Pan-Asian law firm DFDL Mekong has promoted Myanmar expert James Finch from of counsel to regional partner, a move that reflects the growing importance of the country in the eyes of international investors as it continues to reach out to the West.
Finch, who joined DFDL Mekong as senior counsel in 2005, established the firm’s Myanmar practice. As head of the firm’s Myanmar Practice Group, he managed a team of local lawyers working with Myanmar Thanlwin Legal Services, DFDL’s Mekong’s affiliate office in Yangon.
As Myanmar rapidly awakens to the possibilities of emerging from being the poorest country in Southeast Asia, it offers a great deal of potential for prospective investors. With an area similar to that of Britain and France combined, and located strategically between the rapidly growing economies of India and China, it has a wealth of natural resources, in addition to a population of 60 million prospective consumers. But as it possesses many typical frontier-economy characteristics like corruption, red tape and inherent risks, lawyers will most certainly be needed on the ground by companies.
Having spent some 15 years in Myanmar, Finch is regarded as an expert on the country. His areas of focus include energy, hard minerals, corporate, tax, aircraft leasing, hotel development, and banking and finance.
“DFDL is delighted and privileged to have one of the most, if not the most, experienced foreign experts on Myanmar law as one of its Partners. The depth of his expertise and his 15 years and more of structuring and advising projects in Myanmar will be a unique asset for our growing Myanmar practice,” said Martin Desautels, regional managing partner of DFDL Mekong, in a statement.
Prior to joining DFDL Mekong, Finch worked with Russin & Vecchi as a partner in Myanmar, Vietnam, the United States, and the Dominican Republic for more than 20 years. ALB
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