Q&A: ‘We have long seen the importance of having on-the-ground legal experts’
Over the past few months, Singapore’s Allen & Gledhill has declared its intention to keep expanded regionally through the opening of a rep office in Shanghai and the launch of a new alliance in Indonesia. Managing Partner Jerry Koh talks about what is driving the…
BRIEFS: Regulatory hurdles drive Korean firms to hire more judges, in-house lawyers
Government lawyers and in-house counsel are stereotypically known for having an easier life than private practice lawyers, with greater perks and better work-life balance. But lately, the South Korean legal market has witnessed a rise in “moving private,” a trend that has seen judges, government lawyers and corporate counsel left for private practice.
FORUM: Small and Ai-Ready
Generative AI is ushering in a new era of productivity, and Big Law firms have taken the lead in adopting this groundbreaking technology within the legal industry. However, small and medium-sized law firms are also making efforts to leverage the benefits of Generative AI while closely monitoring potential risks. These firms share with ALB the steps they are taking to efficiently embrace AI and harness its capabilities.
MIDDLE EAST: One Country, One Law
The codification of contract and civil principles under the Civil Transaction Law is a historic first for Saudi Arabia. Lawyers in the country believe the law will create a sophisticated and internationalised legal market, as more global capital pours in.
ALB Asia Super 50 TMT 2024
In its fourth edition of the Asia Super 50 TMT Lawyers list, ALB showcases the top lawyers in the region’s fast-growing technology, media, and telecommunications practices.
CHINA: From Risk to Opportunity
In the face of expanding regulatory landscapes and mounting pressures, legal and compliance professionals are aiming for a “business-oriented mindset, emphasizing not just adherence to regulations but alignment with unique business situations.
MIDDLE EAST: “Firms in the region are relatively behind in terms of using technology”
Mohamed Gabr is group general counsel at Egyptian financial company EFG Holding. In this interview, he talks about his decision to shift from private practice to in-house, the sophistication and growth of the in-house role in the Middle East and the qualities he looks for in external counsel.
ROUNDTABLE: Onwards, Upwards, Forwards
There has been a continued rise in prominence of the role of chief diversity officers in law firms globally as the legal industry has gradually taken stock of the need to pursue DEI goals. Apart from creating a forward-looking workplace, cultural awareness also adds value to the firm’s calibre in the eyes of clients. ALB hears from diversity leaders on how empowering inclusion can make a law firm stronger.
THAILAND: Green Push
Thailand is on a quest to decarbonise its gas-heavy power grid, setting its eyes on the goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2065.
CROSS-BORDER INVESTMENT: Asia’s New Power Couple
Increased economic activity between India and Japan is creating new work for lawyers in both countries, but there is still a long way to go to facilitate cross-border legal market growth and expansion.