Baker and McKenzie law firm open in Yangon

Baker and McKenzie law firm open in Yangon

By Bridget Di Certo   |   Wednesday, 19 February 2014

Baker and McKenzie has become the latest international law firm to open offices in Myanmar's commercial capital Yangon.

The Chicago-based firm announced the move on February 18. The Yangon office is the firm's sixteenth office in the Asia Pacific region.

"Clients are increasingly looking to Myanmar and South-east Asia for growth opportunities, particularly as the ASEAN nations work collaboratively towards achieving the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015," said Eduardo Leite, Baker McKenzie Chairman of the Executive Committee, in a press release issued by the firm on February 18.

"We are delighted to extend our service to clients with an on-the-ground presence in Myanmar and look forward to helping clients grow their businesses in Myanmar's increasingly globally integrated economy."

Australian lawyer Chris Hughes has been appointed managing partner of the firm. Mr Hughes is an infrastructure and corporate lawyer from the firm's Sydney office.

"We have six decades of experience advising companies doing responsible business in emerging markets. With our  local knowledge and global experience and resources, we are well placed to serve the expanded base of international and Asian companies that are eager to invest in Myanmar. We are here for the long haul and look forward to working with Myanmar institutions, officials and regulators to lend our support to the country's transition," Mr Hughes said in the press release.

Baker McKenzie joins a growing number of international law firms setting up in Yangon on the back of increased foreign investor interest in the quickly opening economy.

New York-based Herzfeld Rubin Meyer Rose, Duane Morris and intellectual property firm Rouse last year joined regional heavyweights DFDL and VDB Loi by launching in-country firm branches last year.

http://www.information.myanmaronlinecentre.com/baker-and-mckenzie-law-firm-open-in-yangon/