ZICOlaw has hired Aristotle David as the new managing partner of Vientiane Law Co Ltd, its member firm in Laos, from local outfit VNA Legal.

David, who has worked on investments in Lao PDR and the Philippines during his 16-year legal career, has advised on cross-border corporate and commercial transactions, investment structuring, regulatory compliance and project coordination. He has also advised on intellectual property, employment as well as real estate laws.

Prior to joining VNA Legal, David worked in Vientiane with DFDL for almost seven years.

“Foreign interest in Lao PDR continues to grow and we are looking to aggressively expand to further enhance ZICO|law’s capabilities to our clients in Laos and other clients who are expanding into Laos,” said Chew Seng Kok, chairman of the ZICOlaw network, in a statement. “Aristotle is a proven leader who has experience both in international and local matters and he will be a major boost to the ZICO|law network as we grow our practices in Lao PDR.”

David, who will be based in Vientiane, will be supported by a team of senior Lao lawyers.