In the first of ALB’s series on Chinese investment into Southeast Asian countries, we look at the Philippines, which recently signed a massive investment and financing package with China, with much of that money going into building infrastructure. By Ranajit Dam

Following in the footsteps of Stamford Law Corporation, Harry Elias Partnership (HEP) has become the latest Singapore law firm to enter into a full financial merger with a global brand, in this case Eversheds Sutherland.

This year’s edition of ALB’s annual Firms To Watch list showcases a diverse mix of law firms, including an Indonesian firm specialising in aviation work, a Malaysian firm shining in matrimonial law, and a Japanese law firm offering a counter to the traditional law firm models.

Following a weak 2016, the Asia-Pacific IPO market is set to bounce back this year. ALB asks lawyers in key markets to predict trends they expect to see in that space.

In March this year, the Korean market will see the end of the first phase of its market liberalisation, and UK and U.S. firms have already opened up offices there. In the face of a slowing economy and increasing competition, how are domestic Korean law firms adapting their strategies to keep growing their business? Ranajit Dam speaks to senior figures at three law firms – Kye Sung Chung of Kim & Chang; Sung Jin Kim of Bae, Kim & Lee; and Seung Soon Lim of Yoon & Yang – to get their perspective.

Sluggish work, intensifying competition and fee pressures mean that law firms in Singapore need to embrace the twin mantras of efficiency and technology in order to thrive. And innovatively rethinking their strategies to cater to the changing needs of a market wouldn’t hurt, either, finds Ranajit Dam.

International law firm Dentons recently launched its 280-member Nextlaw Global Referral Network, aiming to provide an alternative to the more traditional legal networks. However, the latter don’t see any reason to get worried just yet, reports Ranajit Dam.

Indonesia’s ambitious infrastructure plans has had a slow start so far, with investors bogged down by regulatory hurdles. Ranajit Dam talks to lawyers helping clients navigate these and other obstacles.

The Singapore Exchange is set to allow listings of companies with different classes of shares as it looks to attract IPOs. Ranajit Dam looks at how effective this approach is expected to be.

With Thailand’s energy consumption set to jump by at least 75 percent over the next two decades, the country is growing concerned about its increasing dependence on imports. As a result, Thailand has set out ambitious plans for renewable energy in the country along with a number of incentives for investors, finds Ranajit Dam.