With countries beginning to open their borders completely, and corporates revitalising expansion efforts or diversifying their supply chains into growth markets across Southeast Asia, such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam, corruption and other compliance risks are constantly increasing. Lawyers say that companies need to step up their vigilance by conducting meaningful assessments of risks, and implementing appropriate controls that address the risks unique to the specific jurisdiction.

India today has the world’s third-largest and fastest-growing aviation market, one that is also a hotbed of dealmaking activity, as shown by Air India’s recent plan to purchase 470 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing for $70 billion. As a result, lawyers in the aviation space are finding themselves more in demand than ever.  

As digitisation and cyber threats rise, countries in Southeast Asia have enacted laws to protect personal data and prevent cyber-attacks. But with varying requirements across jurisdictions, the compliance burden for companies has only increased, and in-house counsel play a critical role in ensuring compliance with these laws by providing guidance on legal requirements and best practices. 

Mumbai-headquartered law firm S&R Associates has hired tax specialist Ajinkya Gunjan Mishra as a partner in its Delhi office from Luthra and Luthra Law Offices. Mishra joins along with associates Avani Tewari and Tarusha Airan. 

Indian law firm J. Sagar Associates (JSA) has hired Anirudh Kapoor and Gaurav Wahie as partners in Gurugram. While Kapoor was a counsel at Trilegal, Wahie, joins from Bahrain’s Almoayed Chambers, where he has a partner.

As the push towards ESG-focussed business practices gains momentum, Asian law firms are playing a vital role in guiding clients through the complex regulatory landscape, helping clients identify regulatory risks and potential opportunities, as well as providing legal protection and solutions. In this inaugural ranking, ALB spotlights 15 law firms that are delivering exceptional legal services in the ESG space. 

Over the past few years, law firms have witnessed high levels of employee attrition, putting them under intense pressure to attract and retain top talent. As a result, the roles of senior HR personnel –such as chief people officers – are growing in importance, helping firms finetune the talent strategies that will provide them with their competitive edge. 

Abhishek Sharma, co-head of Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas’ (CAM) real estate practice, has has left to set up his own firm in Mumbai.

Hogan Lovells has advised Indian automotive supplier Motherson Group on its commitment to acquire the SAS Cockpit Modules arm from French car parts maker Faurecia for $578 million.

Singularity Legal, a Mumbai-headquartered firm focused on dispute resolution, is opening a new office in the UAE.