In its fourth annual list, Asian Legal Business spotlights the region’s top dispute lawyers, recognised for their outstanding client service. These lawyers were rigorously selected based on client recommendations directly submitted to ALB. The list is presented alphabetically, with profiles for select individuals.
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Frederick Hui
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Frederick Hui is the co-managing partner at Zhong Lun Law Firm in Hong Kong, bringing 19 years of experience in litigation, arbitration, and regulatory law. His reputation as a leading legal advisor is reinforced by his work with high-profile clients such as Kaisa Group, Bank of China (Hong Kong), China Resources Group, Bank of Qingdao, China Minsheng Banking Group, FTI Consulting (Hong Kong), CCTV, Medecins Sans Frontieres, Bank of East Asia, and Budweiser. In the past year, Hui has led several noteworthy cases. He represented the provisional liquidators in the restructuring of a Hong Kong-listed company, a case involving complex issues around trading resumption guidelines for suspended shares, with a value exceeding HK$178,600,000 plus $22,500,000. He is also defending a former director of a BVI company in a significant cross-border dispute involving breach of fiduciary duties, with the case being heard before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in late 2024. Frederick is “sharp and practically minded, as well as very commercial. He’s a solicitor advocate, so he has that added advantage.” Clients note that “Fred impresses me for his brilliant skills in navigating any complex issues and formulating an efficient strategy in a measured manner under time pressure. He is calm, easy to work with, and has a deep understanding of PRC court procedures.” On the litigation front, “solicitor advocate Frederick Hui excels in handling commercial claims, earning accolades from clients for his ‘sound judgement’.” He specialises in commercial litigation and white-collar crime, with a proven track record acting for high-value shareholders.
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Kho Sze Jia
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With over 11 years of legal experience, Kho Sze Jia serves as the managing partner and head of dispute resolution at Izad Kazran & Co in Malaysia. Renowned for his expertise in navigating complex legal challenges, Kho has a distinguished record representing high-profile clients. In the past year alone, Kho guided the Country Garden (CG) Group of Companies in Malaysia through the real estate crisis in China, negotiating settlements exceeding 10 million Malaysian Ringgit ($2.3 million) to prevent a winding-up petition against CG. Currently, he is actively managing multiple critical disputes for CG, including the defense against numerous Liquidated and Ascertained Damages (LAD) claims by purchasers, totaling over 10 million Malaysian Ringgit ($2.3 million). These challenges stem from the Malaysian Federal Court’s invalidation of an extension of time granted by the Housing Controller, exposing CG to significant LAD liabilities. Furthermore, Kho represents CG in disputes with its main contractor and consultants over construction works at Forest City, Malaysia, involving breach of contract, professional negligence, and fraud, with a quantum exceeding 5 million Malaysian Ringgit ($1.15 million). He also represents CG in claiming for balance purchase price under Sale and Purchase Agreements (SPAs) at Forest City from purchasers around the World amounting to more than 200 million Malaysian Ringgit ($ 46 million) and defends CG against claims by purchasers seeking to invalidate SPAs, amounting to over 10 million Malaysian Ringgit ($2.3 million), based on allegations of misrepresentation. Clients commend Kho for his “prompt response with clear articulation for litigation advice” and his “ability to draw reasonable, logical conclusions from limited information.” His approach is described as “detailed, meticulous yet commercial and sensible.” One client also praises IKC’s team as “one of the best in the country,” highlighting their comprehensive expertise, responsiveness, and effective project communication.
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Rakesh Kirpalani
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Rakesh Kirpalani is a highly respected legal professional known for his unique blend of legal acumen, commercial savvy, and technological expertise. With 17 years at Drew & Napier, he currently serves as director of dispute resolution and information technology and chief technology officer. Kirpalani leads Drew & Napier’s information technology practice, integrating his deep understanding of technology with his background in commercial dispute resolution. His strategic counsel covers risk mitigation and dispute resolution in technology, data, commercial, and employment issues. Clients praise his handling of legal and technical complexities, saying, “Rakesh’s grasp of emerging tech issues has ensured that my organisation’s risk profile is well managed. His appreciation of tech law issues is among the best in Singapore. He approaches all possible issues from a disputes-first perspective, enabling him to anticipate possible disputes and advise us accordingly.” As a proficient trial lawyer, Kirpalani is dedicated to bridging the gap between legal practitioners, judges, arbitrators, and technologists. He promotes enhanced collaboration to simplify legal complexities related to technology, ensuring smoother navigation for clients and the judiciary alike. Beyond his professional roles, Kirpalani serves as honorary legal counsel of Cyber Youth Singapore, engaging with young technologists to shape Singapore’s digital future. His commitment to the community is evident in his pro bono work. A client noted, “Rakesh has been our legal counsel since 2020. As an equity partner from one of the top 4 firms in Singapore, he has a big heart for the community. We are a charitable non-profit organisation, and Rakesh has been volunteering his time to advise us pro bono for the last 4 years. His heart for the community is extremely rare among lawyers in Singapore and he should be well recognised for this.”
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Meryl Koh
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Meryl Koh is a litigator and director in the dispute resolution and intellectual property departments at Drew & Napier. Dual-qualified in Australia and Singapore, she has 16 years of experience and is known for her expertise in corporate commercial disputes, including those involving shareholders, cutting-edge IP, digital media, video games, entertainment, technology disputes, and defamation, including in cases that require Mandarin language. Koh handles complex local and cross-border litigations and arbitrations, often involving patent, trademark, and copyright infringements, breaches of confidential information, oppression, director’s duties, and employment issues. She represents high-net-worth individuals, public personalities, listed companies, and renowned international and household names across various industries including Riot Games, chef Violet Oon and her family, V V Technology, lab-grown diamonds manufacturer IIa Technologies as well as global leaders in the rare earth magnets industry. She has also acted for notable brands such as TWG Tea Company, Sanofi, Super Sea Cable Networks and Sentosa Development Corporation. Clients praise Koh’s care and expertise. One said, “Meryl is an exceptional lawyer who has taken great care of our business and commercial interest. Although she is relatively younger compared with others whom we engaged before, her advice on litigation strategy is more on point and effective than other senior lawyers.” Another client noted, “As we work in new media, we needed someone who’s more progressive and able to think outside the box, and some-one who understands the modern technologically focused world better. Meryl ticks all those boxes for us.” Her dedication is evident, with a client sharing, “She had even made herself available to us while in the hospital once with an IV drip in her, so her dedication has come with much admiration and appreciation and sets her well apart from her peers.” Koh’s ability to grasp and articulate technical details, paired with her strategic approach and compelling advocacy skills, distinguishes her in the field.
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Dr. Justisiari Perdana Kusumah
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Kusumah (Justi), the managing partner at K&K Advocates in Indonesia, specialises in IP litigation and enforcement, commercial IP, arbitration, mediation, and TMT. With 28 years of legal experience, he has built a reputation for his expertise in navigating complex intellectual property disputes and commercial legal challenges. In the past year, Justi has led significant cases, including representing Wahl Clipper Corporation in successful trademark cancellation claims at the Jakarta Commercial Court and Supreme Court. His victories include defending trademarks against local registration challenges, demonstrating bad faith and similarity issues. He also secured favourable outcomes for P&G, PT Paragon Technology and Innovation through strategic filing of temporary injunctions across multiple Indonesian cities, leading to the continued custody of imported counterfeit products and imminent police confiscation actions. Justi’s proactive approach is evident in his representation of Asics Corporation, where he initiated police reports and executed raid operations against retailers selling counterfeit merchandise. These efforts resulted in successful confiscations and public apologies from infringing parties. Clients commend Justi for his extensive experience and commercial acumen, stating, “Justi has many years of experience. He can solve legal problems from a commercial point of view.” They also praise his leadership qualities, noting, “Justi is a good leader, he inspires and can instill a sense of belonging and sense of business to his employees.” Furthermore, they highlight his commitment to continuous improvement, noting, “Justi genuinely never stops willing to learn. He constantly keeps up to date with the latest legal developments, including those involving advanced technology such as AI and crypto asset.”
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James Kwan
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James Kwan is a highly respected international arbitration partner at Hogan Lovells in Hong Kong, specialising in technology, private equity, energy, and life sciences disputes. As a solicitor advocate with Higher Rights of Audience, Kwan is well-qualified to represent clients before arbitral tribunals and the Hong Kong courts. He plays a pivotal role in leading Hogan Lovells’ Greater China international arbitration practice and is a key member of the firm’s international arbitration leadership team. In addition to sitting as an arbitrator in HKIAC, ICC, DIAC, and ad hoc cases, he has also deputised as a District Judge and Master of the High Court in Hong Kong. Kwan’s expertise and contributions to the field have earned widespread recognition. He is acknowledged as a leading figure in international arbitration by major legal directories, solidifying his reputation as an authority in the field. He received recognition in the 2024 edition of Who’s Who Legal (WWL) for his expertise in arbitration and was also included in a prestigious arbitration power list focused on the Hong Kong region. Clients commend Kwan for his “excellent advocacy skills, well-prepared, clear and articulate submissions, and strong legal knowledge,” noting his “attention to detail and constructive suggestions.” As an advocate, arbitrators have commented that his “written submissions are clear and precise to the point, easy to follow and above all his knowledge in the subject matter is without his strongest strength” and “his advocacy is excellent, and he does make difficult areas of the law seem easy to grasp.” Kwan recently graduated with an Executive MBA at Kellogg-HKUST.
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German Q. Lichauco II
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German Q. Lichauco II, a senior partner at Siguion Reyna Montecillo & Ongsiako Law Office (SRMO) in the Philippines, specialises in litigation, construction, and commercial arbitration. With over 30 years of legal experience, he has handled a diverse range of cases, including high-profile litigation and complex arbitration matters. Atty. Lichauco’s expertise extends to corporate governance, business torts, and contractual controversies. In the past year, Atty. Lichauco has continued to play a pivotal role at SRMO and has also served as the former corporate secretary for various prominent entities, including Hereaus Electronic Materials Philippines, Casa Cebuana, Cebu Figueroa Estate Corporation, and others. His extensive corporate governance experience includes positions such as former Chief Compliance Officer and current Corporate Secretary at Medical Doctors, as well as directorships in companies like Sharp Philippines Corporation and Soho Central Condominium. Recently appointed as an Independent Director of Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC), Atty. Lichauco oversees the governance of the Philippines’ sovereign wealth and national development fund, the Maharlika Funds. This appointment underscores his influential role in both legal practice and corporate governance in the Philippines. Atty. Lichauco approaches problems with cutting-edge, out-of-the-box solutions and provides a clear roadmap to achieve desired outcomes, embodying SRMO’s century of law practice. He has successfully led numerous high-stakes legal battles, including intra-corporate disputes and hostile takeovers, leveraging his extensive litigation and arbitration expertise to deliver positive outcomes for his clients. His approach fosters a relationship with clients that transcends the typical attorney-client dynamic; clients often view him as a close friend or extended family member, entrusting him with both legal and personal issues. This deep rapport and trust enable him to build strong bonds and provide exceptional client service.
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Adam Maniam
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Adam Maniam is a director at Drew & Napier. He handles both commercial litigation and arbitration matters as well as criminal litigation and investigations and has received numerous accolades for his work in these areas. With 16 years of legal experience, Maniam has distinguished himself in handling complex, high-value and cross-border disputes across a number of industries including infrastructure, oil & gas, transport, cryptocurrency, and semiconductors. Maniam successfully acted for parties in 2 of the largest trust disputes before the Singapore Courts which involved assets of $1.48 billion and $800 million. He also successfully applied to discontinue one of the largest representative actions in Singapore, which involved more than 145,000 claimants. He has been described as a “brilliant lawyer” with “first class” advocacy who is “better than some senior counsel” and “runs rings around more senior opposing counsel”. Maniam has also acted in some of the most high-profile criminal cases in Singapore and is currently leading a team in a matter which is expected to result in the first deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) under the Singapore DPA regime. Clients commend Maniam for his approach, noting that he “demonstrates remarkable patience and thoughtful-ness in his approach to the case. He carefully considers the needs and perspectives of his client, taking the time to listen attentively and provide thoughtful guidance. His patient demeanor and thoughtful insights contribute to effective problem-solving.” Clients also appreciate his pragmatic focus on achieving successful outcomes, stating, “Adam consistently took a pragmatic approach throughout the case. He clearly understood my goals and focused on achieving the best possible outcome within realistic expectations. He didn’t waste time on unnecessary pursuits and always kept the focus on achieving a successful resolution.”
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Mulyadi
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Mulyadi, a senior partner at Nurjadin Sumono Mulyadi & Partners, is a highly skilled lawyer specialising in dispute resolution with over 25 years of experience. His practice encompasses civil and criminal litigation, administrative procedures, commercial arbitration, bankruptcy, insolvency, and industrial disputes. Renowned for his adept handling of complex and high-profile litigation cases, Mulyadi regularly advises companies across diverse sectors, particularly on debt payment suspensions. He represents both creditors and debtors, offering invaluable guidance in debt settlement matters. Mulyadi has successfully represented major Indonesian banks in debt negotiations and civil lawsuits against debtors, ensuring adherence to financial obligations. Notably, he was appointed as administrator in one of Indonesia’s largest restructuring processes. Mulyadi’s legal expertise extends beyond the courtroom. He has represented numerous domestic and foreign clients from initial investigations through to court proceedings, showcasing a comprehensive approach and steadfast dedication to client interests. His exceptional achievements include being a finalist at the Asian Legal Business Indonesia Law Awards, where he was recognised as Dealmaker of the Year in 2019 and received accolades for Disputes Resolution of the Year in 2020. Additionally, Mulyadi has been named in the prestigious Asia Super 50 Disputes Lawyers lists for 2021 and 2022 by Asian Legal Business. Clients highly value Mulyadi for his professionalism and ability to craft optimal legal solutions. His tailored strategies, designed to meet specific client needs, underscore his reputation as a trusted advisor in dispute resolution, driven by extensive experience and comprehensive legal knowledge.
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Mahesh Rai
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Mahesh Rai, director of dispute resolution at Drew & Napier, has over 15 years of experience and is highly regarded in commercial litigation, commercial and treaty arbitration across industries like construction, communications, IT, shipping, energy, and commodities. In arbitration, Rai achieved significant victories. For instance, he represented Daelim Industrial in a high-stakes arbitration against ONGC Petro Additions Limited (OPAL), reducing OPAL’s $430 million claim to nominal damages of $6,000 through meticulous cross-examination. Rai also led the defence for a major Asian conglomerate in an SIAC arbitration where claims of nearly $400 million were brought. In court, Rai leads groundbreaking cases, including representing 377 claimants in a $65 million representative action against Terraform Labs, a milestone in Singapore’s cryptocurrency scene involving product liability, misrepresentation, and fraud. He also secured victories for The Wave Studio in a copyright infringement suit against the General Hotel Management group, establishing infringement of hundreds of photographs at trial and on appeal. A client said, “Mahesh is highly strategic and consistently achieves wins in challenging cases.” Another noted, “He’s a pleasure to work with.” Another client added, “He’s unmatched in his field.” “Mahesh adeptly navigates complex issues and delivers commercially savvy solutions.” Recognised for his outstanding advocacy and strategic insights, Rai is a trusted advisor sought after for his ability to manage multifaceted disputes with precision and expertise.
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Wincen Santoso
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With 15 years of legal experience, Wincen Santoso is a highly respected partner at Santoso, Martinus & Muliawan Advocates in Indonesia. He specialises in dispute resolution and corporate & commercial law, with a track record of handling complex and high-stakes cases. In the past year, Santoso has led his team in representing one of the world’s largest independent maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers, in an intricate proceeding before the Indonesia Supreme Court. This case involved multiple lawsuits, including tort, labor, bankruptcy, and criminal issues. Under his strategic leadership, the team successfully defended against the opposing party’s claims, including challenging multiple petitions and settling the labor dispute. In another significant case, Santoso represented a leading construction company in a dispute over an alleged delay in a major construction project in Bali. His hands-on approach and industry knowledge ensured vigorous defense of the client’s interests throughout the proceedings. Santoso’s notable career achievements include representing Singapore Technologies Telemedia and its affiliates in high-stakes class action cases involving a $3 billion claim related to antitrust laws and consumer protection. He also defended Pfizer against cartel allegations brought by the Indonesian Business Competition Supervisory Commission and represented a leading palm oil plantation company in a license revocation case concerning 8000 hectares of land. Additionally, Wincen played a crucial role in representing The Special Task Force for Upstream Oil and Gas Business Activities in a $1.2 billion restructuring of a major petrochemical company.
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Jaikanth Shankar
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Jaikanth Shankar is the Chief Executive Officer of Davinder Singh Chambers LLC in Singapore, specialising in Dispute Resolution and International Arbitration. With 17 years of legal experience, Shankar has established himself as a prominent figure in high-stakes litigation and arbitration cases. Shankar’s recent work includes representing clients in complex, multi-million-dollar disputes across various sectors. Notable cases involve property development companies, estate disputes, international joint ventures, and claims against high-profile businessmen. He has successfully argued cases in the Singapore High Court, Court of Appeal, and the Singapore International Commercial Court. Shankar’s expertise extends to handling multi-jurisdictional disputes, anti-suit injunctions, and cases involving novel legal questions. He has acted for a diverse range of clients, including prominent businessmen, estate beneficiaries, and major corporations. In his approach to client service, Shankar emphasises empathy and understanding, stating that he always tries to put himself in the client’s position to provide better guidance and advice for their decision-making processes.
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Timoty Ezra Simanjuntak
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Timoty Ezra Simanjuntak currently is the managing partner of S&P Law Office (S&P), an Indonesian law office that is providing full-service to clients. He has some certifications such as Certified Intellectual Property Consultant, Certified Mediator, Certified Receiver and Administrator, Certified Contract Construction Specialist and Certified Legal Auditor. Timoty holds a Master Degree of Law. With more than fifteen years of experiences, Timoty’s abilities are greatly reflected in the awards that he received. In 2023 and 2024, he received Elite I Award in the Field of Arbitration, Litigation and Dispute Resolution from Hukum Online, one of most renowned legal media in Indonesia. Apart from that, S&P continues to grow exponentially, which can be seen that in 2024 S&P has ranked 48th from 50 Largest Full-Service Indonesian Law Firms by Hukum Online. Timoty also received an award in 2023 from Asia Business Law Journal, Land Dispute Expert of the Year from Leaders in Law in 2022 and as a speaker in Indonesia Pro Bono Awards 2023. Timoty already wrote eighteen legal articles in Hukum Online from 2022-2024, being a speaker at 14 (fourteen) seminars and webinars related to the world of lawyering and dispute resolution from 2023-2024, writing e-books such as “Panduan Praktis Kontrak Bisnis”, “Panduan Wajib Pajak UMKM” and “Seni Sukses Bisnis Franchise” as a form of his devotion in the world of law for the community. Timoty also builds his social connections by becoming chairman of Ethics and Discipline of Pengurus Besar Taekwondo Indonesia (PBTI).
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Alan Tsui Ming Lun
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With a distinguished career spanning 20 years, Alan Tsui is a seasoned partner at Jun He Law Offices in Hong Kong, specialising in dispute resolution, bankruptcy, reorganisation, liquidation, and labor and employment. Tsui’s extensive experience and deep understanding of the legal landscape make him a formidable advocate in complex legal matters. Throughout his career, Tsui has demonstrated exceptional skill in navigating challenging cases. Notably, he secured a significant judgment on a Keepwell Deed and played a crucial role as a Hong Kong legal expert witness in mainland legal actions seeking to enforce this judgment. These achievements underscore his expertise in cross-jurisdictional legal issues and his ability to deliver favorable outcomes for his clients. In recognition of his expertise and impact, Alan was honored as one of ALB Asia’s Super 50 Disputes Lawyers in 2023. Tsui’s approach to client service is characterised by active listening, open communication, and personalised attention. He strives to understand his clients’ needs and concerns, ensuring they are informed at every stage of the process. By providing honest assessments and setting realistic expectations, Alan builds strong, trust-based relationships with his clients. His dedication to being accessible and focused on achieving the best possible outcomes reflects his commitment to delivering exceptional legal representation and support. At Jun He Law Offices, Tsui continues to leverage his extensive knowledge and experience to guide clients through complex legal challenges, consistently aiming to achieve optimal results while maintaining the highest standards of professional integrity.
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Jimmy Yim, SC
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Jimmy Yim, SC, is the chairman of Drew & Napier and was the managing director of its celebrated dispute resolution practice group for 15 years. With over four decades of legal experience, Yim is a leading expert in dispute resolution, arbitration, and litigation, specialising in infrastructure, construction, investigations and crisis management, telecommunications, media, and technology. One of Yim’s notable cases involved representing Wang Xiaopu, a wealthy PRC individual, against Dr. Goh Seng Heng and his family members in a S$40 million ($28.50 million) claim. The complex legal battle, which spanned from 2015 to 2023, saw Yim secure favourable judgments from the Singapore High Court and Court of Appeal, effectively arguing that Dr Goh, a renowned medical practitioner fraudulently fleeced his client of S$30 million and when he failed to pay the judgement debt, Yim successfully pursued the family assets in a separate suit on the ground that he had fraudulently transferred them to evade creditors. Yim’s arbitration experience includes representing DyStar Global Holdings and Daelim Industrial Company Limited. For DyStar, Yim achieved significant victories before the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC), High Court, and the Court of Appeal. In the case of Daelim Industrial, his strategic approach led to a favourable outcome, after a decade-long arbitration process. Clients consistently praise Yim for his empathy and patience. One client remarked, “He talks in layman’s terms instead of legal jargon and takes the time to explain his legal advice and approach, ensuring that I’m with him every step of the way, rather than just following blindly.” Another client noted, “Jimmy is a great lawyer who should be recognised and serve as a role model for other lawyers aspiring to be exceptional.” His attention to detail, extensive legal knowledge, and depth of experience, combined with a keen sense of commercial reality, have earned him admiration and respect. “The relationship with Jimmy goes beyond that of lawyer and client,” said a satisfied client.
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ALB ASIA SUPER 50 DISPUTES LAWYERS 2024 |
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Baldev Bhinder Tran Duy Canh Chan Leng Sun, SC Orijit Chatterjee Allen Choong Heidi Chui Jonathan Crompton Phisit Dejchaiyasak Sophia Feng Aldi Firmansyah Frederick Hui Byung-Woo Im Andi Kadir Pariyapol Kamolsilp Sanjeev Kapoor Kho Sze Jia Myung-Ahn Kim Hisaya Kimura Rakesh Kirpalani Satish Kishanchandani Meryl Koh Koh Swee Yen, SC Sanjeev Kumar Dr. Justisiari Perdana Kusumah James Kwan Rio Lau |
Victor Lazatin German Lichauco II Sakchai Limsiripothong Nguyen Duy Linh Adam Maniam Bobby C. Manurung Gauhar Mirza Mulyadi Danny Ong Rapinnart Prongsiriwattana Afriyan Rachmad Mahesh Rai Pisut Rakwong Somphob Rodboon Wincen Santoso Jaikanth Shankar Sanjeev Sharma Timoty Ezra Simanjuntak Melati Siregar Dan Tan Yoshinori Tatsuno Alan Tsui Ming Lun Helen Wang Ian De Witt Yong-Pyo Yeom Jimmy Yim, SC |
