising on restructuring, immigration and trades unions matters, Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill is known for representing clients in employment disputes involving termination of staff, in particular, senior employees in complex and contested circumstances. The team also advised a number of clients on labour and employment issues that arose from the pandemic. Multinational corporations, government-linked companies, and public-listed companies as well as family-owned enterprises feature in its client list. The well-regarded team head Lim Seng Heng  has successfully represented SEACEN Research and Training Centre at the Court of Appeal, The United States of America at the Federal Court and BASF (Malaysia) in a judicial review application. He is ‘very capably’ supported by recently promoted partner Amardeep Singh Toor  , who also led on a case defending an office space design firm from a trio of senior managers who had been retrenched. Shariffullah Abdul Majeed  has notable experience in defending civil claims arising from employment contracts and is regularly instructed by government-linked companies on a wide range of employment issues. Dato’ Thavalingam C. Thavarajah  departed to establish employment boutique T Thavalingam & Co  in October 2020.

Real Estate & Construction -Tier 1
Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s real estate and construction practice is well-regarded in the market across the full range of transactional and disputes work, assisting an extensive roster of developers, contractors, financiers and institutional investors. The practice has a strong track record in real estate projects across the housing, retail, hospitality and heavy industry sectors, and an excellent offering in real estate finance for banks, and investment and capital management companies. Tay Weng Hwee focuses on real estate transactions, joint ventures and development matters, as well as property finance matters and the sale of real estate assets. Bella Chu Chai Yee is noted for her complex and high-value transactional work. Nitin Nadkarni heads the firm’s international arbitration practice, specialising in construction, engineering and infrastructure cases across Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and North Africa.

Antitrust and Competition – Tier 2
Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill is highly recommended for handling matters relating to pricing issues, particularly in the highly regulated industries; it is a popular choice for clients in the telecoms, financial services and media sectors. The practice advises compliance audits and due diligence on business practices, it also advises on the competition-aspects of transactions and conducts mock dawn raid exercises. The team is now led by Eunice Wei Lynn Chan following the departure of Adlin Abdul Majid who has been appointed as a Judicial Commissioner to the Bench of the High Court of Malaysia in April 2021; Chan has notable experience of advising on competition matters and brings expertise in franchising and distribution as well as IP.

Banking and Finance – Tier 2
The banking and finance practice at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill is highly active in advising both lenders and borrowers on domestic and cross-border lending, with a particularly strong offering for Malaysian banks lending to foreign companies. Other key areas of work include syndicated loans and club deals, project finance, asset finance, equipment financing and leasing, bankruptcy and restructuring. The department houses specialists in Islamic finance, who advise on Syariah-compliant financing and transactions in overseas currency. Group head Tay Weng Hwee is recommended for debt issuances, mezzanine financing and financial restructuring matters. Bella Chai Yee Chu is also recommended for her expertise in the real estate industry which she advises on various real estate project financing matters.

Capital Markets – Tier 2
The capital markets practice at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill is highly regarded for its handling of major debt offerings, both conventional and Islamic. The team advises on bond offerings, commercial paper and medium-term note programmes, as well as Islamic finance-based instruments. The group also deals with equity work, with significant expertise in listings, equity-linked instruments and structured products. Tay Weng Hwee heads the M&A practice as well as the capital markets group.

Corporate and M&A – Tier 2
Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill houses a full-service corporate and M&A offering, advising on joint ventures, corporate reorganisations, private equity investments and foreign direct investments, as well as providing general corporate advisory work and M&A. Inbound direct investment is a core specialism, with recent work for major US, European, Japanese, Singaporean and Australian companies relating to the establishment and operation of Malaysian operations. Practice head Tay Weng Hwee brings extensive financing experience, as well as a strong track record of high-value transactions.

Intellectual Property – Tier 2
Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s IP practice covers the full range of IP work for Malaysian and international clients, encompassing patents, trademarks, franchising, licensing, copyright, and media law in all key industry sectors. Eunice Wei Lynn Chan  leads the team on the range of advisory and contentious matters while litigator Chng Keng Lung focuses on IP disputes. Both are ably assisted by associate Chew Yi Hsien. The team’s extensive client roster includes household name brand owners in the telecoms and consumer goods sectors.

Tax – Ranked: Tier 2
Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s tax practice advises on audits, transfer pricing cases and tax disputes. Co-team lead Nitin Nadkarni and Jason Tan Jia Xin jointly lead the team; the latter is also a trade and customs specialist. The team continues to be instructed in tax appeals at the SCIT, and for judicial review applications at the High Court, and its recent highlights include successfully representing Tower REIT in a real property gains tax appeal.

TMT (INCLUDING FINTECH) – Ranked: Tier 2
Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill has a strong track record handling technology disputes and arbitration proceedings for major IT and telecoms clients. The practice also advises on telecoms compliance and IT regulation, with a particular strength on access offers and access agreements between operators and state-based infrastructure providers. Data protection is another core area of experience, drafting agreements, conducting compliance exercises and advising on data breaches. Team Lead G. Vijay Kumar handles high-value disputes concerning software development, network service provision and infrastructure, hardware agreements and outsourcing.

Projects and Energy – Ranked: Tier 3
Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill has significant experience assisting clients with the development and financing of energy, infrastructure and utility projects. The team advises a range of international and Malaysian sponsors, lenders, contractors and other project stakeholders, and is highly active in the chemicals, energy, transport infrastructure and logistics sectors. Practice head Steven SY Tee regularly handles internationally financed cross-border projects.

Dispute Resolution – Tier 1
Lambert Rasa-Ratnam leads the dispute resolution practice at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill. Split into three sections: general commercial, banking and insolvency, and construction/real estate, it counts BMW and PricewaterhouseCoopers within its client portfolio. Specific areas covered include:  breach of contract, debt recovery, fraud, insolvency and foreign-seated arbitration. Notably, the firm pursues these matters for major companies in sectors such as construction, energy, real estate (it recently defended Sunway Real Estate Investment Trust in a ‘tort of conversion’ case) and telecoms. Key lawyers: Nitin Nadkarni (international arbitration), Kumar Kanagasingam (banking), SM Shanmugam (‘an amazing lawyer‘) and Darshendev Singh (infrastructure). Rosli Dahlan has departed to form Rosli Dahlan Saravana Partnership.

Islamic Finance -Tier 1
Representing clients such as Standard Chartered Saadiq and HSBC Bank Malaysia, the Islamic finance team at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill handles issues such as commercial papers and medium term notes. Directed by Weng Hwee Tay, known for his expertise in Musharakah, it also features Megat Hizaini Hassan, a partner adept at facilitating substantive complex multi-billion ringgit issuances. A recent highlight concerns the firm’s role in advising RHB Islamic Bank on the review and revision of its standard legal documentation. Notably, this is utilised for the bank’s home financing products (Commodity Murabahah Term Financing-i and Equity Financing-i) and ensures compliance with the regulations issued by Bank Negara Malaysia.

Labour & Employment – Tier 1
The labour and employment team at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill is led by Heng Seng Lim and Dato Thavalingam C. Thavarajah. Providing clients with compliance advice on legislation and common law rights, it also reviews policies and documentation, covers managerial prerogatives, and counsels on trade disputes and collective agreements. The client portfolio features a substantive number of Fortune 500 companies as well as family-owned enterprises and non-commercial entities. Shariffullah Abdul Majeed advises on the dismissal of senior employees and internal investigations while senior associate Amardeep Singh is recommended for immigration law and the  management of foreign workers.

Real Estate & Construction -Tier 1
Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill offers a full service real estate and construction practice, acting on both contentious and non-contentious matters. The firm’s client base consists of developers, contractors, financiers and institutional investors. Weng Hwee Tay is leading the team and working on real estate transactions, joint ventures and development projects, with over twenty years of experience in the field. Nitin Nadkarni is a key figure in the practice, with a focus on international arbitration, and handling construction, engineering and infrastructures disputes across Asia and Europe.

IT & Telecoms (TMT) -Tier 1
Known for her role in establishing the National Digital Identity framework, IT expert Adlin Abdul Majid heads the TMT offering at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill. Notable for its regulatory advice in telecoms, the team also handles related litigation and arbitration on behalf of major industry leaders. In addition, it handles outsourcing matters affecting the IT sector and increasingly covers fintech and cloud computing issues. Moreover, the firm addresses legal issues pertaining to both GDPR and the Malaysian Personal Data Protection Act. These include data processing agreements as well as cross-border transfers of personal information. FG. Vijay Kumar is experienced in disputes and recently represented Webe Digital in a multi-part defamation suit.

Antitrust and Competition – Tier 2
TMT and government expert Adlin Abdul Majid orchestrates the antitrust and competition offering at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill. Providing clients with specialist advice on both the Competition Act 2010 and self-regulated industries, it regularly acts for key players in the automobile, financial and telecoms sectors. Eunice Chan Wei Lynn complements the team with dedicated experience in franchising and distribution alongside a strong track record in related IP matters. Recent work highlights handled the legal aspects of mergers and acquisitions as well as product distribution.  

Banking and Finance – Tier 2
With a specialist focus on real estate and construction, Weng Hwee Tay directs the banking and finance offering at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill. The team handles work for major lenders and covers areas such as: syndicated loans, club deals, project finance, bankruptcy and restructuring. Led by the ‘knowledgeable and efficient‘ Weng Hwee Tay, it also includes cross-border expert Bella Chu Chai Yee, a partner with substantive experience in the real estate industry. A recent  case concerns its work for Hang Seng Bank in respect of a USD150 million facility agreement made available to Citychamp Watch & Jewellery Group Limited. Notably, Eu Jin Ong departed for Rosli Dahlan Saravana Partnership in February 2020.

Capital Markets – Tier 2
Led by the ‘knowledgeable and efficient‘ Weng Hwee Tay the capital markets team at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill handles a broad spectrum of sector issues. Specifically, this includes: major debt offerings, (both conventional and Islamic), bond offerings, medium term note programs and sukuk issuances. A recent standout case is its work for Sabah Credit Corporation on amendments to its Islamic Commercial Papers and Medium-Term Notes Programmes. The offering is complemented by the skills of Megat Hizaini Hassan, a renowned expert in Islamic finance as well as the ‘knowledgeable and efficient‘ partners Tay Weng Hwee and Bella Chu Chai Yee.

Corporate and M&A – Tier 2
Counting the Malaysian Airline System and AEON Credit Service as key clients, the corporate and M&A offering at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill is headed by capital markets expert Weng Hwee Tay. The team handles issues such as joint ventures, corporate reorganisations, private equity investments and foreign direct investment in addition to its general advisory work. Raphael Tay is said to have ‘vast knowledge of the automotive industry‘ and has a significant track record in restructuring matters. Ooi Bee Hong recently departed for Rosli Dahlan Saravana Partnership.

Intellectual Property – Tier 2
Both Malaysian and international clients are served by the intellectual property team at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill. Its expertise spans media law, franchising, and licensing as well as patent, and copyright disputes. It undertakes matters such as pursing ex-parte injunctions and other court proceedings through to cases before the Trade Marks Office. It counts Samsung, McDonald’s and Apple among its client base. In particular, it recently focused its efforts on concluding a case for Philip Morris where it successfully prevented infringing goods from leaving Malaysian waters. Eunice Chan Wei Lynn and Chew Yi Hsien are the key names to note. Bahari Yeow Tien Hong and Zhi Jian Lim have departed for Gan Partnership.

Tax – Ranked: Tier 2
Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhills practice has a ‘great working knowledge of tax affairs in Malaysia.’ The group advises on tax audits, transfer pricing cases and disputes. Co-team lead Nitin Nadkarni is notable for his dual tax advisory and tax disputes experience, having worked in the area for over two decades. He is active in multiple industries and several jurisdictions including Korea, Vietnam and Singapore. Jason Tan Jia Xin has appeared before all the courts of Malaysia on anti-dumping cases and tax appeals.

Construction – Malaysia

Band 1

What the team is known for

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill is a leading full-service law firm in Malaysia with a dedicated team of construction law specialists. The team is regularly entrusted on big-ticket construction disputes, including adjudication and arbitration. The practice is also noted for its front-end construction practice, often advising on construction contracts for the development of warehouse buildings, energy plants and transportation projects. Clients include DHL Express (Malaysia), Sime Darby Property (Ara Damansara) and Cypark.

Work Highlights

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill represented Sime Darby Property (Ara Damansara) against a claim brought by 72 plaintiffs, who are house buyers, for alleged breach of contract and misrepresentation by the client and the joint management of Ara Hill, in relation to the Ara Hill Development.

Strengths

“The solicitors at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill are very knowledgeable and know how to properly strategise the case.”

“From partner to associate level, they work in a harmonised way to get the best results out of any tasks.”

Notable Practitioners

Dato’ Nitin Nadkarni

Band 1

Nitin Nadkarni is a pre-eminent lawyer in Kuala Lumpur who specialises in multi-jurisdictional construction arbitration. A consultant in the firm, he also has expertise in tax matters.

Steven SY Tee

Band 3

Steven Tee is active on front-end construction matters, helping clients with contracts for the development of warehouse buildings and power plants, among others.

“He is very knowledgeable and experienced in construction-related matters.“

Darshendev Singh

Band 4

Darshendev Singh is a noted construction disputes lawyer who is often active on adjudication and arbitration proceedings in Malaysia.

“He is an absolutely fantastic lawyer who works exceptionally hard and is extremely practical. He is a pleasure to work with.“

“He is easy to work with, responsive and knowledgeable.“

Crystal (Wai Chin) Wong

Up & Coming

Crystal Wong is an up-and-coming disputes lawyer who specialises in construction mandates. She is especially well versed in the intricacies of arbitration.

“Crystal is very dedicated and knowledgeable about the case.“

Dispute Resolution – Malaysia

Band 1

What the team is known for

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s standout disputes team in Malaysia draws on a strong bench of high-quality litigators. Its diverse expertise spans company, banking, insolvency and real estate cases, as well as construction disputes. The team also often represents clients in domestic and international arbitration. It is particularly adept in handling financial services regulatory cases, as well as corporate investigations and civil prosecutions. The lawyers regularly act for leading Malaysian and foreign clients in a variety of sectors, with key clients including KPMG, Telekom Malaysia and RHB Bank.

Work Highlights

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill represented KPMG in a suit brought against it by its client, oil and gas services company Serba Dinamik, for alleged negligence, breach of contract and breach of statutory duty.

Strengths

“They work cohesively as a team and ensure that we receive timely and thorough legal advice on the various matters they handle on our behalf. Most importantly, they listen to our views and take into consideration our comments.“

“The partners offer legal yet commercially-oriented solutions to any legal issue posed.“

Notable Practitioners

Lambert Rasa-Ratnam

Band 2

Lambert Rasa-Ratnam is a prominent litigator in Malaysia who acts for high-profile clients in a range of civil and commercial cases.

Andrew Chiew Ean Vooi

Band 3

Andrew Chiew Ean Vooi is a partner at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill in Malaysia. He has a solid litigation practice with expertise in restructuring and insolvency matters, as well as corporate investigations.

“Andrew instils confidence as a sophisticated attorney.“

SM Shanmugam

Band 4

SM Shanmugam has a broad practice in corporate and securities litigation, including civil prosecutions in Malaysia.

“Mr Shanmugam displays a high level of professionalism, expertise and dedication when handling our various matters. He possesses a deep understanding of the legal landscape, and his insights into complex securities legal matters have been invaluable in guiding our decision-making process.“

Sean Yeow

Band 4

Sean Yeow particularly focuses on banking and insolvency disputes, often representing Malaysian entities. He is also active on matters relating to real estate.

“He has good commercial awareness and provides useful, practical advice.“

Kumar Kanagasingam

Band 5

Kumar Kanagasingam is a skilled dispute resolution lawyer who takes on mandates requiring expertise in arbitration and in commercial and white-collar criminal litigation. He often appears before the High Court of Kuala Lumpur.

G. Vijay Kumar

Band 5

Vijay Kumar frequently works for large corporations in a range of litigation and arbitration in Malaysia, including contractual disputes. He is especially skilled at handling contentious matters arising out of breaches of fiduciary duties.

“He is renowned for his handling of complex briefs and is a very eloquent advocate who delivers clear and precise arguments.“

Employment & Industrial Relations – Malaysia

Band 1

What the team is known for

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill has a leading employment law practice in Malaysia, typically representing employers in both contentious and non-contentious matters. The firm regularly represents clients in litigation, including unfair dismissal cases, as well as advising on issues such as employee transfers and redundancies. The team is often active on cases involving judicial review applications, as well as assisting clients with internal audits. Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill advises domestic and international clients from numerous sectors, including finance, manufacturing and TMT.

Work Highlights

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill represented Perodua Sales in the High Court in three judicial review applications to quash Industrial Court awards that allowed claims of constructive dismissal by three former employees.

Strengths

“The firm has the ability to work through unforeseen circumstances and challenges. Upon highlighting the foreseeable scenarios, the firm provides us with options and recommended solutions.“

“They are very proactive in reaching out to clients for feedback and providing updates on ongoing cases. We can always rely on the team to follow up and provide updates without any prompts from our end.“

Notable Practitioners

Lim Heng Seng

Band 1

Lim Heng Seng is a partner based in Kuala Lumpur. He has a market-leading practice, frequently advising employers on unfair dismissal cases, as well as employment advisory.

“Heng Seng has deep knowledge from his experience. He also has a good strategic outlook and approaches questions in quick, creative ways. He does not just look through the lawyer’s lens.“

“Heng Seng is our go-to lawyer for any employment-related matter in Malaysia.“

Shariffullah Majeed

Band 4

Shariffullah Majeed is a partner at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s Kuala Lumpur office. He is a practitioner recognised for his work in advising clients from a range of industries on their employment matters and concerns.

“Shariffullah is a very engaged and professional lawyer in industrial relations matters.“

“He is very responsive and supportive.“

Amardeep Singh Toor

Up & Coming

Amardeep Singh Toor is noted for his wide range of employment work, including unjust dismissal cases and disciplinary proceedings in Malaysia

“Amardeep is meticulous and thorough when reviewing the documents and facts. He is also pragmatic about the strength of a case and will present the worst-case scenario as well as the potential outcomes. He is always available to attend to our queries and requests.“

“Amardeep’s knowledge on industrial and employment laws is splendid. He knows what his clients want, especially in terms of commercial solutions.“

Banking & Finance: Debt Capital Markets – Malaysia

Band 2

What the team is known for

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill has an established legal department, frequently advising high-profile Malaysian and global lenders on conventional and Islamic financing. Notable for its skilful handling of sophisticated Shari’a-compliant transactions, it possesses broad expertise across debt restructuring and regulatory issues, syndicated loans, asset finance and real estate finance, as well as sukuk issuances. Clients include AFFIN Islamic Bank and OSK Holdings.

Work Highlights

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill was engaged by AFFIN Islamic Bank to assist with the conversion of existing Term Financing-i facilities granted to Prestaharta from the bai bithaman ajil concept to the tawarruq concept and from Tawarruq Cash Line-i to Tawarruq Term Financing-i.

Strengths

“Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s team has impressive depth and breadth of skilled members who cover multiple areas, providing a comprehensive approach to problem-solving and ensuring success in different projects. They show great analytical skills and approach challenges with a systematic and strategic mindset.”

Notable Practitioners

Megat Hizaini Hassan

Band 3

Megat Hizaini Hassan has significant expertise in the Islamic finance sphere in Malaysia. He frequently advises financial institutions on complex sukuk structures. He is particularly well versed in advising on banking regulatory matters relating to Shari’a-compliant products.

“Megat is well versed in matters related to Islamic and conventional banking and finance as he has the experience and the expertise required.”

Real Estate – Malaysia

Band 2

What the team is known for

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill has a recognisable presence in the real estate legal space in Malaysia, providing a full-service offering. The team regularly advises property developers on joint ventures to develop mixed-use, industrial and residential developments, alongside lease agreements. The team also takes on disputes in the construction and projects space. The Holstein Milk Company, Lagenda Properties and UEM Sunrise are among its notable clients.

Work Highlights

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill advised Mapletree Logistics Trust Management on the acquisition of two plots of lands located in Selangor by its subsidiary from Privileged Achievement and Sheng Loong Enterprises, in a matter worth MYR65.6 million.

Strengths

“LHAG portray a very high standard of professionalism and their vast knowledge and experience make the client feel comfortable working with them.”

“LHAG has very good communication skills to introduce Malaysia’s legal requirements and practices in a simple and clear way, with support in English and Chinese.”

Notable Practitioners

Tay Weng Hwee

Band 2

Tay Weng Hwee is a partner at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill and is based in Kuala Lumpur. He has a robust practice advising on the sale and acquisition of real estate.

Bella Chu Chai Yee

Band 3

Bella Yee Chu Chai is a partner based in Kuala Lumpur. She frequently advises on land acquisitions and disposals, as well as lease matters. She acts for Malaysian property developers and landowners, alongside foreign entities.

“Her insights in handling complex requests from the client are extremely smart.”

“Bella is able to respond and advise us promptly on all of our land dealings.”

Tax – Malaysia

Band 2

What the team is known for

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s tax law practice is often active on disputes, regularly handling high-profile tax appeals and judicial review applications on issues such as GST, customs and transfer pricing. The team also assists clients with tax audits in Malaysia. It acts for leading international clients from a range of sectors, as well as local corporates. Clients of the firm include Deloitte Corporate Solutions, Cash Band and CSC Steel.

Work Highlights

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill acted for Cash Band on a tax dispute before the Special Commissioners of Income Tax, which related to whether land disposed of through a joint venture should be subject to income tax.

Strengths

“The team at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill has always been more than capable to assist with our complex litigation matters and provides sound technical advice throughout.”

“The promptness of Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s responses, their clear and concise communication, and willingness to answer our questions have been commendable.”

Notable Practitioners

Dato’ Nitin Nadkarni

Band 2

Nitin Nadkarni is the head of Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s tax practice in Malaysia and has extensive experience in dispute resolution.

“Nitin Nadkarni has extraordinary breadth of experience.”

Jason Tan Jia Xin

Up and Coming

Jason Tan (Tan Jia Xin) has an active practice in tax and customs litigation in Malaysia.

“Jason is very supportive and hard-working to assist us with the subject matter.”

“Jason gives strong confidence to his clients, which makes them feel that they are in great care.”

Chris Toh Pei Roo

Up and Coming

Chris Toh Pei Roo enters the ranking for the first time this year following market and client commendation for his tax practice in Malaysia. He has experience advising on complex tax disputes.

“Chris is a very helpful individual who is proactive in updating the client on the progress of the engagement.”

“Chris is very reliable and hard-working, with an extraordinary breadth of experience.”

Banking & Finance – Malaysia

Band 3

What the team is known for

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill has an established legal department, frequently advising high-profile Malaysian and global lenders on conventional and Islamic financing. Notable for its skilful handling of sophisticated Shari’a-compliant transactions, it possesses broad expertise across debt restructuring and regulatory issues, syndicated loans, asset finance and real estate finance, as well as sukuk issuances. Clients include AFFIN Islamic Bank and OSK Holdings.

Work Highlights

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill was engaged by AFFIN Islamic Bank to assist with the conversion of existing Term Financing-i facilities granted to Prestaharta from the bai bithaman ajil concept to the tawarruq concept and from Tawarruq Cash Line-i to Tawarruq Term Financing-i.

Strengths

“Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s team has impressive depth and breadth of skilled members who cover multiple areas, providing a comprehensive approach to problem-solving and ensuring success in different projects. They show great analytical skills and approach challenges with a systematic and strategic mindset.”

Notable Practitioners

Megat Hizaini Hassan

Band 3

Megat Hizaini Hassan has significant expertise in the Islamic finance sphere in Malaysia. He frequently advises financial institutions on complex sukuk structures. He is particularly well versed in advising on banking regulatory matters relating to Shari’a-compliant products.

“Megat is well versed in matters related to Islamic and conventional banking and finance as he has the experience and the expertise required.”

Corporate / M&A – Malaysia

Band 3

What the team is known for

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill maintains a well-regarded corporate law practice in Kuala Lumpur, offering the full range of corporate and commercial services to clients in Malaysia. The firm frequently handles cross-border transactions, including M&A, joint ventures, FDI, private equity deals and corporate restructuring. The team assists Malaysian and international clients, including GLCs and private equity houses, and is especially active on deals in the insurance, TMT, pharmaceutical, healthcare and manufacturing sectors.

Work Highlights

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill advised WCE Holdings in connection with the proposed disposal of a 40% share interest in its subsidiary, Radiant Pillar, to IJM Properties for a consideration of MYR494 million.

Strengths

“The Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill team are well versed in the law and business practices. They go above and beyond to identify what’s relevant to the client’s issue to ensure everything works smoothly. “

“The team are knowledgeable in handling M&A transactions and able to provide quick legal advice on complex matters.”

Notable Practitioners

Tay Weng Hwee

Band 4

Tay Weng Hwee leads Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s corporate law group in Malaysia. He has a busy legal practice encompassing corporate restructuring and IPO listings, including those on the LEAP Market, as well as M&A across a range of sectors.

“Mr Tay is detail-focused and sharp in resolving legal issues. He is able to identify dispute matters and provide effective advice as well as solutions. His vast commercial exposure and corporate background enable him to provide good legal services to clients.”

“Tay Weng Hwee is experienced in M&A transactions and always able to provide commercially viable legal advice to the client promptly.”

Projects, Infrastructure & Energy – Malaysia

Band 3

What the team is known for

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill is a full-service law firm in Malaysia, adept at handling the financing and development of projects in the energy and infrastructure space, as well as related disputes. The firm advises on cross-border and local mandates in the petrochemical, power and infrastructure sectors. The team frequently advises on construction contracts and project documentation for Malaysian and international clients.

Work Highlights

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill advised DHL Express (Malaysia) in connection with the construction of a cargo warehouse building that will form part of a build-to-suit airside facility at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Cargo Village.

Strengths

“The team were well organised and aligned with customers’ needs. They proposed well-laid plans with clear expectations from each individual involved. Also, they quickly grasped the issues, and prepared plans and strategies to move forward.”

“Their drafting turnaround was excellent. They understood the more complex concepts of completion and valuation, and were able to reflect this well in the agreements.”

Notable Practitioners

Steven SY Tee

Band 2

Steven Tee is a partner based in Kuala Lumpur. He has regular activity in the construction, infrastructure and energy industries.

“Steven Tee understands our commercial position and is able to draft some of the more complex related provisions very well. His turnaround time is quick and his negotiation is excellent.”

Technology, Media, Telecoms (TMT) – Malaysia

Band 3

What the team is known for

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s respected legal team in Kuala Lumpur has expertise spanning telecommunications and IT disputes, as well as regulatory issues concerning data protection, fintech and media. It advises foreign and Malaysian entities, including telecommunications providers, technology companies and other corporates.

Strengths

“The Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill team are able to provide advice in a manner that is both understandable and succinct, since they have in-depth knowledge of the nature of the business and commercial issues we face.”

“The team is able to grasp the issues quickly and go to the heart of the matter.”

Notable Practitioners

G. Vijay Kumar is a key point of contact for the TMT team at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill.

Intellectual Property – Malaysia

Band 4

What the team is known for

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill handles a broad range of IP contentious and advisory legal matters in Malaysia. The practice’s diverse coverage spans trade mark, patent, copyright and design matters, including litigation and prosecution, as well as franchising agreements and brand protection. The firm’s clientele includes leading domestic and international names in the TMT, consumer goods, manufacturing and healthcare sectors. Clients include RedRecords and Sunway.

Work Highlights

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill acted for RedRecords on the defence of a copyright infringement claim made by an artist with whom it had signed an exclusive artist agreement. The client also filed a counterclaim for multiple breaches of the exclusive artist agreement and guarantee agreement.

Strengths

“I always feel very comfortable with the team, since they have a perfect blend of youth and experience. They are extremely thorough in their research and always respond to any queries I may have.”

“They are very committed and responsive. They have always given more than what we expected.”

Notable Practitioners

Chng Keng Lung

Up and Coming

Chng Keng Lung is an up-and-coming partner who leads the firm’s IP practice. He frequently manages clients’ IP portfolios as well as representing them on various trade mark and copyright disputes.

“Chng Keng Lung is a pleasure to deal with from both a professional and personal level.”

“He consistently demonstrates strong leadership and always ensures that his team provides a timely response and gives assistance beyond our needs. He is excellent with communication skills.”

Dispute Resolution – Malaysia

Band 1

What the team is known for

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s standout disputes team in Malaysia draws on a strong bench of high-quality litigators. Its diverse expertise spans company, banking, insolvency and real estate cases, as well as construction disputes. The team also often represents clients in domestic and international arbitration. It is particularly adept in handling financial services regulatory cases, as well as corporate investigations and civil prosecutions. Lawyers regularly act for leading Malaysian and foreign clients in a variety of sectors, with key clients including Iskandar Investment, Fuji Logistics, and Wawasan Rajawali.

Work Highlights

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill represented 52 homebuyers who sued SET for breach of contract in respect of their properties developed by SET within its Setia Eco Templer township in Rawang.

Strengths

“Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill has strong team members who are good at attending to client needs and giving professional legal advice.”

“The firm covers all critical areas and provides sensible guidance throughout the process despite the complexity of the matter. Their attention to detail is comparable to none.”

Notable Practitioners

Nitin Nadkarni

Band 1

Nitin Nadkarni is a pre-eminent lawyer in Kuala Lumpur who specialises in multi-jurisdictional construction arbitration.

“Nitin is a highly acclaimed arbitration practitioner, with strong advocacy skills and a very sharp mind. He formulates and articulates his client’s case convincingly and eloquently.”

“I like his out-of-the-box pragmatism and decisiveness in taking a position on a particular aspect or point of law and making it work.”

Lambert Rasa-Ratnam

Band 2

Lambert Rasa-Ratnam maintains his position as a leading litigator in Malaysia, acting for prominent clients in a range of civil and commercial cases.

Andrew Chiew Ean Vooi

Band 3

Andrew Chiew Ean Vooi is a partner at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill in Malaysia. He has a solid litigation practice with expertise in restructuring and insolvency matters, as well as corporate investigations.

“Andrew has impressed us with his strategy in tackling and overcoming the weak aspects of our case.”

“Andrew is competent, thorough and articulate.”

SM Shanmugam

Band 4

SM Shanmugam has a broad practice in corporate and securities litigation, including civil prosecutions in Malaysia.

“Mr Shanmugam is very dedicated, responsible and proactive in his tasks in handling our matters.”

“SM Shanmugam is adept at distilling the issues with clarity.”

Sean Yeow

Band 4

Sean Yeow particularly focuses on banking and insolvency disputes, often representing Malaysian entities. He is also active on matters relating to real estate.

“Sean is very approachable and friendly, with strong legal strategy and knowledge in managing high-profile cases.”

Kumar Kanagasingam

Band 5

Kumar Kanagasingam is a skilled dispute resolution lawyer who takes on mandates requiring expertise in arbitrations, and in commercial and white-collar criminal litigation. He often appears before the High Court of Kuala Lumpur.

“Kumar is our most preferred litigator to deal with.”

“He has worked with us for a long time and provided services above our satisfaction, particularly on complex issues.”

Vijay Kumar

Band 5

Vijay Kumar frequently works for large corporations on a range of litigation and arbitration in Malaysia, including contractual disputes. He is especially skilled at handling contentious matters arising out of breaches of fiduciary duties.

“Kumar provided us with very good litigation strategies.”

“He is a really good lawyer.”

Crystal (Wai Chin) Wong

Up and Coming

Crystal Wong is an up-and-coming disputes lawyer who specialises in construction mandates. She is especially well versed in the intricacies of arbitration.

“Crystal is a very capable, dedicated and reliable lawyer. She is extremely hard-working and always puts in the extra efforts to really understand and analyse the clients’ matter, regardless of its complexity and technicality. She delivers work of quality that exceeds clients’ expectations.”

“Crystal is hard-working and dedicated.”

Employment & Industrial Relations – Malaysia

Band 1

What the team is known for

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill has a leading employment law practice in Malaysia, typically representing employers in both contentious and non-contentious matters. The firm regularly represents clients in litigation, including unfair dismissal cases, as well as advising on issues such as employee transfers and redundancies. The team is often active on cases involving judicial review applications, as well as assisting clients with internal audits. Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill advises domestic and international clients from numerous sectors, including finance, manufacturing and TMT. BASF and Petronas are examples of clients represented by the team.

Work Highlights

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill represented Nova Beta Energy at the High Court in a judicial review filed by a former executive director who had been dismissed.

Strengths

“Lee Hishammuddin has always been extremely responsive and thorough. The firm provides its advice without losing sight of context.”

“They provide a very fast response and give you the impression that they only serve you alone, which I know is not the case.”

Notable Practitioners

Heng Seng Lim

Lim Heng Seng is a partner based in Kuala Lumpur. He has a market-leading practice, frequently advising employers on unfair dismissal cases, as well as employment advisory.

“Heng Seng is a pillar of the firm. His expertise and responsiveness dating from our original work with the firm has been invaluable.”

Shariffullah Majeed

Up and Coming

Shariffullah Majeed is a partner at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s Kuala Lumpur office. He is an up-and-coming lawyer, advising his clients from a range of industries on their employment matters and concerns.

“Shariffullah is a very experienced and seasoned lawyer.”

Amardeep Singh Toor

Up and Coming

Amardeep Singh Toor is noted for his wide range of employment work, including unjust dismissal cases and employee restructuring matters in Malaysia.

“He has this talent of imparting legal knowledge to his clients in an easy-to-understand manner. He is reassuring, industrious, and has super high commitment to his work.”

Real Estate – Malaysia

Band 2

What the team is known for

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill has a recognisable presence in the real estate legal space in Malaysia, providing a full-service offering. The team regularly advises property developers on joint ventures to develop mixed-use, industrial and residential developments, alongside lease agreements. The team also takes on disputes in the construction and projects space. OSK Holdings and Malaysia Pacific Corporation are among its notable clients.

Work Highlights

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill advised Mapletree Logistics Trust Management on its acquisition of two plots of lands located in Selangor, in a matter worth MYR65.6 million.

Strengths

“The team has been very attentive to our concerns, providing solid legal advice throughout the entire transaction. The lawyers are able to point out key commercial concerns for us to deliberate.”

“The team is very business-oriented and understands the client’s needs.”

Notable Practitioners

Weng Hwee Tay

Band 2

Tay Weng Hwee is a partner at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill and is based in Kuala Lumpur. He has a robust practice advising on the sale of real estate.

Bella Chu Chai Yee

Up and Coming

Bella Yee Chu Chai is a partner based in Kuala Lumpur. She frequently advises on land acquisitions and disposals, as well as lease matters. She acts for Malaysian property developers and landowners, alongside foreign entities. She advises clients in the hospitality sector, including on hotel management agreements.

“She gives practical advice and has a great understanding of clients’ needs. She is humble and approachable.”

“She has a strong commitment to her work and exhibits a good deal of care as well as ownership over the agreements that she drafts and negotiates on our behalf. She has also been able to contextualise our needs with respect to market practice. Bella has a pleasant personality and she maintains her composure and attention even though I know she may be under a lot of work pressure.”

Tax – Malaysia

Band 2

What the team is known for

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s tax law practice is often active on disputes, regularly handling high-profile tax appeals and judicial review applications on issues such as GST, customs and transfer pricing. The team also assists clients with tax audits in Malaysia, and handles tax concerns arising out of restructurings and insolvencies. It acts for leading international clients from a range of sectors, as well as local corporates. Clients of the firm include Deloitte Corporate Solutions, Dyson Manufacturing and Tower REIT.

Work Highlights

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill acted for Deloitte in a judicial review proceedings against the Inland Revenue Board, in a matter worth over MYR113 million.

Strengths

“They are experienced and able to think outside the box. Excellent communications and responsiveness.”

“Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s tax team is able to take on complex matters and is always a step ahead in its planning to solve our issues.”

 

Notable Practitioners

Nitin Nadkarni

Band 2

Nitin Nadkarni is the head of Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s tax practice in Malaysia and has extensive experience in dispute resolution.

“Dato’ Nitin led the case for us and he is very professional, detailed and helpful.”

“Nitin is a masterclass in technicality and sophistication.”

Jason Tan Jia Xin

Up and Coming

Jason Tan (Tan Jia Xin) has an active practice in tax and customs litigation in Malaysia.

“Jason is dedicated to achieving the goal and he professionally extends his service and commitment to providing the solutions.”

“Jason understands the customer’s business well.”

Corporate/M&A – Malaysia

Band 3

What the team is known for

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill has a well-regarded corporate law practice in Kuala Lumpur, offering the full range of corporate and commercial services to clients in Malaysia. The firm frequently handles cross-border transactions, including M&A, joint ventures, FDI, private equity deals and corporate restructuring. The team assists Malaysian and international clients, including GLCs and private equity houses, and is especially active on deals in the insurance, TMT, healthcare and manufacturing sectors.

Work Highlights

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill advised Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia on the USD449.5 million disposal of its 50% stake in Danajamin to Bank Pembangunan Malaysia.

 

Strengths

“Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill are very responsive and can get us what we need within a short period of time.”

“Their advice always makes commercial sense in balancing risks.”

Notable Practitioners

Weng Hwee Tay

Band 4

Tay Weng Hwee leads Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s corporate law group in Malaysia. He has a busy legal practice encompassing corporate restructuring as well as M&A across a range of sectors.

Intellectual Property – Malaysia

Band 3

What the team is known for

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill handles a broad range of IP contentious and advisory legal matters in Malaysia. The practice’s diverse coverage spans trade mark, patent, copyright and design matters, including litigation and prosecution, as well as franchising agreements and brand protection. The firm’s clientele includes leading domestic and international names in the TMT, consumer goods, sports and healthcare sectors. Clients include Jardine Matheson, Asian Football Confederation and Khazanah.

 

Work Highlights

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill assisted Bank Kerjasama Rakyat Malaysia with a trade mark infringement suit involving one of its business partners.

Strengths

“I am impressed by their team, which has a mixture of experience blended with younger members of the team who are also extremely knowledgeable and full of energy.”

“The counsels at LHAG are equipped with substantial knowledge and expertise in the field of IP.”

Notable practitioners

Chng Keng Lung is a key point of contact.

Projects, Infrastructure & Energy – Malaysia

Band 3

What the team is known for

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill is a full-service law firm in Malaysia, adept at handling the financing and development of projects in the energy and infrastructure space. The firm advises on cross-border and local mandates in the petrochemical, power and infrastructure sectors. The team frequently advises on construction contracts and project documentation for Malaysian and international clients.

 

Work Highlights

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill advised Lebuhraya Borneo Utara on the novation of rights, obligations and liabilities to the Federal Government, in relation to work for the development and upgrading of the Pan Borneo Highway.

Strengths

“The team at Lee Hishammuddin are very responsive and always make themselves available.”

“They are able to grasp the commercial needs of clients very well, safeguarding the commercial interests of clients. They are a very excellent team in this field.”

Notable Practitioners

Steven SY Tee

Band 2

Steven Tee is a partner based in Kuala Lumpur. He has regular activity in the construction, infrastructure and energy industries.

“Steven is a reliable and sound counsel. His breadth of experience in major projects and readiness to lead with advice is a huge plus point for clients whose projects go into a high-dependency phase.”

“Steven has a high level of professionalism, understands client needs, has strong business acumen and is knowledgeable in Malaysia contract laws.”

Technology, Media, Telecoms (TMT) – Malaysia

Band 3

What the team is known for

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s respected legal team in Kuala Lumpur has expertise spanning telecommunications and IT disputes, as well as regulatory issues concerning data protection, fintech and media. It advises foreign and Malaysian entities, including telecommunications providers, technology companies, financial institutions and government entities. The firm represents the likes of Digi Telecommunications.

Work Highlights

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill acted for Digi Telecommunications against a claim filed by Stealth Solutions before the High Court.

Strengths

“The firm is able to advise from a business-oriented and commercial perspective.”

“The team is attentive and able to provide helpful solutions to address and resolve issues. They are efficient in attending to queries and take the effort to understand the issue before advising.”

Notable practitioners

Vijay Kumar is a key point of contact for the TMT team at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill.

Banking & Finance – Malaysia

Band 3

What the team is known for

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill has an established legal department, frequently advising high-profile Malaysian and global lenders on conventional and Islamic financing. Notable for its skilful handling of sophisticated Shari’a-compliant transactions, it possesses broad expertise across debt restructuring and regulatory issues, syndicated loans, asset finance and real estate finance, as well as sukuk issuances. Clients include OSK Holdings and Maybank Investment Bank.

Work Highlights

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill assisted OSK Holdings with the development of Shari’a-compliant financial products.

Strengths

“Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill are very well versed in the issues raised by the company. We can rely on the advice from any of the team members.”

“They are forward thinking and creative.”

Notable Practitioners

Megat Hizaini Hassan

Band 3

Megat Hizaini Hassan has significant expertise in the Islamic finance sphere in Malaysia. He frequently advises financial institutions on complex sukuk structures. He is particularly well versed in advising on banking regulatory matters relating to Shari’a-compliant products.

“We are very satisfied with his level of coverage and guidance.”

“We find we can rely on the advice given by Megat.”

Dispute Resolution – Band 1
Standout disputes team, drawing on a strong bench of high-quality litigators. Its diverse expertise spans company, banking, insolvency and real estate cases, as well as construction disputes. Also often represents clients in domestic and international arbitration. Particularly adept in handling financial services regulatory cases, as well as corporate investigations and civil prosecutions. Regularly acts for leading Malaysian and foreign clients in a variety of sectors, with key clients including Carlsberg Marketing, Securities Commission Malaysia and FGV Holdings. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients):

• “Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill remains the top choice for complex, large-scale construction disputes in Malaysia, particularly due to their top-class advocacy and client-oriented approach.”
• “They have a strong and diverse team of experienced partners, senior associates and associates to attend to clients’ needs.”

Work highlights: Represented CCCC Sixth Engineering and China City Construction Sixth Construction Bureau in a commercial dispute over unpaid fees, relating to a mixed development project in Melaka.

Notable practitioners: Andrew Chiew Ean Vooi is a partner at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill in Malaysia. He has a solid litigation practice with expertise in restructuring and insolvency matters, as well as corporate investigations. Vijay Kumar frequently works for large corporations on a range of litigation and arbitration in Malaysia, including contractual disputes. A client praises his “knowledgeable, reliable and practical approach to handling disputes.” Lambert Rasa-Ratnam maintains his position as a leading litigator in Malaysia, acting for prominent clients on a range of banking, land and company cases. Nitin Nadkarni is a pre-eminent lawyer in Kuala Lumpur who specialises in multi-jurisdictional construction arbitration. A source describes him as “vastly experienced on construction cases and incredibly intelligent,” adding that he “offers potent advice.” Sean Yeow particularly focuses on banking and insolvency disputes, often representing Malaysian entities. He is also active on matters relating to real estate. SM Shanmugam has a broad practice in corporate and securities litigation, including civil prosecutions in Malaysia. A client explains: “Shan has the ability to anticipate problems and takes the time to explain pros and cons to us.”

Employment & Industrial Relations – Band 1
Leading employment practice, typically representing employers in both contentious and non-contentious matters. Regularly represents clients in litigation, including unfair dismissal cases, as well as advising on issues such as employee transfers and redundancies. Often active on cases involving judicial review applications, as well as assisting clients with internal audits. Advises domestic and international clients from numerous sectors, including finance, manufacturing and TMT. BASF and CIMB Bank are examples of clients represented by the team. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients):

• “We have a very good and strong impression of the value and commitment they provide on the cases we engage them for their services. Services provided are always above expectations as they are committed to spending their time studying and evaluating the case.”
• “They are a highly reliable business partner.”

Work highlights: Represented DRB-Hicom in relation to two unjust dismissal claims made by former employees in the Industrial Court.

Notable practitioners: Lim Heng Seng is a partner based in Kuala Lumpur. He has a market-leading practice, frequently advising employers on unfair dismissal cases, as well as employment advisory. Shariffullah Majeed is a partner at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s Kuala Lumpur office. He is an up-and-coming lawyer, advising his clients from a range of industries on their employment matters and concerns. A client explains that “he always tries to ease our understanding of legal issues with great explanations and advice on the way forward. His legal opinion is always comprehensive with supporting documents and evidence. He always puts his client’s issue first.”

Real Estate – Band 2
Recognisable presence in this space, providing a full-service offering. Regularly advises property developers on joint ventures to develop mixed-use, industrial and residential developments, alongside lease agreements. Also handles related insolvency and dispute resolution mandates, including in the construction space. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients):

• “Professional, quick to respond and customer-oriented.”

Work highlights: Advised UEM Sunrise on its proposed merger with Eco World Development, in a deal worth around MYR3 billion.

Notable practitioners: Bella Yee Chu Chai is a partner based in Kuala Lumpur. She frequently advises on land acquisitions and disposals, as well as lease matters. She acts for Malaysian property developers and landowners, alongside foreign entities. Clients describe her as “professional and attentive.” Tay Weng Hwee is a partner at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill and is based in Kuala Lumpur. He has a robust practice advising on the sale of real estate, often as part of insolvency proceedings. A client remarks that “he will just always pick up the phone.”

Tax – Band 2
Notable tax practice often active on disputes, regularly handling high-profile tax appeals and judicial review applications on issues such as GST, customs and transfer pricing. Also assists clients with tax audits in Malaysia. Acts for leading international clients from a range of sectors, as well as local corporates. Clients include NS Bluescope, Tower REIT and Sandakan Edible Oils. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients):

• “Strong tax expertise, timely response and commercial pragmatism.”
• “They are very responsive to client needs and take the time to study and do their research thoroughly.”

Work highlights: Represented Tower REIT in a tax appeal relating to the issue of tax treatment of REITs in Malaysia.

Notable practitioners: Jason Tan (Tan Jia Xin) has an active practice in tax and customs litigation in Malaysia. Clients appreciate his responsiveness, with one saying: “We have been able to reach him at very short notice for advice and he is able to deliver in a timely manner.” Nitin Nadkarni is the head of Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s tax practice in Malaysia and has extensive experience in dispute resolution. An appreciative client says: “Nitin Nadkarni and his team have demonstrated that they are up to date with developments in the law and provide good insights into the judiciary as well.”

Corporate/M&A – Band 3
Well-regarded corporate law practice in Kuala Lumpur, offering the full range of corporate and commercial services to clients in Malaysia. Frequently handles cross-border transactions, including M&A, joint ventures, FDI, private equity deals and corporate restructuring. Assists Malaysian and international clients, including GLCs, banks and private equity houses, and is especially active on deals in the insurance, TMT, healthcare and manufacturing sectors. Names on its client list include UEM Sunrise and NuGlobal Ventures. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients):

• “We are really satisfied with Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s outstanding services. Their lawyers are extremely knowledgeable, professional and expert in their field. The team provides us with excellent guidance at all times and is always available for calls and prompt updates. They look out for your best interests and have your back the entire time.”
• “Their response rate is fast and the quality of advice is so high.”

Work highlights: Advised UEM Sunrise on its proposed merger with Eco World Development.

Notable practitioners: Tay Weng Hwee leads Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s corporate law group in Malaysia. He has a busy legal practice encompassing corporate restructuring as well as M&A across a range of sectors. A client characterises him as “a true professional who is well versed on cross-border M&A transactions and represents clients well at the negotiation table.”

Intellectual Property – Band 3
Handles a broad range of IP contentious and advisory legal matters in Malaysia. Its diverse coverage spans trade mark, patent, copyright and design matters, including litigation and prosecution, as well as franchising agreements and brand protection. Its clientele includes leading domestic and international names in the TMT, consumer goods, sports and healthcare sectors. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients):

• “Very experienced and accommodative to its clients, and creative in coming up with solutions.”
• “They are responsive and helpful,”

Work highlights: Acted for Webe Digital on a claim filed by a subscriber to the P1 WIMAX service for defamation, negligence and harassment.

Notable practitioners: Eunice Chan leads Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s IP practice in Kuala Lumpur. She advises local and international clients, especially on brand protection, She is described by a source as “brilliant and so accommodative to our needs.”

Projects, Infrastructure & Energy – Band 3
A full-service law firm in Malaysia, adept at handling the financing and development of projects in the energy and infrastructure space. Advises on cross-border and local mandates in the petrochemical, power and infrastructure sectors. Frequently advises on construction contracts and project documentation for Malaysian and international clients. Serba Dinamik and Gas Malaysia are examples of clients represented by the team.Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients):

• “Very good and always there to serve us.”
• “Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill certainly has vast experience in cross-border legal practices.”
• “Superb and very helpful.”

Work highlights: Advised Lebuhraya Borneo Utara on the novation of rights, obligations and liabilities to the Federal Government, in relation to works for the development and upgrading of the Pan Borneo Highway.

Notable practitioners: Steven Tee is a partner based in Kuala Lumpur. His regular activity in the construction, infrastructure and energy industries has impressed clients, who are drawn to his “high level of knowledge and experience.”

Technology, Media, Telecoms (TMT) – Band 3 
Respected team with strong knowledge of the Personal Data Protection Act and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Act. Its expertise includes telecommunications and IT disputes, as well as regulatory issues concerning data protection, cloud systems, fintech and media. Advises foreign and Malaysian entities, including telecommunications providers, technology companies, financial institutions and government entities. Clients include Digi Telecommunications and Webe Digital. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients):

• “Provision of excellent service.”

Work highlights: Acted for Webe Digital on a claim filed by a subscriber to the P1 WIMAX service for defamation, negligence and harassment.

Notable practitioners: G. Vijay Kumar is a key point of contact.

Banking & Finance – Band 4
An established legal department, frequently advising high-profile Malaysian and global lenders on conventional and Islamic financing. Notable for its skilful handling of sophisticated Shari’a-compliant transactions, it possesses broad expertise across debt restructuring and regulatory issues, and advising on syndicated loans and asset finance. Also handles real estate and infrastructure finance. Some of its key client include Maybank Islamic and Affin Hwang Investment Bank. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients):

• “It has given us a clear understanding of the rules and practices, and also guided us in a very detailed manner to act accordingly.”

Work highlights: Advised Maybank Islamic on its development of a new trade financing product structured under the Shari’a principles of musawama and wakala.

Notable practitioners: Megat Hizaini Hassan has significant expertise in the Islamic finance sphere in Malaysia. He frequently advises financial institutions on complex sukuk structures. He is particularly well versed in advising on banking regulatory matters relating to Shari’a-compliant products.

Dispute Resolution – Band 1
Standout disputes team, drawing on a strong bench of high-quality litigators. Its diverse expertise spans company, banking, insolvency and real estate cases, as well as construction disputes. Also often represents clients in domestic and international arbitration. Particularly adept in handling financial services regulatory cases, as well as corporate investigations and civil prosecutions. Regularly acts for leading Malaysian and foreign clients in a variety of sectors, including energy, finance, automotives, telecommunications and engineering. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients):

• “the lawyers are well versed in their respective areas of specialisation, quick to respond and accessible at any time. They are accommodative not only in respect to the services engaged, but also often providing other valuable services, such as seminars and talks.”
•  “is very well resourced, which lends confidence in terms of the continuity of its support.”

Work highlights: Acted for Sunway Real Estate Investment Trust on a defence of abandonment claim filed by the former owner of an office building, shopping centre and hotel against the client.

Notable practitioners: Andrew Chiew Ean Vooi has a solid litigation practice with expertise in banking disputes, as well as restructuring and insolvency matters. One client notes that “he is very eloquent and, when preparing for hearings, he is always inquisitive and covers a lot of ground.”. G. Vijay Kumar frequently works for large corporations on a range of litigation and arbitration, including contractual disputes. One client appreciates that he is able to “work out a comprehensive legal strategy, paying attention to clients’ needs.” Another interviewee notes that he “possesses excellent analytical and reasoning skills, is orally articulate, has sound judgement and is creative in resolving commercial disputes.”. Lambert Rasa-Ratnam maintains his position as a leading litigator, acting for prominent clients on a range of professional negligence, land and M&A-related cases. One client describes him as “a calm and collected strategist whose points and arguments are holistic, well thought out and on point.” Another client notes that his “commitment shines through and he is eminently qualified with the appropriate domain knowledge and compelling litigation experience.”. Nitin Nadkarni is a pre-eminent practitioner specialising in multi-jurisdictional construction arbitration. One client describes him as “meticulous and commercially minded,” whilst another commentator calls him a “standout individual” in the market. Sean Yeow particularly focuses on banking and insolvency disputes, often representing Malaysian entities. He is also active on matters relating to real estate. SM Shanmugam has a broad practice in corporate and securities litigation, including civil prosecutions. One interviewee describes him as having “excellent in-depth knowledge and experience in civil litigation, as well as being accessible and accommodative, which is a complete package.” Another source appreciates his “people skills and ability to think outside the box. His advice is always focused on practical solutions beyond the legal aspects.”

Employment & Industrial Relations – Band 1
Leading employment practice, typically representing employers in both contentious and non-contentious matters. Regularly represents clients in litigation, including unfair dismissal cases, as well as advising on issues such as employee transfers, redundancies and trade union matters. Often active on cases involving judicial review applications as well as assisting clients with internal investigations and audits. Advises domestic and international clients from numerous sectors, including finance, aviation, TMT, energy and retail. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients):

• “excellent level of service provided and response time.”

Work highlights: Represented the United States of America in relation to an unfair dismissal appeal by an ex-employee of its Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

Notable practitioners: Lim Heng Seng has a market-leading practice, frequently advising employers on unfair dismissal cases, as well as employment advisory. A market commentator describes him as “very specialised.”

Real Estate – Band 2
Recognisable presence in this space, providing a full-service real estate offering. Regularly advises property developers on joint ventures to develop mixed-use, industrial and residential developments. Also handles distressed asset transactions in the real estate sector, alongside related insolvency and dispute resolution mandates.

Work highlights: Advised KL South Development on the MYR10.8 million sale of all retail units at VERVE Suits KL South to Ruju Properties.

Notable practitioners: Bella Chu Chai Yee is establishing a strong reputation in the real estate space in Malaysia, frequently advising on land acquisitions and disposals, as well as lease matters. She acts for Malaysian property developers and landowners, as well as foreign entities. Tay Weng Hwee has a robust practice advising on the sale of real estate, often as part of insolvency proceedings. His clients often include major liquidators and receivers.

Tax – Band 2
Notable tax practice often active on disputes, regularly handling high-profile tax appeals and judicial review applications on issues such as GST, customs and transfer pricing. Also assists clients with tax audits in Malaysia. Acts for leading international clients from a range of sectors, as well as local corporates. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients):

• “tax matter experts who build relationships with clients.”

Work highlights: Represented Aeon Credit Service in its judicial review application to challenge a decision by the Inland Revenue Board to tax the client over MYR96 million.

Notable practitioners: Nitin Nadkarni and Jason Tan are key contacts for the practice.

Technology, Media, Telecoms (TMT) – Band 2 Respected team with strong knowledge of the Personal Data Protection Act and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Act. Its expertise includes telecommunications and IT disputes, as well as regulatory issues concerning outsourcing agreements, cloud systems and media. Advises foreign and Malaysian entities, including telecommunications providers, technology companies, financial institutions and government entities. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients):

• “the partners are subject matter experts and are able to provide assistance and services at short notice. They are experienced, calm, collected and knowledgeable.”

Work highlights: Advised the Communications and Multimedia Forum of Malaysia on conducting a review of its existing General Consumer Code.

Notable practitioners: Adlin Abdul Majid is “a subject matter expert in personal data protection, telecommunications and regulatory compliance,” according to a source. She is a well-regarded TMT practitioner with a broad practice, often acting for regulatory bodies as well as corporates.