Rajah and Tann forms mega S-E Asian alliance

SINGAPORE - Singapore law firm Rajah Tann has taken a major step forward in its bid to form the largest legal alliance in South-east Asia.

The firm yesterday launched Rajah Tann Asia, which brings together eight firms with a force of more than 500 lawyers from nine countries, including Malaysia and Myanmar.

The legal alliance will boost efforts to expand in a region that is attracting more business as economies flourish, while bolstering the partnering firms against increasing competition from international law firms.

Rajah Tann managing partner Lee Eng Beng, speaking at a briefing yesterday, said: "We see Rajah Tann Asia as introducing an option for clients who want to benefit from one team that can service their needs across the region."

The reason for the alliance, he said, is that South-east Asia is rising as an important economic region, "recognised in its own right" and a place where businesses have their headquarters or offices in major regional capitals.

Rajah Tann has been growing its regional footprint in recent years, having teamed up with LCT Lawyers in Vietnam to create Rajah Tann LCT Lawyers earlier this year.

It also began operating in Myanmar through Rajah Tann NK Legal Myanmar, and Rajah Tann Sok Heng Law Office in Cambodia last year.

These firms are part of the new alliance, which aims to provide seamless services in South-east Asia.

Law and other financial services companies are also gearing up more business with the ASEAN Economic Community slated to be established next year.

Mr Lee said robust activity has already "boosted our confidence and optimism that South-east Asia will certainly become one of the top markets in the world". He added that there is now increasing competition in the region - Singapore, for instance, has become a popular destination for offshore firms.

Said Mr Lee: "As an Asian legal practice, headquartered in this part of the world, we hope to be able to stand up to and compete with the rest of the law firms."

rachaelb@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on August 22, 2014.
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