Rafael A. Morales, the erstwhile managing partner of SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan, has set up his own firm after retiring from his post in March. 

Called Morales Justiniano Peña & Lumagui, the newly formed firm is a full-service outfit that focuses on several practice areas including investments and M&A, intellectual property, commercial law and corporate services, litigation and dispute resolution, employment and immigration, special projects and tax law as well as banking, finance and securities law.

The other partners of the firm are Jose F. Justiniano, Emmanuel L. Peña, Jr., Romeo D. Lumagui and Franco Noel A. Manaig. 

Meanwhile, SyCipLaw is expected to vote for its new managing partner in May.